I'm in the market for a used F250 diesel.

I found a 2002 F250 7.3L with 300k miles for $7,000 and I found a 2003 F250 6.0L with 120k miles for $12,000.

In general I suppose I should be looking for the 7.3L motor, but I'm wondering how miles play into that. If the 7.3L motor would go to 400k miles, then it has 100k left and if the 6.0 was only going to go to 250k miles, well then it actually would have 130k miles left making it the better choice...

Any thoughts? Should I go for the one with more miles because the 7.3L is just that much better? Or does a 6.0L with only 120k miles have a lot left in it even though its a problem motor?

Thanks in advance.

Tim

 

welcome on a board !!

 

Lots to consider.

7.3 is a great platform, 400k may be a stretch. Not to mention all the other components on the truck. Trans on the 7.3, built when? Front end work or ? Any other service/ repair info available?

The 03 6.0 was more of the problematic of the 6.0 run. When consider one, you might have Ford provide an Oasis Report for repairs under warranty. If it went through the warranty period without any major issues, oil leaks were common, or any other major component issues, would be a better indication of how its run up until or close to its current mileage. Any other service docs to support it history in service?

Some of the 6.0 issues were 'enhanced' with HP building products, not all, but helped with their 'history' through the years. My 05 has been trouble free 160k, but the later builds did have some improvements over first gen 6.0's. Stock HP is better on the 6.0 than a 7.3 and performance is better.

7.3, tough tried and true, but if I had to choose, one at or closer to the end of its service life, or one with known issues, ? Considering ALL the possibilities for repairs if no supporting documentation, I'd probably lean towards a 6.0 ( that has been researched, checked over WELL) or maybe a lower mileage 7.3 if one could be sourced. As far as a choice between 7.3 and 6.0 as far as worry free performance? no choice there, 7.3 would get the vote. That said, 'IF' I were guaranteed I'd have no repairs to either would have to be made,,, 6.0 would have the vote there..

Just my 0.2

 

I would go with the 7.3 over the 6.0. 7.3 is a much better engine. 6.0 is a very poor engine. They have injector problems, egr problems.
I have a 7.3 and its awesome. If you buy the 7.3 make sure it gets regular oil changes and keep all filters clean. Before turning off the engine idle the engine for about a minute so the turbo cools down.