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As I can find one WITHOUT some ridiculous aftermarket meat-head modification, then I'll consider it.
4x4 and manual trans with that particular Diesel are always good.
Loud pipes and a lift-kit requiring a ladder I've been seeing on many of these trucks just kills it for me.
2 part problem with mods:
1. 7.3's never put out big numbers and they lasted forever
2. Modded engines put out huge numbers and don't last long
1. 7.3's never put out big numbers and they lasted forever
2. Modded engines put out huge numbers and don't last long
Pick one!
That's an obvious choice right there considering the experience my stepdad had even with his non-turbo 7.3 before his accidental experience with coolant freeze.
I'm keeping an eye out and definitely stacking away the needed funds.
Don't know about everyone else, but the prices I've been seeing on '89-'97 models have been between $4,000 and $9,000.
Some are just 2WD with manual, the more expensive ones have either a Banks or are Powerstroke and have 4x4 with manual.
People are obviously always going to disregard any actual market value and high-ball it every time.
Some are easy to bring down, others act like a cat that got thrown in water.
The 7.3L Powerstroke is always going to bring more money. It's well known to be a solid, long lasting motor that has great aftermarket support. The disaster that was the 6.0 diesel that came years after has also helped keep the value on this engine quite high since people are willing to go with older used trucks in good shape to pick up the 7.3 and avoid the 6.0.
Now, the IDI engines that preceded the Powerstroke are another story. You can still expect to pay some kind of premium for it being a diesel, but nowhere near what the Powerstrokes run. For starters, they're older trucks. Second, there is nowhere near the aftermarket support. Third, they're not much for power without the turbo, and unless you buy one that already has it installed or came from the factory (they did offer a factory turbo for a very short time), you're going to end up putting one on, or just living with it. That being said, they're great engines if you can find one that has been treated right and are a great way to cut your teeth on a diesel since everything is old school and stupid simple to understand. You also get the benefit of higher MPG and longevity versus the gasser options.
The 7.3L Powerstroke is always going to bring more money. It's well known to be a solid, long lasting motor that has great aftermarket support. The disaster that was the 6.0 diesel that came years after has also helped keep the value on this engine quite high since people are willing to go with older used trucks in good shape to pick up the 7.3 and avoid the 6.0.
Now, the IDI engines that preceded the Powerstroke are another story. You can still expect to pay some kind of premium for it being a diesel, but nowhere near what the Powerstrokes run. For starters, they're older trucks. Second, there is nowhere near the aftermarket support. Third, they're not much for power without the turbo, and unless you buy one that already has it installed or came from the factory (they did offer a factory turbo for a very short time), you're going to end up putting one on, or just living with it. That being said, they're great engines if you can find one that has been treated right and are a great way to cut your teeth on a diesel since everything is old school and stupid simple to understand. You also get the benefit of higher MPG and longevity versus the gasser options.
Mike
All that said, I'm not a lead-foot and I don't see myself hauling any seriously heavy-loads apart from my Jeep Liberty in an emergency.
Either way though, that's still some sound feedback and I just wish I saved up the money to make a flat-out purchase on one of those as opposed to this financing arrangement I slipped into.
On the brightside, I'll have a knowingly reliable motor-vehicle to rely on when needed.
Not to mention something to put a camper-deal onto if I decide to be even cheaper.
That's an obvious choice right there considering the experience my stepdad had even with his non-turbo 7.3 before his accidental experience with coolant freeze.
I'm keeping an eye out and definitely stacking away the needed funds.
Don't know about everyone else, but the prices I've been seeing on '89-'97 models have been between $4,000 and $9,000.
Some are just 2WD with manual, the more expensive ones have either a Banks or are Powerstroke and have 4x4 with manual.
People are obviously always going to disregard any actual market value and high-ball it every time.
Some are easy to bring down, others act like a cat that got thrown in water.
Don't go near the IDI Diesels. I'm not sure which year they went Turbo (94 maybe?), but the extra few thousand for the Powerstroke is worth it. The Powerstroke 7.3 came in two body styles. The old style up to 97. In 97 they sold both the old style and new style. 98-02 is the new body style but still has the 7.3. So you have quite a range of years and bodies to look at.
I have a 1997, old-body style, white with two-tone green, 4x4 w/5-speed. That's the best year IMO
Also something to note, if you are getting an extended cab: in the old-body style, the rear seat folds down to the floor, then the backrest follows it down, making a nice flat floor for storage, dogs, etc. In the 98+ body, the seats merely fold up against the backrest, so you don't get nearly as much space back there.
OBS Fords are great trucks. I have a 93 reg cab short bed 4x4 with the 5.0 and the AOD auto tranny. It is definitely a slug but with the overdrive off at highway speed its actually not that bad. I would definitely rather a 351 or a 300 with a 5 speed but in no way should you "avoid" the 302. It is very reliable just nothing special in the performance department. Keep stock size tires on it and any engine/tranny combo will serve you just fine. I am not a big Ford fan by any means but they made some very good trucks in this era at least in the sense of reliability and style.
Well, I caved and traded the troublesome Liberty for a '13 Chevy 1500 with the 4.3 V6, standard cab and a regular bed.
Decent pricing and pretty much all I need for what I do.
Had it for a week and it feels like it should, nice and comfy.
That and it's dawned on me that every Chevy person I know still has theirs and uses it.
Not a brand person, but I'm sticking with this.
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