Need Help, Looking at a 7.3L

[BigDaddyJob]

Hey all, seems like some good knowledge here, so I figured I better register and get some advice from the internet experts!

I am looking at a 2002 F250 Lariat:
7.3L with 242,000 miles
ONE owner Carfax report
Needs some maintenance items (U-joints, Steering stabilizer, Front Hub Assembly, Fluid flushes, Brakes)
Transmission shifts good with no slippage
This has all been checked over by the local Ford dealer.
They are going to "Wholesale" it because every used vehicle they sell needs to have a powertrain warranty of 10,000 miles, and this one requires $2500 worth of "retail" repairs to be worthy of their powertrain warranty. (Anything over $2000 in repairs and it automatically becomes a wholesale vehicle)
They are asking $8,500 bucks and I am not seeing anything that could go wrong. I remember the old farm truck was a 7.3L IDI and that was about as bulletproof as the definition allows, so I can't imagine the PSD is much different.
Overall, what are you guys thinking? I recently bough an acreage, and plan on doing some building and hobby farming, but no HEAVY hauling. I currently have a 1993 F150 (5.8L) and shes getting a little tired at 200,000 miles. Its time to either upgrade, or fix her up. I found this F250 and it's cheap enough I dont think I could go too wrong with it even if it had an issue come up.

I am mechanically inclined and can fix things myself as needed to keep costs lower.
If there is anything that you guys think could be a big issue to look for? Or any advice for a Diesel newby? Thanks in advance.

[Codum]

I would offer them $6,000. Simply based on what their "asking". I would not worry about the mileage. If its in great shape and looks almost like new I would pay $8,500 but only if it's 100% stock no aftermarket stuff.

[BigDaddyJob]

Yessir, Completely stock and I dont see that it has ever been fitted with anything aftermarket. Stock muffler and airbox even. Looks very nice, drivers seat is a little worn. ONE little surface rust bubble on the drivers side rear fender well (not through the paint yet) and I don't see any other rust on anything else.

Well, they were asking $11,945. I got them to $8,500. Thanks for the advice!

[ProOnThaSnow]

I think $8500 is a fair price. You're probably going to be about $800 into parts if you do the labor yourself (high estimate).

Being its one owner and low mileage I'd say go for it. If its a dealer, I'd be willing to be you could get them down to $8,000. It sounds like a dealer anyway with the wholesale talk.

Good Luck! If you've got questions about these trucks, you've come to the right place!

[hydroman]

Front end work is expensive. If it nees U-joints and stabilizer ETC it most likely need ball joints, tie-rod ends, bushings, basicly a whole front end rebuild so keep that in mind. Still not a bad price and if you have the tools and equipment to do the work it will be less expensive as you say. I don't and have put about $2500.00 in mine and I still need to have ball joints done. Just my .02

[ProOnThaSnow]

Damn - I rebuilt the front end on my pickup, using Moog balljoints, all new tie rods, added a steering stabilizer and I was only into it maaaaaybe $600 after all was said and done. Thats with new seals and everything, including the ball joint press kit I bought and the adapter kit I rented from Orielly's.

Makes me rethink that opening a shop isn't too bad of an idea. $1900 for an afternoon of work? well, $1800 after I pay someone to do the alignment? not a bad day in my books...

[Schnot]

Yeah I've been wanting to open a shop for years now. It's crazy how much money you can make doing fairly simple repairs.

But yeah, a whole front end cost me around $600 including the case of beer


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[scagle1]

I think you can find a better deal on a 2x4 with 250k that doesn't need work , but thats just my opinion. What part of the country ?

[BigDaddyJob]

Im about where you guys are on the front end. About $600 is what I've been pricing to do the work myself.

Sorry, Forgot to add it, but it is a 4x4 and it all works great. Located in South Dakota. Fairly big diesel following up here with all the farming.

[dieselcrawler]

I think that $8500 is reasonable price if it is ext cab or crew cab. Not a great price but reasonable for the options and mileage. Even factoring in the repairs needed.

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