O/T 2001 Ford F-350 7.3 diesel

Nancy Howell · Jun 11, 2009

I am looking at trading my truck in and found a 2001 Ford F-350 SRW, 7.3 diesel, automatic, with 130,000 miles. The truck was used for towning since you can see where the 5th wheel hitch used to be in the bed.

Opinions, please.

tg in VA · Jun 11, 2009

7.3 has a better reputation than the later 6.4 and 6.0's. 130K wouldn't bother me in a diesel.
Can you find out what the truck was used for? I mostly tow a 2 horse gooseneck with my 97 Dodge diesel which is nothing. Maybe this truck has had the same light duty past. The local girls school has a '96 or '97 7.3 they use to pull a 6 horse...180K with no real issues.

Northeast Puller · Jun 11, 2009

Nancy I have a 1999 as you describe but with the 6 speed at a 142K with some heavy trailer work. It has been pullet proof and would go across the country with it at any time.The north east uses tones of salt. I have some small rust on the one rear fender and a bed seam.I have replaced the rear end cover do to rot.The oil pan will need replacing soon do to rot.If the clutch goes south first I will do the pan then or vise versa on the clutch. I put a water pump on last year and breaks once other then general maintenance I have dun nothing to it.

Allan in NE · Jun 11, 2009

How important is the fuel economy to you?

The 2001s are excellent trucks and get quite respectable mileage.

However, they are a Model-T when compared to the newer cab-off design.

Allan

Nancy Howell · Jun 11, 2009

A local Ford dealership has the truck so I have no idea what the truck towed.

We have a couple of good mechanics we have used for 5 or 6 yrs. in e. Tx. The dealership agreed to let me drive the truck to e. tx for them to check the truck out. If they give it an ok, I"ll start negotiations with the dealership.

Nancy Howell · Jun 11, 2009

The truck has a monitor that reads the mpg. It was at 16.5 and still climbing when we returned to the dealership after the test drive.

On the way home, my 96 Chevy was low on gas, so I stopped and filled it. If I use regular in it, I get lots of clatter, so I have to use plus or premium. Even with plus I still get a little clatter. Plus was $2.52/gal. Diesel was $2.26/gal. Checked the gas mileage on the Chevy. It was only 13.5. So the 16.5 is a large improvement and, at least right now diesel is lower.

Since its 140 miles to the mechanic in e. tx., if the mpg monitor is correct, I should get a better feel for what the truck will get for mpg.

This truck will see mostly road use and be a back-up for hauling when needed.

A lot of the decision to get a different truck stems from the fact I'm tired of fixing the Chevy. This particular truck has had a lot of mechanical problems and I'm tired of spending money on it.

I've already spent $186 on it this month. $110 for more work on the a/c and $76 to fix the tailgate handle which broke Saturday.

Allan in NE · Jun 11, 2009

The fuel meter reads low. Truck will actually get between 17 and 20 mpg.

At 130K, the truck is just getting broke in. The only thing you're gonna notice is the noise of that IH diesel.

Allan

Anonymous-0 · Jun 11, 2009

If you think you have spent money on your Chevy, just wait until you get a worn out diesel that has spent most of its life towing. It is not normal for your current pickup to have spark knock as you describe unless you have a defective E.G.R. system, knock sensor, throttle position sensor etc. I just hate to see you spend a lot of money for something that could be an endless bill of expense. Ask the dealership the price of a transmission overhaul and injector pump . That may quench your enthusiasm for a worn out diesel unless it is extremely cheap.

Allan in NE · Jun 11, 2009

That's fer darned sure,

Just can't imagine how much it would cost to overhaul the injector pump on a 2001 Powerstroke.

That could really get spendy, couldn't it? :>)

Allan

Nancy Howell · Jun 11, 2009

Repairs on the chevy - radiator, water pump, power brake motor, rear end, front suspension, 3 alternators, battery cables (dealer item $200), exhaust system, a/c, fan motor, brakes, wiper control panel, cd player, tail gate handle, idler pulley and belt. And that's just what I can remember without looking at my file of repair receipts.

greenmachineman · Jun 11, 2009

Tom, since a 7.3 has a high pressure oil pump instead of an injection pump the dealer may laugh at her if she asks how much a rebuild on that would be. 130k on a 7.3 is just breaking it in. I have an F550 7.3L with 340K and all I have ever done to it is brakes and oil changes, an F450 6.0 with 260k just brakes, silicone turbo hose, and oil changes. Which are very important on 7.3L and 6.0L since they use oil pressure to fire the injectors. Ford Diesels are great, you will love it.

Allan in NE · Jun 11, 2009

Yep,

I would wager that James and Nancy are probably clever enough not to ask such a nonapplicable question as that. :>)

Allan

Anonymous-0 · Jun 11, 2009

I have a 2000 7.3L diesel.
Its at 190,000 miles.
In that time I've replaced the water pump and had to fiddle with the under valve cover wiring harness. If you're a DIY'er buy a code reader that handles this engine.

