I've been on this forum several times before and was just lurking, reading, and learning. I used to have an '02 F150 Super Cab but had to sell for financial reasons. I've had a couple Crown Victorias since then. I've been a fan of Fords of all sorts for quite some time. What I'm looking for are some honest (although slightly bias, I know this is a Ford forum) opinion. I'm looking to get a crew cab truck in the hopefully not too distant future. I'm trying to decide between a few different vehicles.

1. F150 Crew, 4x4, 5.4 Gas
2. F250 Crew, 4x4, 7.3 Diesel
3. F250 Crew, 4x4, 6.0 Diesel
4. F250 Crew, 4x4, 5.4 Gas
5. Dodge 2500 Quad, 4x4, 5.9 Diesel

My goals in a truck are to get reasonable mileage out of which ever truck I end up looking for. I used to get about 17 max out of my F150 and would like to stay there or better. I know diesel fuel costs more but do they actually get better mileage. I've heard varying reports on Diesel mpg. My question is whether or not any of the other options have as good of reliability and mpg. Also, I'd be looking for the 3.73 rear end because I won't be doing much towing.

 

My brother has an 03 with a 7.3 and I have an 03 with the 6.0. I like mine and he likes his. Lots of stuff to look for on either before buying one. Mileage as you know us a relative thing, depends on how and where you drive. My truck averages about 15 in town and about 17-19 on the highway. The 7.3 doesn't do as well. In my opinion, the 5.4 is a waste of time in an f250 or above, but then again I tow frequently enough to warrant the diesel. Diesels are more costly to maintain and repair than gas engines are so the cost of fuel shouldn't be your only consideration when shopping. As far as dodge goes, I owned one once and will not own one again. Good luck with your search, this forum is a great place for solid info and opinion.

 

IMO if you aren't doing much towing, forget about the diesel. They do get better MPG, but the fuel costs more and so does maintenance and repairs. Then there's the fact that you will be paying at least $5K more for the truck with the diesel.

If you want to get 17 MPG, forget about it with the Super Duty. These trucks weigh 7000-8000 lbs empty, so they aren't going get the MPG of the F-150, even with the same engine. If your main concern is MPG and you don't need the towing capacity of the Super Duty, the F-150 is your best bet.

 

I would try to find a good 7.3 first. Then a 6.0. I've had both. My last two being the 6.0 diesel. I've been happy with all my diesels.

 

Welcome!

Doesn't sound as if you need a diesel.
Doesn't sound as if you need a SD.
If you want a SD or a diesel get one.

If you want a diesel put a post on that forum as there may be more traffic there to point you in which engine you'd like most.

The V10 is a nice motor, Ive enjoyed mine, but the fuel mileage isnt within your specs. If you decide on a 5.4 give the V10 a look, as the MPG's arent much different.

My advice get an F150, theyre lighter and geared for fun.

 

All depends on what you want to do with your truck The 5.4 Is a great motor ,I pull a 10,000 pound fifth wheel with mine all summer long and it doesnt miss a beat. But about the best I get is 15 mpg empty so like others have said if you dont need a superduty get a 150.

 

I would stay away from the Dodge. I had an 01 2500 4x4 diesel. I bought it with 8000 miles on it in 01 and traded it in 18 months later with 27000 for an 03 F350 7.3 4x4. The Cummins was a great engine but everything around it was a POS. In that 18 months the output shaft on the transfer case leaked, pinion seal on the rear axle leaked, outer seal on the rear axle leaked, Brakes on the rear axle had to be replaced because of the seal leaking which got all over the brake pads, and it went in 3 times because it wouldn't hold an alignment. The transmission start having issues. I can't remember how many times it went into the shop. Finally I just got tired of it and traded it in on a Ford before the warranty went out on it. I have never had any problems out of the Fords I have owned. I think any of the trucks you mentioned will do you right. Get what you want.

 

Instead of looking at MPG look at Cost/Mile. It costs me $.31/mile in fuel for my 7.3 I get 13 city 18hwy, but pay $4.00+/Gallon. Look at cost of fuel in your area, and do your calculations.
Here are some ballpark MPG readings to get you started, all for the F250s. They will vary slightly for everyone though. They are just averages from what I've seen.

MPG Average (Tank to tank)
5.4 V8 - 11-14
6.8 V10 - 10-13
7.3 V8 - 12-18
6.0 V8 15-20

 

Fuel price or cost per mile is something I thought about. I've weeded out a few of the options based on mpg and reliability.

1. F150 Crew, 4x4, 5.4 Gas
Gas is at $3.30 a gallon here so that's $0.194/mile

2. F250 Crew, 4x4, 6.0 Diesel
Diesel is $3.70 a gallon so about $0.185/mile

3. F250 Crew, 4x4, 7.3 Diesel
about $0.205/mile

I know I'd have an extra cost when buying but the truck should also retain that extra value when it comes time to sell. I also understand that oil changes would be more. What other maintenance issues might cost more on a SD?

I've been looking at prices of trucks in Texas (I live in Wisconsin and plan on going down to Texas to get a rust free truck) and the diesels seem to cost a lot less down there than up here. I'm thinking I could get a truck down there and keep it for a few years and eventually sell it up here where they are valued higher. I'm not trying to make money but I think the initial cost of buying a diesel down there could be negated by the higher resale values for diesels up here. I know I don't NEED a SD, but I think it would be damn cool .

 

It's pretty much up to you. If you want a SD, then by all means get one. I love my 03 F250 7.3. I get around 15-20 mpg and the cost of diesel in NJ is $3.60/gallon. My buddy has an Excursion V10 and it gets around 13-15 mpg with a 4" lift and 35" tires. Like I said it's up to you.

 

Sounds like you have a good handle on what you want. I didnt "need" what I got either. Enjoy your truck. Just dont let the diesel sit, they prefer to be used. Sounds like you will be driving it as most of your concern is over fuel.

 

You're neglecting something in your cost analysis. Diesels cost considerably more to operate and maintain. Just an oil change will probablay be 2-3x what it is for a gas engine. And when something breaks, unless you're pretty handy, it can get expensive fast. Gassers break too but as a general rule they're cheaper to fix.

All that said, get what you want, it's your money. But you've stated you don't tow much - imo that's the only reason to get a SD. I also wouldn't buy anything solely on the thought that you can resell it for more later on. One big repair would quickly eat up any "bonus" you could get. The only time that would make sense is if you're flipping it, buying and reselling right away. Even then I really doubt you'd make much when you factor in your time and expenses to and from Texas.

 

3.73 is fine for a diesel SD (I think that is all they have) but in a V10, lower gears are better for MPG because the mod motor likes to rev. See my sig below for my truck specs.

 

Do you do all your own maintenance?

If not, total cost per mile says F150 with 5.4 all the way! By a huge margin.

 

Personally, I think maintenance on gas vs diesel is pretty close.. Its when stuff starts breaking that diesels can get more expensive.