I’m somewhat handy with mechanical work and could do minor repairs myself. My buddy owns two 7.3L trucks and swears by them (he’s also a mechanic), but my wife is worried about spending $10-15k on an older truck. She’s concerned about potential extra costs from repairs. I’ve been looking at two trucks on Facebook Marketplace: a 2001 F-350 (short bed, single wheel, 192k miles, super clean for $16k) and a 2002 F-250 (short bed, 177k miles, not as clean, and the seller said he’d take $10k). I need something to occasionally tow a gooseneck and serve as a spare vehicle. However, the idea of spending $2k on injectors if they fail makes me hesitate. What’s the best- and worst-case scenario here?
I bought a 2000 7.3L F250 about 8 years ago with 120k miles. I haven’t had any major issues—just regular maintenance, replacing a sensor, and an alternator. It’s been super reliable. I’d watch out for the transmission, though; these don’t handle slow uphill climbs well and overheat easily.
Adding a transmission cooler can really help it last as long as the engine.
Yep, and installing a lockup switch makes a huge difference too.
I bought my ’99 with 320k miles, and it’s at 403k now. I replaced the transmission and added the 6.0 cooler conversion. It’s been a great truck for $5,900. I don’t daily it, but it’s there when I need it. Both those trucks you’re looking at seem like good deals if they’re in good shape.
The key is to add the cooler and change the trans fluid before too much wear happens. I tow a lot with mine—still stock at 415k miles and running strong.
For me, the engine oil temp rises quickly on slow uphill climbs. I drive a 7.3 van, which tends to run warmer. Newer engines with variable geometry turbos and better injection systems have a clear advantage here. They handle elevation changes better and produce more torque at lower RPMs, making them more efficient for towing.
I’ve got a ’99 F350 7.3L with 523,000 miles. It’s all stock. I do regular oil changes and flush the transmission occasionally. It’s not pretty anymore, but it still pulls strong and has never let me down.
Ford switched to powdered metal connecting rods in the 7.3L sometime in 2001. I think 2000 is the sweet spot—no weird quirks like the early ’99s, and better than the older OBS models. The weak spot is the transmission, mostly because of heat. Upgrading the cooler and using synthetic fluid can make it last much longer. Just know that older trucks will nickel and dime you with worn-out parts over time.
Exactly. You’ll deal with worn bushings, steering parts, occasional bad injectors, harness issues, seals, and corroded wiring. It’s all manageable, but it adds up.
If you’re towing heavy with a gooseneck, the newer 6.7L engines might be a better fit. They have a lot more torque and handle elevation changes much better than the 7.3. Plus, they’re way quieter and have more modern features if you’re traveling with family.
I’ve got a ’96 7.3 regular cab that I’ve owned for 10 years. Recently, I spent nights tracing a bad wire connection causing my door switches and mirrors to fail. Found the issue, fixed it, and then another problem popped up. That’s the reality of these older trucks. If you can do most of the work yourself and have the tools, go for it. But if you need a shop for every repair, expect to spend a lot. I recently spent $10k overhauling my truck with a new transmission, front-end rebuild, tires, brakes, and interior fixes. I love it, but it’s a labor of love, not a money-saver.
This is the kind of honest feedback people need. Many buy 7.3s because social media hypes them up. If you’re not prepared to work on them or pay someone to, you’ll get frustrated quickly.
I don’t follow trends; I just love old trucks. But yeah, they’re getting ridiculously expensive. I bought mine for $5,600 in 2013. Now people want $20k for rust buckets. If you’re not doing the repairs yourself, I don’t see the point.
What happens if your backup vehicle is another 7.3? Hehe.
Funny you say that—my main ride is a ’96 International with a 7.3, and my backup is a 2000 Ford pickup with the same engine.
I’ve had both 22RE Toyotas and 7.3 Fords. They’re great, but they’re not without issues. My ’02 7.3 Excursion has cost me about $5k in maintenance and upgrades over 6 years, all DIY except for an AC rebuild. If you’re truck shopping, consider paying more for something that needs less work.
True. Some of us love working on our trucks, but many don’t have the tools or time. That’s when it gets pricey, and people start resenting the cost.
Take your mechanic buddy with you to check out the trucks—it might put your wife’s mind at ease. I’ve owned a ’99 for three years and have mostly been fixing neglect from the previous owner. Otherwise, it’s been solid.
I love my 7.3, but I wouldn’t usually recommend a 20-year-old vehicle unless you know a good mechanic or are prepared to put in the work. They’re reliable but need a lot of maintenance.