Hi,

I was just wondering if anyone has any feedback on what the average maintenance/repair costs should be for a 2002 F250 with Powerstroke Diesel engine? (assuming you are not doing the work yourself, but instead taking it to a reasonably-priced shop).

My truck has 145,000 miles and for the past several years I've been averaging about $200 per month. I'd like to keep it but this take a bite out of my budget, so I'm not sure what the best long-term answer is.

Thanks for any thoughts!

 

$200 seems like a lot, can you provide some insight as to what kind of problems you are running into?

I have a 1999 Powerstroke 350 which I have owned for four years. I do all of my own work so I cannot provide a dollar figure as to what I have paid for repairs.
In the four years I have replaced the starter and batteries, replaced the power steering hoses, replaced two brake lines (both due to rust) and just this week replaced the starter and batteries (all under warranty) again.

-David

 

Given I do most of my own maintenance, that sounds quite excessive.

In the last 3 years I can list everything I've done.

Brake line replaced. ($100...done by shop)
Tank straps (only needed 1, did both $100)
1 Caliper, slide pins/boots ($100)
Rear shaft u-joints and carrier bearing ($220...done by shop)
Wiper Motor. ($120)
2 Batteries ($220)
Oil/filter change (Once a year, 12k miles)

Now I did do my bed, and that was very expensive, but I won't count that as maintenance. That's more of a ******* tax for living in the north.

I've had a chevy (wasn't bad on maintenance) and a couple Rams (TERRIBLE) and I can honestly say that even with plowing, towing, off-roading, and generally beating the crap out of it, this has been the most reliable truck I've ever owned.

 

It really depends on what the costs are and what was fixed. Is it $200 a month, every month, for the same things over and over again? Or is it $200 a month from one or two big fixes like a new transmission over 12 months averaging out to $200 a month? It could be that just about everything on it is fixed and you're good for several more years.

 

I have had my truck just over a year. My last years repair cost has been around $3200. But it has 176k on it now. I have completely rebuilt the front end all seals, ball joints, tie rods, track bar and bushings, wheel bearings, calipers pads. You name it. I also did the oil cooler and egr upgrades when I bought it. I should not have to repeat this stuff in the near future.

 

Thanks everyone for your great feedback! Here is a list of the things I've had done since late 2011. Some I had to have done at a dealer because my boyfriend and I are full-time RVers and it can be hard to find a reputable local shop in some locales. Hopefully at least the higher-priced repairs will be fewer in the coming couple of years.

2011
Rear brakes (dealer)--$377
electrical troubleshooting (dealer)--$187
Electrical troubleshooting (dealer)--$100

2012
High pressure oil pump and IPR O-ring kit (dealer)--$1420
Thermostat gasket housing--$182
Serpentine belt--$78
Replace aftermarket transmission oil pan (dealer)--$250
Fuel filter (dealer)--$107
Reinstall stock air filter housing--$145
Slay bar links--$300
Auto transmission service (dealer)--$292

2013
Replace front ball joints--$700
Service cooling system (dealer)--$97

2014
Replace oil cooler and all hoses plus thermostae due to oil in radiator--$1200
Replace 2 batteries--$200

 

You will continue to have higher than normal maintenance costs as a full time RVer if you are pulling a lot of miles obviously. As far as actual repair costs go, it is a gamble as the miles build up, who knows?


New diesel trucks are anywhere from $50,000 to $70,000 and you won't save on maintenance, plus you will have to add DEF on a new diesel. That route won't be cheaper.


You could try to find a used 2010 - 2012 with low miles and go that route.


The bottom line is you have to pay for the miles you pull the RV down the road. Our truck isn't new anymore and our extended warranty won't last forever then we will be in the same boat.


I don't think there is an easy (cheap) answer.