New guy here and I've been researching gas F250's to replace my aging (2001) Silverado 2500HD. I pull a 5,500 lb travel trailer and while the 6.0 does a descent job and is very reliable daily driver, I'm looking forward to a newer truck with a 6 speed. We plan to upgrade to a larger trailer next year (probably a Jayco 28BHBE) so the payload and handling of a 3/4 ton truck is a must to me. My financial adviser (wife) is letting me buy a new truck in a few months, just ahead of week long trip to Colorado.

I have a budget of about $36k and need a crew cab (kid hauler) with 4WD. Occasionally I see a used 2017 in my price range and I really like the redesign and higher torque figures of the 2017 6.2 but Ford confuses me with their packages at times. I had assumed the XL was a work truck model with manual windows, vinyl flooring and limited creature comforts. However, I am seeing dealers list 2017 trucks as XLs with carpet, full steering controls, and alloy wheels. Am I missing something or does Ford let you option an XL to the point it's pretty much an XLT? I have also been searching high and low for a truck with the 4.30 gears but they seem to be rare. Additionally, I like the floor console but cannot determine if it's standard in certain trim levels or just an option across all models.

 

Go to the ford website and build your own to find out the options you want. I chose XLT for me but ended up just over 40K Remember if your buying new put 1000 miles break in before towing. I chose 4.3 which requires ordering custom and the center console was about 900 extra and you will need at least 2-3 months if your custom ordering you may do better finding a leftover 2017 in your price range leftover now or a 2018 if you wait until the 2019 start rolling off the line in a few more months

 

Go to the dealer and get the brochure and options book. I had one with me, making notes along the way, for 4-5 months before I finally bought my F250 6.2L. It sounds like you might like the STX trim if the XLT drives the costs too high. I would also say, unless you are very very lucky, a 4.30 gear model will be unlikely to be found. I read everything under the sun and settled for my truck with 3.73 gears. To be honest, I may miss not having the 4.30 gears one day. I just haven't found that day yet! The F250 6.2L and transmission combo is really nice so far.

 

Yes, you can factory order a XL crew cab 4X4, 4.3, power package, carpet

Assuming no more add ons and you haggle pretty well you are looking at ~ 39k. Something around there.

 

XL's are the basic work truck trim level, but they can be optioned to actually be pretty nice...including carpet, power windows/locks/mirrors, Sync3, backup cam, and yes...there even was a 17" alloy wheel option. But most XLs on the dealer lot are intended for work, and will have vinyl seats, vinyl floors, and just the power windows/locks/mirrors package. You cannot get a "full" center console in an XL truck (this would be the ones with a full padded top armrest and A/C vents in the rear of the console) but rather just a small floor console that leaves you with no armrest. Best to get the split bench with the fold down center seat which makes a great armrest.

You might find a much better deal on a 2011-2016 Super Duty. Yes, its the previous generation...but you still get the excellent 6R140 transmission (a 2017 gas F-250 will give you a beefed up F-150 transmission), very comfortable seats, a good driving position, a quiet interior, and likely a better price on a higher trim level.

 

Ford lets you add power options to the XL. You will probably have to order to get a 4.30 gear, but you shouldn't be too far off budget with that.

New 2018 Ford F-250 For Sale | Whitesboro TX

 

One thing to consider... super dutys 2016 and prior do not have the latch system for car seats. 2017+ do.

Thats a deal breaker for some.

 

With kiddos I'd consider waiting for a 19 when the rear inflatable seat belts are available again.

 

Crash test results are not nearly as good on the 20 year old previous design either.

 

A XL model optioned out is within $800 of a XLT, your best bet is to order what you want so you do not have to pay for anything you do not want.

Used truck values are way up, with rebates and incentives plus low new vehicle interest it will be cheaper to order new.

 

 

I agree! I have 6.2 CCSB 4X4 with 3.73 and after reading all about 3.73 vs 4.30 along with my own experience I'm skeptical about the impact unless your trying to tow heavy. I installed 37's which added about 24lbs per wheel and about 2 1/2 inches in tire height, stock 20" wheels and tires measured 34 inches and weighed 99 ibs, and mpgs went from 13.9 to 13.1 mpg and the loss in power is barely noticable.... just my experience.

 

Price out a XL with the STX package. Best value on one of these trucks in my opinion. For me, same equippd XLT was another $1600 and wasn't really providing much more for the extra $$.

 

The only thing with ordering an XL or looking at an XL-STX is if you have a preference in paint color, not all colors are available in XL trim and least that's what I ran into with mine and why I went XLT.

 

If I'mm not mistaken, the STX qualifies for an additional $1000 incentive through 4/2/18 which makes this quite a good value if you're after something like that. There are other incentives, but here's the info for the STX rebate:

$1,000 STX Special Pkg. Customer Cash (PGM #13168)