2003 Ford F-250 XLT diesel for sale - Yuma, AZ - craigslist (2024)

FAQs

What year to avoid in a Ford F-250 diesel? ›

Consumer reviews say these F-250 models are the least trustworthy. The 6.0L Power Stroke diesel engine failure in the 2003-2005 F-250s was a major concern. Owners reported fuel system, turbocharger, and EGR valve issues that could damage the engine. Ford recalled over 1 million trucks in 2005 due to these issues.

The 2015 Ford F-250 is one of the best years for Ford F-250 due to its super diesel powertrain with 400 hp and 800 lb. -ft. of torque. Average pricing ranges from $9,235 to $36,957.

For 2003, Ford has a new turbocharged diesel V-8 for its big Super Duty pickup trucks. In the F-250 SuperCab tested here, the 6-liter Power Stroke diesel provided remarkable torque and brisk acceleration. The on-board computer registered overall fuel mileage of about 17.5 miles per gallon for this 5,600-pound behemoth.

Maintenance Is Important to Longevity

That said, while most gas engines are intended to last at least 200,000 miles on average, a diesel truck that is well-maintained can potentially last 350,000 to 500,000 miles.

Even though all years of the 6.4 Powerstroke were problematic, the main year to avoid was 2008, which was the first year it came out. The 2008 model was plagued with problems that mainly involved the emissions systems, which were frustrating and costly to fix.

Discover the worst Ford trucks, including the unreliable 6.4 Power Stroke and 6.0 Powerstroke engines. Learn why these trucks have numerous issues and are not recommended.

Overall the 7.3 Powerstroke has a reputation for being a very reliable engine. With proper maintenance, they can easily last a few hundred thousand miles.

The most reliable Ford diesel engines are the 7.3L Power Stroke V8 and the 6.7L Power Stroke V8. The 7.3L is most reliable in longevity, often reaching 300,000 to 500,000 miles with proper maintenance. The 6.7L is most reliable at higher towing capacity, with an upper gooseneck limit of 40,000 lb.

Powerstroke Engine Average Life Expectancy:

7.3L400,000-500,000 miles. 6.0L200,000-300,000 miles. 6.7L200,000-300,000 miles.

The F-250 can tow up to 12,500 pounds of conventional trailer when properly equipped. Safety: Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard. The Super Duty also offers power-adjustable pedals.

What is the mpg on a Ford F-250 XLT diesel? ›

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Since the EPA doesn't test vehicles as heavy as the Super Duty and its gargantuan competitors, we judge them based on our own testing. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, the F-250 diesel we tested returned 20 mpg.

Capacity: 15 quarts. . (with filter). After refill check oil level.

Between 1999 and 2003, the Ford F-250 went on a tough run. While you might give a few concessions to Ford for a new model year, 2001 ranks among the worst with 379 NHTSA (National Highway Transportation & Safety Administration) complaints. Chief among these complaints is a spark plug blowout.

It's not unheard of for diesel pickups to last up to 200,000 miles –or even 300,000 miles and beyond. The diesel engine's long lifespan gives these trucks good resale value on the used truck market. If you find a used diesel truck with high mileage, you may still get plenty of use out of it.

Several elements, including the model of the vehicle, how well you maintain it and the driving conditions, can affect how long a diesel vehicle lasts. With regular maintenance, many diesel trucks and cars can easily travel more than 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or even 200,000 miles (320,000 km) before they need repairs.

But if you're in the market for a 6.7-liter Power Stroke and you want to avoid developing pesky maintenance issues or paying for repairs, your best bet is to search for a 2015 or newer model and avoid model years 2011 through 2014.

Owners of certain Ford pickup trucks need to be aware that the notorious death wobble recall affects particular models. Specifically, F-250 and F-350 trucks from the 2017 through 2019 model years have been flagged for this steering issue.

The most reliable Ford diesel engines are the 7.3L Power Stroke V8 and the 6.7L Power Stroke V8. The 7.3L is most reliable in longevity, often reaching 300,000 to 500,000 miles with proper maintenance. The 6.7L is most reliable at higher towing capacity, with an upper gooseneck limit of 40,000 lb.