Report back when you get 18-20 mpg. Or do the math and you'll figure out that diesel has to be over $5/gal to be the same cost as yours mile for mile as your gasser at $3.30.

"Smell & Noise"?? The "noise" is the best part... Here's what mine sounds like (video of it on the dyno making almost 700 ft-lbs of torque -- report back when yours makes those numbers, too):
http://s65.photobucket.com/albums/h221/gat0r_2006/?action=view&current=MVI_0246.flv

And once you get used to the sweet smell of diesel exhaust, you'll know how much a gasser really stinks...

 

I know everyone has a preference and will tell you what their personal experience is. I was in pretty much the same position as you are several months ago. Bought an 8K 24' toyhauler last summer in IN. Towed it back from the factory to South TX with my 06 150 5.4 w/3:55. And started looking for more umf when I got home. My experience was the 150 pulled just fine, mileage sucked at 8-8.5 @ 60-65 MPH. Up hills really sucked. Traveling across the plains of KS and OK sucked due to high winds. Bought a 08 6.4 w/3:73 in December. Mileage still pretty much sucks (8.5-9) when towing. The big improvement is the heaver truck doesn't get pushed around as much on windy days. Fortunately, I was able to keep the 150 and use that as my daily driver. Otherwise, I would be real unhappy with my decision because of the current situation with fuel costs. I considered a V10 but I believe, at that time, was only available w/4:10 which I believe will pretty much have you stopping for fuel a lot. But with the difference in regular and diesel, I would sure consider it now. I know Redford believes in the 5.4 and I'm sure with good cause, but to me, with my trailer, the 5.4 just seems to be working a bit too hard to keep up. Personal opinion only. Good luck with your decision.

 

My 6.4 L gets 20+ mpg in cruise control. If you upgrade to the 250, you either need to get a V10 or a 6.4 Twin Turbo. The new F-150 will rock and rumor has it that it will be powerful like the V-8 F250 gas motor.

 

Also remember that about 80% of all Super Duty trucks sold are equipped with the diesel motor. That is why Ford has 10,000,000 miles tested on the new 6.4L Twin Turbo.

 

I think your towing milage will increase by a mile a gallon, however, your non towing milage will drop to about 12 mpg.

In a year, how many miles do you tow? It may not be worth it. Also, if you buy new the depreciation cost (40-60% of the purchase cost) will make the fuel cost a non issue.

Sorry... If you drop the numbers on a spreadsheet, fuel savings seldom justify new vehicle cost.

I support the F250 move if you want a 250. Keep in mind, the 150's ride is far superior to the F250's

 

To be fair, the total cost of ownership isn't that clear or favorable.

Certified milage tests are never as high as "some" private owners believe they get.

Diesels are built to run. If you run 80 -100K miles a year the diesel wins. It was built for that (the block - not the rest of the LT system) If you run a diesel on the weekends, your maintenance costs go up.

Diesel depreciation isn't as steep, yet the purchase cost is so much higher.

I love diesels. But, financially... They don't make sense for everyone.

I average 5,ooo miles a year. To break even on just the cost of the engine, the truck would have to last 17 years with no oil changes or fuel pump failures. I can't spend $5000 bucks for a 10 year (original calculation) break even.

I support running diesels for anyone who wants one. It may be wise though, to temper your estimates of cost/mile and total cost of ownership. It is a very rare instance when the operational cost of a non commercially owned diesel is better than a similar gasoline vehicle.

Just a couple of pennies from my weak and feable mind.

 

The last time tank I ran where I wasn't hot-rodding my truck, I hand-calculated (not using the "lie-o-meter" on the overhead console) about 18.3 (514mi/28gal = ~18.3 mpg). When I hot-rod my truck, I get between 15 & 16. With fuel prices like they are now, I try not to do that much.

21k, cost of truck, plus about $1500 in mods. Yearly maintenance is ~$200 per year, and I use syn oil, two oil changes per year. MPG is about 50% better than equivalent V10, probably more than 50% better towing. What that means is that whatever gas prices are, add about half of that amount back in and that's your break even point on diesel vs. gas. At $3.30 for gas, it's right at $5.00 for diesel to be even mile for mile. Add in the benefits of a much better tow vehicle, and the fact that you get something back every tank you run through it, and it's a no brainer.

I looked at it based on the mileage of my Ranger. The Ranger got about 17mpg, and I it was the same on the PSD. Back then, diesel was about the same or less than gas, so the only thing I was doing was paying more per month for a truck payment. I was at the point where my Ranger was too small. Wife & Daughter couldn't ride with me safely, so it was time for a full-size. F150s with V8s don't get that great of mileage, and neither do gasser SuperDutys. The diesel gave me better mileage of all the choices, and besides, I always wanted one!! To me, if you have to have a full size, get a diesel. Tons of power, better mileage, and just plain fun!

That said, look at your choices carefully. I've been hearing horror stories above about the 6.4s, and even the 6.0s getting terrible mileage. I don't know the root causes, but I do know what the 7.3 is capable of, and what to look for if my mileage drops suddenly (generally boost leaks that are easy to diagnose).

In the end, the Engineer above is right -- you have to look at your situation and make a choice. For me, having a full-size truck was a given. After that, mileage and the fact that I just wanted a diesel were the two other factors. My brother had a V10 F250, and I knew I didn't want to take that hit on mileage. I have a buddy with a 5.4 150 and he gets about the same or worse mileage that I get. That truck would've been fine for me, honestly. I don't tow a whole lot, and the space in it would've been adequate. Sometimes, it's not what you *need*, it's what you want that matters. The slight premium I paid for mine over the gasser options is well worth it to me. No regrets whatsoever...

 

I have to agree 100%, Izzy! I always wanted a diesel, but do I need one? Simply, no. But I LOVE it, even though its a 6-leaker!

 

Izzy

Your cost of ownership is better because you bought the truck for 21K and are running the 7.3. Good choice

Buy a newer 6.0 or a new 6.4 at $40,000 or more and..... Ka boom! The math blows up.

I waited 16 weeks for my truck because I too "want what I want". My folks will fight to the death for their Cummins equipped Dodge. Despite two trannys and four fuel pumps.

You're ok in my book!

 

you can find good clean low milage 06 250s and 350 PSD for under $30k
the last I found almost a year ago was a f-350 dually CC lariat 4x4 low milage and showroom condition at a ford dealer for $29k
if it hadn't been a dually I probly would have considered it

 

That sounds like a pretty good deal Ray.

I spent too much time in Scotland... I'm frugal and enjoy the pain

 

I have run into several decent deals on 06 trucks but still gun shy with the 6.0

 

Several years ago I thought about trading up. I just couldn't accept raising my debt load. I'm squimish about that sort of thing.

Just as well, "Ol'Ugly" is turning seven and hasn't hit 30,000 miles yet. Of course, now I have to own it till I die. You can't sell it without a buyer...

 

Agreed. You really have to choose wisely. I freely admit I got lucky and walked in at the right time. Actually, I drove by the used lot at the Ford dealership and had to loop around to go back when I saw "it" on the lot. I zoomed into it right away and when I asked the sales guy that came running out if it was what I thought it was, he said "Yep -- 7.3". The rest is history...