OT ford f250/350 question

JRSutton · Dec 3, 2015

My 88 f150 is starting to reach the end of its useful life.

I'm looking around for a low mile 2004/2005 f250 or 350

I don't really have a preference of gas vs/ diesel - but would like to hear opinions here if I should go one way or the other.

Price-wise it doesn't seem to make much of a difference from what I've been seeing out there.

I don't do a lot of towing, like a once every couple of months kind of thing <7500lbs - short distances. So that's A consideration, but not a very important one.

rrlund · Dec 3, 2015

If you go with a 5.4 gas,I'd go a little newer to an 07 with the three valve engine. I replaced my old 85 diesel with an 07 F250 with the 5.4 gas. Better mileage and more power than the old 6.9 diesel had by far.

jon f mn · Dec 3, 2015

I like my 05 V10 F350, but it gets 10 mpg all the time. I don't drive many miles so to me that is ok. It will pull anything a diesel will and be less costly to maintain and repair. I alway figure it takes a lot of towing to justify the extra costs that go with a diesel, such as up front costs, more expensive oil changes, more costly motor repairs. Any gas I've had has always pulled any loads I had fine.

495man · Dec 3, 2015

It will be a 6.0L diesel in those years, not Ford's best efforts, supposed to be a good engine if "bullet proofed"

I am a 7.3 guy so I am biased, but I'd go a couple years older and get a 7.3 truck....

Robert Major · Dec 3, 2015

Hi
I'm not going to start the 6.0 diesel Pile of junk Debate here. Just do a google search on them and make up your own mind on Gas or diesel for those age trucks L.O.L
I got a 99 7.3 with 1/2 million kilometers on. my next truck will probably be a low KM 2003 before the 6.0 diesel trucks in 2003 or something way newer, if they are any good in a few years ;-).
Yes if you don't do the milage a set of filters and a 18 ltr pail of oil is expensive for a diesel, plus any other issues with it. I drive mine a lot because i like it, not for low running costs!. My 97 gas GM half ton sits in the garage just in case I need a spare truck in an emergency situation.
Regards Robert

Mike(NEOhio) · Dec 3, 2015

'99 5.4 here, 222.000 miles and no real problems. Couple of starters and alternators. Replaced one coil recently. Never had a plug blow out but I've heard that problem is with the 3-valve heads. 3-valve engines also take those $30 spark plugs.

JayinNY · Dec 3, 2015

I have a 2000 7.3 over 200,000 miles I have only 2 compliants, the coffee cup holders suck and so the the seat belt retract thing, this also is a problem on my 99 f150 and my brothers 99 f250 crappy seatbelts, Anybody else have that problem with the seatbelt not retracting and getting stuck in the doorjamb or what to do to remedy the problem?

David G · Dec 3, 2015

I would try to get an early 2003 or older with the 7.3L before I got a late 2003 or newer with the 6.0, or 6.4

JRSutton · Dec 3, 2015

I've seen the term "bullet proofed" a few times and I have no idea what that means. ?

JRSutton · Dec 3, 2015

I'm in no rush, so I'll expand my search a little and take a look for 7.3s

I'd rather go a little older than newer if I can find something with low miles. I don't drive much at all - maybe a couple thousand miles a year. So as long as I find something solid, it should last me a long time.

thanks to all for the replies - gives me more to think about.

charlie n · Dec 3, 2015

This would be a good one if you were a little closer.

http://www.hiwaymotor.com/2000-Ford-F250SD/Used-Truck/RedBud-IL/6733113/Details.aspx

newhollandnut · Dec 3, 2015

I've had a 7.3 and have a 6.0 now and love my 6.0 I've had it for 7 or 8 years. Some components of the motor do need some attention. Egr delete, coolant filter added, 54 volt ficm and a high pressure oil pump upgrade. And run either rev x or archoil in the engine oil. I prefer the archoil. Until about a year ago it was my daily driver and only vehicle but I bought a 4x4 v6 beater because with the lift and 35" tires it doesn't get the best mileage but the 6.0 has been great and when I work for a pipeline company it was "leased" off me as my work truck and spent most of its life hooked to a trailer toting a skid steer pipe or whatever. The only complaint I have is the stock turbo seems like it takes a little long to spool up. The 6.0 "haters" are either guys who haven't owned one or don't know how to repair or take care of one. That being said there was a time I was trying and praying it would blow because the Cummins conversion would have been awesome

495man · Dec 4, 2015

Cup holders do suck..only good for larger soft drink cups, not cans or bottles etc.

