Hi,

I'm about to buy a truck and have been cruising the forums for the last couple of weeks looking at as much data and maintenance stuff as I can. My old 1983 F150 is due to be retired, way to much rust to be saved, and 10mpg out of the 351 has been getting old. I've been very happy with it for 8 years, and have somehow become partial to ford trucks . . .

I was about ready to lay down the money for a '99 F150 2wd with the 4.6, auto transmission, generally good shape with 140K miles. Price was 2400, which seemed great . . .

Then today a friend offered me a '99 F250 SD, 2wd, 5.4, 5 speed with 167K for 3000. I told him no, it's way too much truck, but it's nagging on my mind. After reading who knows how many posts, I've somehow convinced myself that the manual trans might bring this close to the gas mileage I would have gotten in the 150. Am I crazy?

I work in construction and restoration, and occasionally haul vehicle trailers. I generally drive short distances in town, with the occasional LONG highway trip - driving who knows how far across the country for a new job.

I don't know quite how I'm in this position now, all I wanted at first was a slightly newer 150 with a 4.9 six and a manual for better gas mileage (why couldn't I have just found one of these a week ago that wasn't completely rusted!) . . . and now I'm thinking about a SD? Somehow it just seems like too good of a deal to pass up.

Preparing myself for a reality check . . . .
Dave

 

buy the superduty then if you dont like it sell it or trade it in on what you really need but that superduty will tow what ever you want!!!!!

 

Now is a great time to buy new if you can swing it...

 

buy the SD. You will be so much happier with the capabilities than the 150

 

Definitely can't buy new - business is getting kind of spotty and I don't want payments to worry about. I used to race SCCA cars, and towing them was pushing the old 150 past it's limits . . . hence the consideration of the super duty at all. But right now I don't have a race car at all, so maybe it's a moot point! Maybe I should just get the SD now, seems like it would be easy to sell in the future if the mpg is killing me and I find I'm not hauling that much.

 

I would take the SD over the 150 any day, 1/2 ton just won't cut it for me. The price seems fair even considering its only 2wd.

 

Get the SD. It's a great truck and you will make yourself more money if you put it to use. You can haul anything you want instead of having things delivered to your jobsite, you can take on bigger projects, you can haul cars for other people, etc.... It just opens doors for you, potentially.

Caution though, once you drive a 250/2500, you can't go back to a 150. When you go back they feel like minivans or cars.

Take the plunge and take on bigger projects with your work. It'll pay off.

 

And of course I guess I biased the replies I would get by posting this question in THIS forum in the first place! The thought of being able to grab a bobcat or front end loader whenever I need may push me over the edge into super duty territory. Thanks everyone!

 

for the small amount ur looking to spend for either truck u might aswell buy the SD...

even if the mileage ends up being worse then u expected ur not exactly out a fortune...

plu the SD is a FAR more capable truck then the 150...

 

Get the SD. You will not regret it. I traded up from a '95 F150 to get more pulling power. Man was I impressed. I'll never go back. T

 

For the last 2 months I was looking for an F250 to replace my '86 F250. Several times I was tempted to buy a nice looking F150 that I came across but in the end I stuck with the plan and ended up purchasing an '01 F250. Could I have gotten by with an F150...probably. But in the end the F250 gives me a lot more flexibility. If the choice isn't obvious definitely go with the F250.

 

I have had my superduty for 4 years now an have towed my cattle gooseneck with ease. I have the diesel but in your case the gas would be the best choice. Youll have the option off being able to haul a trailor or whatever you want. If the truck your looking at has had good care. Id say do it. They can say all they want to about HD trucks. But Fords superduty is by far the best HD truck on the road an has been since they came out. I have yet to have squeak or rattle in the cab in mine an have been through winding roads uneven terain you name it. But hey its a Ford you kind off expect that. Do it youll love it.

 

Chances are that the mileage won't be that different between the SD with a 5 speed and the 4.6 Auto. I'd go with the superduty also for all the reasons stated.

 

If mileage is a concern for you, it shouldn't be. My 2002 gets a consisten 15 around town and 17 on the highway, and I have been driving with a heavy foot due to a new exhaust. That isn't bad for a 3/4 ton truck. And, mine is an auto trans, 4x4 with over 140,000. So your manual 2WD will get even better!

 

Let me warn ya once you buy a superduty you cant go back