F250. Trade or Sell Outright?

We have come to the conclusion that we should sell our truck and buy a newer used one. It’s an F250 Diesel all set up for towing with a turnover hitch and only 60,000 miles. But it’s ten years old. We are getting older and feel that it’s time to upgrade now. I know you take a beating at a dealer. What is the best way to sell this out right if we are not going through a dealer? What is the best publication or site to sell a trailer setup for Towing? Thanks in advance.

might start by taking it CarMax to see what they will cut you a check for… neighbor who is a car nut sells his trade in worthy cars to CarMax then buys… he says at least in his research they pay top dollar… your ten year old F250 with low miles is most likely worth much more than you believe

There are forums for F250 enthusiasts… I remember when I was thinking about selling my 7.3L I got recommendations on here for where to list, so you might do a search. I ended up keeping mine but there are lots of stories on this BB about people searching for them!

I just sold my 2001 F250 and followed everyone’s advice about listing it with the various online sellers – autotrader, etc. As it turns out, I sold it on Craigslist for top dollar.

Every inquiry I got from the other listings was a scammer of some sort, fishing for a low-ball bargain. I actually had a bidding war between two buyers on Craigslist and sold it within two weeks of listing.

Having said that, your truck is probably a much higher-dollar truck than mine (I sold mine for $13k), and I think Craigslist attracts people who will pay cash and not need financing. With that consideration, you should at least see what you would get on a trade and at Carmax. You also might start with some nice flyers posted at local barns, arenas, etc. Those horsey set might have enough cash-on-hand to purchase outright, too.

Good luck! I hated the process of selling our old truck, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE the new one!

Completely agree with Clanter. I’ve never dealt with CarMax and it seems to get mixed reviews. But IMO internet reviews should be taken with a grain of salt. People unhappy with a service tend to complain/review far more than those that were happy with the service, product.

“your ten year old F250 with low miles is most likely worth much more than you believe”

Depends on the area I suppose but having just spent some time looking for a used truck like the OPs. IMO it is a bit shocking what decent equipped used trucks sell for. The prices on new ones are outrageous. They are “trucks” not a BMW. The latter has far more technology and engineering in it for around the same price.

Trade in values are easy to research on the internet.

Selling privately can be a real PITA. Depending on the asking price and the desirability. There are a lot of bottom feeders who waste one’s time coming to look at and making silly offers. Not much different than selling horses.

The can be a lot internet “scammers” to deal with at times. It is best to get a separate email account like Gmail for buyers to reply to an add. There are lots of people who just peruse Craig’s list, trailer world, Used cars for sale privately ect. to collect and sell email, phone numbers addresses etc.

The possibility of People coming to look at the car with no interest other than to check out the property for nefarious reasons. I’m not an overly paranoid person but these are things to take into consideration.

I use what I call the hassle factor. Does the return for the hassle to get X amount more worth the hassle of doing it myself.

If you decide to sell it privately. I would look up trade in values. Check out dealer adds to see what they are selling the same type truck for. Check out private adds. If priced to sell it should sell quickly and you won’t have to deal with a bunch of people.

Where’s the truck? I am still sort of looking around. Though most of my truck money has been spent on others things since looking. Trade for cash and some nice horses.

Don’t rule out taking to an RV or horse trailer dealer and selling it on consignment.

OP do you have a newer used truck in mind? Have you driven one?

It might not be the upgrade you think it is unless you personally know the seller and how the truck was used and maintained.

I have sold cars thru Carmax, but not a truck. I did not get top dollar, but the ease and security of dealing with them made it worth while.

Oops. Got all lost in the fantasy that this truck was a 7.3. With a 2006 birthday, it ain’t. It is one of the 6.Disaster engines.

In that case, OP, trade it in and let someone else do the selling. This truck is the opposite of the 7.3 in terms of PITA you’ll have to do through in order to sell it.

But if you do want to do that yourself, my advice would be this: Get it detailed inside and out and the engine steam cleaned. Gather all of your repair records for this truck. By and large, trucks that look well cared-for aesthetically have also been well care-for mechanically.

