This time I think I want a Diesel 4x4, it will be a hay hauler, boat tower, camping, hunting non daily driver. Are there any bad years for engines? What should I look for in a used Diesel PU?

$15K is my budget.

Is 150,000 miles a lot of miles?

I have 220,000 miles on my 85 F250 and it is beginning to dime and dollar me. Any chance someone would buy it?

Thanks,

BigJim

 

If you're wanting a good reliable diesel, get a 1999-early 2003 7.3. It will be well within your budget and 150k isn't an excessive amount of mileage if it has been cared for. While many folks have had good luck with the 6.0 diesel, it is an engine that has had an excessive amount of warranty claims and you can't find any mechanics or service managers at our local Ford Truck service center to say anything good about them. The 6.4 is more complicated with extra emissions gear that brings the mileage down in the gasser range and the cab has to be pulled to do moderate engine work.

 

Good advice if you want an OLD truck. I wonder how long the 7.3 guys are gonna keep saying that.

 

I agree about the 7.3. However, if you find a 6.0 you like, try to steer toward '05 to '07 models. It seems that Ford had gotten most of the bugs worked out of them by then. Having said that, you may find '03 and '04 models that have been pretty much problem free but above all else, get an OASIS report on any truck you're thinking about buying.

 

Oh, heck no! You could always buy a Dodge Cummins too.

Signed,

Another 7.3L owner.

 

I am not a deisel guy however I still cant understand why they did away with the 7.3

 

I ordered my E350 new and the only engine mechanical repairs that it's required is a water pump and normal maintenance. My Excursion hasn't needed anything beyond normal maintenance. When I was shopping for my Excursion over 2 years ago, I specifically shopped for a model with a 7.3 because I wanted a vehicle that I could count on and I was well aware of many nightmare stories with the later 6.0. I have a friend of mine who bought a brand new 6.0 F250 and it started blowing black smoke and broke down on the way home from the dealer.

The last time I was at the dealer, there were six or seven PSDs in the bays undergoing major engine work. All were 6.0's and there were no 7.3's in the bays undergoing engine work. Statistically, there are more 7.3s still running out there and they are older trucks so draw your own conclusion as to reliablity. I literally can't find a single mechanic there who say anything good about the 6.0 engine and these are the guys who make their living with them.

This isn't petty "mine's better than yours" nonsense. It's a legal fact that the 6.0 is responsible for unprecedented warranty claims for Ford and what led to legal action between Navistar and Ford which eventually led to the divorce between the two companies.

This "7.3 guy" is saying that because the man wanted an honest opinion, period. Ill take my chances any day driving an "old truck" that has a proven track record of reliablity and dependability.

 

I agree with you on the reliability aspect of the 7.3. And I'm sure there are a lot of 6.0s out there with problems but it's not fair to classify all 6.0s as troublesome. I know, I know... those weren't your exact words but it's easy to draw that conclusion from your post. Have you got any exact production numbers showing how many 7.3s were produced versus 6.0's? I would dare say that there were a lot more 7.3s than 6.0s. Especially considering the 7.3 was in production from 1988 through 2003. The 6.0 ran 2003 through 2007. Let's see... 16 years versus 5 years. Point is that even though the 7.3 is a reliable engine, it isn't without fault. And with the number of 7.3s produced, the number of problem children 7.3s may seem smaller. Find some ratios of 7.3 problems per units produced and the same for the 6.0s and then we'll compare. With 16 years of production, I find it hard to believe that all 7.3s ran forever and never had any problems.

 

I have owned a 7.3L and currently own a 6.0L both of which have been very reliable for me. With that said I agree with the suggestions on a '99-'03 7.3L for the OP. The main reason being he stated that it would "not" be a daily driver. The one thing that many of us 6.0L owners have learned is they do not like to sit...

 

if you look in the 6.0 forum and the 7.3 forum, youre gonna find problems with both. my buddy had a 05 6.0 with 150k on it that he sold bout 5 months ago. it was flawless other than the egt or somehting that was fixed under the recall (im not exactly sure what it was but it was something like etg sensor or something he said, not too farmiliar with diesels, yet). i know alot of people with both engines. some have problems, some dont. my main concern n my current search is what the OASIS report says and i really want the 6-speed. id have to find an auto with everything else exactly how i wanted it to consider one.

 

Hey!!!

Watch that 1999 - 2003 is "OLD" talk!!!!

I just bought my 1999 and I'm on the 10 year/truck plan.

Hahahahahaha!

Stone

 

Emissions. The 7.3L wasn't going to cut it with the new requirements coming into effect and the 6.0L was supposed to be the middle reliever until they brought in the 6.4L as the closer. Unfortunately when they went to the small block in '03 they didn't shrink down the rest of the specifications far enough to be reliable. I think Navistar got the bugs worked out by '05 though.

If the OP is looking at $15K or lower AND a diesel then the '05 might be out of his range (unless he wants an XL) unless it's been beaten pretty good.

I would watch out for the '01 since that was a transition year. Forged rods to powdered metal (PMR), Dana 50 front axle to a Dana 60 and then there was the diode problem with the auto trannies. I would make sure you know what you're getting with the 2001s.

If he's getting used most of the problems/bugs should be worked out of the truck by now (if it was taken care of and not abused), so anything that checks out (independent mechanic inspection, OASIS, CARFAX and maintenance history) should serve him well.

Just my .02

For as long as my 7.3 lasts...which is forever!

 

For the ultimate diesel truck, get a 7.3L Power Stroke with a manual transmission. If it is 4 wheel drive, get the manual system, not the "shift on the fly".

Research the engine a bit. If it doesn't have the updated CPS installed, put one in.

You'll have one bulletproof truck that will last you for years.

 

I purchased a 08 F-250 in fall and just love it. I got the 5.4 in it as I have been very satisfied with my other 5.4's in my F-150's over the years. Wouldn't own anything else.

 

I might have what you looking for and would consider your 85 on trade-in. 2004 F-350SD Lariat FX4 Longbed Crewcab, loaded. $15000.00 This has been a very reliable truck & is in great condition. Info & pictures can be viewed in the classified ads section. I may be reached @ 573 552 5730