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Would You Buy Again?

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Old Aug 28, 2008 | 12:51 PM
  #1  
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mykee50
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Would You Buy Again?

Hi Everybody, I currently have an 03' F-150 FX4 (gas). I am looking at an 05' F-250 FX4 Turbo Diesel with 25K miles that I would tow a 31' 5th wheel with. I can pick it up as part of a package deal with the 5th wheel.

My question is with all of the problems I've read about with the 6.0 PowerStroke Diesel, is worth it? There is a guy on the RV America forum that said he wouldn't have one if you gave it to him. I know it's just an opinion but does it have any merit?

My current truck is fine but I don't think it is up to the task of towing up to 9K-10K lbs.

Thanks in advance for any advise, Mike Kauffman, Issaquah, WA

P.S. What is the warranty on an 05' diesel?
 

Last edited by mykee50; Aug 28, 2008 at 01:20 PM. Reason: spelling
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Old Aug 28, 2008 | 01:05 PM
  #2  
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I too am pulling a 31 foot 5ver, 11,000 dry, and have no prblems with it. I have had a turbo replaced and a bedplate leak repaired since I bought it in Jan., 2005, under warranty. Yes I would do it again. It has never left me stranded and it will pull tree stumps. Went to the Sierras 2 weeks ago and got 11.6 mpg going and 13.3 mpg on return trip. Probably grossed 5ver out at about 12,500 ponds. I also installed a 5.5 kw Onan genset in the 5ver.
 
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Old Aug 28, 2008 | 01:11 PM
  #3  
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From: Henderson, NV
Originally Posted by mykee50
Hi Everybody, I currently have an 03' F-150 FX4 (gas). I am looking at an 05' F-250 FX4 Turbo Diesel with 25K miles that I would tow a 31' 5th wheel with. I can pick it up as part of a package seal with the 5th wheel.

My question is with all of the problems I've read about with the 6.0 PowerStroke Diesel, is worth it? There is a guy on the RV America forum that said he wouldn't have one if you gave it to him. I know it's just an opinion but does it have any merit?

My current truck is fine but I don't think it is up to the task of towing up to 9K-10K lbs.

Thanks in advance for any advise, Mike Kauffman, Issaquah, WA
Sweet! I used to live in Issaquah (Squak Mountain)! Yes I would purchase my truck again! I would also purchase the "mods" in my signature again.
 
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Old Aug 28, 2008 | 01:19 PM
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First post the VIN number in this thread, (there are some very nice members that will get you the Oasis report):
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...st-thread.html
Then read the Tech Folder here:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/3...ch-folder.html
 
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Old Aug 28, 2008 | 01:45 PM
  #5  
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I would have gone a different route. I really like my truck, but the head gaskets went at 17k, gauge cluster at around 8k, just turned me off to it.
 
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Old Aug 28, 2008 | 01:55 PM
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I have 110K on my second 6.0 and if Ford still made them when I hit 225K I would be buying a third.

RoyC
 
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Old Aug 28, 2008 | 02:13 PM
  #7  
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yeah, i'd do it again. only put 30K on it since i bought it dec 05 (65 total), had a turbo go, wheel bearing, and front ball joints (all under warranty). other than that, it runs like a top and i love it!
 
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Old Aug 28, 2008 | 03:13 PM
  #8  
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NO. I should have waited and bought a Dodge with the reliable Cummins. Always been a chevy guy since I could remember. I dreamed of owning a FORD. Once I had the money I did and feel that I have been somewhat lucky...I've had the head gasket replacement, one turbo, two egr coolers and valve....although it was warranty work, I am fearful what is to come once I have to fix it and diagnose it myself.

Luckily I have 15 years of mechanical background behind me but it is scary for those of you ( including me) that don't wrench on a regular basis anymore. All in all it has been a good truck but it is always in the back of my head when some design flaw will fail and I'm f@&$*d.

Just my opinion
 
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Old Aug 28, 2008 | 03:21 PM
  #9  
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[It has never left me stranded and it will pull tree stumps.]

I am on my third one and would not own another truck. As for the tree stumps the proof is in my gallery.
 
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Old Aug 28, 2008 | 03:30 PM
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I would too.
 
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Old Aug 28, 2008 | 03:51 PM
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Pal, the basis for your decision should be the OASIS report.

Get your VIN and have the OASIS report done. The OASIS report will tell you what maintenance has been done by a dealer. If your report comes back showing multiple powertrain issues, pass it up.

In my case, mine is an 03 (one of those 'nasty' early 6.0's) and my OASIS report came back with a reflash and some body issues...that's it. I bought the truck in Feb of 07 and even bought an extended warranty (that 1400 bucks went down the drain!) because it was my first diesel. I just went over 75000 miles and that extended warranty never got used!

Since I bought the truck, it's been back to the dealership three times, first for paint protectant, the second was to have the instrument cluster replaced (under the original warranty) and the last time was for a deer between the headlights. Mine's been a GREAT truck and would not hesitate to buy another.

Run the OASIS and if it comes back good, press on and have fun pal!

Joe
 
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Old Aug 28, 2008 | 04:32 PM
  #12  
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Would I buy again? Heck yeah! I've loved this truck! I haven't had any real issues, even though I did have the headgaskets replaced along with ARP headstuds just to avoid any problems down the road. I do use a mild tuner and it makes a world of difference while towing. Your F-150 couldn't pull that trailer on it's best day, so an upgrade is necessary. You can always look at the GM Duramax and the Dodge Cummins because they do have more power, but every truck has it's pros and cons. I would consider a MegaCab Cummins for the motor, but then again, I've never driven one to know if they're as strong as everybody says. All I do know is that right now is the best time to buy a diesel truck because with fuel prices being so high, they are selling the trucks for very cheap!!
 
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Old Aug 28, 2008 | 08:30 PM
  #13  
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I love my 05 cc but am currently losing coolant somewhere, 69k, guess I will answer back after my visit to the dealer next Tuesday.
 
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Old Aug 28, 2008 | 08:55 PM
  #14  
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Definitely Again

I love my truck! If I had money, I would buy another one just to have The only problem I have had was the instrument cluster failing to accurately display the speed otherwise no problems.
 
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Old Aug 28, 2008 | 11:04 PM
  #15  
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I would buy again because I simply like the truck as the whole package and I don't believe any of the other makers come close to it. Yes the 6.0L has some design flaws and yes I am willing to deal with them when they come up. The biggest thing is to educate yourself about this engine so that you can put some good preventive measures in place to help in preventing some of the problems that do occur with these engines. Another problem is that alot of these trucks get modified by the owners to increase performance and that sometimes can increase the chances for failure. When I read about these failures I don't know who is doing what or what kind of driving habits they have. Just another opinion.
 
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