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I'm really happy with my current 2004 F250, Extended Cab with a 5.4 but with a little over 140k miles I realize that sooner or later it will have to be replaced even though it currently is running excellent and doesn't burn a drop of oil. Any suggestions on what years are better than others? I like the idea of the extra power in the later 3 valve engines but I don't need more power than that. So, here's what I'll be looking for ...
F250 or F350 (Does it really make a difference?)
5.4L
Extended Cab
Automatic
2 or 4 wheel drive
XLT minimum
I only use the truck to tow our 5000 lb. travel trailer and an occasional errand.
I'm really happy with my current 2004 F250, Extended Cab with a 5.4 but with a little over 140k miles I realize that sooner or later it will have to be replaced even though it currently is running excellent and doesn't burn a drop of oil. Any suggestions on what years are better than others? I like the idea of the extra power in the later 3 valve engines but I don't need more power than that. So, here's what I'll be looking for ...
F250 or F350 (Does it really make a difference?)
5.4L
Extended Cab
Automatic
2 or 4 wheel drive
XLT minimum
I only use the truck to tow our 5000 lb. travel trailer and an occasional errand.
With a gas engine, I would be looking at an '08 or later without a doubt. The interiors are just so much nicer.
Oh, don't bother going F350 with a 5.4L. There is no point in that. If you could even find one.
Might I suggest the F350....cost is about the same as the F250 model for model, same truck with minor differences, and larger GVWR & towing ratings. I am also partial to the V10 for a 7000 lb truck (250 or 350).JMHO, YMMV
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One more piece to the puzzle that I forgot to add. I have a Leer camper shell on my current truck that I would like to retain. That would probably limit me to 2007 or earlier. So, what would be my best bet between 2005 and 2007. Some of the things I would like to improve upon are ...
Of course, a little more power in the 3 valve 5.4L
Better automatic transmission than what's in my 2004. Although, the one I have has performed flawlessly.
Integrated brake controller
Power folding mirrors. Folding the mirrors manually to get into the garage is getting old.
Rear mounted backup camera would be nice. I just bought a Hensley hitch for our travel trailer and the extra eyes would really help.
One more piece to the puzzle that I forgot to add. I have a Leer camper shell on my current truck that I would like to retain.
That will really limit your color choice, and I don't think caps are worth painting, IMO.
It also rules out an '08, at least with the tailgate step option. Not sure about the standard tailgate, but I think it has a bump in the top rail that makes it not fit an earlier shell.
Originally Posted by beeser
Of course, a little more power in the 3 valve 5.4L
Better automatic transmission than what's in my 2004.
No differences between '05 - '07, so not a factor.
Originally Posted by beeser
Integrated brake controller
Available in '05 - '07, although a programming change made the '06 and '07 better.
Originally Posted by beeser
Power folding mirrors. Folding the mirrors manually to get into the garage is getting old.
Not a factory option until '08.
Originally Posted by beeser
Rear mounted backup camera would be nice.
Not a factory option until Job 2 '08's.
So, very little to choose between any '05 to '07, but the mirrors and backup camera on an '08 would be good for you. You can retro-fit '08 mirrors, but the power fold takes some customization to make it work. And of course there are lots of backup cameras available A/M.
Thanks Bill! That helps a lot. I like to look for replacement vehicles before actually needing them and to dispose or sell my old one later. So the plan I'm developing now is to keep a sharp eye out for anything used above '06. The more I have to get in and out of the truck to fold the mirrors will probably motivate me to hold out for an '08. The camera, like you said, can be added easily enough.