Hello,

I'm trying to make a decision tomorrow on which truck to purchase. I have narrowed it down to these two trucks:

1. 2008 F250 5.4L, 108k miles, $15k, XLT, Crew Cab, 8' bed, cloth seats, 108k miles, good condition, no problems, new tires/brakes

2. 2014 F250 6.2L, new, $33.8k XL, Crew Cab, 8' bed, new, leather seats, (nothing on top of price but taxes and registration)

Facts on how I will use them:
1. I won't ever tow something that either of these trucks will have a problem with.
2. 90% of the time I will have some tools in the truck that won't way more than 200-400 lbs
3. 5% of the time I will put construction materials in the bed such as wood, bath tub, dirt, etc.

I will keep either truck for at least 4 years, but the jury is out on whether I will keep them longer. I'm torn on the decision overall because I like the idea of saving money on the used truck, I don't NEED the power of the 6.2L, but I enjoy performance as much as the next guy, and I'm going to be a little disappointed with the 5.4L. Just like anyone else, I like having a new truck that I know how it was taken care of, but cost of ownership is higher for the new car excitement.

If you were me, which of these two trucks would you buy and why?

 

I have a 6.2 and it blows the 5.4 out of the water in terms of power. Also the 14's have bigger brakes and a better transmission over the older models. I like the 5.4, its a good motor but the 6.2 has more power and better fuel economy I get 13 avg vs my 5.4 trucks all saw between 9-11 mpg.

 

With the 5.4 being at 100k you're right at the beginning of being to start replacing things. Ball joints are easily 1k. Complete fluid change over will run your a few hundred not to mention any issues that start to crop up. If you're planning on keeping it my choice would be new. That way you know everything that has been done and have the warranty to fall back on.

 

I'm a huge fan of the 08 5.4 and hate the styling of the new trucks but as far as trucks go the 14 is a much better choice. You get a warranty and no issues to start with. But for the money and the amount of time you will keep it the 08 is still a solid choice

 

What set up did you have with your 5.4? 9 mpgs is the lowest I have seen so far out of one on here. I didn't even get that low with mine towing over 10k lbs. 15.5 is about my average unloaded.

X2 on the better tranny and more power for the 6.2. I like the 5.4 because it is more than enough power(almost the same torque and much more hp and better tranny than the 7.5 that folks claim will pull a house) and it is cheaper, but I am just not a fan of the 08 front end. I would still vote for the 08 though.

 

You stated the '14 XL as having leather. A XL has vinyl seats.
I would disagree that the 6R140 is a better transmission, I think the 5R110 is a better transmission in terms of shifting and always being in the right gear, the 6 speed never seems to be in the right gear unless I put it in manual mode, that gets old fast.
A better option in my opinion would be the 3v V10 and the 5R110.

 

Thank you for the responses. Hmmm, you are helping me justify the extra money on the 2014, but still a tough decision.

Thanks again

@dualwheels66. The '14 is an XL, and it has leather. I agree with you, when you build and price an XL online, leather is not an option. However, the dealership has 3 XLs and they all have leather, maybe they do it as a dealer install. And yes, I know the difference between leather and vinyl

 

I have to agree, the 6R140 is better but it seems like its always shifting way more than it has to. It does not feel as solid as the 5R110.

The truck im referring to is a material runner and plow truck for the winter. We have a full time driver always running ladders, pipe and material back and forth to different jobs. The truck is always in stop and go Chicago loop traffic and usually ls left running all day with many stops. Its always loaded with something. I know the driver is easy on the truck but with that kinda driving its hard to get good mpg.

 

My vote is on the 6.2.

Eventually old truck will cost more in maintenance.

 

Id pick the 08. The 15,000 dollars you save at the initial purchace is why. Keep the truck 4 years. Then buy a 2011-2014 like you looking at now. Likely you could get the truck for half of what you would pay today. Again likely if bought right you will loose little on the initial truck

 

How many miles per year to expect to put on it?
Are there options on the XLT the XL doesn't have that you will regret later not having?
Will you be adding mods performance or appearance, which will be easier and more cost effective to mod?
Does the warranty matter, if so how much in $ is that worth to you?

These are some of the things I try to answer when looking a vehicle change.
Also look at the little things, compare creature comforts and other functions like mirrors (are they the same on both models?), stereo (is there new functionality in '14), etc. 6 model years means subtle or not so subtle changes that over the next 4 years may or may not matter to you.

 

Hummm, warranty vs no warranty. Cost of minor upgrades, and a few unexpected breakdowns. Leak here a leak there. 6.2L vs 5.4L. I know what I would do. And will in about 3 or 4 weeks. 2014 or 2015 6.2L Platinum 4x4. Color not decided on yet. Good luck either way ya go.

 

I recently (Dec) purchased a 2014 F250 with the 6.2L instead of the diesel. So far this truck has handled this heavy Winnipeg winter and hauled a skid steer well. Have no issues as of yet and hopefully wont.

 

I think it really depends on the condition of the 08. If it is a clean rust free truck with a clean oasis then I say go for the XLT with the cheaper price tag.

For the record, I replaced all four ball joints on my 05 for less then 1k, and that includes some of the tools needed.

If your going to do the repair/maintenance yourself then the 08 would be a good decision.

Although I will have to say, there is nothing like getting a brand new truck.


.

 

Holy cow, 20 responses in 8 hours, this forum is great!

It is official, I just bought, and drove home the 2014 F250 6.2L!

I'll be on this forum some more now, thank you guys for the help!

Add-ons coming:
1. Bluetooth stereo, to enable hands free calling, with screen to allow back-up camera
2. Back-up camera
3. Back-up sensors
4. Running boards
5. Spray-in bed liner
6. Sliding bed cover
7. New wheels (nothing special, just don't want the steel)
8. Chrome Grille (came with the black grille)