Looking for some advice on a first time PSD purchase

[supersecretsquirrel]

Greetings all.

I'm a total newby to the forum, but I have been trolingl for weeks of reading.

I am also new to Diesel truck ownership. I've owned GMC 2500 and 3500's, but all gassers, back when I used to work construction for a living. I've driven plenty of Diesel's in the military, but never owned/maintained

Now I drive a desk for a living, but am getting ready to build a new house (myself) for my growing family.

So, I need a good construction truck / comuter vehicle / family hauler all in one.

I've decided on Ford SuperDuty for many reasons, not the least of which is that I despise Chrsyler and am fed up with GM.

I will be getting a used F-250 or 350 (based n what I find).

It must be a Crew and 4x4 and PSD.

I need to keep it running strong for at least the next 10 years.

And I need as good a fuel mileage as possible.

I'm trying to decide on the best PSD option based on value and mileage.

I'm currently comparing 3 choices. All are F250 crew 4x4

Choice 1= '03. 7.3l. 200k ml for $12000
Choice 2= '06. 6.0l. 175k mi for $14000
Choice 3= '08. 6.0l (yes, not 6.4, was option) 100k for $20000

I will of course run the recommended gauge/meters to test EOT / ECT on the test drive, but what I'm really looking for is opinions on which of these trucks, all other things (quality of maintenance, condition) being equal.

Based on the criteria I described, which would you go for, and can you tell me why?

I was thinking a '03 7.3l was a great find, but I'm concerned about the 200k miles. Is that not something to be worried about in that engine?

I love the look of the '08's and the attraction of a newer vehicel in general, but am concerned about the high price (my budget cap) and the need to then still do some serious work on the 6.0.

But does the 6.0 really get any better mileage than the newer 6.4, and would it be worth the tradeoff? I'm not a big power hungry guy, just need to pull some weight now and then / carry a pallet of sod / plow my driveway / pull some stumps / pull a bobcat/backhoe etc..

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Ben