Just did the shocks,rotors and brakes a couple weeks back. I expect the truck to be around for a while longer. I tow my skid steer,dump trailer and a few other items with it. The skid steer and trailer weigh in at 15k. The dump trailer is a 14k. At 190k its paid for itself. I have a stake body dump on it and its the manual 6 speed transmission. Original clutch. I think I'll do the clutch at 200k and maybe the injectors at 250k.
At this age of the truck years not miles items like bulb sockets are starting to go. Annoying but inexpensive repairs. I'd not be afraid of the mileage.
If the ball joints have not been done. Deduct the cost of that from the offer price. To state the obvious buying a used truck its definitely buyer beware.

John Harmon · Jun 11, 2009

What's your chevy? an 8.1? If it is I would run away from it with the 7.3 Ford as quick as you could. Towing with a 5th wheel is a lark. A 7.3 won't even know the Trailer is back there. Now if it has a Ball for a Gooseneck ,tells me Horses or heavy loads.Horses,lot's of off Paved road hauls.Heavy loads?could be some Tractor Nut hauling an over weight load most of the time.That's the way it is around here in Arizona anyway.130,000 miles is nothing to be concerned about unless it is a Chevy.

Northeast Puller · Jun 11, 2009

Nancy correction on my lower post it has 242 K on it.

Nancy Howell · Jun 11, 2009

Chevy is not a diesel. Don"t remember the exact engine size, but the equivalent to a 350.

thurlow · Jun 11, 2009

Hey Nancy.....know less than nothing about the particular model or engine; how much 'heavy' towing do you do? I would definitely recommend drw rather than singles if a lot of your miles are with a heavy/loaded trailer.

CWL · Jun 11, 2009

Ask for a carfax or similar report. The truck I bought last fall came with one. I was able to use the report to backtrack who the original owner was. This was important to me because the gooseneck hitch had been removed and I wanted to get the same type to replace it. A couple of phone calls put me on the right track. If you can find who the last owner was maybe they will give you some insight as to how the truck was used. I understand how frustrated you are from reading your post on your truck in the past. Good luck.

Nancy Howell · Jun 11, 2009

Truck will be a back up to our Dodge 3500 diesel DRW.

The Ford will be mostly highway use with no load. It just needs to be able to step up and haul 8000 to 12,000 lbs. when needed.

I work in downtown Dallas and park in a garage, so I really didn't want a DRW.

Brokenwrench · Jun 11, 2009

Nancy,
I have had great luck with the 7.3. 130 is pretty average miles for an 8 yr old truck.
The two I still have both are over 200. One is our shop truck, the other is either hooked to the 28ft gooseneck, 32 ft horse trailer, or the skid loader trailer. The thing you have to remember is a diesel is a diesel, if you do have to have major motor work they can cost. The trans in those is the same in the super duty whether diesel or gas. Good Luck and if you buy it post a pic.

John Harmon · Jun 11, 2009

130,000 on a 350? HMMMMMMMMMMM,abought reached rebuild time. 350's are good "but"If you can't fix it yourself your at a "Dealership Mechanics Mercy",I think.I've had a number of 350's and my biggest complaint is rocker arm breakage on the last one.My fix was some roller rockers from crane cams.Last GM was a while ago,since have had nothing but Ford,460-V10 7.3 and now another V10.We only trailer a Jayco Designer 5th wheel to Taos a couple times a year and maybe a trip or two to Rocky Point Mex.Getting back to the Ford. If you are buying from a Dealer/Theif ask to see the Carmax report. Any large Dealer should provide this,or ask to see the maintenace records,or who was the former owner. None of this ,I would slowly exit left,or tell them to knock 3K off the price. Ford F350,s here, no matter the engine do not see weeks end on the lots. This is Cattle/Horse country for sure.I looked all over the country for my 07 F350 and found it in Las Cruces N.M.I like Fords.Wife likes her Mustang too.

J-TEX · Jun 11, 2009

i have 6.0 "03 f250 100k, just had the high pressure oil pump,egr cooler, glow plugs,idler,belt tensioner and belt replaced $3200.00 I didn"t need but one glow plug but @ 15.00 bucks a peice a lot cheaper to replace them all now versus labor again later.Repairs are pricey buti thinks still worth it.

just my .02 worth

greenmachineman · Jun 11, 2009

That noise is like music to my hears, I could listen to one idle all day

JDemaris · Jun 11, 2009

My only concern would be the condition of the transmission and torque converter. With heavy use, it has a normal lifespan of 100-150K. No record searching is going to tell you the condition of what's inside the trans and torque converter or what upgrades might of been done. If you can drive it hard for 20 or so miles, and it doesn't slip at any shift, and no fault-codes show up on the dash, - chances are it will last you a long time if you take care of it.
I bought one a few years ago that spent its life pulling a huge horse-trailer on a fifthwheel hookup. Drove fine until the first long steep hill I climbed, and it then jumped into default mode with an error light on the dashboard. Found out later the seller had cleared the error code just before trying to sell it. Wound up rebuilding the trans and upgrading the torque converter. Now has 340,000 miles on it and has been great, otherwise.
By the way, the fuel mileage indicator on the truck is kind of a joke, and not really very accurate.

