Thinking about getting back into a 7.3 PSD...need some insight?

[vntperformance]

I'm in the market for a diesel truck, my budget is $15k cash. I've owned a good deal of trucks...4 being diesel (03 F250 SB/CC/7.3, 07 Ram 2500 5.9CTD, "POS/Nightmare" 06 F350 6.0PSD and a 2010 F250 6.4PSD SB/CC/6.4TT).

Nicest truck out of all of them was my 2010 as far as aesthetics...but mpg wise the dodge couldn't be touched. But the 03 F250 wasn't disappointing either mpg wise, I'd get an easy 18-19 mpg from it, but it was dated and the 7.3 is def not a "quiet" engine....

I've been avidly searching for a "clean" as close to stock 99-03 F250/F350 7.3 w/under 100k in auto/4wd/sb w/ crew cab or super cab for under $15k. Let me tell you this that the results are very limited...

Anyways...here's what I've found:
2000 F350 Lariat (black w/gold|2tone) SRW/SC/LB w/83k Miles for $14.5k
2001 F250 XLT (black w/silver|2tone) SC/SB w/84k Miles for $13k

I'm leaning more towards getting the 01 XLT cause the fact that it's the color I like and the fact that it's a short bed. Both vehicles have been maintained regularly and run perfectly fine.

The 01 does have an issue with the 4wd solenoid that engages the 4x4 needs to be replaced, because of this 4wd can only be engaged my manually enabling the hubs. Besides that both trucks are very clean.

Your thoughts?

[CowboyCody]

there isnt a lot of difference between the trucks, i think you will be happy either way. the lariat is a nicer package, so i guess i would lean that way. both would be a faithful servant for many years to come.

[Lifted02]

I'd personally go with the 2nd one since it is a crew cab short bed, so you'll love the room in the cab for things unless you really need a long bed... Just my .02

[vntperformance]

Originally Posted by Lifted02

I'd personally go with the 2nd one since it is a crew cab short bed, so you'll love the room in the cab for things unless you really need a long bed... Just my .02

Both are super-cabs. No use for a long bed.

[Lifted02]

Oh, My bad... I thought it said cc.... But I'm a short bed fan but that's just me

[vntperformance]

Originally Posted by Lifted02

Oh, My bad... I thought it said cc.... But I'm a short bed fan but that's just me

Its hard finding a CC w/my budget, but the sc is big enough it seems.

[Lifted02]

Originally Posted by vntperformance

Its hard finding a CC w/my budget, but the sc is big enough it seems.

I know what you mean.... I got lucky with mine and about 3 months of craigslist every day for every hour lol... Picked up my 02 with just over 100k for $12,900 with brand new wheels and tires. Love it!

[rascal]

I would go with the '01.

Good luck!

[codyryan07]

I dont know if you'd be up for the trip, but I see Texas trucks with similar mileage in a ccsb for about the same price. Would be virtually no rust on them.

I paid $10k for mine with the lift and everything. Given it has twice the miles you want.

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[vntperformance]

Originally Posted by codyryan07

I dont know if you'd be up for the trip, but I see Texas trucks with similar mileage in a ccsb for about the same price. Would be virtually no rust on them.

I paid $10k for mine with the lift and everything. Given it has twice the miles you want.

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Link me to what your seeing, cause I've looked in Texas as I have family there & can't find anything w/mileage under 100k miles.