hey guys i'm new to this forum, but i am planning on buying a preowned truck in the very near future. I am looking at getting a 4 dr crew cab that can tow a good sized load. i will be using it to tow my enclosed trailer with my toys and atv's for racing motocross. i want something good cuz i'll have it for a while. some things i was wondering are:


whats the difference/which is better between


1. F250 vs. F350

2. of course the old - gas or diesel question? (gas milage/price doesnt matter to me)

3. old model vs. new model gas engines (v8/v10)

4. 6.0L diesel vs. 7.3L diesel

5. what is high milage on a used gas/diesel? wheres the cutoff point?

6. what are common problems of each and what do i look for when shopping?

7. ease of maintenance?

8. other brands to consider (chevy, GM)

9. most of all.......what will tow the most, last the longest, and cost the least?

i know you guys get sick of these newbie questions but thats what these forums are for, and this is such a huge site, i didnt know where to start a search (although i will research the best i can after this post) this is just a faster way to get the info i guess.


thanks guys

 

Welcome to the site!

Sure are a lot of questions with what I'd call 'subjective' answers that only you can provide based on your personal preferences.

First thing you need to do is narrow down the model years you would like. The early '99s had some minor annoyances, so I'd look at the '00+ models... if you want a Super Duty. If going "old", I'd recommend a '95-'97 model.

1. Differences between F250 & F350 (single rear wheel) depends on model year. Obviously, GVWR is higher for the SRW F350. The F350 dually has an even higher GVWR.

2. Gas vs diesel... that's a nasty can of worms to open. Buy the one you want.

3. Not knowing models, I'll assume you mean 460 vs V10. Both are great engines and should easily last 200,000 miles or more. My '97 has 190,000 miles and is still going strong. My '02 only has 58,000 miles and is also strong.

4. Ask in the diesel forum for their opinions on 7.3 vs 6.0.

5. Lower miles is almost always better. Keep in mind that while the drivetrain can last a long time, other components wear out too. Brakes, suspension, interior, etc. are something you'll have to look at to see what kind of shape they are in.

6-7. Depends on the model you're wanting.

8. Doubtful you get many "other brand" advocates on a Ford website. Look around the 'net to see what those "other" owners have to say.

9. Diesels will generally "tow more", toss-up on longevity as both engines will out-last the rest of the vehicle, trucks with gas engines are cheaper to purchase

Once you've narrowed down the models you're looking at, we can give more specific answers.

 

I 2nd NoMo's response in its entirety. The "other" brands (Dodge, Chevy/GM) are good products, but like any vehicle manufacturers, all have their problems. Dodge's seem to be maintenance and repair costs, though the Cumins diesel is a good motor overall. The weak link in the Chevy/GM's from what I've heard from actual owners and through the grapevine is the Allison transmission. Yes, it's an "Allison", which is usually a good thing. However, it's not a pedigree Allison. Meaning, yes Allison built them, but they built them to Chevy specifications. I talked to a father/son combo who each own Chevy 2500 4WD's and their mpg is 8-10mpg. And that ain't good for a diesel, especially since neither of them rarely tow anything.

Ford's 6.0L PSD had some injector issues, but if you get a 2003.5 with a 6.0L, you s/b ok. The 7.3L is just a brawny stud! True, the 6.0L is engineered better and touts obscene amounts of hp and torque, but the 7.3 was weened on meat and potatoes, so it's just a good ol' tough-*** motor built for constant, hard work and muscular performance.

That's my $.02 in addition to NoMo's precise comments,
Daryl

PS- welcome aboard the FTE freight train!!!

 

Another problem with the Duramax is the cast iron block/aluminium heads combination. I heard people are having head gasket problems. I researched (extensively) on trucks and Ford ended up the winner in my mind. To be honest, I was not a "Ford guy" before. I thought I was going to buy a Chevy/GMC and be done with it. But I looked at the 2005 SD and I was done with Chevy. Everyone makes a good half-ton, but Ford rules in the heavy duty arena.

Dodges are designed with the frame pinned in the middle. It is engineered that way so if you overload the truck, it will fail (break). To me, that is not sound engineering practice. Also, the Hemi is a gas hog. Ooh, the hemi has the best horsepower numbers. Well, this is a truck and in my mind torque rules. The Hemi has 10 ft-lbs more torque than the 5.4 V8, and that is at 4200 RPM. The 5.4 makes 365 ft-lbs or torque at 3750 RPM. Plus, in the Dodge, it is either Hemi or diesel. Ford gives you a choice of V8, V10 or diesel. The V10 is only a $600 option and it is rated at 362 HP and 457 ft-lbs of torque. Ford has the looks, the muscle and the reputation.

