Looking to buy..

[gregrego]

Hey guys, new to the forum, looking to buy a Superduty; currently choosing between 2 different units;

08 F350 1 ton, black on grey leather, 6.4L w/ 72000 kms (~45000 miles)
4 door, short box.

08 F350 Harley Davidson Edition, 6.4L w/ 66000 kms (~41000 miles)
4 door, short box.

my current truck has lasted me 14 years, and broke once in that time frame, its a 96 sierra 1500 with just over 80000 miles on it, I took it to the dealership for all the scheduled services, all the oil changes etc, never drove it really that hard, rarely used it hard (daily driver, short distance) and I plan to do the same with the Ford. I baby my vehicles to the max, and leave no expense spared.

Is this Ford truck something I want to get into? I asked a friend who is a mechanic at a local Ford dealer, and he said,
"don't buy one, I wouldn't even buy one"

He's a bit of a drama queen, so I take his opinion with a grain of salt. I expect a lot more honest answer from guys who own them, and use them.

I don't want to be at the dealership fixing things all the time, even if it's covered under warranty.

Thanks in advance gents!

 

[DaveBen]

I would NOT get a diesel truck of any brand if I was you. You need to drive the truck more to keep it running good. Diesels are not good grocery getters. They need to be run on the open roads and not just around town. I vote NO. You will have almost no choice on who fixes your truck these days as most diesel mechanics don't work on small trucks.

Dave

 

[IHC Power]

Plus the fuel mileage is terrible on the 6.4L. You should buy another gasser 1/4 ton and not have to worry about down time. DaveBen is right no work, no work truck needed. Look into a SVT Raptor that's right up your alley.

 

[jonwright]

Bought my truck when I was towing a lot. Now I'm not. Would prolly get a gasser if I had to do it over again. That being said being able to pull 8k pounds of trailer at 70 mph in overdrive and be able to have a conversation with your mates in the truck going uphill was really nice.

It's about time for my annual $1k repair visit - think my ball joints need to be replaced (again) and I have a recurring fuel leak. With tires, ball joints, brakes etc etc etc that's about what I average. I seem to spend $$ on chassis, not the motor, though. Besides having a $600 bill when the alternator when out on my 7.3 (common) I haven't spent much on the motor.

If you don't need a 3/4 ton diesel, don't buy one. Or be prepared for the increased costs for upkeep and maintenance. Besides, diesels take a long time to get warmed up and you really should warm it up before you drive it when it's cold. You CAN, but the motor doesn't work very well unless it's warm. And mine isn't fully warmed up until I've driven about 5 miles or more on my 25 mile commute to my office one way.

Oil changes are more expensive (have you looked into that?), diesel is more expensive now, and replacement parts are *generally* a bit of a premium over 1/2 models.

However, that being said the fuel mileage ain't that great any more for any modern pickup - diesel or gas. Mine is the old 7.3L, and the new ones get HORRIBLE mileage - I guess due to all the emissions stuff. Definately worse by lurking around here than what my old truck gets.

If I didn't already own a trailer that requires a 3/4 ton truck to pull it I'd prolly be boppin' around in a Tacoma again or another full size 1/2 ton gasser.

 

[gregrego]

Hmm, thanks for all the input guys! Really making me second guess the diesel, even though no other truck remotely looks as good.

 

[DaveBen]

You can get the same truck with a GAS motor.

Dave

 

[F350DRW1]

Find a clean V-10 and don't look back.

 

[2ndPowerstroke]

Buy a gas model---I tow a 30ft trailer on vacation, but also use the truck as a daily driver. If I didn`t have the trailer I wouldn`t have the diesel.

 

[nailbender8usmc]

Whatever you do, don't buy a Ford product! You will be disappointed.