Scotty...I've got a bit of a dilemma. I currently own a 2013 Ford F-150 with the 1st generation 3.5 EcoBoost. I love the engine...I've had 3 different trucks with it and have had no complaints. This current truck is nearing 100k miles, and I started hearing a rattle under the hood when starting after the truck had sat overnight. It's a quick rattle...2-3 seconds...and I believe it's the timing chain. I did some research and found out that there is a TSB for the 1st gen 3.5 EcoBoost about the timing chain stretching. From what I've read, it would be about $5-6k to get it repaired IF the dealership didn't agree to do the repair. Apparently, it's up to them.
So I started looking into trading for a newer model with the help of a friend I have that works for a Ford dealership...but with the way the market is now, I'm pretty much getting priced out on what I can afford, even with putting $5k down.
Neighbor down the street has a 1992 Dodge Dakota with a V6 that has 190k miles, and he wants $2500 for it. The truck looks to be in great shape (pics attached). I looked it over and drove it a bit. Of course, the power is way low. But I was thinking that I could pay $2500 for it, then put in a rebuilt 289 or 318 and a transmission and would be about $5-6k all-in. I'd have to find a mechanic to do the work...one I could trust.
Another option is that the friend that works at the dealership could get me into a used Toyota 4Runner or Tacoma (50k miles...around $30-33k) with the $5k down and I'd be paying the same note that I am now.
I just don't know which way to go. Any insight would be appreciated.
Thanks!
- Rob
The Dodge truck is old as the hills. I would get Toyota if you want to keep the car for a long time, just make sure your mechanic checks it before putting down any serious money.
The Dodge isn't worth the headache.
Just trade for the Toyota and be done. That's my advice.
You could get the dodge, but $2500 is too much for something that old without a V8, offer him $1500 and see what happens. Even with the way the market is right now, don't believe for a moment that truck is actually worth $2500. The only way it would be worth that much is if it only had like 50k miles on it and looked like it rolled off the showroom floor.
