F-150 or F-250

schnur7 · 03-15-2009, 09:49 PM

I'm fairly new to this forum and originally started in the Chevy area but have found myself over here now. I'm looking to purchase a used full size pickup. Hopefully no more than 100K miles. I'm looking for an extended cab so I can haul my family (wife and 2 young daughters).

I started with the Silverado because I heard good things about reliability, good gas mileage with the vortec, and decent leg room in the back. But in reviewing the safety ratings, it looks like the Fords do better.

I had no thoughts of getting a diesel because I don't need the power and have never owned a diesel before. I'm not planning on hauling anything - maybe a small boat someday. But I saw this craigslist listing for a 250 6L diesel and it mentions getting 21 mpg. I'm guessing freeway, but still good for a full size pickup.

2003 FORD F250 SUPERDUTY SUPER CAB LONG BED XLT4X4

I've heard diesel engines last much longer than gas ones, but the rest of the stuff still wears out the same. Does 130K miles seem like a lot? I want this thing to last for the next 5-7 years. I won't even put 5,000 miles on it per year. My main criteria for a truck is decent gas mileage (for a truck), decent room in the rear (I don't want a crew cab - too long), and most important - reliability. I dont care about any bells and whistles. Roll down windows are fine with me...

So, a diesel like this or just a regular gasoline F-150?

Any thoughts or advice are appreciated.

thanks

Steve

hotrodpc · 03-15-2009, 11:20 PM

Just so you know, that Ford corporate diesal 6.0 is a boat anchor. Flat a$$ junk. Yes, when they run, they have lots of power and OK fuel mileage. PowerStroke would be a good motor, but they are not all that wonderful on fuel mileage. Myself, I stay away from diesel. Used pricing may be differant. But I look at this way. The diesel option is usally $5-$6K more. That 5 or 6K buys alot of fuel. And diesel has been as high as $1 more per gallon even recently. You do the math at $1 more per gallon and the savings is just not there. You are better off with gas at 2-3 miles less per gallon. The Ford 4.6 and 5.4 motors are not so bad, until they break down or wear out. Have you ever rebuilt one of those modular engines? Oh boy !!! Sure it can be done, but a Chev or GMC sure is easier and cheaper. Also a bit more forgiving. I have had plenty of both, Ford and Chevy. Ford does make a stronger chassis including brakes, but that is about all I will say they can beat the GM truck at. GM trucks IMO are much less complicated, much more comfortable and usually better on the mpg and horsepower. Ford does have plenty of torque though if you are pulling something. Doesn't sound like you need much as far as HP or Torque, but you are concerned about mpg. I can say both the Ford and GM trucks make an impressive V6 for being 6cyls. Ford with the 4.2L and GM with the 4.3L. If 96 or newer on the GM and 97 or newer on the Ford. I'd say you could tow a small boat with either of the V6's. On the Ford V8 4.6 and 5.4, I myself was more impressed with the 4.6 when I had a 97 Lariet PU 4x4 and an Eddie Baur 5.4 Expedition. I towed a 16ft tandem axle trailer loaded with ATV's. The 4.6 seemed to do much better on fuel than the 5.4. Both towed about the same speed climbing a hill just fine just the 4.6 stayed in D a bit longer than the 5.4 when it downshifted. And I did have problems with 5.4 and never had problems with the 4.6. If I were to buy a Ford again someday, I would prefer the 4.6 over 5.4 and I would prefer the 4.2 V6 over both of those if I did not need the torque and was concerned about mpg and easier to work on and maintain. Now my preferance is GM trucks with the 5.3 V8. I also use this analagy, and it can be proven over and over. If I am buying a used truck, I buy Ford. They do not hold their value as well as GM trucks, so you can get a comparable equipment used Ford cheaper than a GM truck. If buying new, I will buy GM because they do hold their value. I think they are both good vehicles, and the decision should be based on what you are going to use it for, if you plan on keeping it and driving the wheels off of it, or trading it in a few years and which you feel most comfortable in. I feel 99 and newer GM trucks have more room in the back seat in an X tended cab model. I probably just confused the he11 out of you now, but that is just my opinion and experiences.

