Is it a good idea to buy a used 1990 Ford F-350 diesel from U-Haul?

A diesel makes it worth considering, but the fact thats its a 1) rental, 2) 17 yrs old and 3) its a diesel engine that is no longer being supported any more. Unfortunately, International (the maker of the initial Ford Navistar engine) has phased ot the parts in favor of the Powerstroke. Me personally, because it was a rental would make me say no, but parts still may be somewhere for that engine, and generally. the Navistar is as close to bulletproof that an engine could get. I had a 1990 F250 HD w/ a 460, and the only problem I had was the alternator, but thats what i get for buying a rebuilt one, but the one you're looking at would have better equipment. Up to you

U-Haul??? No way... that poor truck has had the crap beaten out of it by everybody and their brother. It 's the same deal like buying a rental vehicle... nobody treats them with respect or care, and why??? Because it's not theirs.

My suggestion is to find one from a small company's fleet. They'll have taken better care of it and have all the records as well.

For a comparison... Both my '01 Cummins and '04 6.0L PSD get oil changes at 10k miles. May sound high initially, but the trucks are usually run down the highway. Came to this mileage choice by doing an oil analysis on the trucks. Oil looked great a 5k, good at 10k with a change not required. Even my '97 GM gasser doesn't get an oil change till about 8k (194k miles on factory motor). It depends on how the truck is driven and how loaded it is. Ours are not run hard, and spend most of the time on the highway. All trucks get Rotella 15-40W and WIX filters (even the gas motor).

In general, fleet trucks are a fairly safe buy. The have had scheduled maintenance performed on time by qualified service techs.

But with that said, always remember: Let The Buyer Be Ware!!

I have an 86 f350 thats a tow truck. Its a 6.9 diesel. I assume your would be a 7.3. As long as you're handy I would consider it. I know rentals have the **** beaten out of them but a diesel takes a beating well. I have tons of info on the diesels. if you need more info email me at russellp73@gmail.com

Hahaha No this is not a smart choice. any vehicle with regulare usage with 180000 miles on it is bad. Your better off saving your money and at least buying a Gas friendly car. unless you are just using this truck for non everday usage. plus if the price is above 2k its Really not worth it. the 10 mpg sucks.

If you are medium duty diesel tech, i would say go for it...i drove a uhaul once with so much play in the steering wheel that had to be held at 3 oclock so it would go straight down the road,...id proceed with caution

I wouldn't. Think of it this way: how do you or your friends treat a rental vehicle? Find another truck.

Like Jeff Foxworthy put it....Buying a vehicle from a rental place is like going to a house of ill repute (whore house) to find a wife, You don't who has put there key in it or how hard of miles have been put in it.

no way!!! have you ever rented a uhaul truck? people beat these things to death. i would look around if i was you, and save yourself some heartache. good luck.