Buying a used truck. Should I go 7.3 or 6.0?
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Buying a used truck. Should I go 7.3 or 6.0?
I am going to be purchasing a used truck in the next week or two. It will serve as my daily driver along with towing my 37ft Toyhauler fifth Wheel trailer. I am trying to decide if I should go with the 7.3 or 6.0. My budget is $35k. I would like to spend less than that but want the best bang for the buck. Also want something with less than 75kmiles. What would you suggest out of the two motors? Also if you say 7.3l are the 2003's the best? If you say 6.0 should I go for an 04 or 05? Thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Charlotte, NC
No one answered you yet?..........Alright, here's my .02-cents......
You have plenty of money for a 7.3L........The mileage might be a problem, but if you can find a 2000 to 2003 (think they still had them in 2003, even though the 6.0L came out that year) with under 75K miles, then run at the truck with your checkbook. I found mine (2000 crew-cab 4X4 7.3L) with 40K miles and got it for 26 Gs......You'll have about 500 to 520lb torque with these year models and about 250hp. Plenty for towing, but the sky's the limit for upgrading your exhaust, intake, and adding chips, etc. if you wish.
I'd avoid the 2003 and 2004 6.0L powerstrokes, but the 2005s and 2006s are apparently pretty darn good....not to mention more powerful (stock) than the 7.3L. BUT....you'll be right on the edge of your budget with these years, so it's a trade-off.
So get the 7.3L if possible.....AND you'll be around 7K to 10K under your alloted budget....think of all the extra money! (haha)
You have plenty of money for a 7.3L........The mileage might be a problem, but if you can find a 2000 to 2003 (think they still had them in 2003, even though the 6.0L came out that year) with under 75K miles, then run at the truck with your checkbook. I found mine (2000 crew-cab 4X4 7.3L) with 40K miles and got it for 26 Gs......You'll have about 500 to 520lb torque with these year models and about 250hp. Plenty for towing, but the sky's the limit for upgrading your exhaust, intake, and adding chips, etc. if you wish.
I'd avoid the 2003 and 2004 6.0L powerstrokes, but the 2005s and 2006s are apparently pretty darn good....not to mention more powerful (stock) than the 7.3L. BUT....you'll be right on the edge of your budget with these years, so it's a trade-off.
So get the 7.3L if possible.....AND you'll be around 7K to 10K under your alloted budget....think of all the extra money! (haha)
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,951
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From: Foothills, CA
why not new?
With that amount for a budget, and with the incentives being offered today for '06s (brand new), not to mention what incentives will likely be out in the next few weeks -- I'd consider a new '06. You didn't give much detail as to the trim level and other requirements (crew cab, long bed, 4x4, srw vs. dually, etc. leather vs. fabric). But basically, depending on how high end a truck you need, you might just find you can get a truck that YOU put all the miles on, broken in YOUR way 
BTW: contact member PolarBear to see what you might get for that budget in a new one...
Otherwise I agree with cmpd1781 and would probably not take the gamble on an '03 or '04 6.0... I'll add that I had no problems with my '99 7.3 psd, so I wouldn't be afraid of one of those either.... Remember also that with the 6.0s you do get one of the slickest automatics this side of Allison...
Good luck
BTW: contact member PolarBear to see what you might get for that budget in a new one...
Otherwise I agree with cmpd1781 and would probably not take the gamble on an '03 or '04 6.0... I'll add that I had no problems with my '99 7.3 psd, so I wouldn't be afraid of one of those either.... Remember also that with the 6.0s you do get one of the slickest automatics this side of Allison...
Good luck
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Originally Posted by diesel_dan
With that amount for a budget, and with the incentives being offered today for '06s (brand new), not to mention what incentives will likely be out in the next few weeks -- I'd consider a new '06. You didn't give much detail as to the trim level and other requirements (crew cab, long bed, 4x4, srw vs. dually, etc. leather vs. fabric). But basically, depending on how high end a truck you need, you might just find you can get a truck that YOU put all the miles on, broken in YOUR way
BTW: contact member PolarBear to see what you might get for that budget in a new one...
Otherwise I agree with cmpd1781 and would probably not take the gamble on an '03 or '04 6.0... I'll add that I had no problems with my '99 7.3 psd, so I wouldn't be afraid of one of those either.... Remember also that with the 6.0s you do get one of the slickest automatics this side of Allison...
Good luck
BTW: contact member PolarBear to see what you might get for that budget in a new one...
Otherwise I agree with cmpd1781 and would probably not take the gamble on an '03 or '04 6.0... I'll add that I had no problems with my '99 7.3 psd, so I wouldn't be afraid of one of those either.... Remember also that with the 6.0s you do get one of the slickest automatics this side of Allison...
Good luck
I do not want a new truck for sure even with all the rebates. I bought a new 04 6.0l PSD Crew Cab 4x4 Lariat in 04 on a D Plan a year later sold it and still lost about 4 grand. New trucks depreciate way to fast even with all the rebates. I don't keep my stuff typically more than 2 years. Bad habit of mine. But am hoping maybe I can change my ways with a used one. I am real interested in what others think of the 7.3's? Never owned one so I don't know alot about them. I did like my 6.0 though. I only had 18k miles on it when I sold it though. Does everyone like the 7.3? Also how many miles would be to many on this truck. I would probably buy an 01-03 or so and use the extra money for upgrades.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Santa Fe, NM
Originally Posted by cmpd1781
I'd avoid the 2003 and 2004 6.0L powerstrokes, but the 2005s and 2006s are apparently pretty darn good....not to mention more powerful (stock) than the 7.3L.
