Which is the better deal?

[TexasAggie09]

I'm looking to buy a 7.3 in the next week or two here. I LOVE the look of the OBS but I also love the newer ones as well. I have found a 97 F350 7.3 4x4 with 171k miles on it. This truck had it's engine rebuilt (pistons, sleeves, belts, pumps, injectors, all the good stuff) 45k miles ago due to a knock. The tranny was also rebuilt 55k miles ago. Both were done by a shop. It is a crew cab, long bed, and looks to be in excellent shape. New tires, new shocks, vinyl floor, manual windows and locks, solid bench in front. The issue is that it is located 1100 miles away and I don't have a ton of time for road tripping.
The second one I found is an 02 F250 7.3 4x4 crew cab, short bed. 160k miles and no details yet on it's shape. Lariat interior, looks to be in great shape as well. This one is maybe 100-120 miles away which is why it's a contender. What are yalls opinions on it? I would love having a long bed for hauling various things without a trailer AND having my toolbox in it. Any thoughts that I may have missed? Thanks!

Both are about the same price

[szyd]

They bolth seem to be nice trucks i would not be afraid to buy either with original miles on them.

The OBS how ever has me questioning the owners maitence why did it need all that work and has he trated the rebuild the same.

[TexasAggie09]

I talked to the owner of the OBS on the phone and here's what he said. The truck was originally a rental and then the second owner bought it. When the second owner had it, the engine developed a knock that he couldn't figure out. To fix that, he took it to a shop in Tucson who completely rebuilt the engine (new pistons, rings, sleeves, belts, sensors, computer, injectors, injector pump, starter, alternator, a/c fan motor etc). One of those fixed the knock. He had an issue with one of the sensors at the front of the engine but it was fixed under a Ford recall. The transmission, for one reason or another, was rebuilt around the time the motor was. Then the third (and current) owner bought it to haul his 5th wheel. He's had it for about 50k miles or so. He sold his fifth wheel so he's selling the truck now. From the looks of it and the sound of the current owner, the truck was taken care of really well. My only reservation with this F350 so far is how far away it is...

[diesel_19]

buy the obs its a nice lookin truck

[szyd]

Originally Posted by drguitarum2005

I talked to the owner of the OBS on the phone and here's what he said. The truck was originally a rental and then the second owner bought it. When the second owner had it, the engine developed a knock that he couldn't figure out. To fix that, he took it to a shop in Tucson who completely rebuilt the engine (new pistons, rings, sleeves, belts, sensors, computer, injectors, injector pump, starter, alternator, a/c fan motor etc). One of those fixed the knock. He had an issue with one of the sensors at the front of the engine but it was fixed under a Ford recall. The transmission, for one reason or another, was rebuilt around the time the motor was. Then the third (and current) owner bought it to haul his 5th wheel. He's had it for about 50k miles or so. He sold his fifth wheel so he's selling the truck now. From the looks of it and the sound of the current owner, the truck was taken care of really well. My only reservation with this F350 so far is how far away it is...

If you are comfortable with all that i say go with the OBS it is a realy sharp truck.

[Farmboy444]

Id say go with the OBS, they are great trucks. But your comparing a XL to a Lariat. If you drive much youd probally be better off with the SD lariat but hey just my .02