Are most of the purchases of the $5K+ diesel option on the F-250 for towing purposes? Would not the V-10 gas engine option (for much less) provide the needed power?

 

Before this turns into a flame-fest, I'll answer this as best I can, and hopefully put a damper on it.

The diesel puts out more power than the V10. Period. Enough to matter when towing VERY heavy (12K+ lbs).

There are those of us who use the new 3-valve V10 for towing that much and don't have a single problem.

There are those of us who use diesels for that much weight and wouldn't have it any other way.

If you're not towing heavy, it's up to YOU to decide which way to go.

Read up on the Powerstroke and the V10 here on this site. Make up your OWN mind. The diesel and the V10 can be setup in such a way that the V10 can perform just as well as the diesel, but use way more fuel.

There, I think I answered that the right way. Anyone else who wants to comment, DON'T! This will only go badly.

 

That's a FAIR/unbiased response IMHO. I guess the fuel consumption variable would come into play here. But to me, $5K+ option is too much.

 

Then you've made up your own mind

Don't forget people, don't slam this guy (or me)

You might want to venture down to the diesel and V10 forums to check things out further.

 

There are also those of us the bought the diesel to hot rod it. It's way faster than the V10 when fixed up right.

There is also the fact that, when kept fairly stock, the diesel can last 300,000 to 500,00 miles before needing any major work. It's built to last. Of course, there are some that have had significant problems with theirs so they may say that's not true, but I know many guys that have more than 300,000 miles and haven't had to touch theirs.

 

I got my PSD for three reasons. First was better fuel mileage and I have not been disappointed. I average 19 or better on the highway.

Second was longevity. I put about 45,000 miles per year on my truck and I felt like the PSD would be more likely to last 5 years (225,000 miles). And I believe my resale in 5 years will be a quite a bit better than a gas engine with that many miles.

Third was towing capability, but I don't pull much over 6,000 pounds. I could do that with a F150, certainly with a V10, but not as easy as my PSD.

As for the cost: At $3 per gallon fuel and assuming I average 17 mpg over the 5 years and drive 225,000 miles, then I would have spent $39,706. A V-10 averaging 13 mpg over that time period would cost $51,923 in gas. So I win big time with a diesel, even before considering resale values. But if you drive 15,000 miles per year instead of 45,000, then a PSD/V10 is about the same in costs (fuel plus $4000 for the PSD = V10 gas).

 

I bought my PSD for buisness reasons too.

1) I pull a 31ft 5th wheel trailer from job to job. The company gives me extra money to provide my own lodging while on the rig site

2) I work in some strange, obtuce places, and if I ever, in case of an EMERGENCY, need fuel, there is plenty of it at work

Now, from what I've READ, READ mind you, the Diesel has just about twice the fuel economy while pulling a heavy load (5mpg for gas/10 mpg for diesel). The diesel will also, with proper maintainence, go a LOT longer before needing a rebuild.

Now, the downside of the Diesel, is that the fuel acts funny in cold weather,(this can be fixed with additives), you have to be RELIGIOUS about changing oil and filters, and if they break down, the repair costs are going to be much more expensive than the V10. These are just the highlights, but, there are other small details.

Ok that being said. Mine is a pleasue to drive. You wouldn't know you weren't driving a fine gasoline powered vehicle most of the time. The only time you'd know the difference is when you start from a dead stop, and that is minimal. Lots of power on tap, lots of passing power too. And haven't had the first problem with it, knock on wood.

I hope this helps make up your mind, however you decide to go.
Good luck with your new truck

Gunner15a

 

i was just going to say GOOD answer krewat !!!!

 

One other note on price:

Your quote of "the $5K+ diesel option" is often repeated in other threads. For 2006, the invoice price of a PSD add is $4400 over the 5.4L base engine. The V10 is $500 extra.

Therefore, the difference between a V10 and a PSD is $3900. Five years ago I'm guessing it was less than that.

Now for resale value: A 2001 V10 F250 crewcab with 75,000 miles (15,000 per year for 5 years) has a trade-in NADA value of $13,875. The PSD in the same truck with the same mileage has a value of $17,675. That's $3800 better for the PSD and I just paid for the original difference.

