Hi fellas!

I've been lurking quite often recently and decided to sign up as I will be spending quite some times after I got my first super duty.

That being said, I am currently looking for a F250/F350 8'box 4wd, Supercab or crewcab doesn't matter to me.

My biggest dilemma is either I should go with diesel or gas. From the research I've done here, 6.2 Gas yields about 12 mpg unloaded, 6.7 diesel gives 17 mpg unloaded. I expect to drive the truck 20~25k miles a year, mostly highway (commuting between portland to Vancouver bc a few times a month) and not expect to tow often (at most 3-5 times a year). However from times to time I may put building material on the bed and weights can go anywhere from 2000lbs to 4000lbs+
Diesel is 9000 extra as option but if I do my math correctly, at 3.5$ a gallon I will be saving around 80~100 bucks a month on gas therefore around 1200 to 1500 per year, I have 60 month financing at 3.5% from my credit union, therefore the added monthly payment for going diesel is saved back on gas given my mileage. Also as for maintenance, since I will be only holding this one for 2-3 years before trading for a king ranch, then I will be jumping onto a king ranch once my new venture is more stable.

My question is if my math are too naive and am I missing something critical?

Also my budget limits me to look for below 50k OTD, is that possible to shop for an XL or XLT? I think a lariat will be out of the question though a nice trim to dream.

thanks for all your time in advance!

 

If you save $1500/year on fuel, multiply by 3, $4500 in savings, but $9,000 for the engine. In 3 years you're paying $4500 for the engine.

 

thanks bitNine!

That's true as well but I would anticipate to get some residuals for the Diesel engine at the time of trade-in or resale as well, just don't know how much

 

 

 

yes thank you!

 

thanks! I totally forgot about the additional weight of diesel

 

also any reason not going cc vs supercab?

 

Oh yeah, the diesels hold their value, but I'm not sure how so in comparison with a gasser.

 

I think it all boils down to your wants. One member here did an Excel sheet on the break even point.
As long as your due diligence is to your satisfaction then will be a happy camper.
I just pulled the TT to discount tires for some new shoes, the 6.2 pulled just as good if not better then my old 7.3l.
Plus don't camp often enough to justify the 9k premium for that extra grin factor.
So ymmv but in the end after everyone's input it will what is a good fit for you.
Your environment (terrain) and all other factors considered enjoy your soon to be new SD.

 

The residual value of the diesel at trade in is HIGHLY dependent on your market. Sometimes you get the full 9k back, sometimes you get as little as 60% of that, just depends on timing, market, and the position of the stars.

That being said, if you aren't towing regularly, and you want payload, I would almost certainly recommend the 6.2. Less costly maintenance, much less cost upfront (you can easily get a very nicely optioned XL/XLT for under 50k), easier to find fueling stations, etc. If you are mostly highway, you'll typically average 14-15 mpg. Also keep in mind that a lot of places, gas is much cheaper than diesel, so if you are traveling far from home, that could eat into your recoup costs for the diesel as well. With no trailer, the 6.2 has more than plenty of power at any speed even if you are loaded down.

Crew vs Super cab - if you travel alone and don't plan to put people in the back for extended periods of time, supercab is fine. BUT with the CC and long bed you get the majestic 48 gallon tank. This is by far worth it for a CCLB. You can easily get 600 highway miles on a tank no problem. The CCLB is only like 1.5' or so longer than the SCLB, so it really doesn't make that much a difference.

4.30 gears, even for highway, are probably a good choice if you are going to be hauling heavy. You mileage in town will improve, and will honestly probably be a wash on the highway. Maybe .5 mpg or so improvement with the 3.73.

The most you'll get out of payload for a 250 is probably around 3500 lbs (you'll have to check the spec sheets) with SC/CC and 4x4. If you decide that's enough then definitely get the camper package. You get the rear stabilizer and the overload springs, which are a good deal for what it costs. Otherwise, I'd probably go with the 350. 18" wheels and AT tires will also make sure you get the highest payload.

If I were you, I'd get a CCLB 350 STX 6.2L, and spend your leftover 5k in the budget on some nice shocks, steering stabilizer, and a decent stereo; you'll probably still come out under budget. That would be the ultimate highway cruiser with huge payload and bang for the buck.

 

 

I'll add my notes from my research prior to buying (your results may vary):

1) I do not tow over 10,000# more than 10x per year.
2) The payload of a F250 diesel was ~2000# (+/-)
3) While I enjoy a rocket ship, I don't "need" a rocket ship.
4) Cold weather is a necessary evil and I need reliable transport in all conditions.
5) I would need to own the truck for over 150,000 miles to break even on diesel fuel cost/diesel engine costs.
6) Every construction company in my area was driving 2017+ Super Duty trucks with 6.2L engines.
Therefore, I selected the 6.2L.
- I drive fast more than I tow heavy. As most trucks in my area are 3.73 geared, I settled for 3.73 over 4.30.
- I estimate that driving highway speeds with the 3.73 gears is like driving at highway speeds with the 4.30 gears but with 6th gear locked out.

As for other items. I would go Crew Cab. Taking customers to lunch. Loading bags/gear for work. More people looking to buy a crew cab when you sell it.

I would love a 6.7L, I really would. But I have zero issue with my truck and it hauls what I need it to haul without hassle. For the same money, I'd rather drive a Lariat 6.2L than a XLT 6.7L. The XLT was just missing too much for me; especially how the XLT F150 can be optioned.

 

sweet white gold you got !

what shoes you end up putting on? I was thinking to skim down on the options and swap for tires/wheel out the door

 

dang boss you nailed it for me! thanks a millli.

do you mind me asking what kind of business are you in ?