I'm looking at a 2003 F-250 FX4, 4 door, 7.3L, with 71k miles.

Truck was driven by an older fellow. He hauled his 4-wheeler and sometimes a truck load of wood. It is in EXCELLENT shape.


The dealership wants $24,000...



GOOD DEAL?? OR NO?

 

Personally I think it is outrageous.
But those trucks are getting some good money right now.
I've seen the prices all up and down and over the place.
Sounds like nice low mileage truck.
Wouldn't be surprised if they got real close to it.

 

I know I think it is crazy too, but these dealerships know how much everyone wants the 7.3...

 

That's exactly correct.
Around here those trucks bring big bucks.
Couple dealerships that "specialize" in them.I think they are nuts,I would never pay that for a 8-10 year old truck....but they obviously know their market better than me.

 

Well, if I didn't go with a 7.3... what would I go with that is newer?


- I've heard to stay away from the 6.0.

- The 6.4 was only out for three years... doesn't look like it is a long term strategy for Ford, and I bet it will be hard to get parts for in the future.

- And for the 6.7... waaayyy too early to tell if it will be a good 500,000 mile plus engine


what else?

 

I picked up my 03 KR with 82,000 on it for 10 grand less......but it has the V10

 

There's no reason to not buy a 7.3,I was just saying that I would not buy it at that price. Some one will buy it,probably close to that price.
7.3 SD are great trucks.
The 6.0 SD are fine as well, (alot of very happy 6.0 owners out there) we have 4 and for the most part,have been fairly stress free. (One has been in the shop more times than the other 3 combined).
Actually yesterday,just purchased the ford esp extra warranty for 2 that are coming out of warranty next month.
Our 7.3's have been virtually trouble free from day one.
As far as the 6.4 and 6.7.I have no experience w/ either but doubt I would buy one.
What are your needs for a truck? (towing,hauling,etc.)
Diesel isn't the only option for a SD.

 

Good info!

I have a 20 ft enclosed trailer, dual 3k # axles. Trailer is close to max capacity when loaded.

I'm pulling it with my F-150 below in my signature, it is struggling. I blew a spark plug out of the #2 cylinder 2 weeks ago. I did the quick fix and bought a kit from NAPA that has an adapter that threads into the head and you install a different spark plug.

My F-150 has 220k miles on it and I'm starting to wonder if it is near it's end...

 

How often do you tow it? Th v10 will do a great job pulling it, as will all of the diesel. The 5.4 will do a good job with the right gears too.

Basically it comes down to do you need a diesel?

A gas motor can handle that weight, but how often will you be pulling it? Any steep grades? Do you just want a diesel? (In my opinion if you want a diesel that means you need a diesel. Buying a vehicle is a huge investment and you have to get exactly what you want so you can be happy in it.)

Also, I wouldn't pay anything close to that for that old a truck. I've seen that the 7.3l's price is sky rocketing, but I think with some research and haggling you should be able to get a good one for a reasonable price. A friend of mine bought a 99 4x4 7.3l with 130k miles on it about a year ago for $12k.

 

Don't know what the trailer weighs but max load is 6,000lbs and I really doubt the trailer is over 3-4,000 empty. Honestly 10,000 is not that much weight. A V10 would pull it easily...and depending on the distance and terrain a 5.4 could do it as well. Diesels are great but they also cost more. I can buy a lot of gas to make up for the worse milage. That said, it's your money, buy what makes you happy!

 

I too looked at some used 7.3's....But with low miles (loaded up), I got my XL gasser brand new for close to the same price!!

If you want it and have the cash, I say buy it!!!!

 

well I payed 24,995 for my 2004 F-350 XLT SuperCab 4x4 6.0L with 59,000 miles on it

 

Just to give you a comparison.

In January of 2010, there was a 2002 Ford Crew Cab Lariat with the 7.3L and 30,000 original miles for sale locally for $26,000. I test drove it and a day or so later, when I called the owner to discuss price...he told me he was keeping it! I called him once a month until October when I broke down and bought my 2001 Ford Crew Cab Lariat with a 5.4L for a lot less. In December, he called me to tell me he was ready to sell.....doh!

So to answer your question, I think it is a bit on the higher side considering the extra 50,000 miles.

 

Based on my recent search locally (Texas) - the 24k price for that model is a tad high. Not like outrageous high though. As a comparison I just bought a 2004 SD 4 Door / FX4 4x4/ King Ranch/68k miles with the 6.0 and it is in close to new condition. Obviously garage kept with minimal bed use - purchase price was 21,400 and well worth it in my book. Could come nowhere close to this truck new - 2011 models loaded like this list in the low 60k range.

I'm thinking 22,000 and under would make it a good deal, but at 24k it's a little high. If you can make the buy at 24k including the 3year 36k bumper to bumper warranty then your golden. That warranty is a 2k value and would make up the difference.

Remember - the 7.3 is desirable due to durability not performance. The engine is basic as is the turbo and this means less power, but also less moving parts and greater endurance/reliability. The 6.0 is a great engine and power package with good (not great) economy. The variable boost turbo and 4 valve per piston make it powerful - routine oil changes is a MUST with them.

If I was towing all the time for long distances with heavy weight I would opt for the 7.3......for overall performance, economy, and somewhat frequent heavy towing I would opt for the 6.0. Personally, I think either are more desirable than the later model regeneration diesel packages. They are beefed up so much to handle the intense temperature they operate under, which is needed to run the emissions. The operating temp of these new regen models is higher than the boiling point of water if that's a clue. This is something explained to me by diesel mechanics and I'm merely spitting out what they told me (true or not - i don't know).

your stated towing needs are far below the capacity of the diesels (any model) - if that's all your towing your needs can be met by a 5.4 or v10 or the 1/2 ton models with no problem. If your wanting a diesel, by all means get one - just saying don't kid yourself into the need for it is all. It's your money and if you want it and feel good about the deal - then jump. That's all any of us are lookng for.

 

Lariat - XLT? What state are you in? Some areas are holding a little higher value than others, Excursions have really jumped in value around here. Any more for sale online for comparing? Not very many low mileage 7.3s around anymore. I know of a 00 dually 7.3 4x4 lariat sc with around 40,000 miles. Not advertised