How old is too old?

cdar wrote:


How old is too old and the same for mileage? This is a third vehicle that's only going to see weekend and towing duties. I'm fairly comfortable with a good older tv but then how do you know? Im not as much a gear head anymore so I don't know what trouble spots to look for for a particular brand. My next tv needs to be trustworthy enough to haul the family up and down the east coast (Maine - SC).

I don't think that there is anything inherently "too old". Here in the Puget Sound area of the NW, they don't use salt frequently in the winter, so body and frame rust/rot isn't a problem. Mileage can be more subjective, because it really is a******shoot on what maintenance was done. I've been lucky with visual inspections; ie if it looks beat on, it more than likely was. If it looks well taken care of, it probably was.

I've got the best tow vehicle for me. The 7.3 is well known to be reliable, with a couple of exceptions; turbo up-pipes and CPS (cam position sensor) being most common problems. The 5-speed holds up well once the dual-mass flywheel is replaced. Crew-cab long bed means the kids have room to bring as much stuff as they want. Best thing is that it's been paid for since 2000. I'm sure there are Dodge and Chevy guys out there who feel the same about their TV's.

Whatever brand or direction you choose to go, for a used vehicle, I'd definitely plan on budgeting some extra $$ for brakes, ball joints & steering bushings, flush all the fluids, replacing all the belts and driven accessories on the engine; power-steering pump, alternator. Don't forget that you might need a new hitch or trailer wiring/brake controller as well. Good luck with your search, for me that was half the fun!