Hello
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New User
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Hello
Hello all. I am currently doing reasearch for a new used vehicle that I will be looking to buy in December - January timeframe and the Ford F-250 is one of my considerations. I will be looking to spend around 15-20k and If at all possible can some of you veterans on here give me some pros and cons, of all possible engine and door configurations? Thanks in advance.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,400
Likes: 319
From: Whittier, CA
Welcome to FTE, JVT.
For 15-20k, you will be looking at somewhere around model year 2000-2006, depending on the options you choose.
I think I will just point you to the search function for motor choices, because it is a hot button here and therefore there are already too many heated discussion threads. Just look them up. Suffice to say your choices will be 5.4L gas V-8, 6.8L gas V-10, and 7.3 or 6.0L diesel V-8.
As for cab/bed, you have standard short 2 door cab that only comes with an 8' bed. Next you have what is known as a Super Cab, which has 2 suicide doors behind the front doors, and can be had with a 6.75 or 8' bed. Then you have what is known as a Crew Cab, which has four full doors, and can be had with a 6.75 or 8' bed. Which is right for you? Depends on how many people/dogs you haul, and what kind of cargo you haul. Maybe you should tell us a little more about how you plan to use the truck?
For 15-20k, you will be looking at somewhere around model year 2000-2006, depending on the options you choose.
I think I will just point you to the search function for motor choices, because it is a hot button here and therefore there are already too many heated discussion threads. Just look them up. Suffice to say your choices will be 5.4L gas V-8, 6.8L gas V-10, and 7.3 or 6.0L diesel V-8.
As for cab/bed, you have standard short 2 door cab that only comes with an 8' bed. Next you have what is known as a Super Cab, which has 2 suicide doors behind the front doors, and can be had with a 6.75 or 8' bed. Then you have what is known as a Crew Cab, which has four full doors, and can be had with a 6.75 or 8' bed. Which is right for you? Depends on how many people/dogs you haul, and what kind of cargo you haul. Maybe you should tell us a little more about how you plan to use the truck?
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,400
Likes: 319
From: Whittier, CA
Without choosing sides, let me expound on the motors a little.
5.4L 2 valve, available thru MY 2004.
5.4L 3 valve, available 2005 thru present. (more powerful than the 2 valve)
6.8L 2 valve, available thru MY 2004.
6.8L 3 valve, available 2005 thru present. (more powerful than the 2 valve)
7.3L diesel, available thru MY 2003 (discontinued mid year 2003)
6.0L diesel, available MY 2003 late, thru 2007
5.4L 2 valve, available thru MY 2004.
5.4L 3 valve, available 2005 thru present. (more powerful than the 2 valve)
6.8L 2 valve, available thru MY 2004.
6.8L 3 valve, available 2005 thru present. (more powerful than the 2 valve)
7.3L diesel, available thru MY 2003 (discontinued mid year 2003)
6.0L diesel, available MY 2003 late, thru 2007
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,400
Likes: 319
From: Whittier, CA
For a family, I think you will want the crew cab. I have the Supercab, and the back seat is pretty small. My lab has barely enough room to turn around. Small kids would be okay in a Supercab, but of course they don't stay small for long.
The Crewcab combined with an 8' bed is very long, making parking at the mall more difficult. I think the majority of Crewcabs have the short bed, but both are common.
You will absolutely love the Superduty truck, and it is a great off-road truck. Not so great in mud because it is the heaviest truck in it's class.
I would NOT get a 5.4L if I planned to tow frequently.
The Crewcab combined with an 8' bed is very long, making parking at the mall more difficult. I think the majority of Crewcabs have the short bed, but both are common.
You will absolutely love the Superduty truck, and it is a great off-road truck. Not so great in mud because it is the heaviest truck in it's class.
I would NOT get a 5.4L if I planned to tow frequently.
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Ok ao I'm thinking Crewcab?(4 full doors). 4x4 for sure. Shortbed. 3in lift. 35" or 37" tires and lots of electronics(4 the kids of course). Oh and a diesel V8. Am I correct that with the deisel The mpg is around 18-20?
BTW: Thanks for the welcome.
BTW: Thanks for the welcome.
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Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,400
Likes: 319
From: Whittier, CA
Some guys with the older 7.3 say they get 20 mpg. I don't own one, so I don't know. But I do know it's getting really hard to find a 7.3 with reasonably low miles on the clock and in good shape. Well, the newest one is now 7 years old, so do the math.
You won't get 20 mpg with any 6.0. The best I can do is 18, totally empty with all conditions perfect. I can always get 16 or 17, running at 65-75 mph empty. So I guess the answer is, 16-18 mpg.
Towing a 5k# travel trailer I get 10-12 in the Sierra mountains. Big hills.
I love my diesel, but do your homework here at FTE and know what you are getting in to. Repairs are always expensive and sometimes difficult to diagnose. It's not for those on a tight budget. Try to buy something that still has the 5 year/100k mile warranty.
You won't get 20 mpg with any 6.0. The best I can do is 18, totally empty with all conditions perfect. I can always get 16 or 17, running at 65-75 mph empty. So I guess the answer is, 16-18 mpg.
Towing a 5k# travel trailer I get 10-12 in the Sierra mountains. Big hills.
I love my diesel, but do your homework here at FTE and know what you are getting in to. Repairs are always expensive and sometimes difficult to diagnose. It's not for those on a tight budget. Try to buy something that still has the 5 year/100k mile warranty.
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I have a 2002 crew cab short bed 4X4 with 7.3 no lift and stock wheels with stock size tires I average around 15-16mpg and roughly 17-18 on the highway. When you add the lift and the big tires your mpg will drop if for nothing else the extra drag and weight.