How long?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 914
Likes: 1
From: New Braunfels, Texas
How long?
Do you plan on keeping your truck?
I've seen some folks mention that they've had every incarnation of diesel engine Ford has made, and then others who have made the leap from the 7.3 to this one. Do y'all start out knowing you're either going to trade in a couple of years or keep til the wheels fall off? A post about engine wear and a Blackstone report got me to thinking about this.
I don't have a specific plan, figure I'll keep her until I (or someone else) decides I want or need something different. It would be nice to not have a payment, but now that I'm here and it's okay, not that big of a deal. But I know that's a factor for some.
So, what's your plan, if you've got one?
I've seen some folks mention that they've had every incarnation of diesel engine Ford has made, and then others who have made the leap from the 7.3 to this one. Do y'all start out knowing you're either going to trade in a couple of years or keep til the wheels fall off? A post about engine wear and a Blackstone report got me to thinking about this.
I don't have a specific plan, figure I'll keep her until I (or someone else) decides I want or need something different. It would be nice to not have a payment, but now that I'm here and it's okay, not that big of a deal. But I know that's a factor for some.
So, what's your plan, if you've got one?
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,777
Likes: 0
I usually keep a vehicle until it becomes unreliable or is constantly being repaired. My wife has a Jeep that is 11 years old. Has had some basic maintenance stuff (brakes & batteries) done until this past year -- basically trouble free. Within the last 6 months, wheel bearings, constant velocity joint and leak in the radiator started springing up. This is the time I start considering trading it in.
The reliability factor is more of a "I don't have the confidence in the vehicle and I am afraid it will break down on a trip" thing. If I don't have the confidence that it can do trips without incidence, it is time to go.
The reliability factor is more of a "I don't have the confidence in the vehicle and I am afraid it will break down on a trip" thing. If I don't have the confidence that it can do trips without incidence, it is time to go.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,865
Likes: 34
From: Annandale, VA
I agree with ^
I prematurely got rid of the 6.4 because I felt the handwriting was on the wall with that motor. The consistent poor blackstone reports with wear metals convinced me that the motor doesn't have the longevity that I thought I bought.
I plan to keep this truck until it falls apart.
I prematurely got rid of the 6.4 because I felt the handwriting was on the wall with that motor. The consistent poor blackstone reports with wear metals convinced me that the motor doesn't have the longevity that I thought I bought.
I plan to keep this truck until it falls apart.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,839
Likes: 2
When this truck was purchased, it was a long term investment. We were very happy with the SRW truck/Big Horn combination. A possible work opportunity has arisen. If this happens, a big toy hauler is likely in my future...along with a F350 Dually.
Regards
Regards
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,082
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
It varies for me. I kept my last truck, F250 6.0, for six years before trading it in. When I bought it I planned on keeping it for at least 10. I plan on keeping the 6.7 for as many years as I can. It seems to be engineered better that the 6.0 all the way around. This is the first truck where I don't plan to add any aftermarket items (such as oil bypass filter, coolant filter, EGR bypass, etc.) that I did no my 6.0.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 294
Likes: 1
I am with Marauder on this one..."I will keep my truck until it becomes unreliable or is constantly being repaired"....I even bought the 10 year 100K mile warranty to make me "Feel" better for spending so much money on a truck! I personally think you need to keep this truck for 15 years to get your money's worth out of it. I know that statement doesn't fit all as many of you make your living with the truck and need fresh trucks every couple of years...so don't beat me up. Having said that…..I just got back from the dealership (Having the TSB 11-8-24) done and they had a 2012 350/SD in the showroom…..It sure had pretty “Chrome-clad 20” wheels/$1000.00 option) on it!! I know…..I don’t need any more plastic chrome!!!......But they sure were shiny!!