leolkfrm · 03-16-2009, 04:17 AM

Personally I find the shorter fords have a rougher ride than the gm's, Do you need an 8'bed? if not a crew with the short bed is the same length as an extended with a long bed. Until you find a need for a bigger truck i would think a 1/2 ton v8 gas Will work just fine and give you respectable fuel mileage. once you go 3/4 mpg will drop. kids don't notice the straighter back seat in the extended cab but adults will, especially on a longer trip,(should the wife decide to ride in back)
As for the saftey ratings price the insurance for both, i think it's a better guage
Just a few thoughts

junior3382 · 03-16-2009, 05:00 AM

Comming from a slightly different angle here... I just personally switched from GM to Ford, and bought a 2004 F250 Superduty. Now I chose to stay gasoline and got the 5.4l V8. Opinions are always slanted when talking to several different guys. Like I said, I personally made the switch. I have been a general motors guy all my life. But this particular truck fit the ticket. I needed the pulling power, the hauling power and the interior room. Not to mention it sits much higher then it looks and I could fit the size tires that I wanted. If you are looking for a truck that can hold its weight, I would not hesitate to say this truck is worth it. HOWEVER, the one down side to this rig is the mileage, and if you are looking for better then 12mpg.... this is NOT the truck for you. The motor is a little doggish where as the 5.3l in the silverados have much more nut.

The real issue will be personal preference. Everyone likes something different. I chose this truck for the solid axkes and the pulling power. But I had to lose the gas mileage and some of the handleing to have it. If you need a truck for a daily driver, the superduty may be a little bug. The F150 will perform better in that application. If you prefer one company over another, like Dodge, or GM or Ford, that is fine. Each has their strog points and weak points.

Now as far as Diesel engine verses gasoline, again they both had pros and cons. The diesels will get better gasmileage, but the fuel itself is much more expensive. The diesels will last longer, but when it comes to matinence, they can be a little more challanging. If you are familiar with gasoline motors and looking for simplicity, may want to stay there. JMO.....

Case 7230 · 03-16-2009, 05:30 AM

I agree with hotrodpc on the Ford 6.0 diesel. Whatever you buy don`t buy it.

tjzz4 · 03-16-2009, 06:41 AM

The 6.0 has been a problem child since it`s introduction. The 03 model being the worst. The new 6.4 is a different story. Though difficult to work on it has so far proven a reliable powerhouse engine.

Scottsdale 2500 · 03-16-2009, 07:12 AM

Yea. 6.0L Ford diesels are not worth the hassle and I haven't heard too many good things about the 6.4L Ford diesels either. Good power in the 6.4L but the turbo setup is prone to breaking within a year, and they ain't that cheap. I would say go with a GM gas motor vehicle. They ride good and should be able to fit your needs right now.

tjzz4 · 03-16-2009, 07:50 AM

In the year or so the 6.4 has been out I have not had a turbo failure and I work for ford. Some radiator problems which is a vendor issue. A few oil leak concerns (bed plate)... in chassis repair.. 2 high pressure fuel system concerns which required cab removal but no turbos.

schnur7 · 03-16-2009, 01:24 PM

Thanks for all the comments. So it sounds like the Silverado might be better from a reliability standpoint? So what's wrong with the Ford motors. Will is start using oil or start leaking? I don't plan a rebuilding one.

I'm pretty easy on my vehicles - I'm the type that drives to save on gas and brakes and I'm into 4 wheeling or towing heavy loads.

I did look at a 2005 F150 at lunch. It's got 55000 miles on it and is in great shape. He's asking $12k for it. But jeez, I opened the hood and couldn't find the spark plugs. It's not likely I'll work on this thing myself - I'm not much of a mechanic except for oil changes and air filter changes. But I don't want to pay a mechanic an arm and a leg to perform a simple tuneup. So are these things difficult to work on?

