Buying a new(used) truck

[JLK]

Being as this is powerstroke.org, I think I may know what's going to win here, but here's my situation:
I'm in the market for a used truck but on a bit of a budget, I will be hauling a small cargo trailer and truckin around my quad once in a while - but my main need is to expand my snow plowing business - so I have 3 options I'm looking at right now:

1. Buy a newer F150 (2008ish) with the 5.4

2. Buy a bit older F250 (2007ish) with the 5.4

3. Buy a bit older F350 with a diesel (either the 7.3 or 6.0, 200-2005)

I'm currently doing small jobs plowing with an atv and want to get into bigger stuff next year. So with that in mind, what do you think is my best option?

[JohnO]

Like any business, do a cost/benefit study.

The big question is: gas or diesel? Gas engine will cost less initially. Oil changes are cheaper - it's about $100 to change the oil on a PS using Rotella synthetic. Diesel uses less fuel, it's safe to say about 25% less, while right now diesel is maybe 5-10% more than gas. Diesel uses a bit less fuel at idle, too.

Consider weight of the trailer. If you're towing a lot and the trailer weighs more than 6k pounds, the F250 or F350 will pay off. Just better towing platforms.

Small point, but something to think about: you look a bit more professional with a larger truck if you're using it for business.

In 05, they tightened the turning circle of the PS. Something to think about if you want to put a snowplow on the truck.

[JLK]

Hmm...some interesting points....thanks JohnO