I have owned a 1999 Ford E250 3/4ton Extended van, I loved the van but hated the wimpy V6. That van was purchased for $900 with 140K and had a $300 junkyard tranny put in it and I drove that for two years with no problems and sold it at about 170K.

*side note I have never owned a diesel vehicle, I drive a sprinter for work but its new and not mine so not an issue

The new van Im looking at is a 2000 Ford E250 Extended with a 7.3L turbo diesel powerstroke motor. The vans body is in good shape but it has.... 475,000 miles. Looking around online the common answer to the longevity of the motors is about 500K. So there lies my question. What is the needed maintenance at 500K on a 7.3 PSD, what should I look forward to rebuilding or check before I purchase it?

Any tips would be greatly appreciated, this van is in my price range and its what Ive been wanting for a longtime I just want to make the best decision I can and not buy a junker.

Thanks and awesome forums! Ive already learned a ton today

 

If you can take it to a diesel shop that knows Powerstrokes, I would let them hook it up to a scanner before you buy it. That is a lot of miles however, you can find motors for these trucks under 1000 bucks all day long...

 

i would have a leakdown test done... is the guy the original owner? maybe it was rebuilt before? also i dont think there is a designated " die" mileage on a motor. that motor...if taken care of can last another few hundred thousand. i would be more worried about the rest of the truck...suspension..steering.. that kinda stuff.