2006/2007 50-70k miles

[hardrail]

I’m in the market for a Power Stroke. I haul things on a flat bed 2-3 times a month for various reasons. In terms of what I can afford and what I need, I’ve come to the conclusion that a 2006 or 2007 with anywhere from 50-70k on the odometer is what I’m going to be able to afford.

I’ve been browsing around here long enough to know that I’m going to need to flush the Ford Gold Coolant (assuming it hasn’t already been done) and run a CAT ELC coolant. I’ll be adding a coolant filter as well. I’ll do these things within the first 100 miles of owning the vehicle.

Basically my question is, if I don’t add power to the truck and leave it stock (my full intention), is the 6.0 liter dependable enough? I’ve got a little one on the way and will be traveling here and there with the new addition and just really want to be able to depend on the truck. I’m a stickler for maintenance (oil, fuel filter, coolant filter changes) and love to wrench on vehicles. So given the required maintenance, can I depend on this thing to haul the family around in? I’m a Ford man through and through, and want a reliable truck (that I can afford).

Thanks for any input guys, this site is fantastic.

[Samsonsworld]

Any time you buy a used vehicle, you're taking a risk on reliability because you don't know how the prior owner treated it. Fortunately, a 2006-2007 should have some factory engine warranty left. I'd look for one that is completely stock with a clean history and I'd keep it that way until your 5/100k warranty is out. I think looking at miles divided by engine hours is important, too. It should be above 25-30mph average imo. These engines should not be idled excessively. I'd also swap the coolant, add a coolant filter and service the tranny.

I have a 2006 with a little over 50k, been tuned almost all of its life. I've changed 3 bulbs and fixed a fuel leak, which started right after being hit by another car...hard to blame Ford for that one. The only two other people I know personally with a 6.0L have similar experiences. I really think the problems with these engine are exaggerated. I don't think they break any more than any other engine but because of the design, it can have a domino effect and get expensive fast when something does go wrong.

My $.02.

[hardrail]

Originally Posted by Samsonsworld

Any time you buy a used vehicle, you're taking a risk on reliability because you don't know how the prior owner treated it. Fortunately, a 2006-2007 should have some factory engine warranty left. I'd look for one that is completely stock with a clean history and I'd keep it that way until your 5/100k warranty is out. I think looking at miles divided by engine hours is important, too. It should be above 25-30mph average imo. These engines should not be idled excessively. I'd also swap the coolant, add a coolant filter and service the tranny.

I have a 2006 with a little over 50k, been tuned almost all of its life. I've changed 3 bulbs and fixed a fuel leak, which started right after being hit by another car...hard to blame Ford for that one. The only two other people I know personally with a 6.0L have similar experiences. I really think the problems with these engine are exaggerated. I don't think they break any more than any other engine but because of the design, it can have a domino effect and get expensive fast when something does go wrong.

My $.02.

Thanks for the reply, I was completely unaware of the 5/100k engine warranty. Also, good tip on the miles/engine hours ratio as well. Appreciate it.

[PGreenSVT]

Check the links in my signature. That'll help get you up to speed. Get the G-05 coolant out and make sure your oil cooler is in good shape. Monitor your ECT & EOT for oil cooler health. Stay on top of your maintenance. Don't rule out a nice tune with an SCT. Thet really make the 6.0 come alive and a lot of fun to drive and won't hurt your reliability.