I am in the process of doing my research to buy my first truck and am pretty set on getting an f250. So far, I have really liked the 1997 model. So i was wondering.. Does anyone have any bad experiences with a certain year? Or what year has the best so far, in your opinion?

Also, I am debating between a gas or diesel engine. I am leaning more towards diesel, because I tow and have heard about better fuel efficiency, but I am still learning about trucks and would like some input on cost, reliability, upkeep, etc.

 

Everybody is going to think what they have is the best. The newer trucks are more capable, have more power, are more comfortable and have more creature comforts.

If you want a diesel, buy a diesel.

 

What do you tow? How far do you tow it? Flat or hilly terrain?
The diesel will deliver more towing power, but is going to cost a lot more in maintenance and repairs. So you have to decide if it's worth it to you.
The gasser is no towing slouch, either.

 

Gas, most any truck 2011 and up

Diesel, 2014 and up. It has the second generation of the 6.7

 

There is a lot of good info to glean on changes over the years here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Super_Duty

I personally like my 2005 more than the previous years I had (almost everything is heavier duty), and for my current purposes the 3 valve gas V10 is preferred over the diesel 7.3 I had (though I loved that engine too).

 

First decide if you need/want a diesel or gas. Diesel will come at a premium both in price and maintenance. They also don't like not to work, so determine if you have enough work for the diesel to do or not.
Once you decide that, you're budget will lead you to specific model years. Then do your research. Generally, the trucks get more capable in the later model years. That's not to say the older ones aren't great trucks too. Good luck.

 

I think if you can state budget somebody might put you on what you need better. Also what are you doing with the truck. If your towing anything south of 5000lbs buying a diesel is over kill and probably a waste of your money.


Obviously the newer models are the most capable.

 

Well stated I think...the old 7.3's are really solid motors, but are expensive to buy now (hold value well) and will have a bunch of miles on them. They are generally easier to maintain than the 6.0's and later. Diesels will cost much more to service and failure modes (if you experience them) won't be cheap. I had a well built 6.0 that I ran in near stock tune...and it was an absolute hot rod. It WAS expensive to have head studs done, delete, etc. for a 10 year old truck. I miss the power, but not the headaches of constant attention. Your results may vary of course.

I'm enjoying my new to me '13 F250 6.2. Mileage sucks thanks to big (but sexy) 33's, (12 mpg roughly) but it's a dirt simple (by comparison) gas motor. I love it.

 

The best Ford gas engine is the 3v V10 available in F250's and 350's from '05-10. The best Ford diesel engine is the 6.7 available since 2011.
If you are towing under 10000lbs get the v10, if over 10000lbs get the diesel

 

The 6.8 3v V10 was and is the best gas Engine of its time and it's questionable whether it's been beaten just yet by newer gas engines with better transmissions.... Obviously I am slightly biased because I own one and it plays with an unloaded 7000lbs of 35' of empty flatbed and is rather impressive even with it loaded with hay.

Go V10 or Diesel for the years of truck you seem to be (edit, not be) looking for and which ever you choose will be better by far then a 5.4 V8..... You gain nothing (even MPG's).
How you use the truck will greatly affect the engine that will be best for you V10 vs Diesel.

 

stay away from the 5.4 at all cost.


But if you are under 10k towing and its weekend warrior and spotty Id stay away from 3/4 tons and get into a half ton. A 1/2 ton built in the last 4-5 years is more than capable to haul that 6k boat around and youll save more money.


The half tons of today are more capable than the 3/4ton gassers of the late 90s and early 2000s.

 

I'll take issue with that statement. My 3V 5.4L in my 2007 is a solid engine. I've towed 14k pounds without an issue. Why would you advise the OP to avoid them at all costs?

 

X2 on this advice!!

 

Can't tow up 18% grade hill at 150 mph probably. I have 3v 5.4 in my 2007 half ton and I thoroughly enjoy it. A very well designed engine with more than enough hp and torque to do anything thats needed.

 

Same here. My 2v has served me quite well and has spent 90% of it's life with trailers between 6-12k lbs hooked to it. Compared to my obs 7.3 I would take my 5.4 any day of the week.