I just posted a few days ago about buying a used F-350 DRW and have been really looking for a 2008 with the 6.4. I just came across a sweet 2003 F-350 7.3 today by chance. It is a very clean babied truck, DRW,FX4,Lariat, 1 owner, 73K certified miles! It just got traded in at a local Ford dealership and we are going to look at it in the morning. The salesman says it's immaculate in and out just like the pics I saw. It had a sprayed in liner, never has been cut out for a 5th wheel hitch yet. He checked for me and it has a 4:10 axle ratio. I asked if I could get an OASIS report tomorrow and he said absolutely yes. I can save a ton of money buying this one compared to an '08 or '09. I am only considering it because of the 7.3. What else can you guys tell me about the '3 on question? What should I check tomorrow when we look at it? I think it would serve us just as good as the '08 would since it won't be a daily driver and just used to pull our camper.
Yep, I'd say it's pretty good. Depends on where you live. If they're asking 20K they likely gave the guy 10 for it on trade. I'd try and shave a couple K off the price just on principle.
__________________ Dean
'02 Lariat Crew Cab Shortbox 4x4 auto.
Stock except for Edge programmer.
Running B100 when the weather permits!
Look for leaks under the engine and trans, check and make sure it goes into 4x4, you can do a search here for "What to check " on used trucks, look at the air filter,(clean/dirty) condition of batteries, fluids, any service records, talk to the previous owner if possible for records. OK I found the sticky thread for what to check. http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/52...questions.html
$20k seems a bit high, but then, that's why (in part) they get referred to as STEALerships.... (parts thru Ed excluded!)
I'd do the following:
1. Crawl underneath the bed to make sure that a GN etc. actually wasn't installed. Some people will weld the metal back in, then spray a bedliner over it to cover it up...
2. Check them balljoints!! From a dealer that's a $1500 job that you can do for $350ish
3. Definitely check the turbo's compressor-side wheel for chips/wear
It sure is pretty, there's no doubt about that!! and only 73k miles??? WOW!! well... it's only a 6yr old truck, so that's about right actually.
Man oh man... I love me a dually. You won't keep up with a 6.4, but you'll have legendary reliability... Track down an '08 tailgate if you want a little more "newness" factor All joking aside, jump all over that. Just 'play' like you're going to walk because they want too much... in this economy (say it with me, 10.2% unemployment) you've got the power BIGTIME.... use it. And post up more pics once that beauty is all yours!!
__________________ Brendan
1999 F250 CC SB 4x4 7.3 PSD named "Nyx"
BTS VB;6637;A-pillar (pyro, boost, trans temp);XM radio;Alpine CDA-9831 w/RCA inputs;Leveling kit;Adrenaline HPOP;UnderCover tonneau cover;05 headlights
Good looking truck Michael. But my opinion a little high but there should be some room to play with. Look in the valley for leaks also and as far as keeping up with a 6.4 you can with a few mods.
__________________ Eddie Late 01/99 F-350 XLT 7.3 EC DRW 4x4 6-speed 4:10, some common mods done. 6637 filter & Pete's Cover, Billet Grill,Muffler Delete,Stancore GPR,2 Pillar Pod Gauges,Swamps Hybrid Single Shot Injectors,DP Tuner NS,Modified Stock,Hi-Idle,80E,120R,140A,Foil Delete,CCV,AIH Delete,Garrett GTP38R BB Turbo with a 1.15 Housing, Valair Ceramic/Kevlar Clutch. And more. Over 400HP BIG RED TRUCK - PAA#79
I got the same truck as that, only not a duelly. Paid 18k for it 1.5 years ago from a local dealer. Darn near the same milage too. I absolutely love my truck! The buying power is in your hands. Look it over for things stated above, go with your gut and strike a deal. You will have all the towing power/stability you'll ever want (with a couple in-expensive mods). That rig isn't even broken in yet. You've even got the clearence lights (standard) that I'm missing. The 7.3 is a very desirable engine and has proven its worth. Enjoy.
edit: Oops, yep make sure its a 7.3.
__________________
Matt
2003 F-350 7.3 CC LB, 4x4, a/c, radio and American Flag sticker
"Land of the Free, Thanks to the Brave"
7.3 in mine has 300000 on it still gets 12-13 and is driven every day, Its also a tow truck. No smoke or real problems to date. In my opinion the 7.3 is an all around proven motor that you can affordably upgrade and maintain, to me it woud be a no brainer strike deal for the 03.
Pricewise the dealer is always going to high ball you, the money they make on a used car even if it is break even is money they can use. Don't insult them by offering 14,000 but don't be afraid to offer 17,000 and see where they go from there.
I'd start with the 14,000 number... why not? They're ridiculously high, you go ridiculously low... and meet somewhere in the middle. The lower you start (without being COMPLETELY nuts) is just that: a start. You both know it, so go for it.
and yes, definitely make sure it's a 7.3! I just had a guy in an '03 PSD on my street doing work. $6,000 in repairs this year alone!! And when it came time to pull the tree stump out, he hooked up the 93 7.3 CC Dually to get the job done! I just wish I'd have been there with a camera to get video!
__________________ Brendan
1999 F250 CC SB 4x4 7.3 PSD named "Nyx"
BTS VB;6637;A-pillar (pyro, boost, trans temp);XM radio;Alpine CDA-9831 w/RCA inputs;Leveling kit;Adrenaline HPOP;UnderCover tonneau cover;05 headlights
With a chrome & red badge on the door, it's surely a 6.0L (unless someone swapped the badge out). RUN, don't walk from it!! The 6.0L are nightmares until at least '05/'06, and I've seen plenty of failures on those, too. If it really is a 7.3L, snap it up. You'll save a ton over the 6.4L in fuel alone! I'm hearing 9 or 10 mpg on those things.
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Dean 
All joking aside, jump all over that. Just 'play' like you're going to walk because they want too much... in this economy (say it with me, 10.2% unemployment) you've got the power BIGTIME.... use it. And post up more pics once that beauty is all yours!!
