I am planning on buying a newer (2000-2003) F-350 crew cab. (Any problems with those years that I should watch out for?) I am moving to Wisconsin where it gets a little chilly in the winter. I was wondering should I get the truck with the gas or diesel powerplant. I've never had a diesel in that kind of temperture, would I be expecting any problems? If I do get the diesel what would I have to do with it up there? Any advantages to having the V10? Thanks everyone

 

I think it all depends on what you are going to use it for. If you are using it for a daily driver, only occasionally hauling a heavy load, I would go with the V10. If you are often hauling heavier loads (in excess of 5000 lbs. IMO) I would opt for the PSD. Both are excellent engines. I have the V10 in my '00 CC 4x4. The most I have hauled, on occasion, is approx. 5500 lbs. While you couldn't even tell the load was there, if it were a regular occurance, I would think about the PSD. For me, I enjoy the quieter ride and quicker pickup of the V10. Also, as a volunteer firefighter, I get up and leave quickly during the night. I like the idea of not having a slower process of starting the engine in cold weather ie, glowplugs, and diesels seem to be harder to start in cold weather. I think the gas engine is a little more feasible for me. Really don't personally know of any problems to tell you to watch out for. I haven't had any real problems with my V10. Good luck with whichever truck you choose.

Just my .02,
Bluehawk

 

here we go, this is a debate that can go on forever here. The diesel guys will back the diesels up, the gas guys will back the gas guys up. I think the best thing for you to do is talk with some folks that live around you, see what they have what they are pleased with. Either way you won't be dissapointed.

 

My only reason for going with the PSD was Fuel milage. I had a new '99 150 Lariat with a 5.4 4x4. I was lucky to get 10mpg. I traded it in on a used '99 SD CC PSD 4x4 XLT, and my milage went to 15-17. The glow plugs, even on cold morning, never take more than 30 sec. to warm up in my area, Washington DC, and it does get cold here. Not as cold as Wis., but still plenty cold.

Good Luck

 

I have owned a 95' F-350 PSD, 5-speed, DRW, 215 HP, at that time,which ran great at first, then the tech said I think it is skipping, so he messed with it, after that it was a dog, He did'nt know what he was doing as far as I am concerned !!

I traded it for a 99' F-350,SC, DRW auto, 235 HP, on this one, motor was never touched, but small stuff with the truck, front end alignment, boned-head scratched the paint on the doors, while re-coning it, they had to paint the doors (Brand New truck), ball joints done, range sensor,on the tranny, new up-dated air cleaner (twice, they broke the first one) after that the truck was good, never brought it back, but mileage was only like 11.5 mpg !!

I recently traded it for an 04' F-350, V-10, 6-speed, XLT, DRW SC,4:30 LS, absolutly love this truck, no problems, thing kicks a$$, looks great , first tank was 9.8 mpg, 2nd was 9.9, 3rd was 8.3 short trips around town,and a heavy foot , but I do like this setup, I was concerned how full under the hood was with the 6.0 L, cant hardly see the motor, the V-10 has much less cluter under the hood,! But a little worse mileage,,,just by what ya want and hope ya get a good one.

Later,,,,,,,,,,Mark

 

FWIW,
my last two tank fulls were 477mi, and 469mi respectively.

this is using 27.9, and 26.7 gallons, also respectively.

i have a very heavy foot (As the chunks missing from my tires will attest) and drive from 300' elevation, to 4000' twice a day.
thats over 17mpg, and in any gasser truck, even a v6 f150, id be lucky to get over 10. my foot is to the floor all the time.

and at $ .20/gallon less than reg unleaded, and at least 6mpg better on average the engine will pay for itself in savings after only three or so years.

good luck!

 

I live in WI, I've never had any problems with starting my diesel in cold weather. If it gets down to -5 or less I just plug the truck in over night. I would do this even if I had the V-10. Waiting 30 seconds for the glow plugs is no big deal.
Run a good winter blend fuel during the winter is the only thing different I do then summer driving. Drive both trucks (v-10 and diesel) then make up your own mind for driving needs.

 

Engine block heaters are an option for a good reason.