I purchased a local 99 7.3 4x4 F250 SD Powerstroke 6 speed the other day, pretty much on impulse. $4400. Ultimately I knew very little about the truck's history but the whole thing sorta fell together and felt right on a gut level, and think the price was right, too. I am soliciting 'after the fact' opinions on how I did, as well as things to look for.

Miles are high - 310K. This was a work truck for a residential remodeling company - the PO bought the truck from his former employer when he started his own local company and after a few years he has his own shiny new company truck. The vehicle is completely stock except for a work topper w/ladder rack and a lightly used receiver hitch. Minor dings n scratches overall, interior is beat and dirty but salvageable. Started right up cold, with only the 'normal' 7.3 PS clatter. No smoke. Minor chuffing from the oil filler cap when running with cap off. Clutch seems fine but this is clearly no German tranny (former Porsche owner lol). Drive fine, needs tires. Brake condition unknown, no noise, stops fine unloaded.

The bad. PO is a tad scatterbrained and had limited maintenance records, but pointed me to the local dealership and a local independent mech to get service history. I know there will be many smaller items to replace in the neat future - alternator looked fresh, but PS pump, starter etc. unknown. AC nonfunctioning at this point (don't need it). Fingers crossed re. heater core. And the motor - high miles. Motor does not seem particularly strong, but the truck loped right up to 70MPH on the interstate with no complaints. Last high mileage diesel I purchased (VW TDI) has been awesome, but I know it's a gamble.

The intended purpose is as a dedicated pop-up camper vehicle - wife and I enjoy moderate four wheeling to remote locales to camp, and boy is it nice to not be setting up a tent in the mud by the headlights.

Why did I pull the trigger on the purchase? Gut told me the likelihood of this truck fulfilling it's intended purpose was high, and the price seemed right. Also the Wife liked the truck. Catch that? Wife liked the idea of a 15+ year old diesel fourby ...

So, whaddya all think?

 

I'm sure the truck will fulfill your needs just fine and if not you should be able to resell it with that 7.3 under the hood. However your wife definitely sounds like a keeper.

 

Gut feeling sare your best indicator

 

Keep the wife and hope for the best with the truck!