Finding an appropriate tow vehicle or a candidate that will take the whole family on wilderness adventures can be challenging, especially if cost is a consideration. That is where classics like this 1997 Ford F250 Crew Cab ride to the rescue. Its Turbo Diesel V8 produces mountains of torque, while it will seat five people comfortably with enough factory options to make any journey a pleasure. It isn’t perfect, but it is a rock-solid, turnkey proposition that is begging for a new home. The seller has listed the F250 here on eBay in West Plains, Missouri, with an asking price of $22,500.
Ford’s F-Series range has been an integral part of the company’s model lineup since 1948, and the ongoing popularity of these vehicles virtually guarantees that they will remain so for decades to come. The Ninth Generation graced showroom floors from 1992 until 1998, with our feature F250 leaving the line in 1997. The first owner chose the versatility of the Crew Cab, providing interior space to seat five comfortably. They also ticked the box beside Code UA Black paint on their Order Form, guaranteeing that this giant turned heads wherever it goes. The exterior shines exceptionally well, although the seller is blunt in their appraisal of its overall condition. They state that the paint looks better in the photos than in person, with a range of small chips and scrapes that evade the camera. However, the panels are straight, and although this classic has light underside surface corrosion, there is no evidence of developing penetrating rust. The bed is in excellent condition beneath a mat that has been in situ since Day One. The trim and glass are impressive for their age, and the alloy wheels add to this Truck’s sense of presence.
Air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player. That is an interior recipe that promises an enjoyable motoring experience when combined with the Gray cloth trim. The dashpad appears cracked on the passenger side, and the carpet has become dirty beneath the driver’s feet, but those are the only genuine criticisms. The seats are free from physical damage, the dash is clean, and the wheel exhibits only relatively mild wear. Replacement pads are easy to find for under $200, while a deep clean might lift the carpet’s appearance significantly. If that proves the case, this Ford’s interior could “pop” without the buyer spending a fortune.
Lifting this F250’s hood reveals a monster of a motor. The first owner took no prisoners, selecting the 7.3-liter Power Stroke Turbo Diesel that churns out 215hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque as quoted in the company’s Sales Brochure. A four-speed automatic transmission feeds the power to the road via a dual-range transfer case, with power assistance for the steering and brakes lightening the driver’s load. The power and torque figures should allow this F250 to effectively utilize its tow hitch, while it would take pretty rugged terrain to stop the truck in its tracks. Potential buyers can consider the F250 as a turnkey proposition that runs and drives extremely well. The odometer shows 223,000 miles, but the rugged nature of the mechanical components should allow it to provide many years of trouble-free motoring pleasure.
I admire the seller’s candor, confirming that this 1997 Ford F250 Crew Cab isn’t cosmetically perfect, because that may be one of its greatest attributes. You could walk into a dealership today and drive away in a shiny new F250 Crew Cab, but there are a few reasons why you shouldn’t if you are planning off-road adventures. The first is that most owners would hesitate to beat a path through the wilderness, dreading the prospect of scratches or scrapes that might mar their new toy’s perfect exterior. The second is the cost, because a new F250 will leave the buyer no change from $60,000. Lastly, we need to consider the subject of depreciation, which would be a significant factor with the new vehicle. However, it would be less so with this 1997 model, and those reasons combine to make it worth a closer look.
Good write-up Adam. Truck looks to be in good shape. Appears to be a private seller.
Even given the good condition, I’m still amazed that a Super Duty approaching 30 years old with over 200,000 miles can fetch this kind of money. But here we are. It is a testament to their quality, reliability, and desirability.
Somebody once said ” progress is a myth” It could apply to the state of diesel 4wd pickups today 😌
Thanks for the write up Clarkey, and usual astute comment from Bob 👍👍
This is just one nice truck. I can’t really add anything to what Bob and Stan said above, except I don’t remember what year Ford came out with the Super Duty 250 and 350 series Short Bed 4 door crew cabs, but when they did, that was a game changer. Not everyone needs an 8 ft. Bed. And that savings in length made it a bit easier to find a parking spot at Walmart. And also from a looks perspective too, the dimensions on trucks like this looks great. And also, those rims too, they really dressed these up, especially with dark colors or black like this one very classy “Goin’ to town rig” for sure.
It won’t fit in my garage, or I would be tempted by this one…it’s not too far from here at all.
Why does it need to fit in the garage?
I guess some people have a need for something like this, If they do more power to them. I mostly see these on the street belching black clouds of smoke and blocking the view of the road ahead, if I’m unlucky enough to be stuck behind one. The problem with this and SUVs in general is that with the ride height they can’t see someone right next to them if they’re driving a low to the ground sports car.
Best generation of the Ford trucks in my opinion. However this truck has two strikes against it for why I wouldn’t buy it.. 1) four doors I have no use for the back seat that just means more room to give someone a ride, I guess I could take the seat out and build a spot for my dog. 2) short bed my current truck same generation has the 8 foot bed and I can put a stack of plywood in the back and shut the gate don’t know why someone sitting in a office thought less cargo room is better.
I have a1997 f250 extended cab power stroke 4wd in toreador red
108k miles.
People knock on my door weekly lol
Right now not enough cash to make it leave my driveway.
By the way, the name super duty did not arrive until 1999 unless you’re talking the earlier 450s
Ford never made a 1998 heavy duty truck. They went right from the OBS 1997 to 1999 Super duty.
Happy memorial weekend everybody and thank you to those who have served for our country.
God bless the USA
MAGA
I have been driving F150’s and F250’s since 1986. I purchased my first F250HD in 86 / 351 cu in with a 4 speed and a granny gear. One great truck a real work horse. I do recall Ford changed their steering wheel in 94/95 I believe to a center air bag which was rectangle in the center of the wheel. This appears to have an earlier steering wheel w/o a air bag ?
I own and drive occasionally when I need it a 2017 F250 6.7L diesel. I know the 7.3 was a great engine but look at the HP and torque stats. These engines were not taxed in the least. Yes they lasted, they should but were also dogs by comparison to today’s product. I loved these old trucks but they just don’t compare to the new stuff. My 6.7 is now rated over 500 Hp, not that I use it. But would you believe 20 mpg city and 30+mpg highway (empty)? You cannot achieve that with these older trucks. Fuel systems and controls simply won’t allow it. I’ll put my 2017 F250 up against anything of this vintage in any contest. I’m sorry they just can’t measure up. Technology marches on guys. Taking nothing away from the looks because they bring back fond memories.its great to reminisce.
I have a ’99 F250 Powerstroke, towed full cargo trailers across the country multiple times. Paid 4k for it 5 years ago. The difference in price of a 2017 allowed for a lot of other fun things to be purchased.
Respectfully, I find your mileage figure to be a bit exaggerated. I have a 2019 F350 Crew Cab SWB Lariat with the 6.7 turbo diesel purchased new. Currently has 51,000 miles. The best mileage I have ever experienced in 20 MPG on the highway, empty, with 2 adults and a dog. The only way I can conceive 30+ is a 8% downhill grade with a tailwind.
I still own my 1997 F-350 regular cab ,8 ft. Bed. Have no use for 4 door trucks,just seems impractical. Bought mine in 98 and prefer the solid straight front axle over the independent front suspension on the 250s i have the 460 gas which i prefer abd it just turned 40 thousand miles. Great truck.
If your truck is still factory equipped, I agree. You won’t achieve the mileage I cited in my comments. The 7.3 could never achieve them either due to the mechanical fuel system.