Buying my first ford
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 45
Likes: 2
Buying my first ford
Hi everyone.
Today I'm going to look at a 2003 F-350 FX4 7.3 powerstroke. Owned by an older guy who used it basically as a car, and to tow his camper the odd time in the summer. 52,000 miles on the truck.
It was between a duramax and cummins (06+) until I stumbled upon this ford.. didn't want something so old, but from what I have heard the 7.3s seem pretty damn reliable.
This truck won't see many mods, unless it's to increase mileage. I'm a bit bothered by the auto transmission, I'm looking for reliablitly. BUT this truck will only be pulling 5000lbs, and on flat level roads.
Is there anything I should be looking out for with this truck? It was apparently very well maintained. Is the 2003 powerstroke/auto a bad year? When I search any forum I can read about the bad things. But is a stock truck going to cause me many problems?
Thanks for your input!
Today I'm going to look at a 2003 F-350 FX4 7.3 powerstroke. Owned by an older guy who used it basically as a car, and to tow his camper the odd time in the summer. 52,000 miles on the truck.
It was between a duramax and cummins (06+) until I stumbled upon this ford.. didn't want something so old, but from what I have heard the 7.3s seem pretty damn reliable.
This truck won't see many mods, unless it's to increase mileage. I'm a bit bothered by the auto transmission, I'm looking for reliablitly. BUT this truck will only be pulling 5000lbs, and on flat level roads.
Is there anything I should be looking out for with this truck? It was apparently very well maintained. Is the 2003 powerstroke/auto a bad year? When I search any forum I can read about the bad things. But is a stock truck going to cause me many problems?
Thanks for your input!
Hook it, I'll pull it.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,037
Likes: 4
From: Grand Lake, La.
Check it over very good then get it. You can't go wrong with an 03' 7.3.
EDIT: I had customers to tend to, thats why my post was so short.
That is very low miles for a 7.3, almost broke in. Stick around here and learn all about the 7.3, it's a great engine. You will not be disipointed with this purchase. Mods, just weight till you get PMS, then we will see what you think about modding your truck.
Welcome to FTE.
EDIT: I had customers to tend to, thats why my post was so short.
That is very low miles for a 7.3, almost broke in. Stick around here and learn all about the 7.3, it's a great engine. You will not be disipointed with this purchase. Mods, just weight till you get PMS, then we will see what you think about modding your truck.
Welcome to FTE.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
I, too just bought an '03 7.3 and found the following link very helpful:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...questions.html
I, too also said I was going to keep my truck stock....until I read all about the DP tuner, which I now have, which is leading to gauges, which is leading to other mods! Beleive me, you'll see!
Oh, and for peace of mind you might want to obtain an oasis report here:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...st-thread.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...questions.html
I, too also said I was going to keep my truck stock....until I read all about the DP tuner, which I now have, which is leading to gauges, which is leading to other mods! Beleive me, you'll see!
Oh, and for peace of mind you might want to obtain an oasis report here:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...st-thread.html
Last edited by nlindelldc; Nov 19, 2008 at 04:42 PM. Reason: typo
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,333
Likes: 1
From: St. Louis, Mo.
Geoff -These are great trucks & the 7.3 is a strong reliable motor.The stock trans is probably a weak point with these but for a minimal amount you can do some simple mods and it will last a long time,( larger trans cooler and valve body) although pulling 5 k is a walk in the park even w stock trans. Good Luck
Not a liberal...
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,635
Likes: 4
From: Cut & Shoot, Texas
The '03 Power Strokes did have problems but they were with the 6.0 trucks that came out in that same year. The 7.3 is Old Trusty.
I say jump on it if the price is right.
And (hopefully), Welcome to The Club!
I say jump on it if the price is right.
And (hopefully), Welcome to The Club!
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,220
Likes: 0
From: VA
Ive got a 2000 with nearly 200K on it. Im just now getting into the mods and such. You wont be disappointed. Other than the CPS issue, which is a pretty cheap fix you can do in 10 minutes, Ive never had a problem with it! Regular maintenance and she will last a very long time!
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2008
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Thanks guys!
I went and looked at the truck... VERY impressed. It would be safe to say it's almost mint condition, other then very slight rock chips right after the cab corner on the truck bed.
It has 85,000km (so amost 53,000 miles). Claims he changed the oil every 5000km in the summer, 3000km in the winter. Always started in a heated garage, hardly any winter cold starts.
It is Lariat, so that made me happy as well. Priced at $26,000 (Canadian).. $20,000US.
Pricing is a bit higher in Canada, especially in my area.. that is just something I have to deal with. I have imported 8 vehicles in the last two years. Was very tempted on getting a truck from the states, but our dollar isn't so hot right now. This truck is only 15 minutes from me, so saves alot of hassle. Plus it already has a fifth wheel hitch and command start and new tires.. Ready to go for the business.
Here are some not so great pictures.
I think I'll probably take the truck.. I have to let him know asap, so I'll be ripping my hair out for the next little while. The price seems a bit high for 03, but diesels are hard to come by for cheap around here!
I went and looked at the truck... VERY impressed. It would be safe to say it's almost mint condition, other then very slight rock chips right after the cab corner on the truck bed.
It has 85,000km (so amost 53,000 miles). Claims he changed the oil every 5000km in the summer, 3000km in the winter. Always started in a heated garage, hardly any winter cold starts.
It is Lariat, so that made me happy as well. Priced at $26,000 (Canadian).. $20,000US.
Pricing is a bit higher in Canada, especially in my area.. that is just something I have to deal with. I have imported 8 vehicles in the last two years. Was very tempted on getting a truck from the states, but our dollar isn't so hot right now. This truck is only 15 minutes from me, so saves alot of hassle. Plus it already has a fifth wheel hitch and command start and new tires.. Ready to go for the business.
Here are some not so great pictures.
I think I'll probably take the truck.. I have to let him know asap, so I'll be ripping my hair out for the next little while. The price seems a bit high for 03, but diesels are hard to come by for cheap around here!
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Hook it, I'll pull it.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,037
Likes: 4
From: Grand Lake, La.
Looks like a keeper to me. Price may be a little high to you, but I would not let my truck go that cheap. I would not buy one of the newer trucks, because of what I have read and seen around here. Good luck on this.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,092
Likes: 145
From: San Diego, CA
I don't regret my purchase for a second. I had the CPS recall done and fixed a small leak on the fuel bowl a month ago ($2 in parts and it took me 1/2 hour in my driveway to fix). Other than that, it's a T-A-N-K.