GordoSD · Jun 11, 2009

Nancy,
I have owned a lot of used vehicles and had tremendous good luck. But then I have NEVER bought one from a lot. They always come from the owner. It's not a guarantee, but look at it this way. If a guy called you, was dealing on your Chevy, what would you tell him?
Go through the glove box, look for previous owner. If it was a trade the dealer has the info and will give it to you if you insist. CARFAX will also disclose info.
The purchase price could be the tip of the iceberg, just a small down payment, or all you will spend. There are too many trucks out there for sale that you can verify, you don't have to step into the twilight zone.
I bought my 97 250 Ram CTD from a local guy who I have known a long time. I waited 4 years for him to sell it to me. It was dead solid perfect condition. It had 125K on it when I acquired it 4 years ago. I have spent $30 for a horn, $200 to fix the fuel gauge, and ABS, and parking brake. That's it.

Gordo

Nancy Howell · Jun 11, 2009

My mechanics told me to stay away from the 6.0. I see why.

Nancy Howell · Jun 11, 2009

The entire deal depends on what my mechanics say.

There are lots of trucks out there, but the 7.3s with low mileage are hard to find.

I don't have to have a different truck so if mechanics say no or dealership won't meet my price, I'll keep shopping.

J-TEX · Jun 11, 2009

going on 6 years and other than the HPOP , never had any other problems???

John M · Jun 11, 2009

You need to have the date on the transmission checked. The early 01s were bad, the ones after March were good ones.

I saw 17 consistnatly with my 01 dually. Oh and the OHD is pretty close if no mods and has the original sized tires on it, at mine was.

Anonymous-0 · Jun 11, 2009

Nancy,
130,000 miles is not low mileage. 30,000 is low mileage. Most of those heavy duty trucks have been terribly abused. That is why they were traded off. There should be some great deals on new trucks. Why do you want something someone else has thrown away? To some extent, price is meaningless. Value received is the bottom line.

Dwayne Berry · Jun 11, 2009

I would find out the previous owner and talk to them before I bought it. 130K on a powerstroke is like 10K on a gas motor if, it has had regular service.

If it's an auto tranny and has been used to tow it is most likely shot unless the previous owner had it rebuilt/upgraded.

All engines have their problems and so do the 7.3's At that mileage you can expect to replace soon. Water pump, fuel pump, starter, solenoid for starter and glow plugs, cam position sensor.

All bets are off if the previous owner has ever used either to start it. In that case run away don't walk.

rgvtx · Jun 11, 2009

I don't consider 130K miles low mileage on most vehicles, but in the 7.3 it is. I'm with some of the others here, the tranny would be my main concern. I bought my 96 model new in Dallas and still have it today and it has just over 60K on it. Now that is what I would consider TRUE low mileage. No, sorry Nancy it's not for sale.
In the 13 years I've owned that truck, I've only done regular maintnence and have had to put in two new sets of batteries. Oh, and some tires too but I guess that would be expected. I love the 7.3 although the older ones like mine are a bit noisy.
The little 80 model Plymouth Arrow (yes, it's really a Plymouth) is why the F350 sits most of the time, it's the handiest little truck and gets fantastic mileage and never complains at what I throw at it or in it. But, now and then the big boy has to be called to duty for the real jobs!

John A. · Jun 12, 2009

Nancy, I bought one this Sept will be 2 yrs ago. This truck is a 01, Crewcab, F-350, 4x4,7.3, auto Long box. @ that time it had 105k on her. It was a pristine truck had Farm plates, Showed no wear inside, very well taken care of! It has run great, did need a cam shaft sensor, and the tranny did s#itcan last Christmas got a new one from Ford to replace it. Original owner had put a light program of some kind in it too. Only modification I have done was to put a straight pipe in place of the muffler, and put a K&N filter in place of the factory one in the factory box My ol girl has 160K now runs like a scalded dog, will pull a hole in the wind, and gets 15/16mpg all day long. Visit with the owner get all info you can if all looks and smell right it probably is I wouldn't be scared of her if that truck is as clean as mine was. Hope this helps.
Later,
John A.

O/T 2001 Ford F-350 7.3 diesel

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