It did have decent leg room in the back and it also had rear windows that roll down which is nice.

2005 Ford F150 for sale! NICE!

hotrodpc · 03-16-2009, 01:49 PM

hahaha, yes, its a Ford thing. The spark plugs are at the top of the motor at the intake manifold. And you can't see them because they have the COP (Coil over Plug) coils. No plug wires, the coils sit directly on the spark plug. You will replace some of those someday if you keep the truck any length of time. I do agree for your purpose, the Silverado would be best IMO. Better mpg, more hp and comfy ride. Ford has a stronger chassis, but if you are not towing heavy loads or off roading, you will not benefit from that stronger chassis. IMO, everything else is better in the GM truck with a 5.3 and a better fit for your description of want and need. I'm really trying to give a non biased opinion even though my preferance is GM. So maybe some of the other members will help you out too. I do like both, and have had both. My GM trucks never left me stranded, and got better fuel mileage. If I had the proper purpose I would own a Ford again. In fact I do. I don't drive it much, its not my daily driver, but I have a 93 E350 box van wth a 460 auto trans and 167,000 on it. I've owned it since 98 with 140,000 miles and have not done a thing to it except starter, oil changes and 1 battery. Of course I do not drive it often at 8-9mpg. For the age, the mileage and when I use it, it is getting worked hard for sure. Love that truck and will have it forever for my occasional heavy duty use. I was really sadened last week. I used that truck to tow home this 86 C20 that I just bought in the next state in need of a transmission. A Ford towing a Chevrolet? Just didn't seem right at all.

03-15-2009, 09:49 PM	#1
schnur7 Full Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 39	F-150 or F-250 I'm fairly new to this forum and originally started in the Chevy area but have found myself over here now. I'm looking to purchase a used full size pickup. Hopefully no more than 100K miles. I'm looking for an extended cab so I can haul my family (wife and 2 young daughters). I started with the Silverado because I heard good things about reliability, good gas mileage with the vortec, and decent leg room in the back. But in reviewing the safety ratings, it looks like the Fords do better. I had no thoughts of getting a diesel because I don't need the power and have never owned a diesel before. I'm not planning on hauling anything - maybe a small boat someday. But I saw this craigslist listing for a 250 6L diesel and it mentions getting 21 mpg. I'm guessing freeway, but still good for a full size pickup. 2003 FORD F250 SUPERDUTY SUPER CAB LONG BED XLT4X4 I've heard diesel engines last much longer than gas ones, but the rest of the stuff still wears out the same. Does 130K miles seem like a lot? I want this thing to last for the next 5-7 years. I won't even put 5,000 miles on it per year. My main criteria for a truck is decent gas mileage (for a truck), decent room in the rear (I don't want a crew cab - too long), and most important - reliability. I dont care about any bells and whistles. Roll down windows are fine with me... So, a diesel like this or just a regular gasoline F-150? Any thoughts or advice are appreciated. thanks Steve

03-16-2009, 04:17 AM	#3
leolkfrm Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: N.Y. Posts: 4,904	Personally I find the shorter fords have a rougher ride than the gm's, Do you need an 8'bed? if not a crew with the short bed is the same length as an extended with a long bed. Until you find a need for a bigger truck i would think a 1/2 ton v8 gas Will work just fine and give you respectable fuel mileage. once you go 3/4 mpg will drop. kids don't notice the straighter back seat in the extended cab but adults will, especially on a longer trip,(should the wife decide to ride in back) As for the saftey ratings price the insurance for both, i think it's a better guage Just a few thoughts __________________ 4 wheels move the body 2 wheels move the soul B.W.A.I

