Newbie with Questions!

[MichiganMan]

Hey all, new to the site and like it. I am considering purchasing a 2000 Ford F-250 7.3 PSD 2WD with 130,000 miles. It is at a local Chevy dealer at "wholesale pricing": $8999. With tax and plates and other dealer bull&^%* it is $9575. Truck is all stock except for pillar gauges, trailer brake controller (no 5th wheel though ) and 5" stainless exhaust. Has new brakes, new tires, etc. Drives great. Has some quarter size rot holes and bubbling rust behind and in front of the rear wheels. This is my first Ford AND my first diesel I am considering purchasing. Good Deal? Best way to fix the rust?

In addition, I'm sure there are threads about this on the site (please give a link), but what kind of mainenance will I have to perform? How long on oil changes and fuel filters? My principle arugment for getting a diesel is the MPG. Can I realistically expect 20 mpg freeway and 15 city with a programmer? I drive average, not fast by any means. Help is appreciated!

CHEERS FROM MICHIGAN !

[Hank]

Welcome to the org. !

Gauges and no chip? Hmmmm? Bet it had one.

I can squeeze out 15 MPG on the highway. I wouldn't count on the 15/20 you mentioned but let's see what others think.

[MichiganMan]

Pics of the rust (looks worse in person BTW)<BR>

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[MichiganMan]

Any INFO????

[Cjcross22]

I'v got closer to 20 with my manual, 18 or so.

[MichiganMan]

Thanks. Any info on the rust???

[Dietoremain]

its typical rust on these trucks in the 'rust belt' area.

[icysmooth]

The rust problem ( All rust sucks!
You need to have it removed by sandblast/walnut shelled , and repainted if it bothers you .Don't know what the cost would be in your area-but check your local body shops.
Don't--- do a do-it -yourself at home because if all rust isn't removed-you're just wasting good money on half-tailing for a 6 month repair-then you'll be pissed off with end results!Then paying for a real shop to do it!

[lcducote]

when it comes to mileage every truck is different. MOST of the time it depends on how you drive it. i get 25 mpg out of my 02 4x4. thats pretty dang good for a 7.3 most of them wont touch that. BUT it took me a while to get the truck to that level. lots of mods and trial tuning and holding your tongue just right. haha.

as for the rust i think that fender rust id the least of your problems. GET UNDER THAT TRUCK. make sure there is little-to-none on the oil pan and other vital areas. rust is bad regardless of how much there is.

[thesmokinstroke02]

you live in michigan................try and find a 4wd. check craigslist. theres ton of them. trust me ive used my 4wd constantly this winter.