My wife wants my Expedition. That's good because I want a truck. I am considering purchasing a diesel F250, but have never had a diesel powered vehicle before. I'd appreciate some feedback from diesel owners on the advantages/disadvantages of diesel engines. Are they similar to gas engines for regular maintenance, etc? Tips?

I use it to occasionally pull a boat ~6500lbs and I drive about 20K miles/yr.

Thanks.

 

What year are you looking at? Depends on what engine you are looking for.

 

Probably a new or late model F250 since I usually get about 12 years out of my vehicles before selling/trading them in. Not sure about which engine. Any of them should be sufficient for my towing reqs. Are there some to avoid/consider?

 

If I was going to buy new, I would get the new 6.7 diesel that is in the 2011 model year. There is a lot of hooplaa going on now on that truck. Look a little lower in the main forum page for the 6.7 forum and read some in there.

 

if you drive 20K miles a year and keep it for 10+ years a diesel will totally suit your bill.
-Diesel oil changes are more expensive, due to the massive amount of oil required 4+gallons
-You sig states you are in florida...so no problem with cold weather starting (although it's mostly a thing of the past)

- just remember...more towing power...means you are going to want a bigger boat....

 

If you do not need the medium duty towing power, I strongly advise you not to get it.

A V-10 will do the same for a lot less costs in maintenance.

 

Diesels also do not like short trips. Like to have trips that at least get the engine up to operating temp...

 

Both of my trucks take something like 14 quarts. Oil changes cost more, so does the oil filter. You can usually go longer between oil changes with a diesel though. Both gas and diesel engines have their advantages and disadvantages. When you get right down to it, the main question is what do you want?

 

v-10 will also eat twice the feul the diesel does doing any given thing

but unloaded the v-10 is a lot faster

but if you never tow above 7k any 250/350 is overkill

at the risk of someone taking after me with a pitchfork I'll point out that if you put 10-15k a yaer of that driving on a small car feul savings will more than make the car payment and you're truck will last longer

 

I find driving a diesel intoxicating. There's nothing like the clattering--It's music to my ears

 

I agree, i went to the Ford dealership about 2 months ago to pick up some oil and filters for my 6.0, test drove some new f-150s, i immediatly knew i would never drive a gasser and be happy, i love diesels and wouldnt trade down to a gas for anything

 

nice to not have to worry about not holding speed on hills too. just set the cruise and go...