03-16-2009, 05:00 AM	#4
junior3382 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Currently, I live in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Posts: 3,170	Comming from a slightly different angle here... I just personally switched from GM to Ford, and bought a 2004 F250 Superduty. Now I chose to stay gasoline and got the 5.4l V8. Opinions are always slanted when talking to several different guys. Like I said, I personally made the switch. I have been a general motors guy all my life. But this particular truck fit the ticket. I needed the pulling power, the hauling power and the interior room. Not to mention it sits much higher then it looks and I could fit the size tires that I wanted. If you are looking for a truck that can hold its weight, I would not hesitate to say this truck is worth it. HOWEVER, the one down side to this rig is the mileage, and if you are looking for better then 12mpg.... this is NOT the truck for you. The motor is a little doggish where as the 5.3l in the silverados have much more nut. The real issue will be personal preference. Everyone likes something different. I chose this truck for the solid axkes and the pulling power. But I had to lose the gas mileage and some of the handleing to have it. If you need a truck for a daily driver, the superduty may be a little bug. The F150 will perform better in that application. If you prefer one company over another, like Dodge, or GM or Ford, that is fine. Each has their strog points and weak points. Now as far as Diesel engine verses gasoline, again they both had pros and cons. The diesels will get better gasmileage, but the fuel itself is much more expensive. The diesels will last longer, but when it comes to matinence, they can be a little more challanging. If you are familiar with gasoline motors and looking for simplicity, may want to stay there. JMO..... __________________ *The Blazer is dead, so I pumped her with lead, laid her to bed, and bought a FORD instead!*

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03-15-2009, 11:20 PM	#2
hotrodpc Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: OK Posts: 6,933	Just so you know, that Ford corporate diesal 6.0 is a boat anchor. Flat a$$ junk. Yes, when they run, they have lots of power and OK fuel mileage. PowerStroke would be a good motor, but they are not all that wonderful on fuel mileage. Myself, I stay away from diesel. Used pricing may be differant. But I look at this way. The diesel option is usally $5-$6K more. That 5 or 6K buys alot of fuel. And diesel has been as high as $1 more per gallon even recently. You do the math at $1 more per gallon and the savings is just not there. You are better off with gas at 2-3 miles less per gallon. The Ford 4.6 and 5.4 motors are not so bad, until they break down or wear out. Have you ever rebuilt one of those modular engines? Oh boy !!! Sure it can be done, but a Chev or GMC sure is easier and cheaper. Also a bit more forgiving. I have had plenty of both, Ford and Chevy. Ford does make a stronger chassis including brakes, but that is about all I will say they can beat the GM truck at. GM trucks IMO are much less complicated, much more comfortable and usually better on the mpg and horsepower. Ford does have plenty of torque though if you are pulling something. Doesn't sound like you need much as far as HP or Torque, but you are concerned about mpg. I can say both the Ford and GM trucks make an impressive V6 for being 6cyls. Ford with the 4.2L and GM with the 4.3L. If 96 or newer on the GM and 97 or newer on the Ford. I'd say you could tow a small boat with either of the V6's. On the Ford V8 4.6 and 5.4, I myself was more impressed with the 4.6 when I had a 97 Lariet PU 4x4 and an Eddie Baur 5.4 Expedition. I towed a 16ft tandem axle trailer loaded with ATV's. The 4.6 seemed to do much better on fuel than the 5.4. Both towed about the same speed climbing a hill just fine just the 4.6 stayed in D a bit longer than the 5.4 when it downshifted. And I did have problems with 5.4 and never had problems with the 4.6. If I were to buy a Ford again someday, I would prefer the 4.6 over 5.4 and I would prefer the 4.2 V6 over both of those if I did not need the torque and was concerned about mpg and easier to work on and maintain. Now my preferance is GM trucks with the 5.3 V8. I also use this analagy, and it can be proven over and over. If I am buying a used truck, I buy Ford. They do not hold their value as well as GM trucks, so you can get a comparable equipment used Ford cheaper than a GM truck. If buying new, I will buy GM because they do hold their value. I think they are both good vehicles, and the decision should be based on what you are going to use it for, if you plan on keeping it and driving the wheels off of it, or trading it in a few years and which you feel most comfortable in. I feel 99 and newer GM trucks have more room in the back seat in an X tended cab model. I probably just confused the he11 out of you now, but that is just my opinion and experiences.

