The seller let me keep this truck for two days and have my mechanic check it out and allowed me to drive it a while. My mechanic spent several hour going over it. He is advising (since no records are available) changing all fluids and filters of course, and I would do this anyway just to start a program. He says it needs rear brakes. Again, no big deal. One front wheel bearing is suspect, and he plans to check it out further. Maybe needs a front hub assembly. Replace the serpentine belt, as it looks aged. The power steering feels really stiff, and he says to see if the fluid change helps and if not, maybe the pump is weak, but he needs to figure that out, but he sees nothing wrong with the front end. The tires are about 1/2 service. The rear pinion seal needs replaced. And the emergency brake sticks and needs repair. Of course, all of these things add up, but none are really anything serious, just expected maintenance issues.
I realize I could have a catastrophic failure of some major engine or transmission component anytime, but as far as he can tell, he sees no evidence of major issues brewing. And as I mentioned earlier, my older F 250 could break down anytime also.
I see this as an opportunity to get into a 10 year newer truck, with many more features and increased towing capacity, and 20,000 fewer miles than the one I have. I would certainly consider a V-10 but I have never seen one around here, as F-350 SRW seem to be pretty rare.
By the way, the engine shows 4000 hours of use. If you do the math, that is an average speed of over 43 MPH. I guess that shows a predominant use of highway miles, for what's that is worth. And the Carfax shows no reported incidents, and two owners. It was first titled in Charlotte, N.C. as a corporate vehicle and sold at 114,000, and the second owner was an individual in Charleston, S.C. It was used a little over 4 years, with an average use of about 43,000 per year.
Maybe I don't need a F 350, but my gooseneck 20 x 5 is heavy, and my Kubota M 6800 with a FEL and wheel weights and loaded tires, along with a heavy duty rotary cutter, and disc all adds up. I have never weighed it but it seemed all that my old F 250 could handle. I tend to want the best in any tool, that's just my nature. As you can see, I am trying to justify this purchase, as this truck is in such good shape on the outside. I guess I am willing to take a gamble on it based on what my mechanic tells me and how it drives. I just don't see any glaring red flags, other than the questionable reputation of the infamous 6.0 liter. And I will not let it sit for extended periods, as I will drive it 2 or 3 days a week. And lastly, my 14 y.o. daughter likes it better than my old one and isn't as embarrased to be seen in it, and my wife appreciates "it's less smelly and noisey". If I come back in a year complaining of a breakdown, some of you can tell me "I told you so!" But I think I am going to go for it. Thanks all for the input.
