Buying a used vehicle...sigh

[Iraqvet05]

I have been doing a ton of web shopping for a low mile, used F250 crew cab gasser. I'm just doing my due diligence and trying to get the most out of my purchase but to my wife, it has become my latest obsession.

In larger metro areas, prices seem to be inflated due to the high demand of quality used trucks and high dealer overhead. If you have walked into a new corporate branded dealership lately, the overhead expense they incur is obvious. Similar F250 XLTs in Kansas City and Middle of Nowhere, Oklahoma are priced thousands of dollars apart and you can probably get a good deal if you are willing to make the drive to Nowhere, OK and trust the accuracy of the seller's description of the vehicle.

When I first started looking at used vehicles, I didn't pay attention to the Carfax reports but now I look for it ever time and skip vehicles that do not offer them for a few reasons. One trend I have noticed was the number of vehicles originating in Canada. The Canadian connection confused me until I found this article that explains it's pure economics that push used Canadian vehicles south of their border to the tune of 16,000 vehicles a year. I'm certainly not opposed to an exported truck and hope this helps the consumer (like me) get a better deal on a used vehicle. In another Carfax report, I found a truck that was sold in August 2017 out of Alabama. A quick search of the town in Alabama indicated they had a major flood in June 2017....coincidence? I think not.

The search goes on and I will be ready to make my purchase later this month but that still doesn't set my mind at ease on what's available in the used market and the dreaded dealer negotiations. Frankly, I'd rather get teeth pulled than deal with a over-bearing salesman. My budget is limiting my dreams of purchasing a new truck but I'm hopeful I can find a quality used truck and be happy with the purchase price...fingers crossed.

[4x4ord]

minnow wrote:
Just need to make sure the factory warranty on a Canadian truck will be honored in the USA. Ram trucks initially sold in Canada do not have a warranty if resold in the USA. Ford or GM may or may not be the same.

Ford warranty transfers. GM does as well but I believe it takes 3 or 6 months before it transfers. Ram does not transfer. You need to have a dealer write a recall clearance letter and have this letter reach your port of entry a certain number of days prior to you arriving at the border crossing.

[moresmoke]

Most anything sold in Canada, the warranty will not be honored if exported to the US. I would avoid Canadian trucks for one simple reason, SALT. Even just one year exposure to that much road salt will shorten the life of the truck significantly.

There are two factors that make the Oklahoma/Texas market a buyers market. As others have mentioned, oilfield trucks are numerous. Most are white so fairly easy to pick out. The other thing is that 50% of the people down there drive HD pickups. Farmers, ranchers, weekend rodeo pros...

I have bought used pickups from Texas before and would do it again without hesitation. Bought a used semi a couple months ago, went to MS to get it. $7000 cheaper, less miles, and not rusted all to heck than a twin from the same fleet being sold locally.

[minnow]

Just need to make sure the factory warranty on a Canadian truck will be honored in the USA. Ram trucks initially sold in Canada do not have a warranty if resold in the USA. Ford or GM may or may not be the same.

[AlmostAnOldGuy]

I realize this dealer is not near you and you asked about an F250, but just posted as an example. There are a number of folks on this forum who really like Ram 2500/3500 trucks. This is near your budget. Keep in mind total cost of the truck over next 5 years. If you can find new that meets your needs the interest rate is lower if you are financing. You have a warranty which is valuable. Comes with new tires too. ; ) These may help offset your cost. Your insurance may be higher so that needs to be checked out too.

If you do look new try dealing with internet sales and get multiple dealers to 'blind bid' for your business. Reduces the stress involved. You are the customer and they are competing for your business.

New RAM 2500 with 6.4L $37k

Good luck to you,
Stu

[soren]

Grit dog wrote:
Nothing wrong w Canadian vehicles in general but with HD trucks in particular , a lot of them come from the oil sands and get shipped south as low mile trucks.
Some are beat, some aren’t, most all have a pile of engine hours on them.
Fleet outfits up there set the trucks up when new for sale later. All the new trucks I had came with full rubber mats like weathertech and heavy seat, console and some steering wheel covers. Then they remove all that and the insides look like new and don’t look like they were driven by rig pigs for 3 years.

