Need Purchasing Advice
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New User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3
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Need Purchasing Advice
Hello, I am a new member and I am NOT a troll (I was accused of being one on the Nissan Titan site). I questioned the reliability of the Titan (differential failures, brake problems, rattles, etc. on NEW trucks). They did not like that. Anyway.....
I am looking to purchase a 2005-2006 truck and the F150 or F250 has caught my eye. I need to know what to LOOK for and what to stay AWAY from when in the market for those model years.
Also, I am racking my brain with the Diesel vs. Gas engine question. I don't know which one to go with.
My driving:
No real towing, but will be hauling supplies in the bed.
Need 4x4 due to winter and dirt roads.
I usually keep my cars for MANY years.
I need decent MPG (diesel should get me better MPG)
THANKS!
I am looking to purchase a 2005-2006 truck and the F150 or F250 has caught my eye. I need to know what to LOOK for and what to stay AWAY from when in the market for those model years.
Also, I am racking my brain with the Diesel vs. Gas engine question. I don't know which one to go with.
My driving:
No real towing, but will be hauling supplies in the bed.
Need 4x4 due to winter and dirt roads.
I usually keep my cars for MANY years.
I need decent MPG (diesel should get me better MPG)
THANKS!
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 743
Likes: 0
pet05 welcome and you came to the right place. The guys on this forum know these trucks inside and out. I have never owned a F 150, so I really can't compare for you. I have a 05 F350 PSD and love it. Diesel prices are up right now, and the F150 I would imagine rides a little better. I'm sure someone will chime in soon.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, AB, CA
Welcome Pet05,
I had the same dilemma a few weeks ago, F150 5.4 or F350 PS. I have recently been test driving both and found for now my liking was the f150. The ride is real smooth, has a lot of power, and the interior has nicer options plus you are saving around $10,000. Now I'm not ruling out the PS, but for me right now I don't have any thing to tow or load it with, it is a lot louder then a gas engine, and it rides like a tank when empty. It is just not practical for me right now for those reasons. By the way they get about the same mileage and the fuel is about the same, you just save $10,000 going gas from the get go.
Just my opinion,
Dex
I had the same dilemma a few weeks ago, F150 5.4 or F350 PS. I have recently been test driving both and found for now my liking was the f150. The ride is real smooth, has a lot of power, and the interior has nicer options plus you are saving around $10,000. Now I'm not ruling out the PS, but for me right now I don't have any thing to tow or load it with, it is a lot louder then a gas engine, and it rides like a tank when empty. It is just not practical for me right now for those reasons. By the way they get about the same mileage and the fuel is about the same, you just save $10,000 going gas from the get go.
Just my opinion,
Dex
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Boise, ID
First decision is do you need more truck than the F150? You do not state how much you plan on hauling so that should be first decision factor. Make sure the truck you buy has the capacity to haul the loads you want to carry.
As far as gas vs. diesel, that automatically puts you into Super Duty range. Now figure out how many miles a year you drive, the difference in the cost of fuel, the additional cost of the PSD and how long you plan to keep the truck and see if it makes economic sense. Many will argue for the PSD no matter what; the decision is yours.
Ford gives you plenty of options from a 6-cyl regular cab short bed to a SD crew cab dually with a long bed. You need to detail exactly what you want the truck for and you likely get some very good options to help with your decision.
As far as gas vs. diesel, that automatically puts you into Super Duty range. Now figure out how many miles a year you drive, the difference in the cost of fuel, the additional cost of the PSD and how long you plan to keep the truck and see if it makes economic sense. Many will argue for the PSD no matter what; the decision is yours.
Ford gives you plenty of options from a 6-cyl regular cab short bed to a SD crew cab dually with a long bed. You need to detail exactly what you want the truck for and you likely get some very good options to help with your decision.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,413
Likes: 11
pet05, i think a f150 fx4 will do you just fine. seeing how i have 2 you might say i'm being biased. but really for what you said you do it'll serve you really well. i know the xlt is there and has alot of nice options but the suspion under the fx4 makes it worth it. i noticed you mentioned mpg. in my opion the 5.4 is the way to go. i dont know if going down the road empty how many mpg the 4.6 gets but i know it about the same as the 5.4 when loaded. you cant beat the tranny, and rearend.
