I'm not a farmer, and I'm not a large hauler.

My dream truck is a diesel. Older one, 7.3 or 6.0 F-250

I will use it to keep a motorcycle in the back occasionally, and soon a 3000 miles trip towing a car. Small bass boat later.

Besides that this will be my back and forth to work, and to the grocery store truck.

I have my heart and mind set on a diesel. I'm also asking your advice, from the experienced F-250 owners.

I really want a 7.3 Crewcab, but we all know they are becoming harder to find with fair miles. I'm buying anywhere between 100k - 200k nothing over 200k.

Then there is the 6.0, which is a ton cheaper, and they are everywhere....

What engine would is more likely to give me minimal problems for 5 years?

I have done the research, but there is too many 7.3 lovers, haters and too many 6.0 lovers, haters.

I know it is personal choice, but which would better suit me in these everyday activities.

If you are going to recommend a Gas engine, please don't bother.. I would like someone to understand this is my dream truck, and that i'm just looking for recommendations between these two engines.

Thanks a lot in advance!

-Chad

 

If it is truly a "dream" truck, find a 7.3l crew like you stated. It may be harder to find than the 6.0,especially with decent miles, but there seems to be less trouble with them. Just like you asked...my 2 cents

 

Its possible to find a good condition low mileage 7.3.. But youll have to drive inorder to obtain that truck..

If you get a 6.0, get a 06 or 07 MO. Whats your budget?

 

I'd pick the 7.3. There's plenty you can do to 'em to build 'em up when you get the itch, there's a higher percentage of good'ns vs bad'ns. The downside is, yes, it seems that all the 7.3 owners must have gold plated their engine and put on diamond head studs for the prices they're asking, but if you can be patient and keep looking, you'll find the one you want for the price you want eventually.

I'd like one myself, actually. Just not as my DD right now.

 

I'm actually trying to find a good 7.3

So far I have found tons of them here in Texas. One ended up being a total loss salvaged truck with knocked back miles from over 200k to 105k. I ended that guys selling career with a simple car fax report.

Second one has almost 300,000 miles and they want 6k.

I have seen a few lifted, nice lariats for as high as 22k...

I want a 8k-10k truck with decent miles and 4x4. 300k is too much, 200k is fine, 160-180 is great, anything less at that price is a steal.

I'm not looking for a show truck, just good condition.

 

I know you say your "dream" truck is a diesel but for what you are going to be using it for, it's overkill.

Have you considered a V10? It'll be cheaper on maintenance in the long run.

 

A while back I weighed the option of getting the V-10. I do realize that maintenance is cheaper, parts, and everything all together including the truck. I have a friend that owns a newer model V-10, and he averages 10.5 -12.8 MPG towing nothing at all. He maintains it, and nothing is wrong with it. With gas prices being where they are at. getting a 7.3 or 6.0 and being able to get 2 times the MPG is a smart move right there. $28 more cents a gallon for 2 times the MPG is reality.

I know it is overkill, but I get out of the Army in a year, and I would like to move back home up North, and use it as a plow truck in the winter.

Overkill.. Yes you are right if you consider a diesel to be souly just for towing. I will be using it for that, but nothing serious. I have to have a diesel, I just have to. It is my dream truck. If something happens and it doesn't turn out to be what I know it is, then the resale value is great, i'll just trade it for a gas truck, but as of right now i'm just looking for advice between those 2 engines. I can maintain a truck. I have owned 4, and never have needed it to go to a dealership.

 

I'd go with the 7.3, but that's just me.

 

u will not regreat the 7.3

 

Understood.

If a 6.7 is out of the question, then a 7.3 would be my vote as well.

I'd also like to thank you for your service to our country.

 

take your time and look around for a good 7.3 otherwise go with a 2006-2007 6.0 and get the oasis report.

with good maintenance the 6.0 wont treat you wrong and if you go 6.0 get the 200k mile warranty better safe than sorry

 

If you're willing to travel you'll find one cheaper and in better shape. Got my truck in Sept for $12,500, 2wd though. I was looking at a tastefully modded CC up in Sonoma (wine country), asking $14,500 had 150K on it, 4wd...beautiful truck he had but he sold it before I got to it.

 

like u said 6.0's r everywhere but if u can find one thats in good shape that u like get it n maybe u can buy my motor, im bout to pull my 7.3 idi out of my truck to swap in a 460. the 7.3 in my truck is perfectly fine, start rite up. it has just under 230000 miles but the oil hase been changed every 3000 miles the glowpulgs, fuel filter, starter, alternater all have under 300 miles on them if u want ill even sell u the tranny which was totally rebuilt less then 2000 miles ago also

 

I don't want to shoot your dream down but I keep a pretty close eye on the Texas market; I don't think 8k-10k is going to get you the truck you're looking for, 6.0 or 7.3. Good condition 4x4 7.3s are still going for a premium, even when they've got a ton of miles on them.

If it were me, I'd save more or I'd be looking at other options.

 

I would also go with the 7.3. Dad's 01 f350 has only had issues with sensors and they had recalls on them. Other than that it is a very good engine!