I’m looking at a 7.3L Powerstroke diesel with 218k highway miles. The seller says it’s well-maintained, shifts smooth, and fires right up. There’s minimal rust. Is this worth jumping on?
218k highway miles, well maintained. It has the 7.3L Powerstroke diesel, which I’ve heard is super reliable. Transmission shifts smooth and it starts up great. There’s only minimal rust.
Jory said:
218k highway miles, well maintained. It has the 7.3L Powerstroke diesel, which I’ve heard is super reliable. Transmission shifts smooth and it starts up great. There’s only minimal rust.
Take it for a test drive if you can. Just keep in mind, it’s a diesel and it’ll cost you more in fuel, especially if you’re driving a lot.
That said, I love trucks and this one’s a beauty. Only thing I’d change is those non-matching rims.
@Milan
7.3L diesels get decent mileage for a truck this size. At this mileage, though, it might need injector seals and glow plugs if those haven’t been replaced yet.
Kasey said:
@Milan
7.3L diesels get decent mileage for a truck this size. At this mileage, though, it might need injector seals and glow plugs if those haven’t been replaced yet.
It’s probably still better mileage than my Jeep’s 2.5L. Sigh.
@Milan
My 7.3 gets 15+ mpg mixed and can hit 18+ on the highway if I stay out of the turbo—though that keeps me under 65 mph.
Emerson said:
@Milan
My 7.3 gets 15+ mpg mixed and can hit 18+ on the highway if I stay out of the turbo—though that keeps me under 65 mph.
Shut up. So you’re actually getting better mileage than me… I guess I need to pick up a square-body truck to swap between that and my Jeep.
@Milan
My 7.3 even gets better mileage than my old XJ with a 4.0. I averaged about 13.5-14 mpg in that, but my mail route XJ gets closer to 11 mpg now.
Emerson said:
@Milan
My 7.3 even gets better mileage than my old XJ with a 4.0. I averaged about 13.5-14 mpg in that, but my mail route XJ gets closer to 11 mpg now.
Is it normal for the truck to rock a little when starting? I test drove it, and it rumbles a bit when you fire it up. Is that just the diesel difference compared to gas engines?
@Jory
Totally normal. It’ll rock a bit when it first starts, but it should settle quickly. Definitely feels different than a gas truck.
Kasey said:
@Milan
7.3L diesels get decent mileage for a truck this size. At this mileage, though, it might need injector seals and glow plugs if those haven’t been replaced yet.
If you’re looking at an Excursion or similar, fuel efficiency probably isn’t your top priority anyway.
Jory said:
218k highway miles, well maintained. It has the 7.3L Powerstroke diesel, which I’ve heard is super reliable. Transmission shifts smooth and it starts up great. There’s only minimal rust.
For 218k highway miles and good maintenance, this sounds like a steal at the right price.
@Case
That’s what I’m thinking. I’m taking it for a test drive tomorrow.
Jory said:
@Case
That’s what I’m thinking. I’m taking it for a test drive tomorrow.
Check the rockers. If they’re rusted out, it’ll be expensive to fix.
Jory said:
218k highway miles, well maintained. It has the 7.3L Powerstroke diesel, which I’ve heard is super reliable. Transmission shifts smooth and it starts up great. There’s only minimal rust.
I had an '01 XLT with the 7.3 and got about 13-14 mpg. Not bad. Definitely get it inspected if you’re interested. Things to check: oil leaks (especially from the HPOP and rear main), charge boots, and wheel bearings. Those are expensive fixes. Also, they ride rough, even with good tires and new shocks. Still, it’s a great engine with a solid intake sound if you do the NAPA filter mod.
@Lux
Zoom in on the pics and you’ll see the rocker is gone. That’s not surface rust—it’s eaten away. I’d pass on this one.
Jory said:
218k highway miles, well maintained. It has the 7.3L Powerstroke diesel, which I’ve heard is super reliable. Transmission shifts smooth and it starts up great. There’s only minimal rust.
This thing could probably pull your neighbor’s house down. Legendary engine. If you’re happy with the test drive and inspection, go for it.
This seems almost too good to be true. Diesel Excursions are going up in value and hard to find. Be cautious—don’t send a deposit. If the seller is sketchy about showing the truck, walk away. If it’s legit, though, it’s a steal.
@Lior
No deposit needed. I’ve set up a test drive for tomorrow.