About to buy a Powerstroker..New guy Q's....

[Po-Po Joe]

Hey all,
I am obviously new here and I have a few questions..
I am heading to the DFW area this weekend truck shopping. I found a few on Autotrader that fit my needs. I am looking at '03-05 F250, Powerstroke, 4x4, Crew Cab, Short beds, XLT/Lariat/or King Ranch(I like bells/whistles). Trying to stay below 100K miles.
Main thing is this...
I'd like to know what to look for/ask about as far as problems rectified, or recalls performed.
Is there a report I can get from any dealer(new or used, any brand) that will show all recalls and compliance, or lack thereof? (besides Carfax, which doesn't tell much at all)
What are the common issues with the '03-'05 6.0L trucks? Is there ANYTHING that will tip me off to a problem vehicle by driving or checking a certain component(certain wear areas, patterns, etc..)?

Any experiential help is Greatly appreciated as this will be my first Diesel vehicle purchase..
Thank you all!

[Brian]

an oasis report is pretty comprensive, should give you a clue on what the truck has seen.
premium members can have a oasis report that conveys what went on at the dealer (service wise), if you shopping on a ford lot, they could probally give you one to.

theres also a link on here somewhere on what to look for when buying a psd..
welcome to the forum too!

[Po-Po Joe]

I'll ask for the Oasis then!! Thank yoU!!

[stump0331]

Originally Posted by Po-Po Joe

I'll ask for the Oasis then!! Thank yoU!!

be persistant, ive heard of a few guys saying the dealers say "oh we cant get that" BS make em get it for ya

[Big AL]

Welcome to the Site!

[Granny]

Welcome to the site! I agree with the others about the oasis report. There were some of the 03 and early 04 trucks that have had big issues. I know first hand! I had an 03 POS that Ford actually bought back but I love my 04! Good Luck in your search. You will love what a PSD can do for you!

[Banshee34]

Definitely look at the Build Date. Early 03 6.0's were notorious for having issues.

Good luck and keep us informed!!!

[Po-Po Joe]

Thanks for the tips ya'll, I WILL get an Oasis before I write the check. Fo SHO!
Well my big trip to Dallas today yielded nothing but negatives. First off, at the end of the 2+ hr drive from the Falls, I blew a hard line in the AC of my "other" car. I then spent the next 4+ hrs driving without AC and sweating my butt off.(did I mention it's finally gettin' HOT here in TX?).. The plus side to this is that the compressor has been engaging hard for the past year and I've been looking for an excuse to redo the AC system... Viola!! I have a darn good excuse now!!
Secondly, the '05 one owner with 96K was in Great shape, up top. But with history in CO, the Mag Chloride was evident on the undercarriage and running gear. I refuse to buy a vehicle with Rust... Not gonna do it. Bummer..
Lastly, the place with the '04 King Ranch, and an '03 Grey w/ Blk int, plus a few others, was closed. Not open at All on the weekends... That's the ONly time I have to shop... Oh well. They're off the list.
It's up to Oklahoma next. There is a nice '04 with a mild lift(4"?), and a couple other goodies. Pretty fair price as well, I think..
Anyone else know of any within 100 miles of here, let me know!