I have never owned a F250 and have been working on ordering one. Lately I have been considering buying a 6.2 / 6 speed / XL off the lot.

- I do not tow regularly but want the capability
- I keep my trucks for a long time (resale not an issue)
- I am a mechanic and can DIY any customization (stereo, wheels, exhaust, tint etc.)
- I am not familiar with the powertrain reliability for the 6.2 gas, only what I have read
- I like some creature comforts but not a deal breaker.
- I know the 2023 just revealed, but not sure I want to wait a year

I am wondering if there is anything I am going to really regret by not getting a XLT or Lariat, 7.3, or other upgrades?

Any opinions or advice is appreciated. I could afford more truck, but not sure it is necessary.

Thank you in advance!

Ron

 

Here is the flame, although it is just a flicker...

You talk about being able to afford more truck, but unsure of the necessity.
I would say that for your description of use of the truck, that a Super Duty is not necessary, and you'd be well ahead to look at a F150 if you even need a truck at all.

 

You are correct. I am 60 years old, have owned trucks my entire life, my son drives a 2021 F150. But you are so wise that maybe I do not need a truck at all. I knew there would be a couple of you in the bunch, just did not know you would be my first reply.

Thanks for nothing.

Mods please delete if this is how it will go.

 

6.2- excellent engine
6r100-excellent transmission

I have an Xl with a plow. I have heated mirrors, e-lock rear diff and upfitter switches. Head unit and hvac controls are aftermarket double-din touchscreen.
only thing I would like to match my fabulous vinyl floors would be leather seats and could do catskinz but don't really care anymore. Didn't want all that other crap in my truck I would never use and would worry about breaking. Very happy with it.
Been avg 12.5 highway this summer with lots of long trips to ME on the display, I don't hand calculate

 

Excellent information sir. Thank you for the kind reply.

 

IMO how much you tow would be the deciding factor on 150 vs. 250. (Weight and size)

6.2 reliability is excellent. I have the 6 speed in a 150 and it is excellent.

 

Thanks, but I have already decided on a F250.

 

The 6.2L engine with the 6R140 transmission is a very reliable combination. No worries there.

As for the need or practicality........if you want an F-250 then get it. It won't tow the largest load, but a 6.2L truck can still pull between 13,000-15,000 pounds depending on the configuration. That's impressive.

 

The questions you have, for the most part, are subjective and will vary from individual to individual. I drive a diesel Lariat and could rattle on about this feature and that feature that I would want, but that has nothing to do with you. My suggestion would be to study up on exactly what each trim level gets you, what options are available, and what you really want. You might find that what you want isn't available on a certain trim level.

As for The 6.2l, it will not be available 2023MY. I haven't owned one but have read mostly good things about it.

Like you I went straight to a 250. It was a want not a need and I never have been interested in owning a 150 (except maybe a Raptor).

 

Thanks Stuart, and thank you for your service. I am retired AF as well. I have bought other vehicles without proper research and am hoping to learn before I purchase on this one.

 

I have the 6.2 liter w 6 speed transmission. Great combo if you ask me. That combo is proven, has been around since 2011 or so.
You are always going to hear negative comments regarding that combo on this forum. It’s not the newest or most current engine combo, but it works great, is reliable and has been plenty for everything I need. And up until fairly recently it was the only gas engine combo available and people loved it.
Get what you want and enjoy it.

 

A lot of ford parts can be added after the fact on an XL, however some items are prohibitively expensive to add after the fact. For example, oem power mirrors, 360 degree camera, and bliss to name a few. Everything is electronic in these trucks and the XL trucks are missing some modules compared to an XLT with the aforementioned features.

It's easy to dismiss creature comforts like the ones listed above however these trucks are big and if you keep a truck long time you may find yourself seconding guessing the decision to have not bought some quality of life items from the factory.

 

The 6.2/6 speed seems to be a tried and true combo that is well loved by many. If you aren't planning on towing anything excessively heavy or often, you will most likely be just fine with it. But like mentioned above, the 22's are the last year either of those options will be available... sounds like you found one on the lot though, so if you want that combo specifically, you may want to jump on it.

Being unafraid and able to work on your truck, whether upgrading parts or just plain out working on it is a good thing. But starting out with a lower trim model, just know that many of the OEM upgrades can very likely require a lot of work and money... so think hard about which creature comforts you want. This is something none of us can help you with... we an all tell you why we got what we got, and we all have our reasons, but that's just a personal thing. But if you have questions about specific features, ask away and I guarantee you that someone will be able to chime in about any feature offered...

 

I’m in the same shoes as you. Tow a dump trailer and travel trailer occasionally. Travel trailer max loaded is 7500 lbs and I just sold it and don’t plan to replace it. Dump trailer is 14000 lbs gvw. Heavy empty 4230 lbs. mine is a 2017 F250 XL SCLB 4X4 6.2L 6R100 3.73 gears with electric locker and made it a STX with some options and some additional features that I added. Stock size tires LT275/65R18 and stock suspension with zero lift front or back. The truck gets the job done perfectly. An XL actually is a pretty nice truck. I think the vinyl seats are comfortable. If you have the room I would recommend the 8 foot bed and 430 gears. I live in the mountains and I drive with 6th gear locked out. At 70 mph my tach is at 2000 rpm in 6th. I’ve found that 2200 to 2300 is the sweet spot for cruising down the freeway on the flats.These trucks weren’t made for gas mileage so expect that. 9 to15 mpg is my spread with 12.9 being the average. Just for the record Ltngdrvr is a great longtime person on this forum. I took it as if he was just giving you his opinion. Don’t know him personally but just thought I’d tell you that. You will be perfectly happy with an XL in my opinion. Have a great day.

 

I have the 2020 Lariat with the 6.2l/6 speed and have been very satisfied with the engine trans combo. I had a F150 with the 10 speed and it was a smoother ride overall but I don’t miss it. I pull a 9000lb camper with no issues and the truck is my daily driver otherwise. If you want a few creature comforts or technology you might consider the Lariat but it sounds like you could upgrade those few things that you find you want. Best of luck and enjoy your new ride.