Hello, how is everyone? I've been looking for a truck and have fooled around with some ideas, At first I was looking for an older 70's truck and got some input there, but for my needs I have decided on an older 7.3. I was a mustang guy before this decision so please bear in mind I am still completely new to this, I would really like to spend 8 grand or so but the question is, what years specifically are generally reliable or more dependable than others? I'm looking to do some light to medium hauling and a lot of driving with some highway miles. I want a truck that even though not fuel efficient for cost, can take a cross country road trip if need be. Does this exist? What years should I shoot for and in specific what should I look out for? Obviously I have done the research I could on this topic and know that these trucks can go hundreds of thousands of miles if kept up so maintenance is obviously on the top of the list for me, but technically what are some changes to stay away from in model years, etc is what I am asking. I would also like a manual trans. I'm just looking for some input because I'll be ready to buy soon and I don't want to make a mistake I could have avoided if I sought help. Thanks.

 

Well 8K won't buy you much unless you just happen to find a person in a jam or a widow selling her husbands truck. Also this depends on where you are and the availability of an older 7.3 PSD. I sold my '02 F250 with 140k on the clock for $15k, it was in great shape and I would have driven it anywhere.

For 8k I think you'll be stuck with possibly an '99-'02 but that could varie quite a bit. You might be able to find an '03/'04 6.0 but I would pass on that due to the 6.0's problems of those years......and yes they can be bullet proofed to run great but you most likely won't find one like that for $8k. You just have to shop around, stop at a few diesel shops and talk to the guys, maybe they can turn you on to a customers truck that's for sale........good luck.

 

Understood, well to be perfectly honest I don't have a problem with having to go with a 99-02 as long as it's kept up, I guess I'm just really asking what years in my price range are ideal, etc.