I've been looking for a newer tow vehicle and a brand new truck is out of the question. I am also looking only at gas trucks 2011 and up. I have come across a 2011 F-250 Lariat with 71K miles on it. This is a long bed supercab 4x4, which is what I need. There is no rust that I can find after crawling under it and checking the cab corners, rocker panels etc. The interior looks like new. The truck runs great and has good Michelin tires.. I think this truck can be had for 23K out the door including tax, title, documentation etc. I'm pretty sure it will pull my camper just fine. It's a Cherokee 274RK weighing in at about 7K unloaded, and not quite 8K loaded. Payload sticker on the door says 2500 and change. I think I'll be fine with my street legal golf cart in the bed (hence the need for an 8 foot bed). It's only me and my wife when we travel. What do you all think about the price? Is it a good deal? BTW it is a one owner with no accidents and some service records. Also are there any issues I should be aware of with this year? I have read about valve springs breaking, but I don't know how prevalent that is. Anyone who can shed light on this would be helping me a lot. Also, are those third party warrantee/service contracts worth the money? I've never bought one but this is a pile of money for me and I don't want to get hung out to dry. Thanks in advance for your help.

Don Williams a.k.a. librarian

 

From an engine standpoint, all I can say is that my 2011 F350 6.2l with about 104,000 miles hasn’t had any issues that I can recall. Runs good, strong , not the best mileage but that’s not unexpected

should tow fine. Alot will depend on your axle ratio. I tow a 5 ton equipment trailer occasionally and it handles it fine; I have the 3.73 axle

i’d check KBB for values; bottom line though is whether or not you’re happy with the price

 

I have a 2012 and broke a valve spring at 42K. The engine didn't swallow the valve and it was a relatively easy repair. It now has 135K and I have had no problems since. I don't tow, but frequently haul 2-3K and am well pleased with the performance. I've never bought an extended warranty and in my over six decades on this planet have never needed one. I think they are a waste of money. I know that several will chime in on how much theirs has paid off, but they are in the minority. In the end, the odds are slanted heavily towards the house.

 

Thanks for the replies and info. Valve springs are the only thing I've heard about. The warranty is more for my wife's peace of mind. She's reluctant to buy the truck without one. I'll check kbb and see what it says. Again thanks very much.

 

Got 143k on my 6.2. Although I bought it used, I have all the records on it. It only had a couple of recalls over the years. Absolutely zero major repairs done in 143k.

 

Bought a '15 6.2 long bed supercab Fx4 with 80k miles about a year and a half ago for $23k in Fl. It is an XLT, however. Have 100k miles on it now and have had no problems at all with it. Has towed loads in the 4-5000lbs range and hauled heavy payloads in the bed without a problem. I couldn't be happier with it.

 

Thanks so much guys. I really appreciate the information. This is a big commitment for me. I really want something reliable to pull our camper. I don't know how many years I'll have left to be able to get out and go camping and trail ride. I'll be 71 in October. I've learned that every hour of every day is very precious to me and my sweet wife. God has blessed us with good enough health to be able to do the things we love. May he continue to do so. We'll keep it up as long as we are able.