Powerstroke or Gas?
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Joined: May 2011
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Powerstroke or Gas?
Getting ready to buy my first truck - I'm only 15 years old.
Looking for 96ish F-250 CC, 4x4 - but not sure what motor.
I really want a Powerstroke but my Dad does not agree. We live in Iowa where it gets really cold in the winter. So he is afraid that if I drive it to school to go to a wrestling meet and have it sit there all day (12+ hours) and its -10 deg out and its not plugged in, that it wont start when I get back.
Is he right? What do you think PS or gasser?
Looking for 96ish F-250 CC, 4x4 - but not sure what motor.
I really want a Powerstroke but my Dad does not agree. We live in Iowa where it gets really cold in the winter. So he is afraid that if I drive it to school to go to a wrestling meet and have it sit there all day (12+ hours) and its -10 deg out and its not plugged in, that it wont start when I get back.
Is he right? What do you think PS or gasser?
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,566
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From: Monroe/Ellensburg, WA
If you think you can afford to maintain and operate a diesel then go for it. I will tell you as a college student myself, It isn't easy to do... Gassers are easier to work on and parts are much cheaper.
Starting in the cold shouldn't be a problem if your glow plug system is up to par.
Starting in the cold shouldn't be a problem if your glow plug system is up to par.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 115
It's give and take. You save on fuel but get eaten alive when you have to buy two batteries, an alternator, and a starter all within a relatively short period of time. Budget repair money in with the cost of the purchase.
If it's a truck you want to stick with you through high school, get the gasoline. If you want it to stick with you for a larger portion of your life, get the diesel.
If it's a truck you want to stick with you through high school, get the gasoline. If you want it to stick with you for a larger portion of your life, get the diesel.
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Thanks for the replies I really appreciate it. And I really do want a Powerstroke! I love those trucks!
My Dad had a 2001 F350 PS and had a lot of problems when the truck was 3 and 4 years olds with starting and gelling up and could never find out what the problem was and finally got rid of it. Other than we loved that truck.
But because of that he is really worried about it not starting after not being plugged in for long periods in the middle of winter here In Iowa.
You guys all sound like you think that wont be a problem, is that right?
My Dad had a 2001 F350 PS and had a lot of problems when the truck was 3 and 4 years olds with starting and gelling up and could never find out what the problem was and finally got rid of it. Other than we loved that truck.
But because of that he is really worried about it not starting after not being plugged in for long periods in the middle of winter here In Iowa.
You guys all sound like you think that wont be a problem, is that right?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 20,419
Likes: 197
From: AZ
Like said above, maintance is expensive compared to gas. The diesel will last longer if taken care of. Starting will not be a problem if you have good batteries, glow plug relay and glow plugs. Synethic oil helps a lot too in the winter and of course, winter blend of diesel and/or some good power service anti-gell stuff. Good Luck PS, if your Dad would have gotten on the SD forum, his problem would have been figured out. Great guys on here and full of information.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Mt.Angel
Well like james said as college students it isnt always easy or cheap to maintian these things trust me, especially once you get the PMS bug, but its well worth it. But if your want it to start in the cold without a problem, get 8 new glow plugs, a stancor gpr, and maybe run 10w-30 in the super cold weather, good batteries, anti-jelling additive, and make sure ur valve cover gaskets and uvch are all intact and working. then it will start every time.
But i looked at it like this when i bought my truck at 19, it has a turbo, sounds cool, lasts forever, tows anything, goes fast, gets better mpg than a gasser and the upgrades for future power are endless. Alhtough i needed a gasser i wanted a psd, good luck making your choice.
But i looked at it like this when i bought my truck at 19, it has a turbo, sounds cool, lasts forever, tows anything, goes fast, gets better mpg than a gasser and the upgrades for future power are endless. Alhtough i needed a gasser i wanted a psd, good luck making your choice.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 105
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From: Grand Rapids
well rebel I just turned 17 and my first vehicle i bought is a 97 f350 powerstroke, shes not pretty, needs a few things done to it, but i love it. Like said above good glow plugs, batteries, and starter are all necessary for good starts. just remember when you go to buy your vehicle: Buy what you can afford. I shouldve gone with a gasser but the diesel was a deal and i love it.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 128
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From: Marion, Virginia
As said above, if its taken care of, it'll last you forever. Keep the Glow Plug system maintained and you'll have no problems starting in the cold, along with Anti-Gel for the super cold up there. I deal with milder winters here in Virginia lol. I got my Power-Stroke just a few weeks b4 i turned 17. Kept having too much trouble out of the old F150. I love my truck, I ain't the best to look at but It still runs well and was well maintained in its life (and It is quite the envy of most of my friends lol). I use it for a DD and pulling trailers around all the time. Expensive to maintain sometimes... But im sure I can keep this truck for the rest of my life if I take care of it!
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