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Re: Need some advice
I have had a couple of Chevy K series trucks and four F-series Fords, my current one being the best. 71 F100 heavy duty 4x4 with manual transmission with creeper gear (low range on the transfer, low gear top speed about 1.5 mph). Beast of a truck. 83 F150 I-6 auto underpowered on the interstate, had road gears and an auto overdrive transmission. 85 F150 302 V-8 did OK but not really any better than the 83. I owned the 85 for 2 weeks (traded on the 83) and had the 83 for a couple years.
Current is a 95 F250 Diesel long bed 5 speed extended cab and you would be hard pressed to get it out of my driveway for twice the price of the one you are looking at. 236,000 miles and I would not hesitate to take it up the Al-Can highway to Alaska from here in Cincinnati.
In my opinion Ford trucks are the best overall. Each brand has strong and weak points. At 110,000 miles condition and maintenance are going to play a more important role than brand and options.
To your question, I cannot speak to gas mileage from experience for your truck. If it is the 351 you will have more power than the smaller V-8 but mileage will suffer somewhat. Technology has advanced in gas engines to the point they are not much worse than diesels until you put a big load on (or behind) them.
$5000 for a 99 4x4 truck seems a decent price, depending on options and condition. Break down the miles run and it comes to under 14,000 miles a year (figuring 99 as a full year of use). I don't know about you but I do that in nine months. If it is a dinged up stripped down work truck price is so-so. If it is an XLT with a few nice options and looking good I would go for it. Maintenance is key, especially if it has been worked hard as a plow truck. I would see if you can get maintenance records for it to look them over.
You would not get my 1995 out of my drive for anywhere near $5000 but then I am partial to the older body style and am not looking to sell unless going to a four door single rear wheel F350 4x4.
Dave / Believer45
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'95 F250 power stroke 5 spd 4x2, extended cab, long bed, 3:55 rears, open air filter, 285/75x16 Cooper ATR tires, LUK single mass flywheel conversion, Putco master boss running boards, aluminum cap on bed, custom rear bumper (@450 lbs), scale weight full of fuel, me in it (285#) - steer 3420 lbs drive 3160 lbs gvw 6580 lbs, 280,000 miles as of Feb '09
Also 1996 Chevy Cavalier 2.2 auto 4 door LS, 95,000 miles.
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