Gas VS Diesel
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: ms
Gas VS Diesel
Ok I'm looking at two different F250's. One is a crew cab 2wd with a triton v8 and the other is an extended cab 4wd with a diesel. I have to drive about 30 miles to work one way every day and was wondering which one would give me the best average fuel economy.
Now my personal opinion would be to get the diesel for the pulling power. I help my dad on his farm and we have to haul his tractors and equipment to different locations. But I also would like to have the crew cab for the ability to haul kids around easier. I can live without 4wd I have done that for the last couple of years with my current truck but I hate having to be a little more careful with what paths I choose.
Now my personal opinion would be to get the diesel for the pulling power. I help my dad on his farm and we have to haul his tractors and equipment to different locations. But I also would like to have the crew cab for the ability to haul kids around easier. I can live without 4wd I have done that for the last couple of years with my current truck but I hate having to be a little more careful with what paths I choose.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,517
Likes: 3
From: SE Wyoming
Depends which diesel, 6.4L would probably get a hair better mileage but with diesel costing more it would be a wash and that would be before the more expensive oil changes. A 7.3L would get better mileage and a 6.0L probably would but then there are the problems with them.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Taxachusetts
99-03- 7.3 liter powerstroke, engine has very few mechanical problems and most are simple fixes, gets the best mileage
03-07-6.0 more power than the 7.3 but early engines (03 and 04) have known problems, most tend to avoid these years, other wise has proven to be a strong engine that also provides decent mileage
08-10-6.4, even more power but suffers in mileage, comparable to gas engines, complex engine with multiple emission controls
11+ - 6.7, most power to date, owners have reported good mileage so far, also a very complex engine
Honestly as far as fuel goes your probably only going to save on the 7.3 and even thats close depending on the amount of miles you drive. The cost of diesel lately and the added upkeep has really taken a bite out of the diesel fuel economy. The amount of pulling power you need/wants depends on how much you truly tow and what distances. I have an extended cab and constantly wish I had more space.
All in all if those are the only two trucks you have to choose from I would go with the gas but only because of the crew cab and you say you can get by with 2wd. I think you should keep looking though to find a truck that suits all of your needs.
03-07-6.0 more power than the 7.3 but early engines (03 and 04) have known problems, most tend to avoid these years, other wise has proven to be a strong engine that also provides decent mileage
08-10-6.4, even more power but suffers in mileage, comparable to gas engines, complex engine with multiple emission controls
11+ - 6.7, most power to date, owners have reported good mileage so far, also a very complex engine
Honestly as far as fuel goes your probably only going to save on the 7.3 and even thats close depending on the amount of miles you drive. The cost of diesel lately and the added upkeep has really taken a bite out of the diesel fuel economy. The amount of pulling power you need/wants depends on how much you truly tow and what distances. I have an extended cab and constantly wish I had more space.
All in all if those are the only two trucks you have to choose from I would go with the gas but only because of the crew cab and you say you can get by with 2wd. I think you should keep looking though to find a truck that suits all of your needs.
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From: ms
Thanks for the comments. I don't know for sure what year the trucks are but if I had to guess I would say the 99-03. But I actually like the looks of the extended cab better than the crew but if I am going to use it for the farm I really need to get the 4x4. I guess mileage isn't going to be much of a factor but I get like 17mpg in the truck I have now and if I could get the same or better than that I might could convince the old lady to let me trade. 
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Hook it, I'll pull it.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,037
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From: Grand Lake, La.
Welcome to FTE.
I say get the diesel, but I can't tell you why I say so because I will start a DEBATE.
I say get the diesel, but I can't tell you why I say so because I will start a DEBATE.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2011
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From: Maine
Thanks for the comments. I don't know for sure what year the trucks are but if I had to guess I would say the 99-03. But I actually like the looks of the extended cab better than the crew but if I am going to use it for the farm I really need to get the 4x4. I guess mileage isn't going to be much of a factor but I get like 17mpg in the truck I have now and if I could get the same or better than that I might could convince the old lady to let me trade.
And when factoring in fuel cost.... don't forget about "off-road/farm" diesel!
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From: ms
miller_feed thanks for the welcome but I have been here before but it was a couple of years ago when I had a 68 f100.
And to the comment about the off-road/farm diesel. I know you have to be registered with the state to get the diesel and not pay taxes on it but you also have to register the vehicle as a farm truck and that limits the number of miles you can put on the vehicle in a given year.
I'm just wondering if I got the diesel would I get in the low or high 'teens and I know with the gas burner I would get probably less than that with much of a load.
I am seriously thinking about getting the diesel though. I have always wanted one and if I need to pull anything I wouldn't have to worry about is it too heavy or do I need to go borrow someone's full size. I also know that my family only has one truck to pull my dad's gooseneck trailers (one flat bed and the other a cattle trailer) and the old 85 chevy 1ton flat bed ain't in the best of shape.
