I have made the tough decision to get sell my 2000 7.3 Supercab Lariat 4x4 for something newer with more modern features, better ride and actually has a decent turning radius. I'm specifically looking at slightly used 15' 6.7 Supercab Lariat 4x4. I have found several used ones with less than 16k miles on them and even a couple of new leftovers around the country. My biggest concern is reliability. My 7.3 has 90k miles on it and it has NEVER let me down, stranded, nothing over the years. I have heard good things about the 6.7 but I also know a guy that has had to have his 2012 towed in twice. Any insight or reassurance of this major (45k) purchase would be great. thanks!

 

5 year 100k diesel motor warranty is a nice vote of confidence from Ford. Though do you really need a diesel? I mean I love my 7.3, but the current 6.2 with 6 speed transmission will do quite nicely and save a ton of loot, both upfront and on just general maintenance. That's step one, determine the need based on current technology, not what was needed to do the job 17 years ago. Keep in mind... a 2000 today is like a 1984 back then, only we've probably seen better gains in the more recent 16 years.....

 

Glad you've had great service out of your 7.3. For me, the 6.7 is the only Ford diesel I considered since the 7.3, and I've got over 23k on my 9 month old truck pulling over 16k. It's a great truck - most comfortable vehicle we've owned.

 

Yep, this is why I drive a 6.2 now. I don't need a diesel nor do I want the risk, albeit, slight compared to previous powerstrokes. My main reason is pure reliability though. You can't beat a 6.2 for that.
I miss my old 7.3's, and my last diesel was a 2014 6.7. The 6.7 is the next best thing in the Powerstroke pecking order. Glad to see you don't even consider the 6.0/6.4 problems. The new trucks will ride and handle so much nicer than the old leaf sprung SD.

 

I think a lot of it has to do with how long you plan on keeping it, and how deep your pockets are after the warranty is up. Stop on down to the 6.7L forum and take a look.

I had an '11 6.7L truck that I really enjoyed, but changing circumstances made me sell it after only a year. I miss the truck in a lot of ways, but seeing what these things cost to fix out of warranty makes me rethink that. Overall I think they're more reliable than the 7.3L was at this point in the lifecycle, but repair costs are significantly higher when they fail. Early models have shown a tendency to crack exhaust valves, which requires a complete engine replacement to the tune of around $20,000 at a dealer. You can get away for about half that with a used engine, and around $15,000 for an aftermarket reman. Get a bad tank of fuel and you're on the hook for a $10,000 fuel system replacement that warranty won't touch.

Neither are extremely common, but certainly not unheard of either. If the thought of a $10,000 repair bill would be financially devastating to you, I'd highly recommend taking a good look at the gas option. You could always get an extended warranty and sell before that expires, but that's only limited protection against a fuel system failure...most are blamed on bad fuel and have warranty denied.

 

Thanks for your insight. I generally don't keep a vehicle more than 5 years. I have been told by the local Ford diesel mechanic to focus on 12' and newer.

I think a $10k repair bill would devastate anyone. Are all brands like this when it comes to the newer diesels?