"High" Milage Used Diesel vs. Gasser

[johngalt]

Hi all. Newbie here, so if this is posted in the wrong area please excuse.

Looking for a Ford pickup for a 80 mile roundtrip DD commute, with admittedly light hauling (~3000 lbs) on the weekends. I've heard all the arguments of gas vs. diesel and have researched this thoroughly. Am NOT trying to start a new gas vs. diesel debate thread. But I haven't found many threads on the benefits (or problems) with buying a high mileage diesel, say 225,000+ compared with an equal dollar amount for same year gasser (say with 140,000 miles). All of the diesel vs. gas arguments I've found seem to center on buying the truck new or with low miles and how long it would take to recoup the difference in sticker price.

I have always loved diesels (and specifically PSD) and thought that although only putting about 20k/yr on the truck annually, buying a NBS 1999-2000 F250 (or even an OBS 1994.5-1997) PSD might be a good choice vs. the gasser versions. All of my 80-mile/day commute is pancake flat open FL interstate at 70+ mph. MPG is definitely important.

I know I'm asking a happily biased group here but if price WAS about equal (and I mean sacrificing options/configurations and odometer for the diesel) do you think that putting 60K over say three years on a 225K 7.3 would be more reliable and economical than a 5.4/V10? Thanks for any responses.

[peobryant]

The only downsides to owning a diesel (in my opinion) are the overall higher maintenance costs. I would buy a high mile diesel over a low mile gasser any day. Running unloaded a diesel will get better mpg, running loaded a diesel will get better mpg, and overall they are more reliable and more efficient engines.

If you properly maintain a diesel engine, it will last much longer than it's gasoline counterpart. 225K miles may seem like a lot, but I highly doubt you'd run into any major problems, other than wear parts, which is to be expected. PowerStroke gets my vote.

[johngalt]

Thanks for the vote!

Don't mean to change subjects, but do you know if there is any noticeable MPG difference between the OBS and the NBS F250s with the 7.3?

[peobryant]

Honestly, I'm really not sure. I'm more of a Cummins fan myself (which is why I'm on this site) so I'll let one of the more knowledgeable people answer you. Although, I am more partial to the OBS style. Either way, the 7.3 'Stroker is the best of the bunch in my opinion, and seem to do the best on fuel mileage.

[strekAF]

i actually just got my 04 F250 PSD and my buddy has 03 F250 V10 gasser...we pulled the same boat (17' fish and ski) last week on two different occassions (a round trip of about 50 miles) and there was no comparison between the outcome. i burned less fuel, drove faster, with a more comfortable ride (my opinion) when compared to his. our trucks both hav just over 100K miles and according to him his maintenance costs are begginning to increase exponentially. on the other hand (based on car fax reports and talking to the previous owner) the maintenance on my truck is staying pretty constant. granted my truck doesn't have 200K+ on it like the one your talking about but i'd be very surprised if i'll encounter any problems over the next 100K miles and beyond.

[mrnecsteve]

Yep...Forida is flat...Your a good candidate for an underdrive/overdrive..
Gear Vendors under/overdrive transmissions the most awarded auxiliary transmissions.