Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums
Status
Not open for further replies.

3.0 Reliability Details

1 reading
Jump to Latest
17K views 6 replies 5 participants last post by  cletusjermal  
A
#1 · (Edited)
Hey all- I hate when people post "I want to buy a truck what do you think about it" but lets just say I've been REALLY struggling to get good info on 3.0 reliability, and as a long time member - who paid for memberships here before selling the truck- with past powerstrokes, I was hoping you could give me your assessment of the 3.0. Yes I've searched, and I see some issues that have come up but nothing seems like an "everyone knows that" type of problem. I mean this forum has 0 transmission or drivetrain issues posted and 1 engine issue....

I had a 6.4L, loved it, but sold it at just over 200k miles. I don't tow anything over 10k anymore, and have been getting by with a Durango, but I'm right at my towing limit. I really don't need the super duties, so I'm stepping down to a smaller truck.

I've found a 3.0 I love and it has everything I want, except the engine. Everything I read suggests the 3.0 is not worth it, but the 5.0s have oil consumption issues and the 3.5s are a PITA to repair. 2.7L seems like the best option, but towing is limited to 7600 lbs. My RV is 7400 fully loaded so that could work, but I don't know how great the 2.7L is for towing.

So why not the 3.0? Information is incredibly sparse. I can't find any reliability info. On one hand I see no one praising it, but on the other hand I see no one complaining that they are stranded either. I see a lot of complaints about 5.0s and 3.5s. This is the only page I see any real conversation about the 3.0

So to those of you who own it- Would you get it again? Do you think settling for a 3.0 if its a lot cheaper than the 3.5 for a truck you love is worth it? or would you pony up more for the 3.5? I know the 3.5 is supposed to be cheaper but that's not what I'm seeing...

Time hasn't had a chance to tell, but would you trust a 3.0 for 10 years, 150-200k miles? 90% unloaded DD duty, 10% car on open trailer or RV?
 
#2 ·
I think the 3.0 is still relatively "new" so there really hasn't been much about it. My friend got one for a work truck and he likes it, doesn't really do much or tow at all so I can't speak to that. If you don't need the diesel, my vote would be for a 5.0. It's been out for 9 years now, tons of support for it, mod friendly, decent gas mileage. I know someone with a '16 and he has 160k on it, just done regular maintenance to it.

A supercharged 5.0 is very stout and Ford sells a kit that I believe retains the warranty, so if you want the little extra grunt you'd get with the 3.0, that's always an option. Plus, you can get a 5.0 in any trim level, not just the high priced Limited or Platinum for the 3.0. So you'll be out cheaper too.
 
Save
Like Like
A
#3 ·
Thanks jman... I think the issue is who "needs a diesel"- it tows less than the gassers and costs more to fuel than the 2.7. I think it is "good enough" though, and I secretly love diesel trucks for no good reason except I've always loved diesel super duties....

On the other F150 forums, everyone says AVOID the 2018+ 5.0s because of issues with them around oil starvation and consumption. (Rule of thumb seems to be pre-2018, 5.0 is most reliable and 3.5 is unreliable- after 2018, 3.5 is the better choice and 5.0 is unreliable, but 2.7 is most solid all around)

I am only interested in premiums (loaded Lariat, Platinums, KRs, or Limited). The cheapest is by far the diesel with the options I want (vs the 3.5). I'm going to avoid the 5.0 since so many people are calling out issues.
 
#4 ·
So my opinion, if you are considering a diesel why are you looking at a 150? The only reason to get a diesel is for towing. If you want a 150 diesel get a 250 with the 6.7 and tow. If you don't need a 250 and 6.7 get a gasser.
 
Save
Like Like
#6 ·
From the OP post it sounds like mileage is not the question. His biggest concern is reliability. The 6.7 is proven to be reliable. If that is the question then stick with what is proven.
 
Save
Like Like
#7 ·
After looking at comparable trucks from an 150 with the 3.0 and a 250 with the 6.7 it is about 10K difference. I didn't think it was that much difference. With that difference I can see why people would look at the 150 for light towing. Ignore my previous post. I thought it was just a few thousand difference but that is not the case.
 
Save
Like Like
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum
posts
5.5M
members
295K
Since
2005
A forum community dedicated to Ford F-series owners and enthusiasts with a Power Stroke diesel engine. Come join the discussion about performance, bulletproofing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General 6.0L Discussion 99-03 7.3L General Discussion 94-98 7.3L General Powerstroke Discussion 6.0L Performance Parts Discussion 6.0 Motor problems