My buddie bought an 2005, CC, F-350, 4x4, PSD, Lariat, with 42,000 miles for 25k. So if your patient and if you look hard enough you can find a really good deal, on a used 2005.....
Last edited by nomorecummins; Jun 24, 2006 at 01:12 PM.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Arizona
6.0 is the way to go.
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Senior User
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I can anwser your question period.... go to page 3 or mabey even 4 . There is a topic "WHO HAS MOST MILES ON THERE 6.0 " read it there isn't a person on there who has more then 50,000 miles without some kind of problem . some many many many problems .. Go with a 7.3 There 5 times as reliable as the 6.0 !
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2004
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Ok,
Here's from a guy who owns both.
I have a 1995 with a 7.3 Powerstroke and an 04 with a 6.0. There is absolutely no comparison between the 2 engines. The 7.3 would yank my 6.0 and 2 more like it backwards no contest.
When I bought my 04, the dealer wouldn't consider trading for my 95 because it looked a little rough. I've used it for a farm truck. After the 7th time I left my 04 for work in the first year, I told him I'm darn glad he left me with my old truck.
The 95 is 11 years old and has been basically trouble free. Oh, it's had the little stuff you expect like a water pump and rebuild on the alternator, and changed glow plugs a couple times. I did have 1 of the injectors start leaking fuel into the oil, but caught it pretty quick and just pulled them out and changed the O rings and all was fine.
The 04 on the other hand has been broke since it got 12,000 miles on it. That was 2 years ago, and it has yet to be fixed right.
Skipper
Here's from a guy who owns both.
I have a 1995 with a 7.3 Powerstroke and an 04 with a 6.0. There is absolutely no comparison between the 2 engines. The 7.3 would yank my 6.0 and 2 more like it backwards no contest.
When I bought my 04, the dealer wouldn't consider trading for my 95 because it looked a little rough. I've used it for a farm truck. After the 7th time I left my 04 for work in the first year, I told him I'm darn glad he left me with my old truck.
The 95 is 11 years old and has been basically trouble free. Oh, it's had the little stuff you expect like a water pump and rebuild on the alternator, and changed glow plugs a couple times. I did have 1 of the injectors start leaking fuel into the oil, but caught it pretty quick and just pulled them out and changed the O rings and all was fine.
The 04 on the other hand has been broke since it got 12,000 miles on it. That was 2 years ago, and it has yet to be fixed right.
Skipper
Elder User
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Kentucky, Im glad you love old faithful, but I would have to take you up on that challenge. We have 2 7.3L's (99 and 2000) and they dont even compare to my 05, stock or hopped up. The early 6.0L's did have there growing pains just as the 7.3L's did, but they have come a long way in the last couple years. One thing the originator of this thread has to remember is, a greater percentage of the people here are looking for help with a problem. I wish I knew how many good one's there were compared to trucks that have none. Remember the problem child makes the most noise. A neighbor of mine just bought a early 03 6.0L and I told him to do a car fax and also have the dealership give him a report of every time the truck was in the shop. 97K miles and only had the vacuum pump for the heater controls changed. I had the same thing on my 05 @ 7k miles. You never know what your going to get, its kinda like Vegas! Good luck with your decision.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,951
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From: Foothills, CA
I hear ya' fireman, we're about to take a bath on this one year old Chevy -- about $7k worth of "drive-off" cost! But then again, that's what we get for straying from the Ford fold (we knew better, just let price dictate the next truck, vs. what we knew to be the heavy dutier unit).
I personally try to buy new when I plan to keep it for a good while, but plans do change, and it costs us when they do. We're hoping nothing changes now that we've ordered an '07, and that it's our dream truck we keep for 10-15 years or more...
Saw a suweet deal on a low miles 2002 in my area (norcal): a loaded psd F250 SC/SB with 20K miles for $25K -- he used it to tow a ski boat and it has an extended warrantee even -- PM me if any interest and I'll send along the info...
I think either way, all the older/reliable diesels will be going up in value once folks figure out what's hitting them next year...
I personally try to buy new when I plan to keep it for a good while, but plans do change, and it costs us when they do. We're hoping nothing changes now that we've ordered an '07, and that it's our dream truck we keep for 10-15 years or more...
Saw a suweet deal on a low miles 2002 in my area (norcal): a loaded psd F250 SC/SB with 20K miles for $25K -- he used it to tow a ski boat and it has an extended warrantee even -- PM me if any interest and I'll send along the info...
I think either way, all the older/reliable diesels will be going up in value once folks figure out what's hitting them next year...
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2004
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Originally Posted by DiscountPowerPrt
The early 6.0L's did have there growing pains just as the 7.3L's did, but they have come a long way in the last couple years.
Skip
Elder User
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Originally Posted by masterc16
I can anwser your question period.... go to page 3 or mabey even 4 . There is a topic "WHO HAS MOST MILES ON THERE 6.0 " read it there isn't a person on there who has more then 50,000 miles without some kind of problem . some many many many problems .. Go with a 7.3 There 5 times as reliable as the 6.0 !