I'll try and answer a few questions that you asked. I'm new to Diesel as well and could not be more impressed. My father has a 2012 Super Duty and the 2017 drivers like a 2014 F150, so it's very comfortable for a big truck. The camera option is a must for me now that I've used it, but I drive to client sites in tight spaces. I can back into spots easier than my wife's car.
Regarding oil changed the truck will tell you but in my opinion I'd rather change it more frequently as it's the blood of the truck and will help it last longer.
Regarding down payment I put 0 down and have a 1.49 rate for 4 years. Your mileage may very but shop around. I went thru a credit union and decided I can make more on my own than I would have putting down a large down payment. If it would have required a down payment to get that rate I would have put down cash, but I was fortunate that I didn't need any money down. So if you really want a truck understand what you'd be comfortable paying per month. Check out the rates and shop around as you'll see them everywhere (from 1.49 to 12+%.
I hate to say it but I have to agree that buying a new truck now may not make sense. Yes they are fun, yes they are really nice and drive well. Yes the 6.7 is a fantastic engine and will last a long time but a house is much more of an investment. I plan to keep my truck for 10+ years and am loving what I bought. I researched and honestly believe the Super Duty is the best fit and finish and will last the longest but as others have said your on a Ford site so we are a little biased. 😁
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I'm a newb so where did you find an interest rate like that!

My my credit union at work is only 2.9%

 

My employer works with KeyPoint which offered 1.49 for 3yr and each additional year goes up .25%. If you have autopay set up with them it reduced the payment .25% up to a min of 1.49%.

Great places to check are bankrate.com as well as any credit unions you may have access to.

 

I'm with the others here on waiting til after your house is done. I just bought a house and the debt/income is huge for banks. We needed to pay off like 20k in debt (mostly our cars) to get qualified for the next lower interest without buying down that point. That .125% interest would add up real quick in saving money over 30 years.

Save your down payment money for the truck and INVEST that into your house so you already own more of it! At my time of purchase every $1k down saved around $20 a month so you are looking at $200/month savings by investing that $10k truck down payment in your house.

Also as far as down payment for a truck, just depends on what you are comfortable with for a monthly payment. It doesn't matter if you put 0 down for the same deal, just impacts your monthly payment and how much interest you will pay on the loan for the truck.

A lot of the other questions you asked have been answered extensively in other threads. Do a search and read up on all of them.

 

The OP is mislead thinking that you change the oil on a 6.7 every 15k.
Lots of us say 5k miles then change. Modern diesels like clean oil.

 

Owning a diesel is more expensive from many standpoints: the original added cost for the motor, the more expensive oil changes, possible additives you might use, and the potential for very costly out-of-warranty repairs.

You cannot stretch the interval between oil changes to try and make the cost similar to a gas. Bottom line: my gas Ford pickup cost about $40 for a dealer oil change. I've never paid less than $157 for any of my diesels. That price does include refilling the DEF.

I fully understand the desire to own a diesel...I went through the same thing myself, and was only able to justify it by needing to tow a larger, heavier trailer and heavy equipment. Don't be fooled by the "big power" numbers the diesel engines make. These are very heavy and somewhat cumbersome trucks. The Ford F-150 EcoBoost trucks (both) and 5.0L V8 trucks are significantly faster. Probably the GM and RAM trucks are too. Don't expect to win stoplight drag races against half tons...not going to happen for the most part.

Diesel trucks are also not as noticeable now. The new engines are very quiet with much less clatter. They don't smell like diesel at all anymore either. If you are behind one, you'll never smell diesel.

Fuel economy is another argument. In general, you will get better fuel economy in the diesel, but regenerations are going to pull your average mpg down considerably...and diesel right now is about $0.25/gallon more than unleaded 87.

As far as down payment, do you have any equity in your 2015 Chevy? Dealers are perfectly content to use equity as a down payment. Personally, I put about $25k down on my current 2017 truck...but a lot of that was equity in the trade-in. Your credit score will determine your interest rate more than anything else. Long-term loans are available, but expect to pay a lot of interest. The longer the loan, the higher the risk deemed, the higher the interest rate...even with good credit. Shoot for a 4-5 year loan. These are considered typical.

You know your finances best and you'll need to prioritize. Will you be able to pull off a house building loan payment with the truck? Is getting the cool new truck now more important than finishing your house right off? That's your business and I won't advise you there.

I agree with Rodney...get the F-350 over the F-250 unless you live in a state that really hits you hard on the over 10k GVW. I know GM sells far more 2500's than 3500's, but with Ford it seems to be the opposite. Nothing wrong with a 250, but the 350 gives you opportunity for expansion, if you will.

You were asking about block heater, etc.

If you live in one of the "cold weather states" then the engine block heater and supplemental electric cabin heater are included at no additional cost. Cold states include states like MN, ND, SD, NH, VT, AK, MT, and actually quite a bunch more. You can look it up. The block heater is pretty cheap even if you don't live in a cold weather state, maybe around $80. I'd do that. The supplemental heater is a few dollars more, maybe $400? It is very nice if it truly is very cold out, like 20F or less. Otherwise, unneeded.

Last piece of advice is options vs cost. Some folks want a pretty luxurious truck but get sticker shock when they see the cost. A loaded XLT (mid model with cloth seats only) in diesel crew cab 4x4 configuration is going to be over $60k. I think some folks get pretty surprised when they realize $60k is not going to get them leather, or dual power seats, or automatic climate control. Just because an $18k Kia does will not translate to the heavy duty pickup world. You are paying for capability. Obviously you can do the build and price, figure a Lariat Ultimate being pretty near the $70k mark.

Good luck.

 

Yeah Rico...I saw that also. Better at least cut that 15,000 number in HALF....LOL...at least if not hauling heavy...more if so.

 

Diesels are great if you have the need for them, I am on my second diesel truck havin bought a 17'. I have a 5th wheel I pull with and I would not have a gas truck for towing it just isn't for me.

With that being said sounds like in your situation you have no immediate need for 3/4, 1 ton truck so would hold off, would make a lot more sense to build house now while interest is low and wait on the truck.

 

My previous tow vehicle was a diesel. My new 2017 Super Duty is gas. Couldn't justify the extra expense, complexity, and potential issues arising from the new diesels when my max gooseneck trailer weight will be 14,000~15,000 lbs or less and the majority of my hauling will be right around 10,000 lbs.

The new diesel trucks are a nice option if you need one or just want one and can afford it. I would rather sink those extra funds into my retirement investments so I can afford a diesel-electric when I retire.