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,783
Likes: 1
From: WY
I kept my 1978 F-250 for 21 years. I still drive my 1990 Ford Festiva to work. As long as a vehicle keeps doing what I bought it for, it has a place in my stable. Both of those vehicles were bought new. Once my needs change then I make an adjustment. I go into a vehicle purchase with as much insight and foresight as possible. When I buy a new vehicle, I treat it like it will be my last. Reliability is a big factor with me also. I hope this truck lasts 21 years. I'll be done dragging 5er's around by then I bet. 
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,637
Likes: 0
From: Roll Tide, Roll
I pretty much agree with all. Reliability for me is determening point.As well as have they made enough vast improvements in a newer model. Economy,Transmission, and electronics. To justify a new truck.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Dayton Ohio
I kept my last truck for 8 years, 117k. Was a diesel, loved it.
My wife suggested I look for a new vehicle, as well as I was wanting to try out a different brand this time around.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,402
Likes: 0
From: Upstate, NY
Once my kids are no longer camping with us (4-5 years at most) I'll sell the camper/truck. That money will be used to help them pay for college. My wife and I will still camp, but we will have a little camper and a little truck or maybe a small class C.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,862
Likes: 0
From: Kentwood, Louisiana
Over the years my habits have changed, used to be I'd start getting the itch whenever something new came out, it didn't really matter how many miles the vehicle I was driving had(never kept one over 50,000), I would just want a new one & I'd go get it. but since my 1999 F350 for 3 years, 110, 000, then I strayed to a Chev Avalanche(sorry)but it lasted 140,000, then my 2006 6.0-100,000, but this truck I will probably keep until the wheels fall off & then get new wheels, I only have 23,000 miles in about 16 months, this is undoubtly the one of the best vehicles I have ever owned and see no reason to ever get rid of it.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
From: California
In the past I have keep vehicles for 3-4 years or around 100k. I plan on keeping this truck for 150k-175k or more. Thus I got this one with every option I wanted or could need and then some! I have been following threads all over this past year and by far this 6.7 has had the least problems I have yet to see for many years now. My old 6.0 was only around for 2.5 years due to problems and rough / harsh ride. Thus new truck rides better than my Denali suburban that it is replacing. 
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
Length of ownership as a function purchase price % of annual salary
Yes reliability is absolutely a major factor. But I wonder if the purchase price has something to do with it. Let's look at it as a function of annual salary.
i.e. my KR, with most options except chrome and FX4, MSRP is approximately 1.3 times my annual salary.
That said, I plan on keeping with truck for a VERY long time.
I guess my thought is that if your truck is something like .5 times your annual that you might not tolerate inconveniences with reliability or significant increases in current capabilities without trading your truck.
i.e. my KR, with most options except chrome and FX4, MSRP is approximately 1.3 times my annual salary.
That said, I plan on keeping with truck for a VERY long time.
I guess my thought is that if your truck is something like .5 times your annual that you might not tolerate inconveniences with reliability or significant increases in current capabilities without trading your truck.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,600
Likes: 83
My plan is 10 years but I'll re-evaluate at certain milestones.
If my truck keeps going on it's current path it will run great other than normal maintenance and replacement of reasonable cost hardware that fails with usage.
I'll consider the extended warrantys when I get close to the ending of a current warranty.
A reason I would upgrade early with a great running truck is if I outgrow this truck such as the need for a crew cab, long bed SRW or DRW.
The other reason is if I begin to have major recurring issues then I'll move to something else.
The only thing I can see failing too soon is my transmission, specifically related to 2nd and/or 3rd gears.
Edit: I just remembered the Diesel care warranty has to be purchased prior to the 36k bumper to bumper.
If my truck keeps going on it's current path it will run great other than normal maintenance and replacement of reasonable cost hardware that fails with usage.
I'll consider the extended warrantys when I get close to the ending of a current warranty.
A reason I would upgrade early with a great running truck is if I outgrow this truck such as the need for a crew cab, long bed SRW or DRW.
The other reason is if I begin to have major recurring issues then I'll move to something else.
The only thing I can see failing too soon is my transmission, specifically related to 2nd and/or 3rd gears.
Edit: I just remembered the Diesel care warranty has to be purchased prior to the 36k bumper to bumper.