I’m in a bit of a tough spot. My '99 Dakota has a coolant leak and needs a new water pump, but a friend is offering to sell me his 2014 F-150 3.5 Ecoboost with 200k miles for $4,000. He’s taking it to the dealer for an inspection before selling it.
I was planning to buy a newer truck next year when I get a big pay raise. Should I buy now, fix the Dakota and wait, or just limp along nursing the coolant leak while saving up? Trying to avoid a car payment here, single parent on a tight budget.
Be cautious about buying one of these with that many miles, unless you know for sure your friend has kept up with maintenance. I bought one with 170k miles, put 30k on it in a year, and did 10 oil changes during that time. Even with all that, a rod went through the engine after a year. Ended up spending $4k to rebuild the engine myself. These engines can be a bit risky at high mileage. If you’re going for high mileage, you might want to consider a truck without turbos.
Depends on how well your buddy has maintained it. If he’s good about fluid changes and the truck’s had the timing chain replaced, I’d be more inclined to go for it.
Lennon said:
Depends on how well your buddy has maintained it. If he’s good about fluid changes and the truck’s had the timing chain replaced, I’d be more inclined to go for it.
At 200k miles, I’d almost guarantee the timing chain has been replaced at least once.
@Peyton
Possibly. I’m at around 150k miles and mine is still running quietly.
@Peyton
How often should the timing chain be replaced? Every 100k miles or so?
Uma said:
@Peyton
How often should the timing chain be replaced? Every 100k miles or so?
To be safe, I’d say around every 100k miles, so twice for this truck.
@Peyton
My 2012 has 326k miles and still has the original timing chain and turbos.
Honestly, if you’re on a tight budget, I’d hold off on getting an Ecoboost. They can be expensive to fix unless you’re handy with repairs or know people who can get you discounted parts. Also, keep in mind that insurance costs could be higher since it’s a 2014 model.
@Fallon
Good points. I’m expecting a $10k raise next year, which is why this is tough. I need something more reliable than my 25-year-old truck.
Uma said:
@Fallon
Good points. I’m expecting a $10k raise next year, which is why this is tough. I need something more reliable than my 25-year-old truck.
That raise is still a few months away, depending on when you get it. But like others have mentioned, if your buddy took good care of the truck, it could be a good deal. Just make sure to watch some reviews and weigh the pros and cons. I bought a 2013 and ended up regretting it because a turbo blew within a year, and now I’m dealing with sludge in the engine. Just know what you’re getting into.
Uma said:
@Fallon
Good points. I’m expecting a $10k raise next year, which is why this is tough. I need something more reliable than my 25-year-old truck.
I wouldn’t go for it. I’ve got a 2014 3.5 Ecoboost with 149k miles and have owned it since new. I’d be cautious at 200k.
I’d say no. If the engine hasn’t been rebuilt at least once, you’re probably looking at a money pit. I love my truck, but at 140k miles, I’m just waiting for something big to go wrong. It’s been well-maintained, but I’ve pushed it hard. Just keep in mind that expecting a raise isn’t a guarantee. Sometimes you only get what’s necessary to keep you around, and you may have to leave your job to get the raise you deserve.
I’d wait. There are better trucks out there with fewer miles. As much as I hate to say it, you might want to buy from a reputable dealer with a warranty.