03-16-2009, 05:30 AM	#5
Case 7230 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 664	I agree with hotrodpc on the Ford 6.0 diesel. Whatever you buy don`t buy it.

03-16-2009, 06:41 AM	#6
tjzz4 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 316	The 6.0 has been a problem child since it`s introduction. The 03 model being the worst. The new 6.4 is a different story. Though difficult to work on it has so far proven a reliable powerhouse engine.

03-16-2009, 07:12 AM	#7
Scottsdale 2500 Full Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Cody Wyoming Posts: 18	Yea. 6.0L Ford diesels are not worth the hassle and I haven't heard too many good things about the 6.4L Ford diesels either. Good power in the 6.4L but the turbo setup is prone to breaking within a year, and they ain't that cheap. I would say go with a GM gas motor vehicle. They ride good and should be able to fit your needs right now.

03-16-2009, 07:50 AM	#8
tjzz4 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 316	In the year or so the 6.4 has been out I have not had a turbo failure and I work for ford. Some radiator problems which is a vendor issue. A few oil leak concerns (bed plate)... in chassis repair.. 2 high pressure fuel system concerns which required cab removal but no turbos.

03-16-2009, 01:24 PM	#9
schnur7 Full Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 39	Thanks for all the comments. So it sounds like the Silverado might be better from a reliability standpoint? So what's wrong with the Ford motors. Will is start using oil or start leaking? I don't plan a rebuilding one. I'm pretty easy on my vehicles - I'm the type that drives to save on gas and brakes and I'm into 4 wheeling or towing heavy loads. I did look at a 2005 F150 at lunch. It's got 55000 miles on it and is in great shape. He's asking $12k for it. But jeez, I opened the hood and couldn't find the spark plugs. It's not likely I'll work on this thing myself - I'm not much of a mechanic except for oil changes and air filter changes. But I don't want to pay a mechanic an arm and a leg to perform a simple tuneup. So are these things difficult to work on? It did have decent leg room in the back and it also had rear windows that roll down which is nice. 2005 Ford F150 for sale! NICE!

03-16-2009, 01:49 PM	#10
hotrodpc Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: OK Posts: 6,933	hahaha, yes, its a Ford thing. The spark plugs are at the top of the motor at the intake manifold. And you can't see them because they have the COP (Coil over Plug) coils. No plug wires, the coils sit directly on the spark plug. You will replace some of those someday if you keep the truck any length of time. I do agree for your purpose, the Silverado would be best IMO. Better mpg, more hp and comfy ride. Ford has a stronger chassis, but if you are not towing heavy loads or off roading, you will not benefit from that stronger chassis. IMO, everything else is better in the GM truck with a 5.3 and a better fit for your description of want and need. I'm really trying to give a non biased opinion even though my preferance is GM. So maybe some of the other members will help you out too. I do like both, and have had both. My GM trucks never left me stranded, and got better fuel mileage. If I had the proper purpose I would own a Ford again. In fact I do. I don't drive it much, its not my daily driver, but I have a 93 E350 box van wth a 460 auto trans and 167,000 on it. I've owned it since 98 with 140,000 miles and have not done a thing to it except starter, oil changes and 1 battery. Of course I do not drive it often at 8-9mpg. For the age, the mileage and when I use it, it is getting worked hard for sure. Love that truck and will have it forever for my occasional heavy duty use. I was really sadened last week. I used that truck to tow home this 86 C20 that I just bought in the next state in need of a transmission. A Ford towing a Chevrolet? Just didn't seem right at all.