Hello I am new to the forum. I am looking to buy a ford f250 2000 to 2003 diesel with the 7.3. I have a truck that I am looking at, its a 2001 ford f250 4X4 with a with a 7.3 diesel. Its got 211,534 miles but the rest of the truck is clean. The truck is a 1 owner truck and has a fiberglass bed cover and never had a gooseneck or 5th wheel in the bed. What I was wonder, is how many miles is the diesel good for. Thanks for any responses. Any other tips on the diesel or any other parts will be appreciated.

 

They can go 300, 400, or 500 thousand plus, depending on how well they've been taken care of. But things like injectors, trans, and other expensive things can need replaced even before that many miles. Does the guy have maintenance records?

 

That engine is just barely broke in. With proper maintenance the 7.3 can go 500,000 miles or better. Someone will chime in soon with a thread telling you what to look for before you buy the 7.3.
Welcome to FTE. There are lot of good, knowledgeable people here.

 

I can sat this,because I saw it. Ziggy pulled his engine and put forged rods and other stuff in his,and with 106k on it,you could still see the factory hone marks in the cylinders like it had just been done.

 

powerstrokehelp.com will tell you everything you'd wanna know before buying a diesel-even has a video "how to buy a powerstroke" i watched it and took notes before i bought mine

 

SOME(%5) of his info is ok, MOST is made up or just plain wrong. I would strongly recommend not following what he says. Got a question, ask us, we love to help out!

To add, Diesel engines will last longer then gas, at that mileage the only thing I would be worried about is how well the maintenance was done. These engines will last past 500,000 if properly maintained. I would pop up tp the Super Duty/Heavy Duty forum and get an OASIS pulled to see what was replaced under warranty. Also a carfax report ant a bad idea.

 

Welcome to FTE.

There is a guy around where I live that has over 800,000 miles on his '99. They will last a long time if you take care of them. Good luck with your search.

 

Welcome to FTE!....I bet you will not be dis-satisfied with it if it is well kept.There is alot of things you can do to it and you will learn that here.These folks will help you fix what needs fixed and SPEND YOUR MONEY!!!!!

 

Engine will go along time. The rest of the drive train? Who knows. I think my rear end is going at 84,000 miles. Oh, EVERYTHING for these trucks are $$$$$$

 

I've got 178K on my '03 and it's still running strong. Original everything still in/on the engine (except fluids of course). The 7.3L is an amazingly reliable powerplant (the engine was pulled from the medium duty commercial market and dropped under the hood).

Besides the OASIS, have the owner get the maintenance records from the dealership that worked on it (if he took it to one). Dealerships also keep their own database for each VIN they work on. I am the second owner. Original owner was a horse rancher and had the truck serviced at the same dealership he bought it from and the local maintenance records from the dealership were very helpful.

If you can find a mechanic that knows the Powerstrokes, it would be worth $100 for an inspection to see what's up with the truck. I can tell you with those miles that you are looking at ball joints if they haven't been done recently ($250 for parts + labor cost if you don't do it yourself...maybe 5-6 hours worth??).

The only other things I can think of for an '01 is that sometime that year the front axle was upgraded from a Dana 50 to a Dana 60 and there was a mechanical diode issue with the transmission. You should ask the owner what transmission work/replacement has been done over the years and if he knows if it has the mechanical diode. The diode can fail and the tranny is done, but it's an easy fix (I don't know how cheap though) if you take care of it before it fails. With those miles, chances are that it's on it's second tranny (at least) and the problem may not be an issue any more...

Hope this helps. Good luck with the rig! Miles aren't as big an issue with these trucks as much as their care. Age does play into wear, though, especially up front with suspension and steering. 4000+ lbs riding up front would be tough on anything! As long as you know what you're getting into, you won't be disappointed.

Welcome to the club!

 

I just hit 305K on mine and had to have to motor out to change the oil pan (check that carefully for rust) and the rest of the engine was clean. Bought it with 180K and put on ~100 miles/day for work (usually 7 days/week) plus whatever extra.

 

Here's the link to the Buyer's Guide. Thank you Mike.

LINK

If you have any questions come on back.

Edit: Oh Chit, where are my manners. Welcome to

 

Thanks everybody for their reply and the links. I will take everybodies tips and advice when I am searching and test driving trucks that I am looking to buy. I will all so search carfax on any truck that I am intrested in. Looks like I will be around for awhile because every body has been helpful. That is what a forum is suppose to do.

 

And if you can find somebody here that lives near you that has AE, definitely get it scanned for codes.

 

Hi guys . I’m looking at a 1989 f350 diesel . With 160,000 miles on it . What should I be looking for on the truck or what type of questions should I be asking the owner ??
any help would be greatly appreciate
thanks David