Help buying first ford!
 

Hello people! I'm a 50 something woman who needs a truck to haul our horses with. But I also travel to the ranch 4 days a week/lots of miles per year. I want to get a F250 powerstroke diesel 4 x 4 but not spend a fortune. I've been looking at used, and wanted to know if theres a better year out there than others, say 2006 and newer and what milage range is okay on the odometer? What should I look for in this truck? Would like the crew cab, but in reality only really have one passenger most of the time, would like nice interior, I spend a lot of time in there! Need AC! Can't stand the heat! I can hook up myself and go, just dont' want to get down to 35 going up a 2% grade with a trailer!! I'm okay to drive it until it's life is over. Thanks in advance. I'm in the San Jose, CA Area. Any comments on Theft salvaged titled vehicles?

Hello lls88 and welcome to FTE.

From 2005 and up, there are 3 different diesel engines and 2 different automatic transmissions. With any modern diesel engine, you can expect some hefty repair/maintenance bills compared to gasoline engines.

2005-2007 trucks came with the 6.0L Power Stroke and the 5R110W transmission. Great transmission. The 6.0L suffered from the undeserved stigma of being a bad engine. Early engines (2003 and 2004) did have a few issues, but after 2005 the issues were worked out. The 6.0L Power Stroke demands an attentive owner. Regular maintenance is key. Neglect the engine and you'll pay dearly.

2008-2010 trucks came with the 6.4L Power Stroke and again the 5R110W transmission. Many of the issues dogging the 6.0L were worked out. The 6.4L was the first Power Stroke to feature the DPF (diesel particulate filter) which uses a filter to trap diesel soot, then diesel fuel to burn off that soot. Consequentially, you will not get great fuel mileage with a 6.4L.

2011+ will get you the 6.7L Power Stroke and the 6R120 transmission. Like the 6.4L, the 6.7L uses a DPF, but also uses tailpipe fluid to cut down on emissions. SO far, aside from some early transmission calibration issues, the engine and transmission seem to be winners.

Aside from all that, how much weight do you intend to to and why do you think you need a diesel?

Why a diesel.....
 

Okay, truth be told I've always been a chevy girl....I know!! But I've really come to LOVE the looks and sound of the big Fords!

I've been driving my 1999 Suburban(modern stationwagon) since 2003. Got me through the kids stage, I've been into horses with my daughter now for about 10 years. We borrow a trailer and tow our horses but the K1500 just doesn't have the power to even get over a little hill with heavy horses in it. My horse is 1700 lbs, add another that weight and one normal 900-1100lb Morgan/Arab and we quickly are hitting close to 9-10klbs with the trailer. I can only tow on the flats. So torque I have learned is what to look for, also I'm good with keeping it till it dies(I don't need to have a new car every 4-5 years). I put on about 25,000-30K miles per year and I need an engine that I won't go through too quickly.

I've read that those 7.3's last a good 500K if well taken care of. I'm all over that!!!

Bottom line I need something with no worse gas milage than I've been getting(I'm spending about $125 a week in gas!), something that will tow whatever I want to tow, where ever I want to go and not feel like I might have to get out and push! And something that feels good to sit in cuz I'm in it 3 hours a day!

Im open to suggestions, Im open to earlier models, I'm open to the Excursion(I really like it). I don't have $50K to spend!

Thanks again!

A 7.3L Power Stroke came in the 1999-2003 trucks. Great engine, but the transmission (4R100) is not as good.

I would suggest you drop own to the various engine forums and read up on what the Power Stroke owners are doing with their trucks.

I haven't got a lot of knowledge of the different combinations and years that diesels or gas engines were used..... but........what I can tell you is that my truck is capable of hauling 12,000 lbs and it has LOTS power. There are LOTS of cattle hauling trailers around here and Fords(gas and diesel) are pulling them. There must be a reason for that.

Thank you for the input!
 

Hello both Redfort, fordboy and the rest,

Same here, I see a lot of Fords hauling big horse trailers, stock trailers and huge 5th wheel campers.

I just want to know I've got the power under the hood to tow, hell up to the High Sierras if I wanted too.......cuz if I could, I would, in a heart beat!

I'm gonna keep looking! Funny thing is, I have never even been inside one, let alone driven one! I need to visit my local Ford store and do some test driving. I just don't want to fall in love with a $60K truck! I know I would, Ha!

I just recently traded my 2000 f350 7.3. It was a very reliable engine and I had no trouble with the tranny. I just wanted a newer truck to haul my toyhauler. If you can find a good, well maintained 7.3, go for it. Don't exclude the F350's in your search.

If you plan on keeping the truck for a long time, consider a 2011 and up 6.7.

Thank you CarlT100! I will definitely keep the F350 in the running, and the 6.7.

You are very welcome. I wish you the best in your search. Please let us know what you decide upon.