New member, wanting advice on potential purchase (2002 350, crew cab)

[waygeekierthanu]

Hi all! I currently have a 2000 Tundra extended cab. My wife and I are about to start a family, and the baby seat isn't going to fit well in the tundra. I have a few rentals which I do all the work on, so I need a truck! My parents also have an 8klbs trailer, so it'd be handy to get a truck that can:

Fit carseats
Tow 8k+
transport around drywall, concrete, fence posts, etc etc.

I think I've decided on a 2001/2/3 F-250 or 350, with the 7.3 powerstroke. I don't think I want a dually, as this will be my primary vehicle. What I don't know is what I should watch out for!

I've found this:

Ford F-350 for sale with 220k Miles. Clean title. Price is $5500





Which is clearly a little dinged up, but a pretty low price. I called and it's the automatic which I know CAN be a problem, and he has ZERO maintenance records. It's his girlfriends, I asked if they have ever swapped the injectors or done any work to the transmission and he doesn't know the answer.

What say you, gurus?

[waygeekierthanu]

I suppose I should ask if it's burning oil (going through a quart every 3k? Does he even CHANGE the oil?)
Does it smoke?
How much of that mileage was towing, what did he tow if anything? He DID say it had a trailer brake, lights, tow package, and that it's an XLT

[Zaairman]

Go drive it. Put your foot the floor on the test drive. If the transmission feels clunky or slams into gear, it's on its way out.

[waygeekierthanu]

Thanks! I'm going up there to drive it tonight.

[7.34ever]

That many miles and no records at all? OK price I suppose...I'd never buy one in that condition but to each their own. Looks to be 2wd and plane jane???

Thing is without seein it in person it's hard to make any assumptions about it. If it fits what you're lookin for buy it. It's cheap enough that any problems(hopefully not major) may not be too bad on the pocket book.

[waygeekierthanu]

Yea, about as plain as they come it seems, and 2WD which is okay with me, I never go anywhere that 4x4 is wanted in a truck, I have my wife's jeep for that. I'm pretty good at bodywork (redid a 68 mustang that had been hit) so I think I can fix up the massive dent. Also, since I'm going to rentals, I prefer to not go in a really nice vehicle. Tenants tend to resent seeing really nice vehicles as they are paying for that vehicle. At least, that's been my experience. A little character in a truck is a good thing

My main concerns are driveline, and price. That's the cheapest I've ever seen an 02 7.3 going for in this area, in a crew cab but then, I've only been looking for a few weeks.

At what mileage should warning bells start going off?

[waygeekierthanu]

And I suppose as a followup question, if I decide to not do this one what should I expect to pay for a 250/350 with the 7.3L, 2001+, with the trailer brake and such, in okay to good condition (body wise)?

I realize it depends on mileage, any upgrades, etc, but just figure 150k to be middle of the road?

[dieselknudt]

If it has been well maintained that is not high miles for a 7.3.
I have had two 7.3PSD's one had 298K when I sold it and the other had 378K

[ProOnThaSnow]

Look at my signature - maintenance is key to make em last.

That being said, price seems fair. I bet you could get it for $4500. Don't know where you're at, but craigslist is the best place to find a used bed in the correct color (I've dont it twice now... once on the '00, because it needed one when I bought it and once on my '01 when I had a treadwright blowout and almost rip the bedside off on the interstate).

Honestly, with his price where it is, I'd haggle him to 4500, but thats me and I'm a cheap bastard - I paid $4400 for my '00 Lariat with 274K on it, but it has had the trans, injectors and gp's done in the last year. And it was a company truck before that for a company that meticulously maintained their vehicles - of which I know several people who worked for them.

[timmyboy76]

lol, saw the same truck in c-list. Do the oil cap test, to check for blowby.