Want to buy a new truck!

[bmonee5]

Ok so i'm going to start looking into just taking out a loan and buying a newer truck in the new future. I would like to buy one privately but if i absolutly have to i would buy one off of a lot. I saw on a ford lot they were selling a 03 ranger that looked in good cond. but they wanted 11,500 for it and that seemed a little steep? Didn't know anything about the truck but is that fair? I want a 4.0 v6 for the power and def. a extended cab short bed and 4x4 i'm just curious how much would be a fair price? Of course the mileage would have to be 80,000 or lower if i'm going to take a loan out on it. Any feedback would be great thanks ahead!

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

That does sound a bit steep for an 03.... I spent that much when I bought my 00 brand new off the dealer lot. IMHO, dealers tend to be a rip-off, chances are the truck was a trade-in and they paid $3,500 or something stupid cheap like that for it.

 

[bmonee5]

Ya i would never buy that one, let alone from the ford dealership hear in my town. They really throw everyone around the ring so i'd probably go out of town.

 

[Original_Ranger84]

Get one private seller if you can, they are always cheaper and generally better taken care of. People who trade into lots usually beat on the trcuk with plans to trade in for a new one, or there was obvious problems that they figured they couldn't sell to regular people. That and the dealers try to get everything they can out of you, you can generally talk them down but I prefer private sellers. You get to know the person who owned the truck and most of them will be pretty honest. But you gotta watch out though. I got my truck for 5,000$ and its an awesome truck. But my old boss is such a cheap skate he got a ranger and swapped in a 150,000$ mile engine cause the old one was blown. the truck was in ok condition and he got 8,000 for it! that was top asking price for it in excellent condition, they guy came to another shop 3 months later cause the engine blew again.

Get it from a private seller but watch out and have it looked over good, unless you see your dream truck in a lot, then pony up and get it. Don't settle for second.

 

[mjonesjr]

I'll sell you my '05.

That is steep for an '03.

 

[Hopman]

+1 on private sellers. Just be sure you have a mechanic YOU trust give it a going over. If the seller refuses to allow this, RUN AWAY!!!!!!

I bought my Ranger from a friend for $2,000, knowing that it needed a few minor things (reverse light switch, new exhaust interm. pipe.) w/ only 125,000 on it.
Over two years (and 30,000 miles) later, I'm still in love with the truck! Sometimes, a truck finds you.

 

[bmonee5]

ya i was thinking of looking for a private seller but this definately rules out a dealer.. thanks for the advice as i will also be taking it to a mechanic before i make any decisions! thanks alot!