Should I buy???

[sbbtmatt]

This would be my first 7.3 I just sold my 5.9 Cummins (might be a mistake) and I found a 2002 F350 I like. I guess I will just list the good and bad.

Good ...
low miles (80,000)
suncoast trans built to 500hp
suncoast TQ
compushift trans controller
Lariat package
very clean inside and out
never been worked with
new alternator
I had a shop give it a thorough check so I know what it needs

Bad ...
needs front end work (got a price of 1300)
has stacks (I hate stack)
heat is stuck on floor/defrost
needs tires ($800)

The truck has a diablo tuner and was a show truck that had a 17 inch lift and 44 inch tires. After 20,000 miles the shop that had it went under returned it to stock suspension and sold it. The guy I that has it now worked for the shop and seems to have dove a lot of the work. He is firm on 16K I have quotes of just under 3k to make it perfect and I figure I can do most of it my self and save. I know the tranny can't be beat It also has the extra deep pan on the trans and diffs. I figure for 19k I will have a very good and reliable truck with low miles and no emissions crap... just do not know if it is worth it. I have not really seen anything comparable to compare it to. Any help/advice would be great.

[Zaairman]

If you're mechanically inclined, you can do the ball joints yourself for under $300, saving you $1000. Powerstrokeshop.com has a kit that includes all necessary parts and seals for the hubs. You will need to make or borrow a special tool to insert the axle seal. My local Ford dealer loans them out.

Heater problem is going to be a vacuum leak or a bad vacuum pump, anywhere from free to $100 (I think the vacuum pumps are less than that). Common problem.

Ditch the stack and get a nice exhaust. I'm sure you could trade the stack for a full exhaust or sell the stack for good money.

$16K for a low mileage Lariat is a pretty good deal, especially if its a crew cab.