Hello,

I've decided with my family getting bigger and the need for more room for pretty much everything that I'm getting rid of my Ranger and moving up to the full size class. Hopefully, an F-150.

My price range isn't too high, right now only between 3-4k.

I've been looking in places like Craigslist and notice that most trucks in my price range (usually ranging from 1980's-2002) have 150k miles or more on them. I've noticed that here in Houston, Dodge Rams seem to be flooding the market and F-150's are a little less on the market.

I've heard some people say trucks are different then cars when it comes to miles but honestly, How many miles are too many for a used truck ?

 

Depends how it was used and maintained! Looks for signs of it being a company vehicle or work truck as they generally get worked pretty hard!

 

you should be able to find a pretty decent truck for that price. Probably doesnt mean much but I just sold my 91 f350 crew cab diesel with 120k on it for 3k

 

Things to pay attention too on the 1980-1996 F-Series trucks...

1. E40D tranny's. They are notorious for going out anywhere from 100-175k miles. I know thats a broad spectrum, but its really hard to tell. Some will make it longer if they were very well maintained and had an external tranny cooler. Mines at 149k right now, and seems to still be shifting strong. I'm dreading the day it goes out, because it will be an expensive repair/rebuild.

2. The 4.9, 5.0, and 5.8's are all pretty strong engines, and seem to go for awhile. There are guys on the Bronco forum that have over 200k on them. But they do get tired nearing 200k miles, and most typically rebuild at that point.

3. Rust...around the wheel wells and tailgate.

Other then that, they are pretty solid trucks.

I dont know much about the 97's-02's. My buddy has a 98 F250 with the 5.4 and its still going pretty strong. I think he's at about 170k.

Honestly, for only 3-4k you are going to have to get one thats in need of some repairs.

 

my 97 flair side with a 4.6 aod has 227,000 miles and runs great uses no oil or smokes and never misses a beat. it depends on how they have been taken care of, i get things fixed as son as i fing them and change the oil every 2000 to 2500 miles. love my truck