Hello everyone it looks like I finally will be able to get my first diesel. It won't be my daily driver but it will be occassionally driven empty and mainly for towing duties for around 9,000#'s. I am looking for a Crew Cab 4 wheel drive and like the 94-98 body style but heard the 99 and up powerstroke have more hp and have better trans. I have looked (online) at ones in my budget with mileage from 160K to 260K and wanted to here what people thought about high mileage used diesels. In the past I have bought a few gas vehicles over 200K that were maintained and I didn't have any particular problems with them but by then the trans was rebuilt and the suspension was starting to show its age. Are they able to get 20+ mpg's on the highway? Do I have to use any additives with the fuel? How long do injectors and high pressure pumps last?

The trucks I have looked at seemed to be maintained and the ones over 200K have rebuilt trans, Besides brakes, tires, exhaust, suspension/steering components and other things the SD were known for that I should look for/at? I had an Excursion so I assume many of the (non engine) systems are similiar. I was aiming for the 7.3L but a few "bullet proofed" 6.0's crossed my sights but I am unsure of them. I am trying to avoid making unnecessary mistakes so thanks for any help/info.

 

Ill try to answer some of these... The 94-97 are basically the same as the superduty. There is a power difference. Maybe 40hp.... You will probly and most likely not get 20+ mpgs. More like 16-18 on the highway. The injectors have a life span of about 220k miles. The oil pumps can last a bit longer. Mine has 243k... The trans in the superduties are not stronger... I see just as many rebuilt sd trans as obs trans.

 

Thanks I have been reading, reading and more reading on diesels. I'm hoping to get closer to 20 mpg on the expressway to justify getting rid on my current DD suv.