Test Drive
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 836
Likes: 7
Test Drive
I test drove a 1999 F250 Super Duty 2WD Super Cab 7.3 Diesel with Automatic today. The truck has real low miles 27,000. Truck looks great as you might think with such low miles.
Problem
When stopped and turning I hear a chatter I think is coming from the rear differential. The owner says he did not know it was there. And agrred to take it to the dealer before any deal is met. The truck has not been driven that much. Any Ideas?
Also what kind of mileage can I expect ie city freeway. Any problems associated with the 99 I should know about?
Thanks
Doug
Problem
When stopped and turning I hear a chatter I think is coming from the rear differential. The owner says he did not know it was there. And agrred to take it to the dealer before any deal is met. The truck has not been driven that much. Any Ideas?
Also what kind of mileage can I expect ie city freeway. Any problems associated with the 99 I should know about?
Thanks
Doug
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,728
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From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
That low a mileage on a 7 yr old diesel would concern me. Diesels actually do better if they're run- they don't sit well for long periods of time. That mileage also indicates lots of short-hop, stop and go driving- less than ideal for any diesel.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 836
Likes: 7
Turns out the guys father who I dont know but know somebody who does passed away not long after buying the truck. The son drove the truck over the past few years towing his boat. I kinda believe them... Private party and they seem line nice people for whatever that means.
Doug
Doug
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,728
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From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
I should have qualified that- I believe the folks, and I think it's actual mileage- that's not what concerns me. What concerns me is that the trucks been driven less than 4000 miles a year- and for a diesel, that's not necessarily a good thing.
The chatter sounds like a rear LS differential- that's pretty common- change the fluid and an addtive should stop that.
The chatter sounds like a rear LS differential- that's pretty common- change the fluid and an addtive should stop that.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
the chatter is the ls going bad. i would not buy it its been a short trip vehicle. that means the oil never got up to temp to boil any water out. diesel engines need to be run they hate sitting.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,440
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From: Ventura County, CA
Heck, if he's going to fix the LS rear differential, I'd buy it, start driving it regularly (which I'm sure you intend to do) and wake that motor back up! A 7.3 with only 24K on it??? Heck yeah.... You'll be fine, so long as the price is right. Think of it this way too: if it had a LOT of miles on it, you'd be concerned about that AND other items of wear-and-tear, right? (like suspension, brakes, etc)
If I were in the market for a diesel and could get my hands on a 7.3L that hasn't been used and abused.... I'd jump on it. But that's just me!
Best,
Daryl
If I were in the market for a diesel and could get my hands on a 7.3L that hasn't been used and abused.... I'd jump on it. But that's just me!
Best,
Daryl
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2003
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This is a 99 Lariet Super Duty Super cab 2wd long bed. It as 27,000 miles and in like new conditons with some wear on the leather seats and carptet. The price is $19,500?? That is the lowest he will go is that a decent price?
I am also looking at a similar truck in a 2000 but is a short box which is fine for me. I like the paint color better and the price is nice at under $18000. But is is further away I have not seen it in person and it has 56K on it.
Any advise would be appreciated.
Doug
I am also looking at a similar truck in a 2000 but is a short box which is fine for me. I like the paint color better and the price is nice at under $18000. But is is further away I have not seen it in person and it has 56K on it.
Any advise would be appreciated.
Doug
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,440
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From: Ventura County, CA
Both sound like good deals. Not much worse than that nagging doubt after you make a purchase...
Check out the other one that's further away and compare the two, then make a decision. Piece of cake!
DS
Check out the other one that's further away and compare the two, then make a decision. Piece of cake!
DS
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 836
Likes: 7
Well I bought it. It is a great truck. One of the nicest I have seen as being used. I was garaged most of the time. The chatter was checked out by the dealer and the owner paid for a new clutch pack. It was spendy. He gave me the receipt for the work performed and it was over $800.
The mechanic could not say what caused the LS rearend to go bad but probably from sitting too long.
The 200 mile trip home I got 22.5 MPG. I can live with that. And by the time I rolled in the driveway (not all freeway) my average was 21.5. (overhead MPG computer) I will figure out MPG myself when I get through this tank (but the needle moves real slow) just to make sure. The on board MPG computer on my V 10 was pretty acurate.
I had the the oil changed the next day and fuel filter. Also had the transmission flused. Just wanted to get a fresh start.
As long as no other lack of use issues pop up I think I got a good one.
Doug
The mechanic could not say what caused the LS rearend to go bad but probably from sitting too long.
The 200 mile trip home I got 22.5 MPG. I can live with that. And by the time I rolled in the driveway (not all freeway) my average was 21.5. (overhead MPG computer) I will figure out MPG myself when I get through this tank (but the needle moves real slow) just to make sure. The on board MPG computer on my V 10 was pretty acurate.
I had the the oil changed the next day and fuel filter. Also had the transmission flused. Just wanted to get a fresh start.
As long as no other lack of use issues pop up I think I got a good one.
Doug
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