My kid is an engineer in the drilling industry, and wow, does he have the stories about trucks and equipment being beat to death in short order. He designs and builds large pumps, vacs, and similar equipment. A big part of his thinking while designing machinery is, "I'm a rig pig, and I am determined to kill this thing, so what do I hammer,smash, or take a 4' pipe wrench to next?" He has gotten brand new, yet destroyed stuff back, with things like a blown diesel engine with less than 20 hours on the meter. Apparently small Kubota engines don't run well upside-down? Who knew, LOL.


Yea, I would work real hard at avoiding used pickups, fresh off the oil field.

[4x4ord]

Fordlover wrote:

Iraqvet05 wrote:
I have been doing a ton of web shopping for a low mile, used F250 crew cab gasser. I'm just doing my due diligence and trying to get the most out of my purchase but to my wife, it has become my latest obsession.

In larger metro areas, prices seem to be inflated due to the high demand of quality used trucks and high dealer overhead. If you have walked into a new corporate branded dealership lately, the overhead expense they incur is obvious. Similar F250 XLTs in Kansas City and Middle of Nowhere, Oklahoma are priced thousands of dollars apart and you can probably get a good deal if you are willing to make the drive to Nowhere, OK and trust the accuracy of the seller's description of the vehicle.

When I first started looking at used vehicles, I didn't pay attention to the Carfax reports but now I look for it ever time and skip vehicles that do not offer them for a few reasons. One trend I have noticed was the number of vehicles originating in Canada. The Canadian connection confused me until I found this article that explains it's pure economics that push used Canadian vehicles south of their border to the tune of 16,000 vehicles a year. I'm certainly not opposed to an exported truck and hope this helps the consumer (like me) get a better deal on a used vehicle. In another Carfax report, I found a truck that was sold in August 2017 out of Alabama. A quick search of the town in Alabama indicated they had a major flood in June 2017....coincidence? I think not.

The search goes on and I will be ready to make my purchase later this month but that still doesn't set my mind at ease on what's available in the used market and the dreaded dealer negotiations. Frankly, I'd rather get teeth pulled than deal with a over-bearing salesman. My budget is limiting my dreams of purchasing a new truck but I'm hopeful I can find a quality used truck and be happy with the purchase price...fingers crossed.

I'm in the same boat as you, been looking for a long while now. Only difference is I'm looking at a Lariat because I want a OEM backup camera and power folding mirrors, and they are rare on the XLT. I found a 2016 Lariat 4x4 crew cab 6.2 V8 with 32K miles, nearly pulled the trigger on it, but it was way more muddy underneath than I thought, and the door lock had been punched, etc.

End the end, we decided to go new as I simply tired of trying to find a barely used truck that fit my requirements for a price of less than new. Of course that meant ordering, but I'm patient when I'm getting exactly what I want. Best of luck.

My experience from a sellers point of view is a little different. I just sold my 2016 F350 Platinum, which, the buyer, the buyer's mechanic and I all described as mint condition. It has 30k miles, and I sold it for $14000 less than what I paid for my '17 F350 Platinum.

[Groover]

I have always come to the conclusion that used trucks are overpriced and ended up buying new. These days on a base model you should easily be able to get %20 off. So many people trade for trucks and any discount is applied to an inflated value in the trade-in so in their mind they paid list for the truck and want to get that back out of it. You rarely get a good deal from a dealer, that is how they make a living. Keep an eye on for sale by owner on Craigslist and other forums and you may find something.

[Ron3rd]

Does it have to be a Ford? Fords are great but you can get a NEW Ram 2500 6.2 gasser for under your $35K budget; my friend just did it. Had to go to Arizona from California to do it, but it's possible. The 6.2 Ram is a towing beast.

The Ford Superduty is a fantastic truck too but much pricier IMO.

Best of all, you don't need to worry about past issues and you have a full warranty.

[Samsonsworld]

For about $5k difference, I'd rather go new and finance a little longer, even if I have to give up a few features.

