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Getting my first Diesel

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Old Nov 1, 2015 | 09:56 AM
  #1  
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Getting my first Diesel

Thinking about getting my first diesel and ford truck. I have found an 07 with the 6.0 FX4 that has 311000miles for 7800. Says rebuilt turbo new high pressure oil pump, fuel pressure sensor, vgt sensor. No deletes or studs.(not sure what that means) Should I be afraid of this with the mileage and original tranny. Or I found a 2000 with 7.3 with 210000 miles with a 5speed for 12000. Or should i be looking at one with 6.4 or 6.7. please give opinions. Forgive me I am new to posting in forums and newb to diesels. Thanks
 
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Old Nov 1, 2015 | 04:37 PM
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300k miles its a crap shoot. you could get another 100k without issues or it might blow it up tomorrow making it not worthwhile fixing.


One thing with the 07 even though its got more mileage its not as old. things fall apart just due to age as well.


If your in the 5-10k range for buying a truck, its a crap shoot, and do your HW to ensure you buy the best one.


think if your looking for a 6.7 your going to be in the 15-20k range for starting. But if your budget allows I would get a 6.7 as they are more capable and have better mpg.
 
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Old Nov 1, 2015 | 04:53 PM
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Since you are completely new to this with very limited funds, I would encourage you to really take your time. For that money, you are likely to get something very well used so how it was maintained will be crucial.

In the best of situation, diesels are not cheap to maintain or repair. Keep reading and learning so you can make an informed decision. If you have a friend who has a diesel, take them along so you are not flying so blindly when you inspect and test drive.

Good luck

Steve
 
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Old Nov 1, 2015 | 05:56 PM
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Thanks for the info. I will probably try and find one with lower miles. I have seen some for 12 - 15k with anywhere from 135000 and up on mileage. Will continue to try and research. Should I be concerned with ones that say EGR delete or not bullet proof?
 
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Old Nov 2, 2015 | 01:05 PM
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How much weight do you tow and how often do you tow it? There are some very capable gas trucks out there that may do the job.

I think bullet proof is a company that sells upgrade kits for diesels, Bullet Proof Diesel Heavy Duty Engine Oil Cooler
 
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Old Nov 2, 2015 | 04:46 PM
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Do you need a diesel powered truck for some reason? If not, stick with a gasser. A $30 buck oil and filter change on a V8 or V10 is $75 in your back yard for that diesel. Then there are the fuel filter changes - 12 bucks for the gas engine, 30 or more for the diesel. One fuel injector on a diesel costs the same as a set of 10 for the V10. One 100 buck battery vs two of them .... and the list goes on and on especially with a 6.0 or 6.4 that haven't been 'bullet proofed'

But with that said, if you really want a diesel truck, that's great - as long as you know what you are getting into for your hard earned bucks (and no, I wouldn't buy any pickup with 2-300,000 miles)
 
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Old Nov 2, 2015 | 04:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Irelands child
Do you need a diesel powered truck for some reason? If not, stick with a gasser. A $30 buck oil and filter change on a V8 or V10 is $75 in your back yard for that diesel. Then there are the fuel filter changes - 12 bucks for the gas engine, 30 or more for the diesel. One fuel injector on a diesel costs the same as a set of 10 for the V10. One 100 buck battery vs two of them .... and the list goes on and on especially with a 6.0 or 6.4 that haven't been 'bullet proofed'

But with that said, if you really want a diesel truck, that's great - as long as you know what you are getting into for your hard earned bucks (and no, I wouldn't buy any pickup with 2-300,000 miles)
X2! If you are not 'working' a diesel, they can be a money pit. ANY vehicle with that many miles is going to have issues. Be patient and shop around. Don't overlook the gassers, lots of good ones out there too.
 
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Old Nov 2, 2015 | 10:12 PM
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Thanks for the info. XR7GT390, I will tow aprox 7000lbs on avg pulling a 26ft enclosed trailer and every no and then a tractor with loader and backhoe.
Irelands Child, I have had many gassers and want to see how a diesel compares.
Diamnd1 will shop around going to try and find one with 150k or less
 
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Old Nov 3, 2015 | 07:00 AM
  #9  
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You should post this in the 6.0 forum. You will get more exposure to the 6.0 experts and possibly more suggestions on what to look for.

6.0L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

For what it is worth, I bought the truck in my sig with 226,xxx on the odometer and love it. I did some preventative maintenance on it when I got it and have had small repairs since. Nothing major but some repairs are to be expected on a used car.
 
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Old Nov 3, 2015 | 08:34 AM
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Not that you should if you do it all the time, but the base non turbo v6 F150 can tow 7k. You're of course welcome to get whatever you and your money wants, but it will be a waste of it from a "use" perspective. I'm just as guilty. I have a 7.3 and I use it to putz around my farm and pull out shrubs and move stuff.
 
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Old Nov 3, 2015 | 10:25 AM
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Speaking from experience, the 7.3 is probably one of the best 1st diesels you can get. They are sturdy, reliable, easy to work on, and relatively cheap to maintain (compared to other diesels).

210k is not bad for a 7.3 at all, it's rest of the truck you need to really look at. I bought my 7.3 with 196k for $9500 4 years ago and put another $1k into worn out suspension components. It has 276k now and is going in for a trans rebuild. Other than that it's been nothing but regular maintenance and upgrades.
 
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Old Nov 3, 2015 | 11:23 AM
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For what you are towing, any gas super duty and most all half tons will do just fine with. If you are set on getting a diesel, I agree that the 7.3 is a good starter engine. They won't win any races, but they are simple to work on, cheaper to fix than newer psd's and are more than enough engine for what you plan to use it for.
 
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Old Nov 3, 2015 | 10:20 PM
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Originally Posted by akorcovelos
Speaking from experience, the 7.3 is probably one of the best 1st diesels you can get. They are sturdy, reliable, easy to work on, and relatively cheap to maintain (compared to other diesels).

210k is not bad for a 7.3 at all, it's rest of the truck you need to really look at. I bought my 7.3 with 196k for $9500 4 years ago and put another $1k into worn out suspension components. It has 276k now and is going in for a trans rebuild. Other than that it's been nothing but regular maintenance and upgrades.
Love my 7.3L. 2003 with 280K miles and I've done all the work myself. It is old and requires regular attention since it's 13 years old (built in July 2002) but is like the Energizer bunny...it just keeps going and going and going. If I was looking now, though, even as much as I L-O-V-E the 7.3L, I would be looking at a well maintained and "bullet-proofed" '06-'07 6.0L. Just my .02
 
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Old Nov 4, 2015 | 01:00 PM
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I got my 7.3 and it had 440k on it, I knew I would pay more for a diesel but I can at least work on it and did some preventative maintenance on it
 
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Old Nov 4, 2015 | 10:40 PM
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242k for my 2002 that I got for 9500. She had a work bed on it that I sold for $800 and am getting a new bed, hitch installations (goose and 5th) and install plus wiring for 2k, I'm gutting the whole cooling system just cause and she'll need absolutely nothing else. Hopefully.

If you feel you need a diesel. And can justify the costs, then get it. If not then grab gasser. They really are great trucks, the gassers.
 
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