need help deciding
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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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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Paducah KY
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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Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Dallas, GA
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.
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.
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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need help deciding
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!
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Dallas, GA
need help deciding
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...
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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need help deciding
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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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: SC, USA!
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.
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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From: Medford USA!
need help deciding
[i] Diesels are better engines, but the $4000+ cost difference (for new trucks) will buy a lot of gasoline. [/B]
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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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: CT
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
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