Hi folks im new here.Im planning on A mid summer 2005 f350 sc 4x4 purchase. (depending on rebates) And was wondering if I could get some input from the pros! My truck will be used for work 40 miles round trip, 6 days A week.pullin an atv trailer as well as running A trapline in the fall. And possibly some family vacations. I know some might say why an f350? To them I say because thats what I want! Anyway im hung up on engine choices. I will be keeping this truck for a max of 7yrs. I will be putting approx. 15000 miles a yr. on it. I know this has been beaten to death but.................would a diesel be realistic? or would a V10 service my needs better? Is it to much to ask A properly maintained V10 to run strong past 100,000 miles? I live in Holley NY just 20 miles west of Rochester. I work for the phone co. and have X-plan. come on guys help spend my money!!!!! My wife wants nothing to do with this Thanks Mike

 

Welcome to FTE, minkman!

Small world: I work in Victor (Van Bortel Ford), and I live in Churchville.

Let's assume a few things: 105,000 miles over 7 years, an optimistic average of 20 mpg for the diesel, and a pessimistic 12 mpg for the V10. That's a difference of 3500 gallons of fuel over the 7 years. Multiply that @ $1.85/ gallon, and you're looking at $6475 in fuel savings by going with the diesel. That's just about the extra cost of the diesel to begin with, so it's a wash between the two engines, AT CURRENT FUEL PRICES. Since we don't know where the cost of fuel will be over the next 7 years, there's really no other way to figure it. So, if you don't mind spending the extra bucks up front, if the neighbors don't mind the noise of a diesel firing up on a cold January morning, if you're prepared for the extra maintenance expense, then consider the diesel.

As for the V10 lasting, I think 100,000 miles is a piece of cake if you just maintain it. A very strong motor, with a whole lot more giddy-up for 2005.

And while you're here, please check out the FTE Purchase Program thread at the top of all the posts in this section. I'm the contact for it here, and we have people coming from Arizona and Colorado to buy trucks on this program. You know where I am: give me a call or drop me an e-mail. Or I can just stop and visit the next time I'm in Fancher or Hulberton!

 

Hi Jeff I was hoping you would reply!! Do you have any idea of price increases for 2005? I like the idea of diesel. My only 2 concerns are how loud they are( I have never heard one) and would my short jaunts to work and around town actully harm the engine? oh and there is three. wil they ever offer decent incentives on them? Thanks Mike

 

The 6.0 is just a little loud when it's first started, but it's a lot quieter than the 7.3, and MUCH quieter than a Cummins. The only time it's a problem is if your driveway is real close to your neighbor's house; they may complain if you leave real early for work. Your 40-mile round trip is no problem (far from a "short jaunt"), and a few short trips will be no problem. A lot of delivery companies prefer diesels because they're so much more efficient at idle than gas engines, so they're used to that type of driving.

As for 2005 pricing and incentives, your guess is as good as mine. When I first started selling Fords, it took at least SIX MONTHS to get a diesel, and we'd laugh if you ever asked about rebates. "Rebates? On a diesel? YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING?!! Hey, Joe, this guy wants a rebate on a DIESEL!! HA HA HA!!!!!!" Right now, it mostly depends on what incentives the competition will be offering. If GM and Dodge start offering big rebates on their smokers, then so will Ford.

 

So, if the price of gas is a break even propsition, another price factor within the first 105k miles is maintenance (oil change). The much larger oil capacity of the diesel will casue the cost to be higher on the diesel. That would give the financial advantage to the v10. But then you also have to consider the resale value of the two at the end of 7 years, plus any difference in insurance and licensing (Some states charge more for licensing as the price of the vehicle goes up). So, add up the oil changes, insurance, licensing, and fuel mileage over 5 7 years, and the price difference in resale value (consider initial purchase price), and you have a more complete financial model.

Personally, I would go with the v10 for 2 reasons. First, the diesel is much noisier (too noisy for my tastes), and second, I like the acceleration of the v10 over the diesel. If I were going to be towing very heavy loads, I would go with the diesel (even though it is noisier), otherwise, a v10.

Mike.

 

Go drive a few DIESELS and a few V-10s and see what you think.

GENE
real trucks don't have spark plugs

 

I did go drive some and shared my thoughts. Some people love the diesel sound. I prefer the gas engine sounds and better 0-60 acceleration. I didn't drag race the new trucks I test drove (bad way to treat new equipment), but I suspect the v-10 will have better 0-60 times than the diesel.

The diesel does get my attention when you add on some extra power with a full blown Banks system or Bully Dog system. But that drives the price difference even higher and it still sounds like a diesel (a negative to me).

What do you think I should have observed by test driving both versions that might change my opinion???

Mike.

 

m25433

It sounds like you would rather have the V10. The new 2005 v10 will have 3 valves per cyl so it will be a different game again. Drive them when the new 2005 come out and than make your choice.

 

thanks guys for the replys! I am leaning twards the V10. I guess I will wait and see how things unfold. My wife dosnt understand why I need A diesel or A 1 ton truck for that matter . I know one thing I will wait for the 2005s. Thanks all and keep the info commin!!! Mike

 

just posted this on a similar thread and thought it will work here as well.....i just ordered a 04, f350, cc, 6speed, 6.0, 4x4, lariat, 8ft bed because that is what I wanted, no other significant reason really. i have a camper but nothing to tow. Just wanted a diesel (never had one before) and after having a 460 in my F250 for the last 12 years the better mileage sounded good. I like to tweek and try to improve performance and the 6.0 I believe has more potential. It is just me and wife now so there is no real need for a crew cab, but i like the looks and the extra space. so i guess what i'm trying to say is what a lot people have already said...get the one that will make YOU happy and never look back. enjoy your new pickup!

 

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

i speak from experience, nothing could be further from the truth.


now, the v10 is nice, not slammin it at all.....but drive both, and one feels like a truck should, the other feels like your driving a harsh suspended mustang gt! and thats no lie.....


last, there is no way to wipe the grin off your face when you leave a stoplight smokin the rear tires while also smokin some hopped up rice burner.