2003 F250 purchase
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Phelps, NY
2003 F250 purchase
I posted something in the 150 forums about a dilemma I have about getting a truck. I am on the fence about an 04 150 Fx4 or an 03 250 FX4. Both are the 5.4L V8. I plan on towing at least a 21' hard side camper in the near future and maybe towing my mustang to the track once in a while, but that isn't a sure thing. How is this year 250? Is the V8 a little under powered for this truck or should it be ok?
2003 F250 SD SC FX4 4x4
34,471 miles
running boards
tow package
lay in bed liner
all the options
they want $17,349 for it. truck is in perfect shape outside and only a couple little stains on the back seat. No plow on it ever and only 1 owner, mostly highway driven. I am thinking about this one since I have researched and found some potential issues people have with the 04 150, plus I really wanted a SD anyway. Sorry for cross posting but I wanted the exposure from the SD forum as well. TIA!
2003 F250 SD SC FX4 4x4
34,471 miles
running boards
tow package
lay in bed liner
all the options
they want $17,349 for it. truck is in perfect shape outside and only a couple little stains on the back seat. No plow on it ever and only 1 owner, mostly highway driven. I am thinking about this one since I have researched and found some potential issues people have with the 04 150, plus I really wanted a SD anyway. Sorry for cross posting but I wanted the exposure from the SD forum as well. TIA!
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,243
Likes: 79
From: Roman Forest, TX
For what you're going to be towing, the 5.4 in the SD is great. I tow a 5500 pound travel trailer with mine, and it's not great, but it does the job just fine. I think the price might be a bit high for it, even with the low mileage, but otherwise, looks like a great truck. For just towing period, you would do better with the F-250 over the F-150. You won't regret the choice.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,679
From: Stephensville WI
No, the V-8 isn't underpowered, although the 2003 2V 5.4L and the 4R100 transmission aren't the best combination for towing. You should check the door sticker to see what differential is in that truck. Hopefully it's a 4.10 gear set.
I would try to find a 2005+ 5.4L (3 valve) and a 5R110W transmission. With mine, I tow a 28 foot enclosed car hauler (3500 pounds). I usually have a full size early 60's Pontiac in it (4400 +/-) and I don't have any issues at all.
I like the Super Duty over an F-150 for towing. A heavier tow vehicle means more stability when a semi or a tour bus roars pass you at 80 MPH. The suspension is better for towing and the brakes are bigger.
I would try to find a 2005+ 5.4L (3 valve) and a 5R110W transmission. With mine, I tow a 28 foot enclosed car hauler (3500 pounds). I usually have a full size early 60's Pontiac in it (4400 +/-) and I don't have any issues at all.
I like the Super Duty over an F-150 for towing. A heavier tow vehicle means more stability when a semi or a tour bus roars pass you at 80 MPH. The suspension is better for towing and the brakes are bigger.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Phelps, NY
Will it blatantly say 4.10s or will it be coded somewhere on the sticker? For how much I can spend, I haven't found anything in the 05+ range yet. Although I do look every day. Is the 2v 5.4 and that tranny a problem in terms of maintenance or just in terms of performance?
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,296
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From: muskegon mi.
NO there is no great prob with the 03 stuff it will work fine. I plow snow and often tow 8000# GET an oaises report from the dealer keep up the maint and you will be fine...( the 05 stuff has more hp/tq and one more gear)
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,296
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From: muskegon mi.
yea I think so there was somebody in this fourm that was doing it thats how I got both of mine.. do a search you will find em
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It's a nice truck but as others have said, the price sounds a little high. For reference, I bought a loaded 2005 F-250 Lariat SC 4x4 5.4l with a little over twice the miles as the one you listed for 15,000 back in January. I see you are also in Upstate NY. I found mine at a small dealer in Rochester.
Check around, there are a bunch for sale right now around here, I just saw a 2003 King Ranch Crew cab 250 listed for 14000 on craigslist.
As for towing, I got this truck to replace a chevy tahoe as a tow vehicle and the difference is huge. Despite the small difference in motor size, this truck seems much safer and handles a travel trailer much better than the 1/2 ton tahoe did.
Check around, there are a bunch for sale right now around here, I just saw a 2003 King Ranch Crew cab 250 listed for 14000 on craigslist.
As for towing, I got this truck to replace a chevy tahoe as a tow vehicle and the difference is huge. Despite the small difference in motor size, this truck seems much safer and handles a travel trailer much better than the 1/2 ton tahoe did.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
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From: Stephensville WI
The 2V 5.4L just doesn't have as much power as the 3V 5.4L.
The 4R100 isn't as durab;e as the 5R110W, but it can be made into a bulletproof transmission. It just isn't from the factory.
But still, it's a good truck. A 21 foot camper should be no big problem.
The 4R100 isn't as durab;e as the 5R110W, but it can be made into a bulletproof transmission. It just isn't from the factory.
But still, it's a good truck. A 21 foot camper should be no big problem.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,812
Likes: 15
From: Central Ohio
FWIW the other 150 would have the 3V 5.4L.
Truck prices are probably only going to decline in the used department, and I'd be looking for 05 and up, so if you can I'd hold off till you found what you really want for a better price maybe.
Truck prices are probably only going to decline in the used department, and I'd be looking for 05 and up, so if you can I'd hold off till you found what you really want for a better price maybe.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Phelps, NY
unfortunately I've been on the prowl for a while now, ever since I got rid of my 99 Explorer. I need to get something soon, since I need the truck for several different things coming up. I'm going to look at that SD today. I'll get them down in price or I'll walk away.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 750
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From: Weimar,TX
poneypower,
Looks like a nice truck. Be sure to remove the liner and inspect the bed for rust
or a cut out for a goose neck hitch. Lots of dealers will drop in a bed liner to cover
a less than desirable bed. Noticed the front and rear tires are different brands.
Good luck,
Looks like a nice truck. Be sure to remove the liner and inspect the bed for rust
or a cut out for a goose neck hitch. Lots of dealers will drop in a bed liner to cover
a less than desirable bed. Noticed the front and rear tires are different brands.
Good luck,