Life left in a well used psd

case · #1 (**permalink**) 04-30-2010, 07:22 PM

So we are a family of 6, need a truck we can all get in (crew cab). Need to haul the usual things... firewood, brush, dirt, lumber. Would like to tow a travel trailer, rent a skid loader now and then... Would be a daily driver... Want more than 10 mpg.

Done a lot of reading and would like a 7.3. Really good info, looks like its well known how it works and fails etc. Looks like a decent chance of lasting a while (took me 15+ years to put 100k on my current little import truck) contrasted with being a lot more expensive to fix should the trans go etc.

Driven a couple '99 and a '01 7.3, two at 175k and the other at 220k. Loved it.

But am I gambling too much that I'll get a hold of one that goes another 100k? The ford crew cab is very attractive, I guess I could re-power or rebuild it someday. Family has gas engine rebuild experience, but no diesel.

This at all a rational thing to pursue? Looks like $8500 - $12000 is the range I'm seeing for a truck like I've driven. Doesn't need to be pretty, just work.

I know there is no guarantee, but there are better bets than others...

ScottyP5947 · #2 (**permalink**) 04-30-2010, 09:02 PM

If you are picky, you can easily get one that has not been hammered. Be willing to travel away from home to check out trucks you find online and look for one that has never had a 5th wheel or gooseneck hitch and/or is in great shape overall. That way you know it isn't an old hotshot rig or something like that. I waited 6 months to find the right truck and got a cherry one with 100,000 on it already, super solid and I expect to last another 175,000 or more miles. I have put 25,000 on it so far, and all trouble free. This truck doesn't leak ANYTHING and uses no more than 1 qt oil in 5,000 miles. Most anyone on here will agree that if you get one that has been well maintained, miles are not a huge deal and your truck will prove reliable and tough.
good luck in your search!
Scott

**Dasaliac03** · #3 (**permalink**) 04-30-2010, 10:06 PM

7.3.............the way to go

case · #4 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 06:00 AM

Any ideas about how to avoid 2 trips, one to look and one to come back with cashiers check? Not sure rolling around with ~$10k in cash under the seat. I've only been an hour away, but had a lead on one almost 2 hours away. May just be how it works, back and fourth back and fourth.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottyP5947

Be willing to travel away from home to check out trucks you find online

ms8091 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 06:27 AM

Case, all you have do is see if you have a bank branch close by. If you are only going a few hours away, chances are you will have one close. If not, I think you can get a money order from Walmart for $10 or something close to that.

case · #6 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 07:00 AM

I didn't think money orders went that high when I did some reading. Bank is local, makes things harder in some ways, easier in others.

**thesmokinstroke02** · #7 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 07:05 AM

what state do you live in? if its a well populated powerstroke state there are more tan likely members on here in different areas of the state so post up a thread about a truck or something in the states section and see if somebody can go give you a report on it.