Puddin Diesel

Guys need your feedback on a 2003 F-250 7.3 Powerstroke. I have a relative who knows an older gentleman in his neighborhood who is looking to sell his truck. Truck is in really good shape and has under 75k miles. 4 door 4wd lariat model. What do you guys think of this truck? Any input on these? Also, he is asking 20k for the truck. Do you think that is a good deal?

tmd11111

If you're into money laundering the $20k is about right. Real value $10-12k if its as clean as you claim

saltydog235

Solid engine, one of the best ever made as far as reliability. Compared to the modern diesels, it is weak but I never had one issue pulling what I needed with my 2000 F350. $20K though is steep even if it was in new condition, heck I paid $33K for mine brand new in December of '99. I sold it in '13 with 267K on the odometer for $11,500.00. I personally wouldn't put that kind of money in it even if it still had that new car smell.

reeeljob

Not for 20 grand. It’s 17 years old.
I put 500,000 miles on two different 7.3 diesels and it’s a very simple reliable engine. However, the new diesels would blow it off the road with ease.

REMfish7

No. $20k is not a good deal but if the truck, including interior is in “really good shape”, I would give him 15 for it today. 7.3 is in high demand and it would suit my needs nicely.

Bamaman

I've got a 2003 F250 Lariat 7.3 diesel (2x4), and it was one of the last 7.3's built. Mine has 158K miles now, and it's equipped with a 80 hp tuner. It's strong and surprisingly quick, especially running 60-80 mph in 4 seconds flat.

My seats are a little dirty and there's some minor cracking. I'd call the exterior average. Mechanically, it's great with a TruCool tranny cooler and air bags on the rear. It has a set of rails for a fifth wheel hitch, although it's only been used to tow 140 miles in its life.

My truck is honestly a $7K truck. One with 75K miles wouldn't top 10K unless it was a 4x4 Lariat and in like new condition.

I'm getting ready to sell mine after I haul a few loads of gravel and dirt. I'm picking up a new F150 STX with a $3000 coupon on top of incredible current programs including Ford paying 3 payments and not requiring payments for 3 more months..

El Comandante

Those 7.3's are rock solid, far superior to the new. Look up the construction of the 7.3 and then compare to the 6.0 and others...7.3's will be running while the newer stuff is delivered to the junk yard.

Rolandt03

superior in what way? reliability? in terms of anything else, she is a dinosuar!

99% of the time, its not the motor that goes bad, its the added parts/accesories that break and result in taking out the motor.

J Lightning

OP- I traded in a work truck '01 F-350 7.3 with over 200,000 miles and got 15K from the dealer. 15K is reasonable.

Puddin Diesel

Well....I called this morning to set up a time this afternoon to at least go take a look at it. He sold it in under 3days and got his asking price of 20k.

Rolandt03

people have gone absolute dumb ass on these older diesels!

Jdow

Supply vs demand. Anyone looking for a sub 100k mile 7.3 has to pony up and pay if they really want it. Crazy. I paid 22 for my first one when it was 3 years old with 40k on it in 03.

zotcha

That sucks. Didn’t even get a chance to see it? I purchased an ‘01 7.3 about a year ago. I’m disabled so I looked over six months DAILY. Saw some junk and some mint, with prices all over the place. Rented a car and drove 7 hours to Birmingham, Alabama, pulled up in the driveway, and without being rude, got out to say hello. Pics did it some real justice. It was worked hard. Got back in the rental and drove 7 hours home. I paid my homage.

Next one, coincidentally same color two tone, Lariat, 134k mi., traded into dealer in Tennessee and listed at $14,900. Offered $11,500 and it was mine. Got a ride out there and what I bought was really mint, one owner. Dealer called him while I was there and I spoke to original owner. 30 year diesel mechanic, kept it for his son who had recently passed, so he traded it in. Couldn’t stand to see it in his yard anymore. Sad.

Lift the hood and Every part, other than block was new factory parts!!! Alternator, a/c compressor, radiator, steering box, etc.. First thing I asked the older gentleman was “What should I anticipate servicing next?” He laughed. “Nothing!” What about front end? All redone before 100k miles. Everything. So I drove it home. Best thing I ever bought.

Within 3 months, I had her on my boat ramp awaiting a higher tide. Started and would not move up the ramp. $1000 for a new half bullet torque converter. Solid as a rock. Love the truck! Service is higher than a gas but I knew that.

Sorry you you missed one so close. Be patient, do your homework, and the nice trucks are still out there. Helps to have cash in hand. Best of Luck.

Zotcha

Puddin Diesel

Yeah truck was in excellent shape from the pictures I saw. I never thought he would sell it for 20k. I have cash in hand and was planning to look it over real good this afternoon. If it was everything I saw in the pictures I was going to throw 18k on the hood and figured that would bring it home. Apparently I have a lot to learn with these 7.3’s....

zotcha

I didn’t want to commit that much cash, but had no idea how much I would love this truck. Keeps mileage off my Raptor, in the garage, and really enjoyable to take out. Honestly never thought I’d like the diesel so much and have been towing much larger loads than ever expected. Wish it was a 4X4, but I’m happy. What I have since learned is that a 6.0 that is low miles and a nice truck, would have been money well spent, if you have the cash to immediately bullet proof it. Food for thought. Good luck!

zot.

jonesy66

Hahahahaa....dont buy a Ford. Go Cummings if you want a decent diesel truck. Just wish someone would do a Cummings with Allison Tranny

Reel 007

I have a 2003 F350 4X4 dually diesel Lariat with 212,000 miles, near mint, front leather seats are starting to crack, never been in an accident, lots of after market bolt-ons, never tuned, AFI intake, Garrett 38R ball bearing turbo, Banks air intake and exhaust, Mag-Hytec aluminum transmission, front and rear differential pans.
Truck runs like a dream and it's a California truck, put twenty grand on the hood and I would tell you to take a walk, if I was willing to sell I could get 23-24 grand for the truck easy.

HTJ

There is a local used only dealer in the Houston that specializes in Powerstroke trucks, the low mileage 7 3 creampuffs seem to really command a premium.

autobaun70

That's nuts. My brother paid 26K for his 2002 in Feb of 2003. Lariat with 1,500 miles on it.

kawakx125

what automaker puts Cummings in them? I've never heard of them, Cummins on the other hand makes some dang good diesel engines