You'll save money in the long run (resale plus fuel mileage) by buying a PSD.

 

Depends on how much weight and how often you are going to tow. I know a lot of people who have purchased the PSD 6.0 just because diesel is so popular right now in the truck market. They tow, but at the most 8000lbs. These guys have put the Banks or Edge products (etc.) on...and like to drive there SD like it was a sports car. So they did it because they wanted to. Plain and simple. They do not think about the economics or how practical it is...

I also know several people with the V10. They purchased it because they do not care for diesel. The added cost of oil changes, filters, etc. They wanted the largest most powerful gas engine FORD ever put in a truck. So that is what they bought. They also do not pull more than 8000lbs...so it works just fine for them. Most of them do however have the optional 4.30 gears. Makes the V10 pull like a mule.

So...ask yourself: Do I like diesel or gas? If you like diesel, then buy the 6.0L. If you like gas, then buy the V10. As long as it is a FORD SD...then all is well.

Good luck in your choice...and post back.

biz

_______________________________
2003 F250 SD SC 142" XLT FX4 V10 Auto 4x4 3.73s

 

Price Information MSRP
STANDARD VEHICLE PRICE $37,480

Optional Equipment
2006 MODEL YEAR
DARK STONE
ARIZONA BEIGE CC MET ACCENT
TAN LEATHER
PREFERRED EQUIPMENT PKG.608A
.LARIAT TRIM
.ADVANCED SECURITY GROUP
6.0L V-8 DIESEL 5,300
TORQSHIFT(TM) 5-SPD AUTO TRANS 1,490
LT275/65R20E AT OWL 1,245
3.73 RATIO LIMITED SLIP AXLE 300
JOB #2 BUILD IDENTIFIER
FRONT LICENSE PLATE BRACKET
ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MATS 25
BRT POLISHED TUBULAR CAB STEPS 110
10000# GVWR PACKAGE
ELECTRONIC SHIFT ON THE FLY 185
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER 35
50 STATE EMISSIONS
POWER SLIDE MOONROOF 995
POWER SLIDING REAR WINDOW 185
SPARE TIRE AND WHEEL
FX4 PACKAGE 225
.SKID PLATES
AUTOMATIC TEMP CONTROL A/C
PREM ELEC AM/FM STER/6DISC CD 300
JACK
ADJUSTABLE GAS/BRAKE PEDAL 120
POLISHED FORGED ALUM 20" WHLS
UPFITTER SWITCHES 85
REVERSE VEHICLE AID SENSOR 245
TRAILER HITCH RECEIVER 12.5K 175
LEATHER CAPTAIN'S CHAIRS
TOW COMMAND SYSTEM 450
.TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER
.TELESCPNG TT MIRR-POWR/HTD
LOWER ACCENT TWO-TONE PAINT 470
NOT FOR AMBULANCE USE. USING
THIS VEHICLE TO PRODUCE AN
AMBULANCE VOIDS FORD WARRANTY.
__________
TOTAL VEHICLE & OPTIONS 49,420
DESTINATION & DELIVERY 875

TOTAL MSRP $50,295

 

I guess I have to say, I WANTED THE DIESEL! Talked my self out of it for years of driving the F150 because of that $$$$$$ amount extra. I now am the proud owner of a 06 F250 King Ranch 6.0 powerstroke, and wonder why it took me so long to get one. Great truck!

 

Right on, have fun

 

Nice post. The diesel is about a $5500 upcharge, and will bring about $8000 more a couple of years later. If someone trades often, this would be a consideration. If not..... it wouldn't come into play.

I really think the bottom line comes down to the customer preference. V10 owners seem quite satisfied with their purchase, and at the same time you won't see many diesel owners rushing out to trade for a gasser either. I personally prefer the 6.0 because of the resale factor, but wouldn't ever try to talk a V10 prospect out of that motor.

 

Arts & Polar:

The diesel option is $4400 upcharge on INVOICE. Compared to a V10 it's +$3900 INVOICE.

I paid invoice for this truck and every other new vehicle I've ever owned. I can't imagine why anyone would pay retail for a new vehicle so I don't think it's relevant to say that the PSD upcharge is $5300 or $5500.