"upgrade" to an older truck?

Iraqvet05 · 09-10-2013, 01:39 PM

My uncle offered to sell me his 2000 F350 with the 7.3 way below book value. He stopped camping several years ago due to health issues and decided to put the F350 and his 5th wheel up for sale. he has owned the truck since new and it has been dealer maintained regurarly with 130k plus miles on it. I've been contemplating on buying the truck to haul my 26BH (my current 5.3, 4 spd, 3.42 geared beast seems a bit underpowered in the hills) but it would have to be a daily driver for me...I just can't swing a truck payment for a few years. Do you think the older, 7.3 is viable option as a daily driver or would you pass on the deal?

**Crabman** · 09-10-2013, 02:38 PM

I don`t know how happy you will be with a one ton daily driver and the rough ride it will have compared to your comfy and cushy 1500 but those engines (7.3l) were incredible for longevity and reliability.

Traver8 · 09-10-2013, 03:21 PM

As Crabman said, you may not be happy with that as your daily driver compared to your existing truck. I recently moved from a Dodge 3500 van to a 1999 F350 CC, LB, Dually that I am using for my daily driver. Compared to my van the truck does ride a little rougher (partly due to rear tire inflation being higher than it should) but I am quite comfortable using it. Fuel mileage is about the same in my mixed driving environment - about 15 mpg unloaded. Also, if he is selling it to you "way under book value" as you say - if it does not work then you could most likely sell it for at least book value and maybe more.

Iraqvet05 · 09-10-2013, 04:02 PM

The truck is a crew cab LB (2-WD) which should make for an interesting experience in the parking garage at work if I get it. I'd probably sell it in a few years once the DW's SUV is paid off and my youngest is out of daycare.

mtelkhntr · 09-10-2013, 05:59 PM

Compared to the others, the 7.3 is bulletproof and when it does need work, it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. I've seen them going well over 200K miles so if you don't mind the ride, I think it's very doable.

dieselmann35 · 09-10-2013, 07:56 PM

I am a gm guy but the 7.3 is the best motor in ford without a doubt.

If your getting it way under bluebook, why not find a beater car for your daily driver. That will keep the miles off of the truck and it will be the last truck you ever buy.

clubhouse · 09-10-2013, 08:32 PM

I would get it. Is there any way you can get the 7.3 and keep your current truck as the daily driver?

ksignoles · 09-10-2013, 09:40 PM

I recently switched from a 1500 to a 1 ton and love the ability of the new truck, but find myself cramped for space when parking at work and get to work early, to be sure I have room to park. I have a car to drive and usually choose not to drive the truck because of the parking. However, I would drive it daily if needed solely because of towing advantages!

Tail_gunner · 09-11-2013, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtelkhntr

Compared to the others, the 7.3 is bulletproof and when it does need work, it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. I've seen them going well over 200K miles so if you don't mind the ride, I think it's very doable.

I sold mine with 307,000 miles on it. I loved it, I had it so 'tweeked' it'd go from 0 to 60 in under 7 seconds. But I needed something with fewer miles since I started a new job and needed reliable transportation. The 7.3 NEVER gave any real problems, but with that kind of mileage, it was time to move on.

Soulman · 09-11-2013, 05:52 AM

I love my Dodges but this sounds like a great deal. I, too, "upgraded" by going from an '08 Dakota to an '07 Silverado to my present '05 Ram diesel. As far as I'm concerned, years mean little as long as the vehicle has been well-maintained. Plus my diesel gets better mileage (empty AND towing) than the other two.

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