I'm looking at buying a 2001 4x4 x, diesel and was hoping to get some knowledge from you folks. I know it's weird, but I've never bought a used vehicle and need some help.

1. What should I look for? Common problems, possible upgrades, etc?

2. One of the x's in particular shows an avg. of 11 mpg. That doesn't seem to line up with what everyone else is getting. I suppose the computer could be incorrect, but could it be anything else? Supposedly it's been tuned and the guy has the tuner.

3. If it's tuned, for efficiency what setting should be used?

4. Should I take it to a mechanic? If so, what can a mechanic tell me?

5. Carfax?

Thanks for the help. I'm new at the used car buying game, the diesel game, and the excursion game.

 

First go to http://flatratetech.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?/forum/31.html and get an Oasis report. You will need the VIN. It will show any work Ford has ever done to the truck. Carfax should show work that other shops have done to the truck.

I am always leary of trucks that have been tuned since you can never be sure if the guy used it as a racer or towed all the time. Although, the 7.3's are really good motors. How many miles are on it?

Yes, I would take it to a shop and have it looked over.

Good luck and post back with what you find out!

On EDIT: You will have to make a free account to get your Oasis report (worth it)

 

I'm getting an OASIS done as we speak. As for the tuner, I'm not sure if it's been tuned. The dealer got the vehicle and said the tuner was inside. I saw it and was a brand new box with the tuner wrapped in shrink wrap with all of the stuff in the box...so, it looked like it had never been used. I'm not sure though. I really appreciate your help.

 

Still waiting on the OASIS. I hope it checks out alright. Any other advice?

Danny

 

My oasis took a few days. Kinda hard to complain about it though when it's just a bunch of ford techs that do it as a favor. I didn't know about Oasis before I bought mine but luckily it never had any major stuff wrong.

If you are buying from a Ford dealer you can tell them that you want the Oasis report (they will probably act like they have no clue what you mean). The other thing is that a ford dealer probably wouldn't sell a truck that had a huge (bad) oasis report. Also, if you are buying from any dealer they should be able to show you the car fax (they usually get unlimited access).

If it's a ford dealer try to get them to change the fuel filters for you. Fuel filters are important to keep clean on a diesel and can effect mileage and power. They are easy and cheap so they should do it for you.

Since you are buying it from some sort of dealer they might not let you take it to a shop to have it looked at. I would open the hood and crawl underneath and just look for any obvious leaks/drips or cracked rubber boots/hoses. Take a flashlight with you to look in the dark areas. Look for cracks in the belts. Look at the front and rear differential and see if they are oily looking (maybe seeping fluid).

I know I seem paranoid but I just like to know exactly what I am buying. Like I said before...the 7.3 diesel is probably the best diesel that ford ever put out (just from my reading on these forums).

Good luck and let us know how it goes!