New trucks had them in the arm rest as well.

No seatbelt issues here.

DairyFarmerInMA · Dec 4, 2015

I have a 6.0 6 spd 4x4 reg cab. I bought new. First of the 6.0's didn't actually know which motor it would have when I ordered it. The first 2500 mi were tough 3 new injectors and a turbo under warranty. Since then it's been great! Like you I don't drive a whole lot the truck just turned 75,000 mi. It pulls very well and likes it. Engine/trans combo make it pretty snappy/quick. Up in our neck of the woods rust may be a real issue with the beds. Mine didn't look too bad but most of the cross members were rotted out and there is a foam insert up over the wheel wells that are known to hold moisture and rot that area as well. A couple buddies have taken their beds off and put on replacements from down south and had them painted. I went with a platform dump I got for a great deal! It makes the truck handy for work. Though I did add some airbags after I put it on to help the ride. Just a suggestion but whatever you get for a truck... go to that local JD place and get some fluid film and start coating it once or twice a year. I learned about it too late for the PU Bed but the cab is still ok. My cup holders have been fine for soda cans as well as coffee but I can see how they could loose the spring to them easily. Stay away from a 6.0 that have been "chipped" that's one thing that I have never seen anything good come of. Anything from blow high pressure oil pumps to stretched head studs imho that motor just can't take it.

jimlll · Dec 4, 2015

I have a 2000 F250 7.3 4 door, automatic trans, 2 whl dr, white, leather upholstery, 7 ft bed with only 25,570 actual miles, never wrecked/dented, that I will sell for $30,000.
If interested ph me 225.229.0234

David G · Dec 4, 2015

That is low miles, I put half again that many miles on in a year.

Mike M · Dec 4, 2015

Whew Wee. A 16 year old 2 wheel drive truck for $30 K not much more will buy you a brand spankin new 4x4 one with a warranty !
Must be like the pickers Mike & Frank when they say what's the I don't want to sell it price ?

Mike M · Dec 4, 2015

Funny an 1995 F250 7.3 that is to be immaculate just popped up on Mansfield Ohio craigslist.

dhermesc · Dec 4, 2015

Where can you buy a brand new Super Duty 4X4 for $30K?

Mike M · Dec 4, 2015

It's not going to cost you any more per month and likely even less to buy the NEW one ! With all the zero interest and rebates will help too.
So you got his phone number go ahead and give him a call and go buy it since you think it is such a deal.

dhermesc · Dec 4, 2015

Per month? I only make one payment.

Mike M · Dec 4, 2015

What you haven't bought it yet ? ( jimill truck )

dhermesc · Dec 4, 2015

I'm waiting for you to tell me where you can buy a new Super Duty 4X4 for 30K.

Andy Martin · Dec 4, 2015

I paid $32,000 on 12/31/14 at Boeckman Ford in OK for a 2015 F-350 4X4 6.2 gas, 6 speed auto, SRW, pickup bed. Those guys only have one price and it is a good one. I told them what I wanted and they found it. Didn't price the diesel/DEF can't maintain. I was replacing the 94 Cummins with 300K but it's still carrying round bales. A new 2015 is probably cheaper this month.

Robert Major · Dec 4, 2015

Hi JRsutton
A rough translation of "bullet proofed" is I bought a brand new or very low mile truck paid anywhere from 10 used to $60.000+ for a new one. Then found out the motor was junk and paid another $10.000 for motor work after warranty ran out! to remove most of the emissions junk and fit new head studs and numerous other parts to hopefully make it run right/ stay together permanently. or at least long enough for some other sucker to buy it, before I totally loose my shirt on it L.O.L
Yeah you guessed I don't have the time of day for 6.0 diesels and for good reason!.
Regards Robert

OT ford f250/350 question

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