I was going to post this as a reply to another thread, but it got a little too long winded and I figured it would be better as its own thread. So this is my situation:

I WANT a diesel, but I don't NEED a diesel. I've been in love with the Ford Super Duty since I was 18 years old, but have yet to own one.

The new body style has pushed me closer to pulling the trigger on a new Super Duty. I'm looking to buy at the end of the year. I either want to find a leftover '17 or (because I'm picky) special order an '18.

Currently I have a 2015 F-150 Platinum that is more than enough for what I need. I can count on one hand the number of times I've towed anything, and nothing heavy. I live in the South Florida and my truck is used mostly for hauling landscaping and home renovation materials as I work on my house. This truck is a lease and I will either need to start looking for my next vehicle at the end of the year or buy this one out. So I figured this is the time for me to take the leap to the Super Duty.

Again I don't NEED a Super Duty, but I WANT a Super Duty. I also really WANT the 6.7L PSD, but I definitely don't need it. I don't have emissions testing where I live and would probably delete the truck prior to expiration of the warranty. I've read a lot about diesels liking to work. They need to drive or haul to keep them happy. I have a vehicle that I drive for my job, so I only put about 5,000 miles (or less) on my truck per year and 70% of that is very short distance city driving. I live in the suburbs of Miami/Ft. Lauderdale so everything I need is close by. From what I've read, these aren't ideal conditions for a diesel so the practical side of me is considering the 6.2L gasser. I just feel like having a Super Duty gasser is like driving a V-6 Mustang, what's the point. I'd definitely prefer the 6.7L, but is the long drive and hauling just good for the truck because of the emissions regulations and to burn that crap off? If I delete the truck, will it still last me a long time with my short-distance city driving? I'm wanting to keep this truck for years and years to come.

 

And I just realized a screwed up the title of the thread. I meant to put PSD or Gasser

 

I think that you know the answer to your question.

Don't fight it.

 

I doubt you'd regret a diesel, but be aware of the added expense it brings. You gotta pay to play.

 

Get the PSD, you won't really be happy without it.

 

but, but, but...towing, but, but, but...resale
Towing is true for those hauling Full-on bull dozers but most campers and fifth wheels? No need. The 6.2 is more than capable. Minimal to no towing, overkill. Resale? Yes, true again, buy it for 9k extra, spend extra per year of ownership to maintain, hope to not suffer a 15k repair bill if something breaks and yes...upon resale you will get 4K more than a gasser. The 6.7 diesel is (anecdotally, in forum land) having problems, the 6.2 gasser is proving reliable beyond 400,000 miles and more than capable for anything you might tow in the future. Gotta consider your real world useage, highway miles, lots of idling, city driving, less maintenance? Gas wins my friend. Oh and by the way, MPG? 15 diesel, 14 gasser, hardly worth the 9k.
I'm not finding the 6.2L XLT and Lariat Super Duty incredibly more expensive than a nicely equipped F-150. If you NEED a truck at all, might as well WANT it to be a higher level of capable.
I'm having this same discussion with my nephew at the moment, he can't justify the need for the Diesel but the Bros (who don't tow anything either) have him convinced his ***** will shrink if it's not a diesel.

 

As someone who does a lot of short distant drives, go with the gasser. If I wasn't towing a 10k lbs fifth wheel, I would have gone gasser. As a matter of fact, if I was planning to stay in the state with the RV, I would have gone with a gas, but we are planning some longer trips across the country, and the diesel is a much more relaxed tow for those drives. If you don't tow, skip the extra expense and headaches the diesel gives you for short trips and enjoy your gasser. If you want a bit more pep, opt for the 4.30 gears over the standard 3.73.

 

I went through the same thought process. I WANTED a diesel. But then I thought it out and went with the 6.2. Cheaper, less maintenance costs and I don't tow much. I still get the Super Duty that I want, but not the added expense. Win-Win in my book. Good luck with your decision.

 

Well, I think everyone in the world should think about "practical" instead of "want" !!!!


