I hate to ask these questions but I would like some other experienced opinion about a car before buying it. I found a local 1989 F250 7.3 liter for $4200. It has 4 wheel drive, front and rear trailer hitches, cloth interior with no tears or holes, it is extended cap, 5 speed trans, new alternator and starter, power locks, power windows, and only two local owners. The best part is that it has 77,000. There is no rust or has ever been in an accident. Now only negatives I know of are that it has a small power steering leak and it leaks freon but the compressor works fine. I talked to a friend and he said that it wasn’t a good motor in the 89 and to try for something in the 1999 range. Is this true? What do you guys think, is this a good deal? Is there anything in particular to look out for?
Also I had a different friend that had the same model truck and said that he would get 12-15 mpg in town and 22-25 on the high way. Again, is this true?

 

This is partly true. I had the exact same truck to the year for my frist diesel. Still have it runs great. The mileage is true, as far as the motor, your first friend is wrong. I've had no problems with these motors. The 1999 range, is when the body style changed and the 7.3 motor had been changed for years. Computers and intercoolers are on those trucks along with hefty price tags as well. Nothing wrong with those trucks either. If your looking to get your first diesel the 89 is prefect. You get the experience you need with it. That truck, with proper oil changes and what not should last a very long time.

 

seconed with cadi said. and the mileage is possible. best i ever got was 25 mpg on the highway. not with the current setup i have now though.

 

thanks guys for your help

 

i recently sold my 94 non turbo 7.3l idi it had 39 inch tires on it and got about 17mpg on the highway at 80mph thats about what my 2000 7.3 powerstroke with 35s is getting on highway, the 7.3l idi is a great motor i kinda kick my self in the *** for gettin rid of her.