I've been lurking in the background but a member here for a bit. I've got a question. My old '99 F250 seems to be falling apart around the 7.3. I've put over grand in it the past three weeks just to keep it on the road. I'm to the point of "What's next", and am I gonna make it home without a rollback, and reluctant to hook a trailer or take a trip out of town. I do quite a bit of pulling farm equipment 40 miles between places. Looking for a gently used late model long bed 3/4 ton truck locally has been like pulling hen's teeth. I priced new, but I can't rationalize paying the money I can buy a house for a truck. I finally located one, a '11 supercab Lariat diesel with 12,100 miles at a dealer 50 miles from the house. Talked to the p.o. he said the only reason he traded it is, he's 85 years old, sold his fifth wheel trailer, and didn't need such a big truck. He says it has been sitting in his garage more than it's been on the road. So he traded for a new F150. Dealer has it listed for far less than Kelly Blue Book fair market value. Looks like it just came off the showroom, and comes with the fifth wheel hitch. Now the set up is done here's my questions.
1. Are there any inherent problems with this model year truck or engine/ tranny that I should be aware of?
2. I just learned about the DEF while looking for a truck the past few weeks. Didn't need a truck so I never kept up with the newer ones.
Anyway, how much does a truck use, and what extra cost does that incur say running 10,000 miles a year?
Any and all comments are welcome. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and reading my rambling.

 

I wouldn't buy a first year model.
I wouldn't own a modern diesel without a GOOD warranty.

 

57K on minte and the only problem was a DEF sending unit. Replaced under warranty. That has been an issue, but not a big one. Some radiator issues, but again, not a lot. DEF is not a big deal. I use 5 gallons every 5K or so...I really don't keep up with it. I do get 20 MPG daily driving, between 9.5 and 11 towing my 5th wheel. It's been a great truck.

 

I just bought a2011 F350 super cab 4x4 6.7L with only 28000 miles on it Paid $35000... now, I did get lifetime powertrain so that helps... but while any vehicle can have problems, it seems many here are happy with their trucks.... do you have a link to an ad for the truck? the DEF I think I used 5 boxes at $12.99 in 10000 miles on my 2012.

 

Traded my 08 for an 11, 6.2. Same gig as you. 81 year old gent just couldn't handle a big truck any more so his family had him get rid of it. Spoke with him. 36k gently used miles. 1/2 the price of a new truck. I can not justify 800/mo for a GD truck! It was serviced at the dealer since new. I did trans and engine oil service. Its going into the stealer ship tomorrow for both front hubs(ones clunking but having both replaced under warranty) and an Evap solenoid problem. Small stuff. So far Im happy with the exception of the chrome pealing off the passenger running board and Ford will not help out one bit with that.