A savvy buyer will also want to know how this truck was driven.

These 6 Liter engines did well when they are galloped on freeways pulling heavy loads; they did less well as daily-drivers that never got a good “breezing” that would blow the carbon out of their exhaust systems. And all diesels like to be taken out regularly; they don’t enjoy neglect. Just like the high torque draft horses, you can’t expect a diesel engine to maintain it’s fitness if you only ask it to work hard once every, say, 60 days.

But the really savvy person will know that these 6.Disaster engines really need an after-market fix unless they have been driven the right way and will be bought for that use.

Puleez be near me, I need it!

[QUOTE=gumtree;8943016]
They are “trucks” not a BMW. .[/QUOTE]

Mercedes-Benz X-Class Pickup Won’t Make It To the US After All
http://www.carscoops.com/2016/11/mercedes-benz-x-class-pickup-wont-make.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+Carscoop+(CARSCOOPS)

Is your truck a 6.0L engine? If so you have a difficulty from the get-go. These engines have a documented history of serious difficulties that are costly to correct (and sometimes are not correctable as Ford made some very bad design decisions during some years). You might have had sterling service from your truck but your experience would differ from that of many. This is not to make any value judgements but only to point out that the market into which you will have to sell will be challenging.

I just went to KBB and priced my truck (2008 Chevy 3500HD, diesel, 4wd, dually, well set up with 75,000 miles on it). Private purchase price was just under $24,000. I paid $31,500 for it in Nov., 2008. But a comparable replacement pushes $60,000. I’ll drive this truck 'till the wheels fall off or I’m no longer keeping horses.

Your motivation to “move up” is understandable. Spend some time with the yellow pad and pencil working out the numbers.

Private auto sales are a monumental hassle and I’d avoid them based solely on the time and disruption factor. You’ll take a “hit” if you sell to a dealer but it doesn’t cost anything to try a couple and see what you’re offered. Consignment through an RV or horse trailer sales outlet is a very good idea that should be explored. Last, but not least, is a straight trade in. Again, you’ll take a “hit” but maybe it will be small enough to be acceptable.

There’s really no “school” answer, here. It’s what works best in your life and in the market where you live.

Best of luck in your project. :slight_smile:

G.

[QUOTE=allons-y;8943089]
Puleez be near me, I need it![/QUOTE]

I asked first.

I sold a 2001 F-350 7.3 PowerStroke this year for 40% more than two dealers offered me. I think you always make more by selling privately.

I’ve had the best luck with Craigslist, but you could also try local horsey Facebook groups.

:eek::eek::eek: $60K! I better start taking better care of my 2004 Ram 2500. Holy cow!

I’m in Oxford, PA

My truck is awesome for those of you calling it a disaster. My friend’s husband has done all the routine service work. He is a top Ford mechanic who works at a dealership. The truck gets “blown out” on the highway and has done minimal hauling. My friend and I drove it to Nashville last summer. It is an awesome, beautiful truck and I don’t even know my 2+1 is behind me. The sticker price was $43,900.00 10 years ago. I know it is not worth a huge amount of money, but I just do not want to “give it away” to a dealer. We are looking for something newer now while our truck has value. Went to 3 dealers today (without the truck) and none had any used diesels. I just have to figure out how this is going to work so I am not truckless.

I own a 97 F250 super cab, 7.3 diesel with 70 k on it and I get asked if I’ll sell it all the time. I wouldn’t think you would have much of a problem moving it. Maybe Craigslist?

[QUOTE=lucky dog farm;8943894]
I own a 97 F250 super cab, 7.3 diesel with 70 k on it and I get asked if I’ll sell it all the time. I wouldn’t think you would have much of a problem moving it. Maybe Craigslist?[/QUOTE]

The 7.3Ls are a special breed (and obviously getting rarer all the time.)

[QUOTE=Shenandoah;8943861]
I’m in Oxford, PA[/QUOTE]

Gumtree, you are in luck!