Buying a new truck. Opinions wanted

[Sbarnes2]

Hey guys,

New to the forum as I have a 97 F150, but wanting a Super Duty forever. Ive been looking at cheap used trucks with lots of miles, but everyone has kind of talked me into getting a nice truck, abd spending the money not on a NEW truck but a newER truck. So I've found 2 08 super dutys for the same price. I am just curious which one you guys think I'd be better off with.

1) 08 F350 with a 6.4L. Ext cab short bed with 117k miles.

2) 08 F250 with a 5.4L ext cab short bed with only 53k miles.

I don't do much towing, and my commute is actually only like 2 miles a day, so I'm not too concerned about gas mileage. I have read a lot on the 6.4 though and don't want to run into any of the problems. I know more about gas motors than diesels, but it sounds like the 6.4 is much better than the 6.0.

I'm in southeastern NH if that makes a difference. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks so much guys!

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[DaveBen]

Diesel trucks don't make good grocery getters. They like to get hot on every trip and run for many miles. I know 2 miles each way is not enough of a trip to get the diesel up to normal operating temperatures. Go for the gas truck.

Dave

 

[Sbarnes2]

Kinda what I've thought. I would like to plow in the winter, and eventually get a truck camper (slide in camper). But I think the gas would still pull a camper fine

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[DaveBen]

Dave

 

[01yellerCobra]

IMO if you're looking at a gasser I'd look at the newer models with the 6.2L. I think the 5.4 is too small and under powered for a super duty. I had one in my 08 Expedition and was always thinking of ways to get more power out of it. Especially when towing my boat between California and Arizona.

 

[BIG JOE]

Yul need & want the low end, and mid range torque (Grunt) of Diesel for plowing and towing anything... in the Long Run.

You'd need to Modify ($) a gasser to get that... and might loose even more economy... in the Long Run.

If yer guna want a Pickup that will "fill the bill"... Long Term.. a DEZEL is the way to go.

Jus' an .03's worth.

Joe

 

[DaveBen]

Yul need & want the low end, and mid range torque (Grunt) of Diesel for plowing and towing anything... in the Long Run.

You'd need to Modify ($) a gasser to get that... and might loose even more economy... in the Long Run.

If yer guna want a Pickup that will "fill the bill"... Long Term.. a DEZEL is the way to go.

Jus' an .03's worth.

Joe

I would agree with this Joe, but he states low use for the diesel truck in daily use. I still advise him against the diesel in this instance. YOU know I am VERY pro diesel!

Dave

 

[BamKat]

Do not buy a 6.4 if you are NOT working it, I have a 6.4 and my drive to work is only 10 miles and I never get above 40 mph. The dpf never completes it cleaning cycle and I have had nothing but problems with it after 130k miles. I have parked my 08 and I drive my 97 7.3 every day to work now, I only use my 6.4 to pull my horses around and when I know I will be going over 50 mph for some distance.

If you really want a diesel..... Don't buy a 6.0 or 6.4. You will regret it. Buy a 6.7 or a 7.3.


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[BIG JOE]

I would agree with this Joe, but he states low use for the diesel truck in daily use. I still advise him against the diesel in this instance. YOU know I am VERY pro diesel!

Dave

I hear ya Dave.

My .03 is always based on the: Would'a, Could'a, Should'a facts 'O life ... as things change ? And it seems they always do ?

Joe

 

[WD40]

First off, Welcome to SDD.com, glad to have you here. I love my 6.0 Diesel and it's been a great truck for pulling my 16,500 Lb. RV.
I see that you live in Rollinsford NH. and that's way up there in the cold. I would go with a gas truck because of the cold you would
have to keep your truck in a heated building or keep it plugged in all the time and also run treated fuel in the cold weather. Yes the 5.4
will be low on power and MPG as you drive it. You might have better luck going out of state to find the truck your looking for like Texas,
OK, and Arkansas, for good used trucks. Just my two cents.
Doug