Do I NEED a 40+ft toyhauler to haul my Polaris RZR (needed toy?)?? Pulled by a 2016 F350 KR DRW PSD??



Do I really NEED in excess of 400 HP to run around in a 3600lb car???

Hell, I am over 70 yrs old, so the NEED part of the equation answers that!
But life is too damn short to be "practical" all the time!! I have more regrets about the things I haven't done than the things I have!!!!

 

MadeinDade:

I would suggest that your major-item decision list is longer than just PSD or gas:

• Variant: F250 or F350
• Drive 4x2 or 4x4?
• Final Drive: Axle ratio?
• Rear: SRW or Dually?
• Cab: Regular, SuperCab, CrewCab
• Bed length: short or long?
• Trim level: XL, XL Value, XLT, XLT Premium, Lariat, Lariat Ultimate, King Ranch, KR Ultimate, Platinum, Plat Ultimate?
• Other options (several can add up in a hurry!)

Our new F350 is on the way. We tend to "haul heavy but tow light", so here's how we went through our decision process:

• Variant: F350; to get the 6R140 transmission and beefier rear axle and springs
• Drive: 4x2; we don't "off road", and better fuel economy
• Axle Ratio: 3.73 EL; more than enough for our needs (+/- ~14K lbs. GCWR)
• Rear: SRW, absolutely no need for a dually
• Cab: CrewCab; tall/big guys in our family, and/or lots of interior storage space
• Bed: Short; more maneuverable than long bed, can drop the tailgate to carry 8'+ material
• TRIM: XLT + Premium + 40/console/40 front seats = pw, pl, power driver seat, heated front seats, powerscope mirrors, AC inverter, and LOTS of other goodies, but no leather
• Other: includes BIG 240A alternator, upfitter switches, camper package, spray-in bed liner, CHMSL camera, tailgate step, and other stuff
• Engine: Gas; the 6.2L V8's specs are even better for 2017 (i.e., more peak torque at lower RPM), and we have no need for the PSD's copious capabilities or cost

Result: We're going to have a very capable and comfortable truck with an MSRP of just under $50K.

Good luck with your decision!

HTH,
Jim / crewzer

 

I've never had an issue with short drives in my 6.7L trucks. Just make sure you can take them out for a decent highway run every week or two.

As for the comment about the 6.2L in the Super Duty being like the V6 in the Mustang...I disagree. The V6 Mustang is a great deal! Many car magazines have commented on how the lighter-weight V6 means a better weight bias and better handling. Yes, less power...but still...a relatively light weight car with 300 horsepower, a manual transmission, and a $26k price tag? Great deal.

The 6.2L is likewise a great engine, and a good deal. For 2017, as someone mentioned, considerably more torque at considerably lower RPM. I was very pleased with my trucks with the 6.2L.

 

The term behavioral addiction correctly refers to a compulsion to engage in a natural reward – which is a behavior that is inherently rewarding (i.e., desirable or appealing) – despite adverse consequences.

I'd say go for the diesel!

 

Buy what you can comfortably afford. If you want a diesel, and it's clear you do, I suggest you get one. Getting the gasser may lead to early buyers remorse and the little bit of savings of getting the gasser will not outweigh your internal struggle to WANT a diesel. If you feel after a while the diesel just is not what you need or want anymore sell it. But if you get a gasser, sell it in short order and buy a diesel( from your post this could happen based on your want of a diesel) you will be in worse shape. Isn't Ford coming out with a diesel for the F-150 next year. Do you want a Super Duty, diesel or both. That will determine which model you want if the F150 will have a diesel next year. Good luck.

 

Go with what you want - the diesel, drive it for a year and if you've lost the desire for it or found that it just really doesn't work for you then sell it and get something else...You won't lose too much in the first year as surely 2018 prices will increase - I'd think your loss would be taxes plus probably $5,000-$6,000 if you were to sell it yourself with 6,000 miles on it.

 

If you go gas you should just buy a Subaru and a big purse and go garage sale shopping on the weekends.