Question 99-03 7.3 powerstroke

[mowerbrad]

I've been in the market for a "new to me" truck for about 2 months now. I started out wanting a Duramax truck but quickly realized that the ones in my price range and year range, would only be costly to repair and most likely have problems. So now after talking with several people, my mechanics and doing some serious thinking, I decided to go with a 7.3 powerstroke diesel in the 99-03 year range. I decided this for a couple reasons, (1) they seem to be a very tough engine/truck combo (2) the fuel economy appears to be roughly what I would like to achieve (3) repair costs on them aren't nearly as expensive as on duramax trucks.

I'm looking for F-250 or F-350 trucks, ext cab, 4x4, with power everything, otherwise I don't really need much more in a truck. I'd like to get one with 150k or less on the truck but I've found a few that have 170k-190k on them and some of them appear to be in great shape.

So my questions for you guys are...

1. How much should I expect to pay for a truck with my requirements?
2. How many miles is too many miles? I want the truck to be pretty reliable for the next 7+ years (driving 8000-10000 miles per year).
3. When looking at a truck, are there anythings I need to be looking at to make sure the truck is in good working order?


Thanks for the help!

 

[iracemine]

grand haven huh? well then up there I'd be looking for rust at the bottoms of the doors, and rear wheel wells. When ever I look at buying used autos I look for mods. Mods are a sure sign of abuse. If it was left stock then it was most likely used by a little ol lady that just towed her boat too and from church only on Sundays. And finally cost is a no brainier, Kelly Blue Book it.

good luck! The obs and the first gen superdutys with the 7.3L are the best!!!!

 

[CKyle494]

It's not a 7.3 but here sounds like a pretty good one. If I didn't have mine I would check it out... GovDeals.com: 2004 F250 XLT, 4 x 4

 

[mowerbrad]

I have heard mixed reviews of the 6.0L powerstroke, which makes me a little nervous about them. I know that most of the 6.0's were good engines, but there were the many that had quite the amount of problems. I just can't chance getting a 6.0 and risk having major problems shortly after buying it. If I really knew more about the 6.0, I may consider it some more, but from everyone I talked to they said I should shy away from the 6.0's and stick with the 7.3.

 

[CKyle494]

not a problem I just saw this one and passed it along.

 

[JLDickmon]

I've been in the market for a "new to me" truck for about 2 months now. I started out wanting a Duramax truck but quickly realized that the ones in my price range and year range, would only be costly to repair and most likely have problems. So now after talking with several people, my mechanics and doing some serious thinking, I decided to go with a 7.3 powerstroke diesel in the 99-03 year range. I decided this for a couple reasons, (1) they seem to be a very tough engine/truck combo (2) the fuel economy appears to be roughly what I would like to achieve (3) repair costs on them aren't nearly as expensive as on duramax trucks.

I'm looking for F-250 or F-350 trucks, ext cab, 4x4, with power everything, otherwise I don't really need much more in a truck. I'd like to get one with 150k or less on the truck but I've found a few that have 170k-190k on them and some of them appear to be in great shape.

So my questions for you guys are...

1. How much should I expect to pay for a truck with my requirements?
2. How many miles is too many miles? I want the truck to be pretty reliable for the next 7+ years (driving 8000-10000 miles per year).
3. When looking at a truck, are there anythings I need to be looking at to make sure the truck is in good working order?


Thanks for the help!

Brad, there was one in the GR craigslist for $11,500 a couple months ago.

You could also check West Michigan Auto Auction just south of GR off of 131.. it sits right on the Kent/Allegan county line.. not sure what exit.. Bradley maybe? Then down the old road (turns into Division when it gets into GR)...

By now, most of these 7.3L trucks are going to be pushing 150 - 200,000 miles on the clocks.. which is nothing for the mechanicals, but the trans has a weak spot (torque convertor)... so either be prepared or maybe pay a little more for one that been gone through?

my number is in the 911 section.. gimme a call this weekend sometime and I'll talk ya through it.