My 99 F250, 5.4 got T boned Sat. So I am in the market for new F250-350. Due to price I am looking at the older models with 5.4 or 6.0PSD. I love the idea of the extra power and seems like I will have moderate gain in MPG. But is there a downside other than expensive oil change. Does the 6.0 require more maint than the new 5.4? If there is I think I can live with the 65hp and extra gear I will gain by just getting the newer 5.4.
Suggestions please.

 

Power, there's just something about it.

if your 5.4 works for your needs, go for another one, but if you need diesel power that's a horse of a different color, kind of like comparing a Harley to a Honda.

Any diesel will cost more all the way around so weigh your needs against your wants.

 

I think I will stick with the 5.4 maybe even the V-10. There are times when I would love that Diesel power but 9-10 times I dont need it. usually dont pull more than 3500lbs. My old F250 did the trick, so the couple more ponies I pick up should do it a little better.

 

If that is all your going to pull i would stick to the gas

 

Ya i would stick with the V-10. In the SD, the 5.4 gets only 1-1.5 mpgs better then the V-10. So the gas mileage aint that worse.

 

If that's your typical load I would go with the 5.4. It should do the job and get alot better MPG than the V-10.

 

I dont pull squat, well once and a while, but I can whenever I want. I get better milage than my last 1500 dog er dodge. Its costs more to mantain and I wouldnt give it back if it cost twice as much to maintain. Its big the turbo whines no one pulls out infront of you and its a Ford. My .02

 

Not only that, I have sen some really nice V-10's go for some really low prices lately. FUEL.

 

1. Up front cost.
2. Slow to warm up when cold out
3. Maintance is expensive
4. Heavy front end
5. Fuel costs more than gas
6. Not as quite as gas
7. Insurance is higher
8. Did I mention it's expensive to own.

 

No,
but you left out that it's expensive to repair.

 

I'm with Foul1. I do not tow much at all, and these diesels are more expensive in every way but I wouldn't give it up for anything. This truck is my first diesel and there have been some days where I was discouraged with it. But theres just something about starting it up and hearing that turbo whine and the bark it makes when you get on it.

 

Thats a good way to put it. My 6.0 is also my first diesel. Im discouraged with it right now but as soon as i get it outta the shop, im sure once i listen to that turbo spool ill never wanna get rid of it lol haha

 

It sounds like the 5.4 is plenty for what you need. I would stick with it in this case for sure.

 

I can't really argue with that. However, you have to remember it will have more value on the back end versus a gasser. Given all things being in ship shape.


You can change that with a good winter tune. It's amazing what you can do with electronics these days.

Depends on how much you can do yourself versus needing to take it to a shop to do. Also depends on how you shop around for parts as well.

Can't argue with that.

Actually it costs the same as mid-grade here at most places and at a couple it costs the same as 87. So that may or may not be the case all over.

Diesel isn't supposed to be that way.

Yes and no. It will depend on various factors that aren't the same for everyone.

Based on my cost/benefit analysis for myself(and this is just based on my situation, not for anyone else), I'm actually better off with a diesel then a gasser. In 3 yrs it's a push on rather I should get a diesel or a gasser. I'm well into my 4th year and going onto my 5th, so I've more then past the broke even point, the savings from that extra year and a half have actually paid off for 9/10s of the mods that I've done. By the time that it hits 5 yrs, I should have broken even between running a stock v10(v8 gas wouldn't have done crap for me) or a 500+ 6.0. So like a couple of other things mentioned, it depends on one's situation.

However, all that aside to the OP, listen to them a v8 gasser would be sufficient for what you do, a v10 will make sure that you don't have a problem, but a diesel, particularly a 6.0 can actually be a pain to have given your situation.