Opinions Wanted
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Opinions Wanted
Hey everyone, I'm looking at getting a work-dedicated truck (contractor) and have owned neither a Ford or a diesel, but in my brief searching around, it appears the consensus is that the Ford 7.3L Powerstroke has a great reputation. I'd love to get input from any and all of you such as:
1) Diesel vs gas (beyond diesel is more expensive, please!)
2) Pros and Cons of the diesel, specifically the 7.3L PS
3) Common issues?
4) Any cost-conscious guys out there have an average annual maintenance cost?
5) Longevity? I've seen a lot of hype about these motors lasting 1,000,000 miles
6) General opinions?
Thank you for taking the time to help me make an smart decision, your feedback is appreciated.
1) Diesel vs gas (beyond diesel is more expensive, please!)
2) Pros and Cons of the diesel, specifically the 7.3L PS
3) Common issues?
4) Any cost-conscious guys out there have an average annual maintenance cost?
5) Longevity? I've seen a lot of hype about these motors lasting 1,000,000 miles
6) General opinions?
Thank you for taking the time to help me make an smart decision, your feedback is appreciated.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2003
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While I'm no expert on any of your questions I'll chime in as you don't have any answers yet. I'm looking for a new truck and certainly don't needa diesel but it does appeal to me.
My opinion is cost seems to be about the same. Higher fuel price but more MPG. Higher oil changes but longer intervals. There is of course the 8000 price increase that would take me a bunch of years to make up the difference. That can buy a lot of gas. I'm still leaning toward the diesel though.
The 7.3 does seem to be the most liked engine out there. The only problem is you are not going to find it in any new or recent truck. I think it stopped in '03. the 6.0 and 6.4 aare not the favorites. the 2011 and up 6.7 is the best option right now. It didn't seem clear in your post if you were aware of that.
Again, I'm by no means an expert....yet. Wait for other replies. I just wanted to make you aware you will not get the 7.3 unless you get a well used truck.
My opinion is cost seems to be about the same. Higher fuel price but more MPG. Higher oil changes but longer intervals. There is of course the 8000 price increase that would take me a bunch of years to make up the difference. That can buy a lot of gas. I'm still leaning toward the diesel though.
The 7.3 does seem to be the most liked engine out there. The only problem is you are not going to find it in any new or recent truck. I think it stopped in '03. the 6.0 and 6.4 aare not the favorites. the 2011 and up 6.7 is the best option right now. It didn't seem clear in your post if you were aware of that.
Again, I'm by no means an expert....yet. Wait for other replies. I just wanted to make you aware you will not get the 7.3 unless you get a well used truck.
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Thanks 250, I'm wondering if I posted in the wrong place. I appreciate the input though. In fact, I am looking at an older truck as I will use it exclusively as a work horse. Probably in the '97-'03 range. Most of the trucks in that range have 180K-350K miles on them, but with the 7.3 PS that is allegedly just broken in well. I've been accumulating as much information as I can the last couple of days as I need to find something ASAP, and unfortunately opinions seem to be evenly divided. At least from the people I've spoken to. Guys that drive diesels seem to love them though they have warned that repairs can be more difficult and much more pricey, should you require them. Guys driving the large-displacement gas engines say they may get worse MPG, but the increased cost of a diesel and any repairs hardly offsets the 5-10% increase in fuel mileage. Plus, it's easier to find mechanics, parts, and fuel, all of which is cheaper. However, it seems significant engine work (top-end rebuilds, etc) are common on the gas-powered machines. Argh!
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2008
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For a dedicated truck an older 7.3 might be just what you want, but you will probably not find a really nice one too cheap. I just sold a 2001 with 200K and it was for 3000 dollars less than I bought it for 7 1/2 years ago and 100K more miles. I used to have a ford f350 flat bed that I used as a work truck for construction. Best work truck I ever had, it was an 86 I believe and had the 460 in it. It got either 9 or 11 mpg loaded or unloaded, 9 up the mountain 11 down. I went to diesels after that and multipurpose trucks, 7.3 direct injection, the 7.3 turbo diesel, now the 6.7. As a work truck the diesel is the way to go. As I contractor I would consider a flat bed 7.3 or even a roll back. You can get one with lower mileage for less than a pickup. A 12 foot bed is also good for hauling most things.
Condition and maintenance are everything with a diesel. A well maintained 300K one may be better than a poorly maintained 100K one. At some point older ones seem to get neglected, but you can find some nice ones out there.
Condition and maintenance are everything with a diesel. A well maintained 300K one may be better than a poorly maintained 100K one. At some point older ones seem to get neglected, but you can find some nice ones out there.
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Thanks, CRB. though I couldn't imagine trying to navigate a 12' bed around Atlanta! Given my anticipated daily hauling needs, I am leaning more towards a gasser at this point. And since I do most of the maintenance myself. It would be different if I knew someone that was selling their diesel and I KNEW it was properly maintained, but you know how that is.
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