Okay, My name is Ben and I have read through some articles and I usually find some answers but also raise more questions. Now I have never owned a diesel truck but really want to get one. Now I'm also looking through private sellers and the trucks I want have all these mods or they've fixed certain things that have broken or have gotten worn.

Now I know it differs from Chevy to Ford to Dodge and so forth. Idk what years to look out for i.e., 02-06 the ball joints go bad or whatever. I was planning on taking it to a Ford dealership to look over the truck. Also I read on here the 6.0 has had problems and there are problems unless it is take care of. Someone also said ppl should buy a gauge for your truck. Anyways I'm feeling lost and confused. I like big trucks but need help buying one

 

Do you intend on towing with your new truck? Also, how many miles a day do you plan on driving it? Diesels like to be worked, and the majority of problems you will find are when they are used as grocery getters. I had a 7.3 and a 6.0. I gave the 7.3 to my dad and he is driving it around with minimal issues (just about 200k on it). My 6.0 lost head gaskets, a turbo, three injectors, and an hpop in the first 6 months I had it. Total costs of repairs were north of $6k. You never know if or when you are going to run into trouble with a used truck, but diesels tend to be more expensive to repair and you should get some bang for the buck if you are going own one (i.e. hauling heavy loads). If this doesn't sound like something you need, I would look at a V10 or possibly a 6.2 if you can find one in your price range.

 

is this going to be your only car? i bought my first diesel, a 2004 f350 6.0 about a year ago this July. it has very low miles not many out there like this, 39k when i bought it, 43k now. had a few issues with injectors the first week i had it (first day actually, happened on the test drive) but i bought a 5yr warranty with it, and they covered 3k work of work/labor (ford dealer prices) for nothing. had i not had it i'd either be screwed, or buying parts and figuring out how to fix it myself.

not to scare you away, but diesels are expensive to maintain and fix (compared to gas). and 6.0's are picky and sometimes temperamental, that's why i asked if you will have another car. i love mine but if it ever gives me any major issues out of warranty and it has to sit for a while, i have other cars i drive as well.

like said above, if you don't tow much, or even if you do, a gas Super Duty is still a very reliable truck and great to tow with. my 2001 excursion has a v10 gas motor and it tows anything i personally own, it's just my diesel does it easier, but the v10 doesn't struggle at all by any means.

i understand if you just want a diesel just because, as i bought mine for the same reason, and i'm glad i did. it's now my favorite truck, and i think it corrupted me and i will want a diesel truck from here on out and won't want to even look at a gasser lol.

give us a little more info on what you will be doing with it as well as a few other questions i asked above and we can go from there and assist you as much as possible. i by no means am a know it all about diesels, in fact i'm learning as i go, as this is my first diesel. however i don't know if i would have bought it if it was my only vehicle, at least an older truck. if it was a brand new/close to new diesel then that's different. but to be honest i wouldn't hesitate to get in my truck and drive across the country tomorrow, now that i've had it a year and i got a feel for it.

 

Diesel trucks are designed to work under a load. (power & torque) They are not good daily drivers, always stopping and re-starting, driving slower in traffic defeats the diesels purpose. Doing so can cause more problems than not.

 

If you are not going to work a diesel, save yourself a boat load of headache and money and get a gasser.

 

Or buy an older IDI, where the parts are plentiful, cheap, and just driving it is working it lol. They're also a hell of a lot simpler.

 

Orrrr just get a newer gasser.

 

First off, I've had a lot of diesels over the years. I read this time and time again. Guys have never owned a diesel and want one, and the "deals" are always on 6.0 and 6.4. To me, these diesels are not for new diesel guys. I used to tell my friends, alright find a clean stock 6.0 and we will delete the egr and replace the oil cooler, do maintenance and you should be fine. Well after 2 friends got burned on 6.0 endless problems I just can't recommend them to anyone anymore, the 6.4 isn't even an option, ever IMO.
If you really want a diesel, spend time in the 6.7 powerstroke forums, and find one of them that will work for you. I would rather spend more on a 6.7 then end up spending more on a 6.0 or 6.4 to keep it on the road.
I left diesels almost 3 years ago, I've never been happier with my truck.