Jump, Pass, or Run on this 1? - Diesel Forum

jonrjen · 07-21-2004, 02:34 PM

In my quest to locate a F-450 or 550 to use for towing a 5er, I came across the following.
New 03 F-450 4x4 Lariat Crew cab, 6.0 5speed auto, dual tanks, max trac tires, aluminum wheels, 4:30LS.......MSRP $50,285........Sale price: $39,284 ($4,000 rebate, $1,000 upfit)
Date of manufacture is April 03.
Question #1. is the price fair, or does it seem a little high yet. Anyone out there know of a better deal, prefer an 04, would take a 550/450 even a reg cab, but want at least an XLT or Lariat trim.
Question #2. Is the April 03 build date of concern? I don't want any bad experiences in the future.
Thanks
Jon

JIM_C · 07-21-2004, 04:11 PM

It's at least worth a test drive. If you can wait a little while longer until the 05s hit the lot, then you can really beat them up on it. They might even offer to let you keep it overnight or even the weekend if they know you're serious. 11 grand off MSRP sounds pretty good; I've seen TV ads for up to 9 grand off Excursions and 7 grand off F-250 and F-350.
As for the build date, it has the newer C95 injectors. Mine's a May 03 build and no major problems.

jonrjen · 07-21-2004, 08:07 PM

Sales manager called and now he is at $38,000 plus TT&L. Price is looking better, but how safe am I on the build date.
Give me some feedback, brutal but honest. Keep in mind this is an 03 F-450 4x4 Lariat, new leftover stock unit. Would I be anywhere near this price on an 04 or 05?

lincster · 07-21-2004, 09:37 PM

Does it have a bed on it?

jonrjen · 07-21-2004, 10:32 PM

No bed, I would be putting on a ranch style with skirted sides, boat tailed for pulling a fifth wheel, yet very usable on our ranch

Packard8 · 07-21-2004, 11:19 PM

Sounds good if you plan to keep it a loooong time. But remember you are eating 2 years worth of depreciation when you drive it off the lot. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

JIM_C · 07-22-2004, 10:36 AM

Jon,

I think I was wrong earlier about this truck having the C-95 injectors. I just read over at 6literpowerstroke that the C-95s started going in on May 3, 2003. But, keep in mind that there are thousands of trucks on the road with the earlier injectors and no problems. Good luck and enjoy it if you buy it!

jonrjen · 07-22-2004, 08:11 PM

Thanks for all of the imput. I just drove home my new 2003 F-450 Lariat Crew-Cab 4x4 5-speed auto. Overhead computer showed 16.3 MPG on a 60 mile trip, ot bad for a 4:30 LS ratio. MSRP was around $50,300 gave $38,000 and got $27,000 for my 02 F-250 CC 4x4 with 41,000 on the meter.
Figue if it shows problems, well that is what the warranty is for. I'll fix it up the way I want it, if major crap hits the fan, I'll let Ford intall a new 04 motor.
I figure there are many more happy owners than unhappy, but nature has its way of letting the unhappy yell louder when they are upset. The happy don't scream and shout..........after all they got what they expected...........a great truck

JIM_C · 07-23-2004, 10:32 AM

Congrats, Jon - 16.3 ain't bad (mine gets ~16.7 with 3.73 rear end). I hope all goes well with the new ride..........JIM

SUPERDUTYSPV · 07-27-2004, 10:27 PM

Since when do F-350's offer dual tanks on Super Duties????

ProCharger · 07-27-2004, 11:46 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Since when do F-350's offer dual tanks on Super Duties????

[/ QUOTE ]It's an f-450 [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]

jonrjen · 07-28-2004, 06:03 AM

Kind of an F-350 on steroids........