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Old Aug 1, 2020 | 10:56 PM
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Thoughts and Advice

I have a 2006 F350 6.0 with around 230*** miles.


Situation: Upcoming divorce and want to be able to have a reliable vehicle for my 4 kids.

- Option 1: Keep the truck, dump some money into the truck to make it "bulletproof". I like the ability to be able to throw whatever in the truck and it can handle it. Also does good for hauling camping stuff and a future camper with toys. Truck runs good but needs a plug and wiring harness soon. It is stock otherwise.


- Option 2: Sell the truck, add a bit of money to it (maybe), and buy Chevy Suburban. I have had a Tahoe in the past and loved it. It would have plenty of room and would be more comfortable on road trips and I still could camp with a smaller trailer just probably not as many toys.


Thoughts? Experience? Advice? Tips?


All are appreciated. Thanks, everyone!
 
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Old Aug 2, 2020 | 05:10 AM
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Personally I can't think of a more problematic vehicle than the Ford 6.0 diesel engines, at least as far as I've read about the many issues that engine seems to have. If you believe a Tahoe, Suburban or something similar in a gasoline engine would better serve your needs maybe that's a better route to go?

I'm not a fan of diesel engines for everyday use and not by someone who's not prepared to do the rather extensive and frequent maintenance they require to remain "reliable". This is a Ford forum so there must be something in that brand suitable instead of the GM product? I'm thinking an Expedition, with a V10 would be ideal for pulling any sort of camper trailer.

Just my $0.02 worth mind you----good luck with your new path in life.
 
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Old Aug 2, 2020 | 03:42 PM
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4 kids, divorce, etc: plenty to deal with.

IMO dump the high mile problematic 6.0, buy the newest Tahoe, Expedition or other fine brand you can find and drive on. Heck, buy a PCO with a warranty.

You will have much to deal with and a hobby vehicle, or a roadsider is not something you want to visit on yourself and kids.

JMO, some of the happiest memories certain folks have is walking for miles to get help after being stranded somewhere.
 
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Old Aug 2, 2020 | 10:47 PM
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Originally Posted by JWA
Personally I can't think of a more problematic vehicle than the Ford 6.0 diesel engines, at least as far as I've read about the many issues that engine seems to have. If you believe a Tahoe, Suburban or something similar in a gasoline engine would better serve your needs maybe that's a better route to go?

I'm not a fan of diesel engines for everyday use and not by someone who's not prepared to do the rather extensive and frequent maintenance they require to remain "reliable". This is a Ford forum so there must be something in that brand suitable instead of the GM product? I'm thinking an Expedition, with a V10 would be ideal for pulling any sort of camper trailer.

Just my $0.02 worth mind you----good luck with your new path in life.
Thanks for your $0.02, I appreciate it! Another person recommended the expedition, just have to read up on them a bit.
 
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Old Aug 2, 2020 | 10:50 PM
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Originally Posted by 85e150
4 kids, divorce, etc: plenty to deal with.

IMO dump the high mile problematic 6.0, buy the newest Tahoe, Expedition or other fine brand you can find and drive on. Heck, buy a PCO with a warranty.

You will have much to deal with and a hobby vehicle, or a roadsider is not something you want to visit on yourself and kids.

JMO, some of the happiest memories certain folks have is walking for miles to get help after being stranded somewhere.
Thanks for the advice! Any experience with an Excursion? And what is a PCO?
 
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Old Aug 3, 2020 | 12:07 AM
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Sorry, got that mixed up. CPO, Certified PreOwned. (I just bought a CPO for my daughter--how could I get that wrong?)

No direct experience with Excursions. But the newest one is 15 years old, so again you get into question marks on engine, trans, brakes, front end. A potential hobby.....



 
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Old Aug 3, 2020 | 07:17 AM
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Originally Posted by 85e150
Sorry, got that mixed up. CPO, Certified PreOwned. (I just bought a CPO for my daughter--how could I get that wrong?)

No direct experience with Excursions. But the newest one is 15 years old, so again you get into question marks on engine, trans, brakes, front end. A potential hobby.....
Gotcha, thanks for the clarification!
 
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Old Aug 4, 2020 | 07:29 AM
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Okay, let's see if I can throw a wrench in this with a 3rd option!! We'll see if I am shooting myself in both feet here lol

Option 3: Keep the F350 and find a fairly cheap higher mileage Tahoe or Suburban. I figure this way I can park one, work on it as needed myself and not need to do everything all at once. I say a Tahoe or Suburban only because I know them and can fix them easily. Just haven't had a high mileage (150,000+) Chevy before. There are plenty of options for $3k or less from a quick search. I get it will be two vehicles, insurance, etc. but I can always pause insurance for one. What do you think? Stupid?? Or worth a shot?
 
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Old Aug 4, 2020 | 09:13 AM
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Sounds good to me. That’s why I always try to have myself a second vehicle on hand. My newer one is a RCSB Ram, though. The F150 is fixing to have to get the IMRC dealt with, which stinks, because I did it two years ago right before it needed to pass emissions as well

I had to limp the Ram to the body shop for doe battle damage in Nebraska coming back home from vacation. The F150 was a nice backup to have.
 
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