Long time listner, first time caller...

I am about to purchase a F-250 SD PSD but the information overload on this site could scare off the weak hearted. I understand that there are still many out there who still stand behind behind the 6.0 PSD but sounds like the more recent the build date the better.

However, I have the opportunity to get a great deal on an '03 model with less than 5k miles and everything I want on it. The big question is, with all the 03 problems, does the upgraded flash "fix" them or is there a real difference in the '04/'04 model?

I like what I have read on the '05 model...any idea when they will be available? (Don't tell me in '05

Thanks in advance!

 

Welcome to FTE.

This is a true statement. This site is loaded with those who are true enthusiasts, those who have problems and are seeking solutions or want to compare notes to be more knowledgeable when talking with the dealer or Ford. There are a few trolls that just want to stir it up.

See http://www.flatratetech.com/6literpo...04_updates.htm for the differences between an 03 and 04 engine.

I think the new models come out in October. An 05 may have an 04 engine as some of the 04's have 03 engines. So make sure you ask or look.

Any time.

 

i own a 04 and i dont have any major problems just a few little things that are normal problems with any new vehical you buy nothing with motor or tranny and i would have to say i wouldnt buy that 03 if it was 5k sorry its not worth the hassle and stress then again hell you can buy a 05 for 50k and have just as many problems, throw your money on the table and say hit me . and i love My SD besides the a/c system im debating trading it in on a 05 the first of next yr unless they ford steps up to the plate and helps me out and then ill keep this one

guess you have to look at

1. resale 03's are KNOWN for thier flaws
2. If your going to use it for work, what kind of money will it cost you for the truck to sit in the shop being broke down ? 100 a day?, 500 a day ? more? loss of contracts cause cant get the job done due to a vehical in the shop
3. they are trying to give it away cause its a 03 what will you have to do to get rid of it when your done with it ?

i hope this info dosent scare ya and it helps you make a informed purchase that you will be happy with , This site helped me a great deal get the truck i always wanted for a great price and i still missed a few things that next time i buy a truck i wont miss and i will be looking for as we never stop learning

 

I have an 03 with 15000+ and going strong. I have had few problems that the dealer fixed with little hassle to me. I just finished a 3800 mile trip across the southwest, through desert and mountains. It never missed a beat. Buy it. A few people have had a bad time. There are a lot more 03's running around with no problem at all.

 

And it may depend on what you call a great deal.

 

Find out the history on this truck if possible. Most people wouldn't be trading in such a low mileage newer vehicle, unless something "bad" was wrong with it.... You could be buying someone elses known problems! This is quite different from saying lots of 03's are running fine. This one may have caused its previous owner to give up on it!

 

What is the build date on the motor? If it's anything older than 5/03, I'd run away. Anything newer and I'd just walk away. I agree with the above, pull an Oasis report at the dealer to see this truck's service history. Call the former owner, too. Chances are a low mileage 03 6.0PSD is a good deal because it's one of the bad ones.

 

And why do you say that? So all 2003 with a 6.0L is deifinitely going to be a problem? Let's just deal with fact and information.

If I listened to this I never would have bought my truck. I am glad I did. I had a few problems but the dealer made it right.

If faced with Pyrexic's situation, getting an OASIS with repair history is good advice. Make sure he has warranty active. Yes call the previous owner if available. Document everything. Take it out and drive the heck out of it and make sure everything works. There are good 03 with early 03 motors in them.

 

I am not in the mindset that all '03 builds are bad and the info from SBV45 on the physical differences in the '03 vs '04 motors is very helpful. Thanks! For those that say to run away from the '03 motors, outside of the flash issue, are there additional chronic issues? What are they? All I have read at this site indicates that the flash pre-Oct was junk but a Preditor/Banks/Superchips can all eliminate that. I have no problem adding an after-market flash especially if I get the added mpg/hp to boot. Where I live, there are tons of SD trucks on the road and if they were all lemons, the word would be out and they would have a hard time selling them. The flash seems to be a pretty easy fix and with all vehicles, there may be a few bugs to work out before it is reliable. I am not opposed to that as long as I have a good idea what to expect and can compensate in the selling price. All problems can be fixed with $$ and time.

The "great deal" is from a colleague in Canada who has one for sale and has sold used trucks in the US before (must be at least 6 months old). A little more paperwork, but all legit and I get the added benefit of the exchange rate. Currently looking at a fully loaded F-350 4x4 CC Lariat for ~29.5k. He is trying to locate me a 250 since I don't need the extra capacity of the 350 and figure the 250 will have a better ride.

Thanks again for all the responses... this is a great site and a lot of knowledgeable folks. I wish this existed for all the vehicles I purchased in the past.

 

That is post Oct 03 flash. But the Predator turns it into a kick butt machine.

 

I would bet money that jeb had problems his so that means every 6.0L is gonna have problems in his eyes.

 

I had early problems with my early 03, 6.0 PSD with injectors. I have had 3 replaced, but none since December. My mileage keeps increasing. I personally have resisted most of the re-flashes. In fact have had no re-flash since I bought the truck in Sept. These things have a 100,000 mile warrenty and if you get to that point from the 5K now, don't be afraid of it.

 

Go to KBB.com or NADAguides.com and see for yourself the value of a 2003 F250 7.3 versus a 2003 F250 6.0.

I'll save you some trouble, the 6.0 is worth $100-$400 more, despite costing $3000-$4000 more new (MSRP + higher rebates on 7.3s).

So your ~$3500 investment 1 year ago is now worth maybe ~$250. I wonder why?

 

I also went through the same decision process, and ended up buying a RAV vehice from Ford.

I saw the entire history, talked to the original owner, and have see all the repairs. Primarily those problems were the ones seen across this board. Rough start/white smoke/low power when cold and 2 injector problems. All the injectors were upgraded to the new style and the PCM was reflashed.

I have had the truck 6 months now, put about 8000 miles on it and have 0 problems. I would say if you are comfortable with the risks (and in my opinion they are low) and have all the facts go for it. It saved me over $20000 off sticker on a PSD with less than 2500 miles.

 

I got over $4500 in rebates off invoice. That was in August 03. So the above math wouldn't matter...