any red flags? Ford E-350 7.3 4x4

anapurnas · 08-20-2018, 07:05 PM

I am new to the forum and would love your expert opinions about a van I am considering. It's a Sportsmobile Ford E-350 7.3L diesel 4x4 2003 w manual poptop. After checking it out, I love it even more, and it got a thumbs up from the mechanic who checked it except for a recommendation to replace the drive belt sooner than later and that there was a very small oil leak, expected at this age.

I have always wanted a van like this, but many years have passed since I first thought of getting a van like this. I am wondering if I am stuck on this model and year, and if I should be moving on to "newer" models. I've always had it in my mind that this was my ideal van, and I've always been told this engine would last forever (it has 65,000 miles, good maintenance records).

I'm 45 and would use it for road trips w my husband and 4-year old.

Are there any red flags I'm unaware of with this van and year?
What should I expect to be reasonable to pay for this?

Thanks in advance.

wish41 · 08-20-2018, 07:49 PM

Just buy it and if you don't really want it, double the price and sell it here.

It is hard to give a value without more specifics and pics, but if you think it is a decent deal, get it. You will not have trouble unloading it later, if you need to.

**BroncoHauler** · 08-20-2018, 07:56 PM

7.3 reliable and goes forever with proper maintenance.
I think most 7.3's have a minor oil leak.
The transmission behind a 7.3 could be considered it's weak point. Many have gone hundred's of thousands of miles, some need a rebuild after 150,000 miles.

Bbasso · 08-20-2018, 08:32 PM

Lack of details but the basic ones listed say good so far.

Jdkh2001 · 08-20-2018, 08:54 PM

Hi you better buy that van if not turn it to someone on our forum would be all over it. Add pictures and pm me the sellers contact info - lol

anapurnas · 08-20-2018, 11:14 PM

Thanks everyone - yeah, I feel pretty psyched about it. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't having my van-goggles on and not seeing some flaw in my logic for wanting this so much. I'll post photos etc once I actually get it in my possession. I don't want to jinx it!