SO.......... if I tow infrequently with weights easily within the capability of either engine , and I plan on trading in 5 years at an estimated 100k miles, give me your opinion as to which configuration you deem to make the most sense using financial considerations as sole priority assuming I have the means to purchase any trim with any options. I want opinions based on return of investment as well. Thanks.

 

 

 

Assuming you actually need a 3/4 ton truck, the best resale has historically been an upper end truck with the least options. Meaning that if you're going to get an XLT with the premium package you might as well get a base Lariat, if you're going to get a Lariat Ultimate with quad beam LEDs you might as well get a Platinum.
The options that are standard on the higher end models just do not return as much value when optioned on lower end trucks.

If you don't need a diesel the gas engine will have a slightly lower cost of ownership, and you'll pay less interest on a note that is 8K less.

I'd still choose diesel because I like the exhaust brake, not having to fill up as often, and being able to find (or more easily store) fuel after a hurricane hits, but not everyone lives in areas impacted by hurricanes.

After Harvey last September 200+ miles away from Houston:

 

 

Don't forget, you are paying interest for 5-6-7 years on that $10k diesel engine option. That equates to about a $1k loss.

Me? I don't care. I buy what I can afford, and what I can afford to repair and maintain. There's no way I want to mess with a V8 diesel laden with emissions equipment and expensive electronics/sensors. The Cummins I have is my limit. I chose the 6.2L because I don't travel outside a 20 mile radius from home, and I don't tow more than 10k. Simple as that.

Weigh you needs and wants, with what you can afford...and make a choice based on that. A bunch of posts from strangers on the internet should really be taken with a grain of salt...

 

Just saw this on the Made in Mexico 6.7L: (I won't buy this engine because it's produced right in the middle of a major drug cartel's operating area --- in fact, numerous reports say many of the drug smugglers "moonlight" at the 6.7L plant --- I'm not buying any product that supports drug smuggling economies)

Ford 6.7 Problems Powerstroke And Engine issues - MaDrives

 

 

Humm, this article you posted doesn't even give the authors name, just as a guest. don't think I'll be putting much stock in an unsigned publication.

How about posting your source that says Ford employs drug smugglers, wouldn't think they would have a need or time for a second job.

 

 

I'm coming from a 04 6.0, which is a good engine, when properly maintained. the 6.7 is an 8 year in house designed beast. That should provide years of trouble free Enjoyment! The diesel engine is definitely a lot more complicated. I love the power/torque of these diesel engines. I think ford is producing some of the best trucks/engines in the world! Go diesel if its in your budget.

 

 

Fleet vehicles may or may not be a good indicator. Some fleets will be based solely upon the lowest selling price. Others will be based upon a brand preference by a fleet managers. Still others will be bought with more than necessary options because of a bloated budget to work with. Finally, there will be fleets purchased based upon a fleet manager doing his homework...basing the choice on total cost of ownership, reliability, suitability, etc.

Our city is currently running Ford Super Duty DPW vehicles. 90% of the fleet is diesel...mostly 6.7's. There are a few 6.0L's still in service. There are zero 6.4L trucks. However, they are starting to order a few more 6.2L trucks.

All the citations regarding book value are silly. A dealer will offer you whatever they feel like on a trade-in, regardless of what some book says. Nothing forces them to give you whatever that book says. And also be advised that values vary greatly from region to region. In a region where gas trucks are more popular, the book value difference might be a lot closer. There are a lot of Ford dealers in my area stocking *mostly* gas Super Duty trucks. That's just what people around here seem to buy more of. And frankly, as the cost of the diesel option continues to climb, more and more people "switch" to gas for no other reason than affordability.

 

I say buy what your needs demand and forget about it. I have a 2017 XLT Lariat with the diesel 6.7L and the power is outstanding, and so is the fuel mileage. I carry a Lance camper and pull a Ranger Bass Boat with no problems