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Old Mar 18, 2003 | 02:32 PM
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need help deciding

I want to buy a 99+ F250 SD. I just need to decide what engine i want. i will be using it for commuting to work and as my everyday driver. it won't see a lot of work, but i want it to be able to handle anything i need it to. it will probably be used for work in the future. i heard the 5.4 was underpowered so that probably isn't an option for me (unless i'm told otherwise), the v10 seems like a great engine but bad on gas. i like the diesel, but i'm worried about maintanence costs. any suggestions? Which one is cheaper to operate in the longrun? what would be the price difference per month or year? please help.
 
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Old Mar 18, 2003 | 02:40 PM
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need help deciding

5.4L is the best. It is not underpowered and will do all the work you ask of it. It is defenitely the lowest cost to maintiain and operate. Plus it sounds way better than the V6, I mean V10 and the rattle box. Just my 2 cents.
 

Last edited by warmdye; Mar 18, 2003 at 02:43 PM.
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Old Mar 18, 2003 | 03:00 PM
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would it be better to get the manual trans or just get auto. i drive a 5spd ranger now. just wondering if it's more fun on the bigger trucks
 
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Old Mar 18, 2003 | 03:43 PM
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need help deciding

Originally posted by jackal18us
it won't see a lot of work, but i want it to be able to handle anything i need it to. it will probably be used for work in the future. i heard the 5.4 was underpowered so that probably isn't an option for me (unless i'm told otherwise), the v10 seems like a great engine but bad on gas. i like the diesel, but i'm worried about maintanence costs. any suggestions? Which one is cheaper to operate in the longrun? what would be the price difference per month or year? please help.
"Underpowered" is all relative to what you need it to do...

I'm sure the 5.4 is a great engine, but I know for a fact it wouldn't pull my 7,000 lb. travel trailer anywhere near as well as my V10. The other thing to keep in mind is that the 5.4 takes a bigger hit on gas mileage when under a heavy load than the V10 does.

As far as diesel goes, can't help you out there....It's a great engine, just not for me....
 
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Old Mar 18, 2003 | 03:58 PM
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would the v10 be the best compromise between the three engines. i need it mostly for commuting, i also drive to maine every once and a while (2 hour trip 50-55mph). i really just want a big toy right now, but one that can work!
 
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Old Mar 18, 2003 | 04:03 PM
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In my opinion....YES!!! But there are alot of guys here that would debate that....

If I run my V10 at 55-60, I can get up to 15 mpg....unfortunately, the only time mine sees that speed is on it's way to 80-85!!!!

With my driving, I get 11-12mpg....and I drive it pretty hard...
 
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Old Mar 18, 2003 | 04:56 PM
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i just crunched some numbers. i drive about 1000 miles/ month (usually less). with the average gas price of $1.70/gal. and diesel $2.00/gal (maybe different where you are) i will spend $142/month with v10 and $133/month with diesel. i used 12mpg for v10 and 15mpg for diesel. pretty average milage right? i know the numbers will change, but i was just looking for some rough estimates. with the extra maint. cost of diesel, i think the v10 is good for me.
 
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Old Mar 18, 2003 | 05:56 PM
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need help deciding

V-10 all the way !!!!!

Mark
 
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Old Mar 18, 2003 | 08:18 PM
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need help deciding

Like bddo said, I get my best gas mileage at 50-55 mph. Unfortunately, I have not seen even 1 tank with 15 mpg, but I have seen 14 a few times.
It seems like most people who are unsure of getting a diesel or gas engine end up getting the gasser. Diesels are better engines, but the $4000+ cost difference (for new trucks) will buy a lot of gasoline.
 
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Old Mar 18, 2003 | 09:13 PM
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need help deciding

[i] Diesels are better engines, but the $4000+ cost difference (for new trucks) will buy a lot of gasoline. [/B]
Don't forget $50.00 oil changes (unless you do it yourself).

A used 7.3 PSD wouldn't be a bad choice for the right price. Don't forget to look for one of those.
 
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Old Mar 18, 2003 | 10:02 PM
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need help deciding

With what your asking of it, I'd go with the V10, myself.

I would not go with the new 6.0L engine yet (untill they work out all the "bugs")

A used 7.3L powerstroke would be a good choice as well, but the V10 will probably fit you best.

On the gas price issue, I can't believe the price of diesel.

Where I go, diesel is $2.09 per gallon, and regular gas was like $1.69 !! I remember when diesel was much cheaper than gas (like $1.19 per) oh well, guess those days are over
 
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