Which one?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,117
Likes: 8
From: Over Yonder, MN
Which one?
So I’m looking for a new truck, originally I was looking at the 04 F-150s when I came across an 04 F-350 6.0 FX4 Crew Cab for $23,000 with 72,000 miles… now I’ve always wanted a super duty, but really have no practical need for a truck like that most of the year… anyways, there are still a few benefits for me. So being that I know no one with a truck like this or even a diesel, I’ve come to you. How are the diesels on maintenance? Mileage? Below 0* in the winter? Numerous short trips spaced roughly an hour apart all day? Anyone know how much longer they are then the F-150s? Problems? Parking? Anything you can tell me would be nice.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,799
Likes: 1
First thing, the '03 & '04 6.0L diesels were known to have some issues. Get the dealer to give you an Oasis report. That report will tell you all the maintenance history on that vehicle that was performed at a Ford Dealer. You can look that report over to see if it was indeed one of the problematic 6.0L's. Then we can discuss the other issues when we see if you are still interested in the Super Duty. They are one awesome truck!
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Fairfax, VA
That Does seem to shabby of a deal if it doesnt have a bad oasis report. I picked up mine a 2003 f250 CC SB King ranch with the 6.0 PSD For 26,500 with 74k miles. Granit it did have some things allready on the truck but 23k Doesnt seem to shabby. Then Again i also live in Norther VA where They still try and sell a 06 Left Over for 47k.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,617
Likes: 4
From: Denver, Co
- How are the diesels on maintenance?
- Maintenance is going to be more expensive than a gasser. You can count on 15 quarts of oil per oil change. It has two fuel filters...which gives you at least one more than usual to change. And the combination of fuel & air filters--while sold from a variety of places as a packaged set--will cost you a pretty penny.
- Mileage?
- City roughly 13-16 MPG
- Highway roughly 17-21 MPG
- Like any other mileage numbers, this will largely depend on how heavy footed you are...if you lift it, put it on bigger tires, etc.
- Loaded/trailered mileages are going to vary even more...
- Below 0* in the winter?
- The newer diesels are pretty tolerant of the winter weather. If you can get it plugged in, it will greatly help out the cold starts, but it is not a necessity. My biggest suggestion would be to use a good fuel additive with a anti-gel formula--like Power Service's Diesel Fuel Supplement + Cetane Boost. Most folks refer to it as Diesel Kleen in a white bottle...not entirely accurate, but there is no mistaking what they are talking about.
- Numerous short trips spaced roughly an hour apart all day?
- As jake00 hinted, short trips on a diesel are not entirely friendly to the motor. Too many short trips can cause problems, as the motor may not be able to make it back up to operating temperatures. On the flip side, excessive idling is equally bad for the PSD. So, it is kind of a balancing act.
- Parking?
- The '05 & newer Super Duties with their coil spring front ends are much easier to maneuver than earlier leaf springed bretheren, and that in itself makes most parking lots pretty bearable. The trailer towing mirrors pretty much span line-to-line in most parking slots/spaces though, and this has me double parking in most places...at least I'm nice enough to do so in the very back of the parking lot. (Besides, it is extra insurance against door dings!)
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,117
Likes: 8
From: Over Yonder, MN
Well I drove an 03 KR today priced at 25900 with 70,000miles and just about fell in love. My biggest worry is if my life style is good for the diesel, I like to idle my truck in the winter for 5-10 mins before I drive it. I believe my short trips being a combination of in town and highway speeds will provide enough time for it to get to temp, then it'll sit for a little under an hour and we'll go again... of course there are the days when i'll live in it.
Deluxe, wow awesome post.
Deluxe, wow awesome post.
Last edited by screwy; Oct 18, 2006 at 09:02 PM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 0
From: New York
First, congratulations...... you seem to have been sold on stepping up to a SuperDuty. Good move. I have owned two and are completely satified with both. Like you, I also considered the diesel, and due to similar driving habits as you, I decided on going with the V10. It will give comparable power and torque but not having the "issues" specific to owning a diesel. Diesels need to be run for long periods of time, not something I do on an everyday basis.
If you want a Superduty with the power of a diesel, look no further than a V10. Great engines!!!
If you want a Superduty with the power of a diesel, look no further than a V10. Great engines!!!
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,117
Likes: 8
From: Over Yonder, MN
I wouldn’t say I was set on it, part of the appeal of it is the fact that it’s a diesel. If it doesn’t work I’ll probably just go back to the 150.
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