[Fordlover]

Iraqvet05 wrote:
I have been doing a ton of web shopping for a low mile, used F250 crew cab gasser. I'm just doing my due diligence and trying to get the most out of my purchase but to my wife, it has become my latest obsession.

In larger metro areas, prices seem to be inflated due to the high demand of quality used trucks and high dealer overhead. If you have walked into a new corporate branded dealership lately, the overhead expense they incur is obvious. Similar F250 XLTs in Kansas City and Middle of Nowhere, Oklahoma are priced thousands of dollars apart and you can probably get a good deal if you are willing to make the drive to Nowhere, OK and trust the accuracy of the seller's description of the vehicle.

When I first started looking at used vehicles, I didn't pay attention to the Carfax reports but now I look for it ever time and skip vehicles that do not offer them for a few reasons. One trend I have noticed was the number of vehicles originating in Canada. The Canadian connection confused me until I found this article that explains it's pure economics that push used Canadian vehicles south of their border to the tune of 16,000 vehicles a year. I'm certainly not opposed to an exported truck and hope this helps the consumer (like me) get a better deal on a used vehicle. In another Carfax report, I found a truck that was sold in August 2017 out of Alabama. A quick search of the town in Alabama indicated they had a major flood in June 2017....coincidence? I think not.

The search goes on and I will be ready to make my purchase later this month but that still doesn't set my mind at ease on what's available in the used market and the dreaded dealer negotiations. Frankly, I'd rather get teeth pulled than deal with a over-bearing salesman. My budget is limiting my dreams of purchasing a new truck but I'm hopeful I can find a quality used truck and be happy with the purchase price...fingers crossed.

I'm in the same boat as you, been looking for a long while now. Only difference is I'm looking at a Lariat because I want a OEM backup camera and power folding mirrors, and they are rare on the XLT. I found a 2016 Lariat 4x4 crew cab 6.2 V8 with 32K miles, nearly pulled the trigger on it, but it was way more muddy underneath than I thought, and the door lock had been punched, etc.

End the end, we decided to go new as I simply tired of trying to find a barely used truck that fit my requirements for a price of less than new. Of course that meant ordering, but I'm patient when I'm getting exactly what I want. Best of luck.

[ksss]

You just need to lay in the weeds and wait. There are those that buy a gas HD and aren't happy with the performance and trade back in. Just have to be in the right place at the right time. This works if your not picky on color and options. Holdover trucks can work, and being gas there are typically more of those available. You can look for 2017 trucks sitting on lots in your area. I have learned that the best deals come from conversations, not email or relying on what is posted on the net. If you see one that you like, call and try and make a deal. Don't be afraid to travel. Your making a sizable investment. I would also call the largest volume dealers in the US. Dave Smith in Idaho comes to mind. They move an incredible number of vehicles, generates a lot of used and are not afraid to dig into the holdback money to make a deal.

[Grit_dog]

Nothing wrong w Canadian vehicles in general but with HD trucks in particular , a lot of them come from the oil sands and get shipped south as low mile trucks.
Some are beat, some aren’t, most all have a pile of engine hours on them.
Fleet outfits up there set the trucks up when new for sale later. All the new trucks I had came with full rubber mats like weathertech and heavy seat, console and some steering wheel covers. Then they remove all that and the insides look like new and don’t look like they were driven by rig pigs for 3 years.

[Grit_dog]

Same with cars here. I searched for about 2 years and actually went to deal and buy a couple times. Ended up buying a brand new car for only 2-3 grand more than I could talk any dealer into on similar ones used with 10-20k miles. (And most of them were lease returns!! Not a good thing if you’re buying a 500hp car!)
I typically buy all vehicles and expensive toys used but if you’re looking at relatively new, thedeals aren’t out there imo.

[Grit_dog]

Another problem with the internet shopping is everyone knows every price coast to coast. So every dude selling a truck thinks it’s worth as much as the dealer is asking, but since there’s is “special” to them, it’s worth a little more!
It’s rampant up here. You can literally drive to Idaho and buy a brnad new truck for same or less than some peoples asking prices on Craigslist for 1-3 year old trucks.