i found a 1999 f250 7.3 4x4 for a reasonable price. it looks really clean and everything, but it has 303,000km (188,000 miles). i cant afford much and there isnt many 7.3s around here and i am scared of buying a 6.0, would you say to buy it or look for something with a little lower miles.

 

I would have to look at it. 6.0s arnt scary after you stud and delete them

 

I would take 'er for a test drive , if she's runnin strong then go for it. If you end up with it take care of it and she might last for a good long time. not to mention if the motor goes ****-up 3-5k will get ya a new crate motor.

 

how long does the typical 7.3 last?

 

I picked up mine for $4K...it is a 97 with 150,000 miles. It ran good when I got it only to find out that it apparently wan't maintained too well. After two new front rotors and kingpins, tires, 4in exhaust, cold air intake and correct air filter and a chip, it was running much better...after taking a look at the injectors? I wish I had checked them first. Before you buy, pull the valve covers and check the poppet clearance, if it is less than .002, look for another truck. They will run forever if you maintain them right but can give you a lot if issues if they were poorly maintained. I know several folks that have over 500K miles with few to no issues other than normal wear and tear and a few upgrades.

 

188k is not too bad as long as the truck hasn't been abused by some kid with an edge chip. If you look around the truck and see funky wiring under the dash or under the hood I would stay away from it. Also drive it like the other feller said and expect to do the injectors soon with 188 on them they will be due for a rebuild soon.
Its not difficult to remove those valve covers, but I wouldn't imagine the seller would let you do that in his driveway.
Have a good look at the frame and body for rust too.
And holler at me if the oil pan is rusted and leaking

 

you would be surprized at what sellers will let you do when you have cash in hand...

 

its for sale by a dealer, and they said a few injectors were replaced heres's the truck: 1999 F-250 Super Duty Super Cab 4x4 Diesel - Manitoba Cars For Sale - Kijiji Manitoba Canada.

 

typical 7.3 is good for 300,000. Now dont let this fool ya cause there have been motors that extend to 800,000 mi. (my family has a 97, 7.3 with 801,001 miles on er) And she's still running strong. Original motor + or - a few essential parts.
all these guys on this site will tell ya that you need to re-place this that and the other to keep it running..... (NOT TRUE)
the only guarentee that the motor will keep running is the service record as long as you know that the owner took care of it and you continue to teke care of it. it will last a long time.