I have been looking at getting a used F250. I have seen some 03's with the 6.0 diesels in them, How do I know if they are an early build or a late build motor. I have found some nice ones for around $25,000. I just dont want to spend that kind of money and have problems with the motor. Also thinking of a V10. Thanks

 

I believe that the build date code is on the drivers side valve cover or inside the drivers door jam. Some others will chime in on that year model. A V10 is great as long as there are plenty of gas stations around. Just my .02

 

all the 03's have the early build motor. They changed on the early '04 models

 

Welcome to FTE

First and foremost when considering any pre-owned 6.0 be sure and have your local Ford dealer run an OASIS report for you. This report will provide any warranty / service work performed @ a Ford dealership. All you need to provide is the VIN. If your local dealership will not provide the OASIS we have techs here that will do it for you...takes awhile sometimes for them to see your post.

$ 25,000 seems a little high for an '03 but, pricing is sensitive to availability in any specific area.

V-10s are hard to give away in Texas due to low MPG but, are great trucks and great values if cost of gas is not a consideration. You may find the same condition in MI.

Finding the engine build date is a little difficult. Get a flashlight and look thru the gap between the brake fluid res. and driver side valve cover. You will find a sticker on top of the PCM (a little bigger than a DVD box) that should say something like 30/10/02...(Oct 30 2002) or some similar configuration...memeroy loss is a sad thing

Good luck and be sure to come back here for great tech info when you get your truck.

 

Well, some of the early '04s still had the '03 engine

 

I wouldn't say that $25,000 is to high for an 03. I think it pretty much depends on the vehicle history and milage. Remember, it is a diesel (should be able to go many miles) and if it has a good history report then it will should be well worth the money. Just get the Oasis and if you do buy, make sure you keep up with the with regular oil and fuel filter changes.

 

The two I found had about 50,000 miles on them for that price. Looked like almost brand new trucks.

 

For that much money. I would ask to have a look underneath the truck. Ask for a creaper and really go over it. Look at the coolant. Check the transmission oil for color and smell. Diesels in Michigan are hard to find (good quality) as most are used for snow plowing or construction. (mine gets babyed- only tows trailers)

 

Drive a little and save alot.
How far are you from Dallas/houston.
Bought both of my truck from TX.
Much better prices than TN.

 

The change was made in 04. The difference is on the pass valve cover. Late models have the icp sensor coming out of the middle/front of it.

 

imo the 03's that are taken care of and not had many prob's....(good luck w/ that) are the best year 6.0. mainly more power than later years if that's what your interested in, however there are some things i hate about the 03's....1. rear seat doesn't fold up. 2. if crew cab back doors don't open as wide as later models....3. as w/ most all ford trucks radio sucks!

good luck finding one w/out much trouble....i've been fortunate so that's prolly why i like my 03....

 

My '03 had about 93K miles on it when I got it in early January. I paid right at $25K with TT&L (Houston). But it's a King Ranch and it was super clean. I mean, it looked like a new truck (see the pics in my gallery). The OASIS was clean and (knock on wood) it's been a dream the last couple thousand miles I've put on it.

TX

 

25,000 does seem high but iam also in mich and i have an 03 with 79,000 no real problems its been in for all the recalls i change my oil every 5,000 with syn rottela 3000 miles with the dyno 15w-40 but switched at 30,000

trans fluid every 25,000 ball joints have been replaced at 40,000

ill take $25,000.00 all day 03 white crewcab dually fx4 super clean