Little back story, I've owned an 01 7.3 with and automatic, 05 6.0 with automatic, 05 5.9 Cummins automatic and sold my 07.5 6.7 Cummins automatic 3 years ago. Haven't needed a second truck ( currently have a 2016 f150 screw with the 5.0) nor needed a 3/4 / 1ton. I've started a side gig doing bush hogging and excavation, been towing my tractor and excavator with the f150. Max load is around 8000lb, truck is rated for 10,800 but it still taxes it pretty good. Plus I "bought" it for the ole lady to haul the kids around and I don't like leaving her without a vehicle. The 3 car seats won't fit in the focus.

So its time for another truck, I have 10g to spend but not sure what way is best. I wouldn't mind another 7.3 but it would have to be a 6speed, which will be hard to find. 6.0's are littlerly everywhere, you can find a decent shape 6.0 that has been bullet proofed in the 8-10g range. Just not sure if I still fully trust them, as it is hard to find one that isn't beat to death.

I would be down for a 05+ V10 since it will have the 5speed auto, missed out on a 2008 with 155k for $8900 today. Any 6.2 in my price range is 200k plus miles, not sure how I feel about that. I have seen a few 2011-2015 high mileage 6.7 powerstrokes in my price range. But have been out of the diesel game to long to know much about them .

So pretty much it boils down to either a 7.3, 6.0 or a V10. As most of those are available in my price range. Not sure if the 6.0 is worth the risk even though they are plentiful. The v10s are hard to find, worth the look though? Idk thinking out loud.

Also I refuse to own a Chevy, and not quite sure if I would own another dodge

 

"not quite sure if I would own another dodge" ....had to laugh at that one. Been there done that 3 times with Cummins rams. Never again. I really wanted a 7.3 F250 but they were typically $10,000 more than a same truck gasser. Just werent worth it to me. Id shoot for a later mod V10 truck myself. I ended up with a 99 F250 4x4 V10 CC.

 

I have owned two 6.0's, and while they were good once I fixed what previous owners broke, there's usually a reason they're for sale cheap. And 7.3's are bulletproof, but they're also at least 22 years old now...things can happen due to age, and even with that motor it's expensive to repair.

The 6.2, on the other hand, has been proven to be a rock solid contender, backed by a pretty stout transmission. I don't think I'd hesitate to get one if I were after an around-town business truck like you're doing, even if it was higher miles.

I would say that, since this is going to be primarily used for a business (it sounds like, anyway), it might be worth it to pull out a small business loan and get something with a bit lower miles, if you can swing that (you can write it off on your taxes). Maybe even just a small vehicle loan if you don't want it tied directly to the business - you say you've got $10k to drop on one, if you were open to a $10k loan as well then you can open your budget up to $20k and there should be a LOT of lower mileage trucks in that range that might be more trustworthy.

Just some ideas, not sure what direction you want to go.

 

Yeah that's the problem with the 6.0, there is a good chance your getting some ones problem. The 7.3 kinda sucks to tow with , having a 4 speed auto. I don't want to take another loan out so yes it does limit my options. Any 6.2 in my price range has 190+ k miles

 

I'd still take a 200k mile 6.2L/6speed combo over some other engines/models IF the body and frame were clean. Anything you are looking at has potential to have mechanical issues, but if you're battling rust from the start, its a loss. Miles doesn't always indicate worn out. But beaten to death, modified extensively, and RUST are a hard pass for me.
Probably not new information for a upstate NY guy...

 

I'm in south central Kentucky. Really depends what part of the state the trucks from.

 

Hmm - the "From" part of your info says upstate NY, so I naturally assumed...

KY is beautiful. And probably a great place to find rust free trucks. But I think my advice still stands. Find a clean, un-modified truck that looks like it was well cared for. Grandpa's fishing truck. Gas truck preferably. I'd seriously consider a 5.4L powered truck over the diesels if you are in town and its geared right.

 

Hard to beat a 3v v10 or a 6.2. Solid transmissions behind them also.

 

Yeah we moved down here 4 years ago. I made my account on here in 2008 I believe. But any way I am skipping a 5.4 they are gutless even in a f150. I think a pre 2005 V10 would be gutless aswell

 

Keep looking if you still want the 7.3 I just picked up 1 for 5K with 308K on the odometer, mechanically strong with no issues other than the dipstick O-ring failing the first day. Runs like a top and only has some moderate hail damage to the hood,... Rust free and straight though and cheap to maintain with parts on hand. They are out there.

 

This popped up, a little beat up but I could care less about that. I need a work truck.. I am a little worried about the giant winch on the front though, good chance it had a hard life.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1AddRD9Mxr/

 

Stopped and looked at a 6.0.. yikes man some of those things are roached out and cobbled together. Just looking at it brought back bad memories