I am considering a powerstroke, but cannot make up my mind
which one I want. I found a 2002 F250 with the 7.3 in it, 46000
miles. This truck will be used for towing a 6500+ lbs. of travel
trailer, to the mountains and to the coast. This is my first psd.
Which is the best, old or new?

 

This is only my opinion, but my answer would be to stick with the proven 7.3 for now. In a few years, my answer will likely be different, once the bugs are worked out of the 6.0.
That's where I'd be putting my money, if I were making the decision.

 

I agree with Quad.

 

I have been hearing that the 6.0L has problems consistent with an engine being new, i.e. bugs. I think that it is sound advice to never buy an vehicle with a new engine the first year that it is out. For the 6.0L, it may be 2 years. On the other hand, my neighbor has one, and he also had a '99. He says that the 6.0L runs circles around the '99, and he is quite happy with it. I personally would wait until atleast mid to late 2004 to buy one (assuming that I could afford one).

 

I have read an interesting thread where some people have imperical evidence that a change of oil from 10w30 to 15w40 is causing some of these problems. It will be interesting to see if anybody else can confirm their experience.

 

I might wait til mid 2004 and see how the new 6.0 works out.
I have been looking at the numbers and they are right impressive.
I am not in need of a new truck at this time. My 2000 F150 pulls
my present camper really well. The 5.4 with the K&N air injection
and the HIPO mass air sensor and the FlowMaster exhaust gets
me 11.4 mpg while towing. The 30 ft. camper I tow weighs approx. 5100 unloaded. I am really pleased with the truck I have,
but thought about getting the 2002 7.3 I found,before they all dissappear