Buying a new truck, need advice.

[pauldun170]

Originally Posted by Kaneman

Because the bigger the truck, the better I look in my Stetson.

[Particle Man]

Originally Posted by Kaneman

Because the bigger the truck, the better I look in my Stetson.

(I was prepared for this one... and I have no coffee left)

[Rider]

Originally Posted by Kaneman

Because the bigger the truck, the better I look in my Stetson.

F550 then.

[Kaneman]

Originally Posted by Particle Man

(I was prepared for this one... and I have no coffee left)

Good advice earlier BTW, thanks!

Originally Posted by Rider

F550 then.

Holy shit, I didn't even know they made that. Still, I gotta come in at a certain price range.

[the chi]

The 650's were waaayyy cooler than the 550's fwiw.

I dont know all that much about them, but my hubby is a die hard diesel fan. He had an 06 250 turbo diesel, LOVED it, and wont drive anything but diesel engines (he only got rid of it because it sprang an oil leak no one could ever fix). He says they will run forever unlike standard engines and are very hard to tear up. Getting one with 100K should still be a great truck.

[RedRider2k2]

If you're going with a Ford get an F-750 so at least you can get a real engine in it like a Cummins or something.

Seriously though, avoid the 6.0. Actually, if possible, just avoid Ford. Unless you enjoy annual Brakes, Balljoints and Steering linkage. Throw in the 6.0's appetite for Injectors and Turbos and you'll be on a one way trip to the poorhouse. If you get a 7.3 take a good look at the oil pan. They're terrible for rotting out and most of the time are thousands to change. (Engine either has to come out or the whole front end needs to be dropped.)

[Cutty72]

7.3 is a solid power plant.
We have one now at 186K and another at 143K with out any issues.
Auto trannies are kinda weak in the the 95-2001 range, but got better as they went.
Average mileage will vary a lot, but generally 15-18 mpg

The 6.0 can be MADE into a reliable engine, EGR delete and new injectors will go a long way in that one.
Mileage around 16-18.

The 6.4 will be out of your range, but isn't a bad choice. Again, EGR and DPF delete are a good choice for longevity and mileage.

Really, if you don't plan on towing anything a half ton would get the job done just as well. The F150 is a solid platform, make sure you get the 5.4L or else it will be a pooch. Expect around 15-16 mpg average. Advantage is cheaper oil changes and other regular maintenance costs.
Mine ran to 102K when I sold it, and now it has about 110K with no issues. Biggest prob with these is the tendancy to burn up coils. I just always kept a spare and a 7mm socket, long extension, and rachet in the vehicle. Take about 5 min to change out, I went through 8 in the time I had it, but a few were my own fault.

Hope this helps.

[Apoc]

Originally Posted by RedRider2k2

If you're going with a Ford get an F-750 so at least you can get a real engine in it like a Cummins or something.

Seriously though, avoid the 6.0. Actually, if possible, just avoid Ford. Unless you enjoy annual Brakes, Balljoints and Steering linkage. Throw in the 6.0's appetite for Injectors and Turbos and you'll be on a one way trip to the poorhouse. If you get a 7.3 take a good look at the oil pan. They're terrible for rotting out and most of the time are thousands to change. (Engine either has to come out or the whole front end needs to be dropped.)

W3RD... And skip a Diesel altogether if your not towing anything. Great engines, but useless if they arent doing actual work, expensive to run, and on the off chance something happens to the engine, $$$$$$$$$$!

[wildchild]

if you're not getting the diesel I would go for the 1/2 ton. V10 engines will kill you for fuel and the 5.4 while great in a 1/2 ton is not enough in a 3/4.

the frames on the Chevy's are better, they were rubber coated from the factory. (my opinion of course)

if you look at the 5.4 in a Super duty, look for replaced coils, sprak plugs done already. (it's a lengthy job and not cheap if you let a shop do it $250-400). check for head gasket issues, some were bad at firewall corner (not sure which cylinder # it was)

my 1/2 ton has a 5.4 in it with 130,000 miles. it's been great but is beginning to enjoy it's time with my check book and the parts catalog.

I would def try to get a feel for how the truck was treated. many guys but a super duty and never take care of it. run the hell out of it and dump it at 100000 miles.

make sure the differentials have been serviced and transfer case if 4X4. ask how often they service transmission. 25K is by the book. Many guys don't bother at all.

[CasterTroy]

Made before bailout money, $9000, ramp......not sure if it will tow the wife though