And to the comment about the off-road/farm diesel. I know you have to be registered with the state to get the diesel and not pay taxes on it but you also have to register the vehicle as a farm truck and that limits the number of miles you can put on the vehicle in a given year.
I'm just wondering if I got the diesel would I get in the low or high 'teens and I know with the gas burner I would get probably less than that with much of a load.
I am seriously thinking about getting the diesel though. I have always wanted one and if I need to pull anything I wouldn't have to worry about is it too heavy or do I need to go borrow someone's full size. I also know that my family only has one truck to pull my dad's gooseneck trailers (one flat bed and the other a cattle trailer) and the old 85 chevy 1ton flat bed ain't in the best of shape.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,398
Likes: 317
From: Whittier, CA
Unless you are hauling long distances, go with the gasser. You will be money ahead in the long run. You may haul heavy tractors, but I'm guessing the distances are short. The gasser pulls just as much load. It just isn't as good at it for long distance runs.
I also think you need to look at other trucks. You can get a gasser, crewcab, 4WD. You just have to look.
I also think you need to look at other trucks. You can get a gasser, crewcab, 4WD. You just have to look.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,832
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From: Maine
miller_feed thanks for the welcome but I have been here before but it was a couple of years ago when I had a 68 f100.
And to the comment about the off-road/farm diesel. I know you have to be registered with the state to get the diesel and not pay taxes on it but you also have to register the vehicle as a farm truck and that limits the number of miles you can put on the vehicle in a given year.
I'm just wondering if I got the diesel would I get in the low or high 'teens and I know with the gas burner I would get probably less than that with much of a load.
I am seriously thinking about getting the diesel though. I have always wanted one and if I need to pull anything I wouldn't have to worry about is it too heavy or do I need to go borrow someone's full size. I also know that my family only has one truck to pull my dad's gooseneck trailers (one flat bed and the other a cattle trailer) and the old 85 chevy 1ton flat bed ain't in the best of shape.
And to the comment about the off-road/farm diesel. I know you have to be registered with the state to get the diesel and not pay taxes on it but you also have to register the vehicle as a farm truck and that limits the number of miles you can put on the vehicle in a given year.
I'm just wondering if I got the diesel would I get in the low or high 'teens and I know with the gas burner I would get probably less than that with much of a load.
I am seriously thinking about getting the diesel though. I have always wanted one and if I need to pull anything I wouldn't have to worry about is it too heavy or do I need to go borrow someone's full size. I also know that my family only has one truck to pull my dad's gooseneck trailers (one flat bed and the other a cattle trailer) and the old 85 chevy 1ton flat bed ain't in the best of shape.
Seriously tho, I have had gassers of all 3 domestic trucks, this is my first diesel, and I can honestly say I will NEVER go back to a gas truck after this one.
A V10 would have no problem hauling either, just don't pass too many gas stations.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 52
From: Southern Colorado
From a pure cost perspective (oil changes, mods, air filters, etc.), get the gas engine. You live at sea level, so the turbo isn't really needed. If you want something more interesting, get a 7.3. I will not kid myself that my diesel is cheaper (it isn't), but I just flat had a hankering for a turbo-diesel 'anything'. There: it's all emotional! The startup rasp of the 7.3 is just music to my ears.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 939
Likes: 1
From: Central Kansas
Sure he can burn the off road fuel, but if he gets caught doing it on the road, he's going to get a hefty fine. Is it worth the risk? It doesn't take much dyed fuel to "contaminate" the on road stuff either.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,517
Likes: 3
From: SE Wyoming
Yeah dyed fuel in any vehicle is at least a $10K fine, you can still get green diesel and then file paperwork to get reimbursed for a percentage of the tax you paid on the highway diesel, and gas for that matter.
Anyway mileage I've driven 7.3L, 6.0L and 6.4L pretty extensively all 3 were 4wds 7.3L was a CC the other two ext. cabs.
7.3L 15-17mpg
6.0L 13-16mpg (hit 17mpg once during a long highway trip)
6.4L 11-15mpg (hit 15mpg once usually gets 12-14)
All of the above was not towing, 7.3L got pretty much the same towing the 6.0L and 6.4L would dip to 10 and even 9mpg with the 6.4L.
Only 5.4L I have driven is in my F150 and it got 13mpg bone stock but is a 4wd and NPI.
Anyway mileage I've driven 7.3L, 6.0L and 6.4L pretty extensively all 3 were 4wds 7.3L was a CC the other two ext. cabs.
7.3L 15-17mpg
6.0L 13-16mpg (hit 17mpg once during a long highway trip)
6.4L 11-15mpg (hit 15mpg once usually gets 12-14)
All of the above was not towing, 7.3L got pretty much the same towing the 6.0L and 6.4L would dip to 10 and even 9mpg with the 6.4L.
Only 5.4L I have driven is in my F150 and it got 13mpg bone stock but is a 4wd and NPI.