I have a 1963 Mini Cooper for fuel efficiency (even that has a 1360cc "Big Block" in it)
I couldn't give a damn about fuel efficiency for the rest of my cars, gee,
I either drive a NA, or a supercharged 5.4 Mod V8, the NA one gets around 11-12mpg, the superchaged one gets around 8-9 (a lot of very high speed driving).
This is due to my VERY heavy right foot...
My 7.3l PSD's fuel consumption is usually in the single figures (mpg that is) because of the loads I tow with it, and the speed I travel.
Even my wifes car (Series VIII RX-7 SP) gets around 11-12mpg with her driving it, and 9-10 with me driving it
All vehicles have no problems, and are mechanically in A1 condition.

If I wanted better fuel consumption, I would first removed the lead blocks taped to my right boot.
Then I MIGHT consider a smaller, more fuel efficient car.
Plus, the guys in the V10 Forum report fuel efficiency to be around 13mpg (depending on vehicle type and condtion)

 

I have a 1963 Mini Cooper for fuel efficiency (even that has a 1360cc "Big Block" in it)
I really want that car.....can you do without it.....for ever~~~~!

 

4:10 gears 5 speed auto. I know, 4:30 and stick sounds like fun ! I originally wanted 3:73 but no longer available with V10. Just as well I think 4:10 will work, 4:30 would be more exciting!

 

Sorry Tim, that was my first car, and I love it still.
It is starting to appreciate to!!!
So I am planning on keeping it forever.

Have sent 2 photos of it to you though...

 

Oh man, I hope I am not too late!BUY THE FORD!

 

Don't worry guys, the Dodge is out of the picture. Practicality is winning over speed and I need an F-250 for the loads I haul. I can't trust the Dodge to handle the weight reliably, even though it is within the Dodge's specs. I'm eyeing an F-250 2wd Reg cab longbed 5.4L XL or an F-250 2wd Supercab longbed 5.4L XLT. Leaning towards the XL for maneuverability and price. Thanks guys!

 

Congratulations!It sounds like you took your time and made the right decision.Good Luck!

 

Actually it sounds like you were comparing two entirely different trucks. No manufacturers half ton can compare to another's 3/4 ton for weight carrying capacity or capability - this is even true for Ford's heavy half ton. The 5.4L is no better than a Hemi as a base 3/4 ton engine - probably no worse either though. Both will work well for most uses IMO, and neither will provide maximum towing capacity in the 3/4 ton chassis capability. For hauling however - both should perform equally well - though again, no 1/2 ton vs 3/4 ton comparision can be deemed a fair comparo for this.

 

I beg to differ on that, Megalodon1. The F-150HD comes within a couple hundred pounds as far as payload capacity. However, I am more confident about the F-250 handling this weight over a long period of time due to its toughness compared with any F-150. An F-250 is probably a little more truck than I need, but it's the truck I want, so why not!

 

My reccomendaton: Keep your old 90 F-250. The quailty of trucks has gone down drasitically since 90. Fix whatevers wrong with the truck and keep on truckin, ill bet is paid off too, why bother getting stuck in the new truck rut and paying $400 a month or more for a truck your going to trade in in a few years anyway? Fix it up and maybe mod it out a little, even if you spend 3grand on parts and upgrades for it youll come out ahead. I know this isnt the adivice you were looking for, but I hope you decide to keep it anyway.

 

I don't agree at all that the quality has gone down. The quality of both cars and trucks are far better than they were even 5 years ago. The fit, finish and performance is better than it has ever been. My cousin and I both bought the same truck five years apart. He has a 99 and I have an 04 F150 XLT 4X4 regular cab and my truck is nicer, runs better and gets better fuel mileage. Also, with the rebates, I actually paid less for mine that he did and we bought exactly the same way (I give you cash, you give me truck).

 

Naw I dont think so, the interior parts on the new ones are always rattling and making noises. Quaitly of American autos has been going down and down for years. A truck made 40 years ago was desineed for the average farmer to work, they were made to last, thats what sold trucks, people kept there trucks for a very long time, sometimes there whole life, now the average lifespan of a truck is about 2,3 maybe 4 years tops, and there not made to last, there made to be soft and comfy.

 

the f150's have been given criticisms as being the most unreliable truck by a few mags...whatever that means...i think its the best lookin half ton out there hands down...and i like the 5.4 alot...if i was to go ford with a gasser then id take the 5.4 for a work truck of course...for fun?? get a hemi 1500 ram...if ur gonna go f250 then go straight to diesel....the hemi is horrible on gas though ....i like older trucks more though my fav little engine of all time in a 1/2 ton is the 4.3 in a gmc..but now im getting off topic....have fun

 

If GM were smart, they'd still offer the NV4500 5 speed behind the 4.3 in the 1500 series. That 4.3 may not make much torque, but what it does make is all available well below 3000RPM's. Coupled with the NV4500 that little truck could do some serious work. As it is now, only the NV3500 is available with it.

I know what you mean about people keeping their trucks for a long time FERacing66. My father kept his chevies so long you'd see them in various pictures all the time. The older pictures the truck looked classic and I was a kid. 10 years more recent you can see my pop getting older and the truck looks beat up. 10 years after that, the really ugly truck is sitting in the background of a photo taken at a family get together.

The situation is this - more car people are buying trucks than truck people are. I think most truck people keep their trucks just as long as they used to - or at least maybe almost as long, or at least they INTEND TO. These past car owners turned truck buyers simply buy trucks to follow the "trend" these days, and quickly become bored with any vehicle they own for more than a few years - so they constantly "upgrade".

The main evidence is this - you cannot find a manual transmission truck on almost any lot anymore - I'd bet there are no more than 300 full sized trucks equipt with a granny 5 or 6 speed transmission sitting in all the dealers lots of every manufacturer at any one time in this country - that's ridiculous.

Maybe if gas goes to 3 bucks a gallon, the suzy home makers and soccer mom's will go back to driving lightweight aerodynamic family sedans again. Then maybe you can go into a dealers lot and buy a cheap truck equipt with a granny manual without ordering it. It seems to me that's the only truck you ACTUALLY NEED TO ORDER anymore. Few work trucks on any lot - and never a regular cab/manual. Anything else you can always find.

 

Not in Australia, you would struggle to find an Auto
Most are regular cabs, in XL spec.
We do get XLT spec, but not many of them.
Almost all of them are box delete from factory, so the owner can fit their own tray...

And thats the way I like it.