Recently purchased a rare black/black 2003 SE7 with 157K miles... Lay it on me........
What can I expect from this vehicle within the next 3 years? No major transmission overhaul, no major drive train overhaul, in fact the car has been very well kept and is extremely clean, almost too clean. Is this the calm before the storm or should I anticipate a nice couple of years changing the oil every 3k and monitoring gaskets and hoses? I need the nitty- gritty, don’t sugar coat it, will this vehicle experience a catastrophic meltdown, or will it live up to the "maintain it and they will come" hype?

 

Roll the dice... who knows what will happen?
Search for head gaskets, oil pump, front drive shaft as a start.
Check the Major Service and How To stickies at the top, pay special attention to the front drive shaft.

 

If the truck has 157k miles on it your are probably out of the bad oil pump range. The head gaskets are probably done, so that should be a relief. Make sure the front drive shaft has been upgraded with servicable zerk fitting or it WILL break and take out your transmission with it, do a 60k mile service as suggested, see sticky at top of forum list. Use only premium gas. Saw $4.09 for premium last night at Chevron in Pacific Beach, wow. Start putting away your pennies because this truck will take your time and money and peace of mind. However, having said that, when it is running right, you will drive around with a big smile on your face. But remember, the next thing to fix is right around the corner.........enjoy. phil

1999 DI just sold it
2000 DII
2001 DII

 

Change all the fluids and filters, check the front driveshaft for grease fittings and enjoy the truck.

 

What they said, If oil pump or head gaskets were going to fail, they already would of. From what I have read the front driveshaft is a ticking time bomb if the joint is not greasable. Im picking mine up this afternoon from having the right joints installed.

 

x2 on the front drive shaft. I would say with 157k on the motor you are probably good if it's still running well. These motors seem to run forever or not at all. My experience has been once you get this high on millage it the suspension/drive train that starts showing the wear. You will really want to check that front shaft. I think they were good for 100k max, perfect conditions.

 

My 02 SD has 123,000 and runs like a top (original head gaskets). All the right advise has been given. I have switched to Peak coolant, all fluids changed, driveshaft rebuilt, new thermostat, pads and rotors, Kingsborn 8mm Red wires, Champion plugs. List goes on. But what a pleasure to drive. Nothing like it. Put together a schedule and have at it. Im on stock suspension but thats next. New 255/70/16 Cooper Discoverer ATR's.

 

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pics?

 

Great advice from everyone. Would add 2 things. Use 5 W 40 Rotella diesel oil and change every 4 to 5 K. If the engine leaks, just top it off between changes.

Also, use regular gas and save the 10% difference which adds up in a vehicle that gets 14 to 16 MPG on a good day.