Noob Here!
 

Hey y'all! Noob here. I have some questions to ask y'all. I'm looking to get my first vehicle here soon and I've been looking at 92-97 F150s and F250s. I've been trying to decide if I should go with a F150 with the gas V8 in it or bump up to the F250 with the 7.3 PowerStroke. I'd use the truck to go hunting in, drive to and from school, do a little off-roading now and then, and haul my ATVs and dirtbikes with. What do you guys think is the best choice? I know the 7.3 won't go through gas like the gas truck would. But diesel is a more expensive fuel. I love love love the sound of diesels and the fact that the engines can last so long! One last thing before I go, would it be worth it to spend the extra cash to get the diesel truck instead of the gas truck? Thanks for any input that you guys have!:)

An F-150 will handle the usage you've described, and would probably cost a lot less. A diesel engine does last a lot longer, but when you do have to do maintenance on a powerstroke, it can get expensive... (a couple grand to do injectors)

agree.the truck duties screams f150 w/ 300 inline 6.
just as legendary as all 3 generation of 7.3l's in it's own right,and just about as good on fuel,only less per gallon.cheaper parts as a rule,lower maintenance cost all the way around,and a much nicer ride.

Welcome to fte. I agree i would stick with the f150. Any of the gas engines will be good for what you described.

My advice to you is to find a F150 with a 5.8, 4x4, and a supercab if you want some extra room. It will have plenty of power to tow/haul anything you will ever need it too, and retain decent mpg. About 13-14 mpg. You can squeeze more mpg out of it buy add dual exhaust, and re-gearing for city driving/towing.

I love a diesel and I plan to buy one someday. But my f150 can do all I want and more. and I even added f250HD springs. to lift my rear and so it wouldn't squat as much when towing.

Thank you for the warm welcome! I think I've made my choice. I think I'm going to go ahead and buy a clean and straight F150 and keep that for 5-7 years, and then, when I feel it's time to move on to a different truck, I'll move up to an F250. Thanks for the input you guys!