I am looking at a 2003 F-350 SUPER DUTY LARIAT 7.3L Diesel Auto 4X4 Dully with 126,000 miles. The dealer wants $19,000.

I have had my present truck, a 2000 F150 5.4 4X4 super cab for about 10 years. It has been a great truck.

We haul 2 small 250cc motorcycles that weigh about 300 pounds each and tow a 17 foot travel trailer that has a dry weight of 3750 pounds. Most of the towing is in the mountains. (nowhere I have not already taken the motorcycles and trailer with the F150)

I have thought many times about upgrading to a diesel truck, I am 66 years old and need to do it if I plan to enjoy the diesel. I will only drive the truck on 6 or 8 trips per year for a total of about 6,000 miles.

I know nothing about diesel engines and what to expect. I am a nervous wreck just thinking about getting something I don't know much about.

I have several questions:
What are the specs for this truck?
Towing capacity?
Weight, what does this truck weigh?
What kind of fuel mileage should I expect?
Are there any issues for the year model 2003?
Is the price too high, whats this truck really worth?
What should I offer the dealer for this truck?
Tell me what I need to know about buying and owning a diesel.
Thanks,
sherpa

 

Low mileage lariats are getting very rare. There is nothing to worry about with the '03's unless you get crazy modding the engine and are looking to north of 450hp. They have powdered metal rods starting part way through the '01 model year, but other than that, the '03's are very nice and my favorite as far as amenities, sound deadening, better head lights, no GEM issues that the '02's had, no mechanical diode problems in the tranny like the '01's, etc.

That price from a dealer is probably about right depending on zip code.

As for what to look for to put your mind at ease, read this link Mike has a great amount of info here.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...questions.html