To Powerstroke.... or not?

[wasskeet]

I know there is a fair amount of knowledge here on things besides guns. That said I recently sold a 3500HD and got an suv that my wife could drive without her having a nervous trip. Now I miss having a truck. A local gent has a 2015 F350 6.7 he has owned since new, spared no expense on maintenance, looks like a 50k truck from the outside and inside, had front end recently completely went thru ($3k), no mods at all full emissions intact - but it has 311k on it. He drove all over the US, has 7k hours and 1k idling. Minor oil seepage underneath, appears to have no coolant leaks/seeps. What is worst-case a fellow could expect to spend on it in the next year or two - $5k, $10k, $20k or more?
Thanks for your opinion in advance!

 

[FEENIX]

I know there is a fair amount of knowledge here on things besides guns. That said I recently sold a 3500HD and got an suv that my wife could drive without her having a nervous trip. Now I miss having a truck. A local gent has a 2015 F350 6.7 he has owned since new, spared no expense on maintenance, looks like a 50k truck from the outside and inside, had front end recently completely went thru ($3k), no mods at all full emissions intact - but it has 311k on it. He drove all over the US, has 7k hours and 1k idling. Minor oil seepage underneath, appears to have no coolant leaks/seeps. What is worst-case a fellow could expect to spend on it in the next year or two - $5k, $10k, $20k or more?
Thanks for your opinion in advance!

The last time I purchased a used vehicle was in 1996. It was a 1993 Chevy Suburban from an older gentleman who changed his every 2-3 years. It was clean inside and out and had less than 30K miles. I had my trusted mechanic go through his inspection. I drove it all over the states and in the UK and logged 300K miles before getting rid of it in 2020.

It sounds like the issues you noted are minor. What is your gut feeling? Is it worth the risk? Is it going to be your primary mode of transportation? The worst scenario is going to be challenging. Sorry, I am no help, but I prepare for the worst and hope for the best. I know what you mean by missing having a truck. I have two trucks (98K miles and 37K miles), and people give me a hard time for having them. They are right; I do not need two, but it's what I want and all paid for.

Good luck with your decision-making.

 

[Ol' Red]

Were those miles pulling a heavy trailer?

 

[wasskeet]

Were those miles pulling a heavy trailer?

Mostly just driving it, sometimes a boat via regular hitch. Truck has no fifth-wheel or gooseneck in bed nor does it appear it ever has.

 

[74honker]

It would all come down to price for me. If it's cheap enough and worth the risk of an expensive break down. We all know what a new one costs.....

 

[cohunt]

That milage is getting up there--- it's not just the motor and trans that have seen those miles it's wheel bearings, rear diff, transfer case (if 4x4), drive shaft/u joint, brake components, shocks, springs,tie rod ends, ball joints, emissions systems, turbos, etc......

To me it would depend on price and my intended use. Personally I'd pass

You could ask to take it to a mechanic and have them look it over but no body will give you any guarantees at this point

 

[Gary in MD]

Depends on what he wants for it? It looks like it's in excellent condition.
Worst case ... you have to rebuild or replace the motor, Still cheaper than a new one and be ready for another 300K miles?
There's nothing like a brand new truck though!

 

[snox801]

Can't help on price but my business parent had that same truck but in black. He did not take the best of care, drove like an absolute maniac. And about 50 percent of the time was towing a 30' enclosed trailer.
He sold his with an incredible amount of miles just shy of 500k and it was running great. He wanted a cooler truck. If you like the rest of the truck I'd say it will last. But as posted before use your gut. Offer what you are comfortable with if it doesn't turn out to be exactly what you thought.

 

[Ol' Red]

A few things that I would check- Transmission fluid for any burnt odor or discoloration. That is a lot of hours idling, which is hard on a torque converter. Same with the differential fluid. There is a little bit of cupping starting on the front tires, so expect some front end work. It is nearing the mileage for transmission failure which could set you back $5000.00 to $8000.00 depending on local prices and 2 or 2WD. It appears to be 2WD.
EDIT- I reread the post and I see the front end was just worked over.

 

[cohunt]

KBB says $15-20K private party
But it may have 3 recalls on it-- 2 for powertrain control module and 1 for the "death wobble"--class action lawsuit going on right now too ( which appears to be improper suspension design angles)

 

[wasskeet]

KBB says $15-20K private party
But it may have 3 recalls on it-- 2 for powertrain control module and 1 for the "death wobble"--class action lawsuit going on right now too ( which appears to be improper suspension design angles)

I saw those. I recently drove a new one and this one drove and tracked going down the road just as good.

 

[Mark M.]

I'd pass

 

[cohunt]

I saw those. I recently drove a new one and this one drove and tracked going down the road just as good.

The problem with the "death wobble" is its random and usually happens at highway speeds while towing when you hit a bump--- it's not something that happens under normal stop and go driving--- they have tried to fix it using steering stabilizers-- but when those wear out it comes back-,- my thought is that it's based on improper design of suspension geometry so it's not an easy long term fix

 

[wasskeet]

The problem with the "death wobble" is its random and usually happens at highway speeds while towing when you hit a bump--- it's not something that happens under normal stop and go driving--- they have tried to fix it using steering stabilizers-- but when those wear out it comes back-,- my thought is that it's based on improper design of suspension geometry so it's not an easy long term fix

Had it happen with a 2005 F250 ex-cab short bed - it was pretty violent. Haven't experienced it in any since.