1996 Ford F-350 XLT Centurion Crew Cab Power Stroke 4×4 – 35k Miles No Reserve

This topic has 10 replies, 10 voices, and was last updated 5 months ago by andrew_walker.

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March 31, 2026 #471
andrew90
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Just found this incredibly clean 1996 Ford F-350 XLT Centurion Crew Cab with the 7.3L Power Stroke diesel engine listed at no reserve on Bring a Trailer. Only 35,000 miles on the odometer, which is absolutely incredible for a truck from ’96. This is basically a time capsule.

For those unfamiliar, the 7.3L Power Stroke is one of the most legendary diesel engines Ford ever produced. Bulletproof reliability, simple mechanics, and tons of aftermarket support. This particular truck has the crew cab configuration which is perfect for families or anyone who needs to haul passengers regularly. The 4×4 drivetrain adds serious capability whether you’re working or playing.

The XLT Centurion trim suggests this truck was well-equipped from the factory. Crew cab F-350s from this era are increasingly sought after because they’re practical, durable, and still highly capable by modern standards. The fact that it’s a Power Stroke diesel rather than the gasoline V8 makes this even more desirable.

With only 35k miles, this truck appears to be garage-kept and meticulously maintained. The no reserve auction means whoever wins this gets a genuine deal on a truck that’s becoming harder to find in this condition. Original Power Stroke trucks from the mid-90s are becoming collector vehicles.

I’m seriously considering bidding on this one. The 7.3L diesel engines are known for going 300k+ miles with proper maintenance, so even with low miles now, you’ve got a truck that could outlast most newer vehicles. The crew cab configuration makes it practical for daily use, and the 4×4 capability is always a bonus.

Has anyone here owned one of these 7.3L Power Stroke trucks? Would love to hear real-world experiences and reliability stories. Also curious what others think this could fetch at auction given the condition and mileage.
March 31, 2026 #472
sofia_hall
Participant
That 7.3 Power Stroke is a gem. My uncle owned one for 15 years and never had major issues. These trucks are workhorses. The low mileage on this one is remarkable – most F-350s from that era have double or triple those miles.
March 31, 2026 #473
adrian72
Participant
The crew cab configuration is perfect. You get the practicality of a full cab with the bed space and towing capacity of an F-350. Not many three-quarter tons were built as crew cabs back then, so this is a rare find.
March 31, 2026 #474
olivia.lim
Participant
The no reserve auction is the smart move. These trucks deserve to go to someone who really wants them rather than sitting at a dealership. The market for vintage diesel trucks is hot right now.
March 31, 2026 #475
sofia93
Participant
I have to disagree here. While the 7.3 is reliable, parts and maintenance costs are substantial. You’re looking at specialized diesel mechanics, and fuel efficiency isn’t great by today’s standards. This isn’t a casual weekend truck.
March 31, 2026 #476
noah37
Participant
35k miles is insane for a 1996. That’s less than 1,500 miles per year average. This truck must have been pampered its entire life. Definitely a collectible at this point.
March 31, 2026 #477
david27
Participant
I disagree with the collectible assessment. These trucks are getting rarer, but they’re still work trucks at heart. The value is functional, not investment-based. It’ll never appreciate like a vintage Bronco or Blazer.
March 31, 2026 #478
andrew90
Participant
Thanks for the feedback everyone. I’ve been researching maintenance costs and Sofia93 makes a fair point. Full synthetic diesel oil, transmission fluid, and any injector work can run $2,000-4,000 per service at a specialist shop. But considering the durability, I still think it’s worth it for someone who plans to keep it long-term.
March 31, 2026 #479
sofia41
Participant
The 4×4 adds so much value. Crew cab 4×4 F-350s are perfect for both work and recreation. You can haul a horse trailer, pull your buddies out of the mud, and still have room for four people in the cab.
March 31, 2026 #480
andrew_walker
Participant
The XLT Centurion trim level is interesting. Not many people remember that Centurion nameplate. It shows this truck was properly optioned when new. Probably came with nice interior features for the time.
March 31, 2026 #481
david27
Participant
That said, if someone has the means and genuinely wants to own and maintain a piece of diesel truck history, this is the specimen to do it with. The 35k miles gives you a clean slate compared to a worn-out example.
March 31, 2026 #482
sofia93
Participant
Real talk – the insurance and registration costs for a truck this old aren’t trivial either. Plus diesel prices fluctuate, and you’ll want premium quality fuel. These hidden costs add up fast.
March 31, 2026 #483
noah37
Participant
Anyone else notice the bed condition? In the photos it looks completely rust-free. That’s another indicator this truck was exceptionally well cared for. Probably stored indoors during winter.
March 31, 2026 #484
sofia_hall
Participant
The no reserve format means it could go either way price-wise. Could be a steal or could shoot up with multiple bidders. That’s the gamble with these auctions. Still, Bring a Trailer attracts serious buyers who actually appreciate these trucks.
March 31, 2026 #485
andrew88
Participant
Those old Power Strokes are simple enough that you can do a lot of work yourself if you have basic mechanical skills. No computer complications like newer diesel trucks. That’s huge for long-term ownership costs.
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