I am looking a buying a used truck for myself. Although i can only afford a 2wd F250 diesel or a 4wd F150 gas. This is killing me. Any suggestions. Please let me know what your opinions are!!

 

Hey Big! Welcome to FTE!

The decision depends on a lot of things. Do you need a 4x4 where you live? Do you tow, and if you do how much? What is your budget?

You may be able to get a 4x4 F-250 with a V-8 or a V-10 for the price of an F-150.

 

My dream would be a F250 diesel 4x4 but i have to give a little to get a little. So im debating whats more important. I plan on lifting the truck (more for looks than anything else.) when i had my last truck i used my 4x4 fairly often but it wasnt needed. I plan on pulling a trailer (30ft) so i like the torque of a diesel truck. I guess my main concern is it worth dropping diesel for 4x4 or no.

also i see your a MSgt in the AF? Sweet i am as well, well in the AF not a MSgt

 

If you are going to be towing often , and heavy get the diesel you will much happier.If you don't tow that often and stay fairly light then look at the 4X4 150 gas .

Dave

 

Another way of looking at it, from a financial perspective, is that the Diesel might last 2-3 times as long as a gas motor. This could help justify the added expense, if you can pull it off.

I just recently faced the same dilemma. I ended up stretching my finances a little to get the diesel 4x4. I also think the added torque of the diesel makes hauling around the extra 4x4 running gear less of an issue than it would be with a gas motor, in terms of fuel efficiency.

Living where I do, I don't have much need year-round for the 4wd, however, I needed it twice yesterday! Since the diesel is heavier, backing up a wet driveway with the truck empty sometimes requires 4wd, whereas it didn't with my gas 4x4, so that is another consideration.

Good luck in your decision!

-Jeff

 

A V-10 will pull a load about as well as a diesel. You can pick them up on the used market for a lot less money.

 

I agree with REDFORD most people don't need a diesel they just want it because it's the cool thing to have right now. Some try to justify it, but a v-8 or v-10 would do you just fine. If I had to choose I would go with the 4x4 over a 2wd diesel.

 

I prefer a diesel over a gas but that's my opinion. My first F250 was a compromise I ended up with a used 96 extended cab 2X4 auto with a 7.3 . It was a great truck I bought it with a 140,000 miles and sold it with 226,000 miles on it for 2grand less than I paid for it and owned it for 4 years.So this time I got what I wanted ( searched for over 6 months to find my 99.5) I think once you have a 4X4 you just gotta have it if you need it just once a year . My dad couldn't figure out why I wanted a 4X4 till he watched me drag our trackhoe and trailer up a muddy hill to a job site that his 2X4 superduty couldn't make it up by itself.So I would look around and buy what you can afford and if you can't get what you want buy something that you will not loose to much on when your ready to get exactly what you want.

 

Totally agree.

A number of years ago there was a real bad snow storm in the Seattle area. 27 inches! My Mom was undergoing chemotherapy at the time. She could not miss an appointment. My Dad could not get out of the driveway, so he called me. I got her there and back. Now, even my Mom has a 4x4 (Escape) and insists my Dad drive and F-150 4x4.

 

Everyday costs are important as well. Though I've never owned a diesel, as I understand it they are not "set it and forget it" in the maintenance way.

If you're looking for cheap, gas oil changes and fill-er-up sound good.

 

As a V-10 owner, I can offer my opinion: Get a V-10. If you want higher torque (than the V-8) but don't want the "issues" of owning a diesel then the V-10 will fit your bill. The big motor will be able to pull your 30 foot trailer and you will be happy with it.

 

On the flip side (just trying to give you all the facts here) a diesel will have better resale value.

A 4x4 will also have better resale value.

 

As far as diesels not being a set it and forget it I change oil and filter every 5000 miles ,fuel filter at 10,000 miles , air filter once a year and I have no issues at all.

 

i don't know what the truck market is like in your area, but i got my 4x4 F-250 w/ the 5.4L with 78k on the clock for less than $9k... if thats of any use to you.

just gotta keep your eyes open..

 

1996PWSTKR
Thanks for info. i am new owner of 2000 F250 7.3 and new to diesels. I was looking for help for maintaining my truck. What else should i do? How often should i drain the water from separator? What else should i do?