7.3 PSD or anything else?
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7.3 PSD or anything else?
I'm considering getting a 2001 F350 Super Duty regular cab XLT, 7.3 PSD with 80k on it, it also has an 8' Fisher MM plow setup as well. I could probably get it for $22K. It's black with a grey cloth interior and is in very good condition and loaded with options.
Does this sound like a good deal?
This would be my first diesel and I'm not sure I know what I'm getting myself into.
What type of maintenance does it require?
how often will I be changing the oil?
What kind of MPG will I be getting?
What else do I need to know before I decide on this truck or anything else?
FYI, I am in the Landsaping Biz and will be plowing and hauling topsoil, stone, mulch, etc. It will also be my only vehicle for awhile.
Should I get it or stick with a gasser?
Any helpful comments would be appreciated.
Brian
Does this sound like a good deal?
This would be my first diesel and I'm not sure I know what I'm getting myself into.
What type of maintenance does it require?
how often will I be changing the oil?
What kind of MPG will I be getting?
What else do I need to know before I decide on this truck or anything else?
FYI, I am in the Landsaping Biz and will be plowing and hauling topsoil, stone, mulch, etc. It will also be my only vehicle for awhile.
Should I get it or stick with a gasser?
Any helpful comments would be appreciated.
Brian
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,140
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From: Oak Harbor, OH
The best thing you can do is read the owners manual. It will give you all those details. The 7.3 PSD should get better than your current gassers. Under load and idling all the time may be different....
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Bonita Springs FL
The 7.3's are EXTREMELY reliable motors. With proper maintenance, you can go to half a million miles or more. I've never owned one, but you can get more information from the Powerstroke forum here on FTE. I'm not sure about the frequency of oil changes, but I know they're more expensive because the oil change requires about 4 gallons of oil.
Mileages tends to hover around the 20 mpg mark, significantly better than any gas truck motor I've ever driven.
If you want a work truck, you absolutely cannot beat a Ford with a powerstroke. You see them all the time around here hauling loads, trailers, and people.
As for the price, check out kbb.com - Kelley Blue Book. That will give you a fair idea of what they're going for.
Mileages tends to hover around the 20 mpg mark, significantly better than any gas truck motor I've ever driven.
If you want a work truck, you absolutely cannot beat a Ford with a powerstroke. You see them all the time around here hauling loads, trailers, and people.
As for the price, check out kbb.com - Kelley Blue Book. That will give you a fair idea of what they're going for.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Near Wamego KS
I keep hearing about these 20 mpg 7.3s but have never actually seen one. Your mileage will be closer to 14 to 17 mpg. We have had 14 one tons in the past 6 years and our experience has been gas pickups will match or better the diesels when both are empty but the diesels are much better when running under load. A 2001 7.3 is going to be one of the best Ford diesels you can buy unless you move up to one of the latest 6.0s. One thing I would do is have a mechanic look over the truck (on a lift) before you buy it. Snow plows tear the **** out of any vehicle.
Pricing sounds a bit high, but I don't know how much the plow is worth. Book values will show just the truck at $18K+, but they don't knock off enough for the real world value of a regular cab, nearly every buyer wants at least an extended cab instead. I'm assuming its a 4X4 with single rear axle.
Pricing sounds a bit high, but I don't know how much the plow is worth. Book values will show just the truck at $18K+, but they don't knock off enough for the real world value of a regular cab, nearly every buyer wants at least an extended cab instead. I'm assuming its a 4X4 with single rear axle.
Last edited by dhermesc; Oct 20, 2004 at 01:13 PM.
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Well here are the book values on that truck in this area (CT).
Kelly BB = $23595
NADA = $23675
Where do you live dhermesc, I'm going to come there to buy my F350, looks like I'd save around $5000 in your area,
your not in CT are you?
Kelly BB = $23595
NADA = $23675
Where do you live dhermesc, I'm going to come there to buy my F350, looks like I'd save around $5000 in your area,
your not in CT are you?
Posting Legend
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Post moved to proper forum. General automotive is not for tech questions handled in other specific forums.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Denton,TX
Get the 7.3 PSD. Contrary to one of the previous posts, diesels get much better mileage than comperable gas engines. I see much better mileage in my F250 (4.10 gear ratio) then I ever did with my Expedition (5.4 V8). Those that see 20 MPG regularly typically have 2wd. I did on one occasion get 20 MPG, but that was with the cruise control set slightly above 55 MPH on all flat highway near sea level.
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: South Texas Coast
A few things to check out before you buy. First ensure regular oil changes that's even more critical in diesel than gas. Of course thats a no brainer but the next is as important and not many new to diesel people know about it. Be sure the coolant has been changed regularly and that he has kept up with the anti cavitation coolant additive. Finally see if you can get a peak at the turbo blades if the look frosted I would pass.
Oil changes are expensive in diesels because theytake so much my 96 takes 14 qts it may be cheaper to go with an extended interval oil (one of the good synthetics) but if you do be sure to add a bypass filter.
The big advantage here is a diesel worked hard and well maintained will out live 2 or 3 gassers and you will get better fuel economy when working it. My prior truck was an F250 with 460 gas hog good power but hold on to your wallet when you drive past a gas station. I get better mpg pulling my fiver with my PSD than I ever got with the very similar gasser loaded. Your actual milage will depend on driving habits but I have trouble keeping my foot out of the injectors and I get about 17 MPG empty.
Oil changes are expensive in diesels because theytake so much my 96 takes 14 qts it may be cheaper to go with an extended interval oil (one of the good synthetics) but if you do be sure to add a bypass filter.
The big advantage here is a diesel worked hard and well maintained will out live 2 or 3 gassers and you will get better fuel economy when working it. My prior truck was an F250 with 460 gas hog good power but hold on to your wallet when you drive past a gas station. I get better mpg pulling my fiver with my PSD than I ever got with the very similar gasser loaded. Your actual milage will depend on driving habits but I have trouble keeping my foot out of the injectors and I get about 17 MPG empty.
Last edited by Phydeaux88; Oct 20, 2004 at 11:06 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Parker, CO
What type of maintenance does it require? Same as a gas engine, oil change, fuel filter, air filter, lube, tranny service, you get the idea. Fuel filters on diesel's need to be changed more often than a gasser, but are retardely easy to replace on the 7.3L. I change mine at least every 15,000 miles, unless like last time got 2 tanks of bad diesel in one month, and had to replace my fuel filter after only 6,000.
how often will I be changing the oil? I change mine every 5,000-6,000 miles. Some people change theirs more often, and I've seen others go much longer on the same oil, everyone has their own opinion. When I change my oil, it is not burnt and still maintains it's viscocity, so I know I'm not going too far between oil changes.
What kind of MPG will I be getting? Depends on your right foot. I get about 15 city, and just a hair under 18 on the highway. My grandfather gets 20-22 with a 6 speed and 2wd.
What else do I need to know before I decide on this truck or anything else? Get maintenance records if they are available. If your truck has been well taken care of, and you continue to treat it right, it will last a long long time.
how often will I be changing the oil? I change mine every 5,000-6,000 miles. Some people change theirs more often, and I've seen others go much longer on the same oil, everyone has their own opinion. When I change my oil, it is not burnt and still maintains it's viscocity, so I know I'm not going too far between oil changes.
What kind of MPG will I be getting? Depends on your right foot. I get about 15 city, and just a hair under 18 on the highway. My grandfather gets 20-22 with a 6 speed and 2wd.
What else do I need to know before I decide on this truck or anything else? Get maintenance records if they are available. If your truck has been well taken care of, and you continue to treat it right, it will last a long long time.