Do the research, drive the trucks and buy what you like. But I think if you look objectively that you will see that Ford Super Duties are the king of heavy duty trucks.

 

well, right now i dont really have a preference on whether i buy the 460, the v-10, or a diesel, because i dont know enough about them compared to each other. i've pretty much decided on a ford b-cuz of the price range and the fact that they have more of a selection of truck with the crew cab. so, to help me narrow it down........

#1. F250 vs F350 - so as far as hp and torque, theres no difference as they use the same motor right? but as for the amount of weight they can hold, the F350 of course has more towing capacity in that reguard?????
#3. 460 vs. v-10 - is one just as good as the other? which is better? why?

parts and maintenence seem like they'd be cheaper for the gas engines, plus i am more familiar with them. i havent bought a new truck in a while so i wasnt sure where to start out with on the milage thing as far as what is high milage and when do these trucks start to show their weaknesses. seems like everyone ive seen has like 100k miles on it and they still want $20k-$25k for them. is that about right? the main thing for me i think is going to be the price tag. if i can find a good truck whether its a diesel or gas at the right price. but if i'm gonna be paying for it for the rest of my life, it neeeds to last me the rest of my life, and still have room for me to grow ya know?

 

The F-250 and F350 tow essentially the same amount when similarly equipped. However, the F-350 will haul more than the F250. That being said, do you haul over 2000 lbs on a regular basis? The F-350 will ride a lot harsher unloaded than the F250. If you want to really find out all the minor differences between the 250 and 350, do a search and you will find lots of info.

As far as the engines, it depends on what you are doing with it. In my opinion, it just makes sense to go with the V10. It has relatively the same gas mileage as the V8 and it has much more power. I just don't think you can go wrong with the V10, but the same could be said about the V8. Some guys who buy trucks with V8's wish later they had V10's because there is so much more power.

Good luck on your decisions! Don't feel bad asking all these questions, it is good that you are becoming an educated consumer!

 

I use mine for exactly what you intend to use your for . Hauling race bikes (road race) 4 wheelers and toys(and maybe a camper in the future). the F250 will haul / tow anything that I will ever need. Total milage depends on how well the maintenance was done although a diesel in a higher milage motor by design than gas. Diesel or gas. You hear a lot of god points both ways. needs vs wants. Many of us buy 4x4. Do we NEED them mostly no and I live in Maine but I surely coudl get by with a 4x2. I got the diesel. My reasoning? Becasue that is what i wanted. &.3 vs 6.0. My father has a 7.3 that he really likes and it has been a great truck. He drove my '05 and I think he is condsidering trading. Again its more about wants than needs. Good luck.

 

I would go with the diesel . Why ? Because you said this truck will be around for a while . Exactly why a diesel would be better . More power , better mileage per gallon , longer warranty on engine/drive train and last but not least the "6.0 Grin" . Plus if you want to add mods to increase power you cant beat the diesel . For under $400.00 bucks you can add over 100hp . Ford wins hands down on durability . Which is why most fleet managers use Superduties .

 

You should be able to pick up a 2003 250SD 4X4 CC Lariat loaded with 20,000 miles for around $28 to 29 thousand. This is a 6.0 PSD. There is one in my area now and I do see them from time to time.Check out the classifieds in the FTE site. Put in a want ad in FTE.

 

On #1: if they cost the same, get the F350. Otherwise, an F250 will probably be sufficient for your needs. If looking at the old body styles, the F350 came with a solid front axle vs the Twin-Traction Beam (IFS) on the F250. On the newer Super Duty trucks, there's virtually no difference between an F250 and a SRW F350.

On #2: I like both... I own both! The V10 gets a little better MPG and has a tad more power. Not enough difference to make one substantially better than the other IMO. Maintenance costs are the same for both engines as each holds 6 qts of oil, use the same tranny, similiar axles, etc. But, parts for the 460 will likely be cheaper and it is somewhat easier to work on. Hopefully, you won't have to work on whatever you buy.

Given a choice, I'd pick the Super Duty over the old F250 just because of the ride quality and other creature comforts.