First truck
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Trailering
Joined: May 2018
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First truck
I'm wondering if a 7.3 idi would be a good first truck since I'm getting ready to drive and I know my way around a diesel pretty good well older diesels. If its not a good first truck I'll gladly take some suggestions!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Mi'kma'ki
They're a great first truck and great last truck.The problem is,these are pretty old now and generally require lots of wrenching.
Just know they are extremely expensive vehicles (compared to small cars) even if they are "cheaper than" modern day diesel trucks,which are just ridiculously expensive.
I run the little 4 cylinder Honda cars for scooting around/traveling with.It's like running for free in comparison to the trucks in every way.The one I have now is an '05 4 cylinder Accord.DOHC/I-VTEC. EX-L loaded with heated leather seats! Cheap,cheap,cheap and pleasant to drive.30+ MPG.
I like my trucks,don't get me wrong but mine make me money.I would loath owning one of these if I had to use my own money to maintain one,just to drive.
Just know they are extremely expensive vehicles (compared to small cars) even if they are "cheaper than" modern day diesel trucks,which are just ridiculously expensive.
I run the little 4 cylinder Honda cars for scooting around/traveling with.It's like running for free in comparison to the trucks in every way.The one I have now is an '05 4 cylinder Accord.DOHC/I-VTEC. EX-L loaded with heated leather seats! Cheap,cheap,cheap and pleasant to drive.30+ MPG.
I like my trucks,don't get me wrong but mine make me money.I would loath owning one of these if I had to use my own money to maintain one,just to drive.
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Trailering
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
By how expensive do you mean like a price range
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,381
Likes: 845
From: Mi'kma'ki
Well,after I purchased mine,I had to invest about 4x the purchase price into them (each) so that I would have new truck reliability.Low teens for the F250 dually convert for MPG and around 10 or the F450.Just changed the oil the F450 this past weekend......$120 (Mobil 1)........Changed the trans fluid (using genuine Honda brand) in accord too - $30 lol.
You can find yourself buying an old IDI truck for 2-3k then for the next year or two,feed it $300-$500 per month in repairs.Then still be left with a truck valued at what you payed for it lol so you better really want one,and I strongly advise,only buy it if you need it.
You can find yourself buying an old IDI truck for 2-3k then for the next year or two,feed it $300-$500 per month in repairs.Then still be left with a truck valued at what you payed for it lol so you better really want one,and I strongly advise,only buy it if you need it.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 884
Likes: 7
If you have wrenching experience and patience to do research (FTE helped me a lot) they are great first vehicles. The first truck I bought was an 87 f250 4x4 6.9 5spd. I still have it and have invested less than $3000 (purchase price was 750) in the 5 years I've owned it. Depending on your area you can find them around 1500 (2wd). If you are fine with buying a non running truck you can get a 4wd for around a grand. Then expect to invest some time and $500 to get it going you will have a lot of time learning the ropes on these engines. I just did this with a truck and had it running in about a day but I am all too familiar with sweating and cursing under the hood of an idi.
No you won't get 30mpg but I got 20 with 3.55s and 17 with 4.10s which beats a gas truck and comes close to rangers with 1/4 of the utility. That said overdrive should be a requirement in your truck search. The slightly higher purchase price is far better than the time and effort in a swap later on.
If you are prepared to get dirty and have the patience to get frustrated and stick through the issues that arise pick up an idi!
F250's standards are far higher than the average high schooler's, I've picked away at the little things as time and funds allowed. Granted I still have holes in the floor boards but I decided a Dana 60 was more important.
No you won't get 30mpg but I got 20 with 3.55s and 17 with 4.10s which beats a gas truck and comes close to rangers with 1/4 of the utility. That said overdrive should be a requirement in your truck search. The slightly higher purchase price is far better than the time and effort in a swap later on.
If you are prepared to get dirty and have the patience to get frustrated and stick through the issues that arise pick up an idi!
F250's standards are far higher than the average high schooler's, I've picked away at the little things as time and funds allowed. Granted I still have holes in the floor boards but I decided a Dana 60 was more important.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,914
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From: Thomaston
Mine is parked because of E4od failure. Looking at 2 k for another tranny. I picked up a Mazda b2600 5 speed 4wd for 300. Clutch 80, tires 350 vs 600 for 250. Alternator 80, windshield 175. The Mazda will be the small work truck. For the heavy stuff I still need the 250. I do not use mine to make money but both will be for use 9n clearing our land and building the house.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,979
Likes: 514
From: Edmond, OK
As the others said, be prepared to turn a wrench if you buy an IDI. Would you consider a car as old as an IDI? If not then an IDI probably isn't for you. If you want a project then definitely start the search. 
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,914
Likes: 9
From: Thomaston
The 3/4 tons and and up should be used as a work truck. They are designed for that not to run around town and look cool it does not matter which badge it wears. With the cost of diesel and the low mileage, and big tanks the trucks have you wallet is going to take a hit frequently. Mine has the standard dual tanks 38 gallons low cost fuel here is 3.00/ gallon . So 30 gallons X 3.00 = 90.00 per fill up . I was getting about 16 mpg. That 90.00 will go about 480 miles. It is 120 miles round trip to my land . So that 90.00 would be every 4 days if I made that trip everyday . If I hook up the trailer it drops to 12 mpg.
If it is not going to work for a living, I would not get one.
If it is not going to work for a living, I would not get one.
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: douglasville
I had an idi truck when i was 16 and would definitely recommend one for you if thats what you want, heck learning on my first p.o.s was what landed me my first diesel mechanic job. You have your whole life ahead of you so buy a boring car when you have a wife and kids and enjoy yourself now. I would look for an 89 and up with a 7.3 and an e4od or 5 speed and a 3:55 rear gear for the best economy. I would also recommend against a dually as the cost of decent tires isnt worth it unless you need it. Also avoid anything that is titled as a" cab and chassis" or "incomplete vehicle" because alot of insurance companies wont insure them without commercial insurance. My first was an 86 f350 flatbed dually with a 6.9 and a 4-speed that was worn completely out but it didnt cost me a whole lot to keep it going but i did quickly learn to always have a little bit of savings for when it broke and to always be prepared for when something went wrong.
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