Researching for future purchase
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 100
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From: Silver City New Mexico
Researching for future purchase
I am looking at purchasing a newer F350 with the PSD. I currently have a 2000 Tacoma and it just isn't big enough anymore. I plan on keeping it to drive the 80 miles a day to and from work. The 350 will be used for when family comes to town, running errands, taking my ATV out and soon pulling a 5th wheel. I have a friend that has had two PSD and loves them. Not too mention if i bought a sissy's bow tie i would be disowned by my family. What are the real world MPG #s for the 6.4L? How about dependability? I read some reviews on another site where owners are claiming motor replacement already at 50,000 miles or less? Is this a problem, or was it their lack of maintenance, or their towing habits? I am looking at the 08's because i want lower miles, all the other vehicles i have bought had over 70,000. I want newer this time. Also if anyone knows where i can find a wrecked, salvaged 7.3 or 6.0 chassis and drivetrain would also be great. Want it for a street rod project, have a 1949 Studebaker Truck body to put on it.
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 128
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From: Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Not to be discouraging, but I would just look for a lower mile 7.3, especially if you're thinking it may not be a daily driver.
I have an 02 7.3 and I love it. I bought it with 58k miles about two years ago. If you want a reliable truck, go for a lower mile 7.3 that has been taken care of by someone.
I know I am happy with my purchase.
I have an 02 7.3 and I love it. I bought it with 58k miles about two years ago. If you want a reliable truck, go for a lower mile 7.3 that has been taken care of by someone.
I know I am happy with my purchase.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,377
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From: Frederick, MD
I have an 08. Love it! real world mpg's vary according to use and time of year (winter usually lower mpgs because of winter blend fuel).
I get around 13 town and 17 hwy unloaded and somewhere around 9-11 towing heavy.
new the PSD the more the maintance but also the more power you will see. Biggest concern about a modern diesel is the maintance and purpose for the truck. Diesels like to be used and used hard.
Your idea of a 5th wheel is a perfect example, but keep in mind you cannot let the truck sit in the driveway all winter long without driving it.
Best thing to do it consider how often you will drive it, what is the max trailer wt you plan on for your purchase, look at the towing ratings of the desired truck to ensure it will work for you.
Its a good choice!
I get around 13 town and 17 hwy unloaded and somewhere around 9-11 towing heavy.
new the PSD the more the maintance but also the more power you will see. Biggest concern about a modern diesel is the maintance and purpose for the truck. Diesels like to be used and used hard.
Your idea of a 5th wheel is a perfect example, but keep in mind you cannot let the truck sit in the driveway all winter long without driving it.
Best thing to do it consider how often you will drive it, what is the max trailer wt you plan on for your purchase, look at the towing ratings of the desired truck to ensure it will work for you.
Its a good choice!
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,154
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Yep, diesels like to be run. I use the car to commute the 80 mile round trip most of the time but every two weeks or so I take the truck. I stop to pick up a pallet of cat litter for the shelter my daughter volunteers at and run about 60 miles of that day's drive with close to a ton in the back. She likes to exercise that turbo on the hills then.....
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 919
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From: Smiths Grove, KY
I'm not familiar with the 6.4L but I love the 6.0L PSD no matter what anyone else has to say about the matter. Like others have said the newer model diesels are prone to problems if you let them sit for long periods of time. I use a Ranger for my daily commute, however I take out the 250 every weekend for some exercise. The main issue with sitting on the 6.0L is sticking turbo vanes. Not sure if the same problem exist on the 6.4L or not.
Also maintenance is a HUGE issue with the newer diesel engines. If you buy used try to find out about the maintenance history of the truck and be prepared to be meticulous in the future if you want a positive experience with the truck.
You should check-out the 6.4L section of the forum. I'm sure you will get lots of specific info there.
6.4L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Also maintenance is a HUGE issue with the newer diesel engines. If you buy used try to find out about the maintenance history of the truck and be prepared to be meticulous in the future if you want a positive experience with the truck.
You should check-out the 6.4L section of the forum. I'm sure you will get lots of specific info there.
6.4L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 128
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From: Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Also maintenance is a HUGE issue with the newer diesel engines. If you buy used try to find out about the maintenance history of the truck and be prepared to be meticulous in the future if you want a positive experience with the truck.
6.4L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 850
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From: West Granby, CT.
Having had diesels for 18 years I will no longer go that route. Probaly age has something to do with it but the maintenance is to costly for the extra power you get. Having to plug it in in the winter here in the northeast is a hassle & costly. Have you considered a V10, then you don't have the high $$$ for maintenance and can let it sit w/o worring and it will tow a fifth wheel. Granted a diesel will tow the fifth wheel better.....but what are you using the truck for most????? Just my .3 cents
