When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
New here - Deal check and any advice for a newbie ford diesel owner!
I spotted this 2002 e350 7.3L PSD with 194,000 miles on craigslist for $4600. I intend to convert it to a camper and tour the USA. As a diesel newbie, what do I need to know about this van? Is 194,000 miles considered "high mileage"? The carfax report is clean. 1 owner in the south USA (no rust). Is this a decent deal, and what would maintenance look like for me (someone not very mechanically inclined).
Most of us are F model owners but much of the machinery on them is the same. I'd say that you did good and the engine is usually the last thing that puts these things in the junk yard. I would say that the transmission would be your weak spot right now, others may have different opinions. Change out all of your fluids so you have a fresh start there and give it a run and see how it behaves. We think our F models are hard to work on but they're easy compared to the E's. God bless you if you have to work on the engine, they're tough to get at on that thing.
$4600 seems about right. If it were a 4x4 truck that would be a steal. For what you plan to do with it, it's a good base!
The mileage is low, overall, for the motor, but these are high maintenance vehicles in general. Someone will chime in and argue that I am wrong, but it is simply true of all diesels.
There are a lot of issues to look out for at 194k. Did the PO do injectors? up-pipes? trans rebuild? any oil leaks?
Price depends on area, looks like a great deal to me. Below are a couple current comparables in CA Bay Area. Plus check out the other vans for ideas, pretty much what you're aiming for, I think. And ignore the prices on the Quigleys and Sportsmobiles, there's obviously something wrong with my computer.
Take some 100% DEET bug repellent to the headlights, then wipe them clean. Clears up the lenses for a year or two. I've heard a UV resist clear coat (after the DEET is cleaned with soapy water) will preserve them longer.
For a long road trip get new/rebuilt brakes all around. Calipers, rotors, etc.
08-20-2018, 11:34 AM
