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Should you buy a high mileage 6.4

53K views 26 replies 19 participants last post by  kingle  
#1 · (Edited)
Ok.... I see this post often on here, "should I buy this 6.4? It has 19x,xxx miles and costs $xx,xxx dollars. Truck looks good and runs great. Had it checked by a mechanic and they said it was a good deal. Should I purchase it?"

Since trucks with mileage this high are pretty much warranty free I figured I'd post my numbers for thought. Posting my numbers for consideration.

The truck


Paid 12,000 for the truck

279.00 immediate change of all fluids and filters.
1400.00 estimate to fix leak in lower left side of radiator (instead I used a long punch to re-close the crimps in that area of the radiator, slowing the leak to a few drops of coolant a day)
70.00 lower intercooler hose
270.00 estimate from dealership to replace airbag control module when it went bad. ( didn't fix because I wear my seatbelt.)
260.00 replacement of serpentine belt tensioner.
8900.00 new short block engine installed when it turned out that the squeaking that was thought to be the belt tensioner ended p being a bad roller lifter eating through the camshaft.
Oddly enough, after the new engine was installed the radiator stopped leaking completely, go figure.....
100.00 cost of having local dealership go through truck to check everything after I discovered that three bell housing bolts and the two rear main transmission mounting bolts apparently were never tightened when the new short block was installed.
1160.00 + my labor. cost of tuner and delete once I discovered that within 2 weeks of the new engine being installed that the dpf system had dumped 3 quarts or so of fuel into my crankcase.
100.00 immediate oil change.
650.00 new ball joints installed last week.
35.00 replace idler pulley for serpentine belt (different pulley)

$23,275 spent or owed since January. Pretty sure I could have found a lower mileage truck with a warranty for close to this. If I hadn't been financially able to (barely) take care of the repairs I would now be in a real pickle. Oh, and I'm suddenly having the mysterious disappearing coolant issue and the fuel cooing pump has died. I'm going to block off the coolant flow to the egr cooler and see if that fixes it. Otherwise the tuner and pipe have to come off and it's back to the dealership. I asked the mechanic about the fuel cooling pump and he says don't worry about it. We shall see.

This post is not to discourage anyone but rather to remind people that sometimes its better to spend more unless you can afford to be holding that losing lottery ticket of unexpected costs.

Btw, last week I rolled over 10,000 miles on my truck.





Typed with my thumbs from my Autoguide app.
 
#3 ·
Posting up your mileage when you bought it would probably help John. Sounds like you got a terrible truck tho. I haven't heard anyone else on multiple forums that has bought such an exploding truck as yours. Don't mean to come across as bein a dick or anything, just luck of the draw I guess.

I also bought my 2008 (Job 2) F250 KR for $28k with 59k miles on it. Added tuner, DPF/DoC delete, Intake EGR delete. Only problem I have had in 13k miles has been leaking radiator hoses which were replaced with the new double O-Ring design.
 
#4 ·
I bought it with 185,000 miles on it. At 59k yours is good because you have 41,000 miles left n factory warranty and the option of extending it for another 100k after that. I'm really addressing those who are looking at trucks that are totally out of warranty and not eligible for an aftermarket warranty. I've seen a couple of that type post on here lately. What I'm getting at is if you've got some cash in the bank then go for the savings of a higher mileage truck. If you're living paycheck to paycheck spend the extra money to buy a lower mileage truck under warranty.


Typed with my thumbs from my Autoguide app.
 
#5 ·
Totally understand where you are coming from John. And like I said just trying to get some background. I think these 6.4s are great trucks, but require some consideration. My roommate has a 7.3 (with 490k miles) and it runs like a champ but he tells me daily how jealous of my interior he is. Also comparing 7.3 to 6.0 to 6.4 is like comparing apples to oranges to grapefruit. They are similar but just not the same. I think without the EPA crap the 6.4 runs much better, and if it was rated at 230hp/500tq like the 7.3s it would run forever too! But I think most (and I stress most) people who have problems with the truck are the ones who are hot rodding them (and I am definitely jealous of that... Started saving for a new tranny already). I also have a coworker with a 6.0 that has been running strong since day one. And his has 307k miles. Like I said I think it is hit or miss and unfortunately it is more hit in high mileage 6.4s that are completely stock and still have the DPF and EGR. Without those and at stock power levels I think you could buy these like people buy 7.3s and expect them to run a million miles.
 
#6 ·
Hey Im knew on this site but I just wanna put my two cents in. I have a 08 6.4 with 220,000+ miles. I bought it with 180,000 on the clock. Runs like new no problems since I have bought it. Was all stock when I got it. Countryaggie made a good point it really hit or miss. I also have a 2000 7.3 with 450,000 miles and still is as fast and strong as the day I bought it new
 
#7 ·
I got mine with 185k for 24k out the door finance charge an all. I usually have different intentions when I buy a car or truck. I start an look for the main things I want an need, everything else can be added or modified. It's been a year I baught it bone stock running like a champ after 13 months an 12k almost to 200k have yet to have any problems besides the Ac doesn't. Low hard enough. I prolly could've put a few Ac systems on the truck for what I've got invested in it but it wouldn't be near as fun or turn as many heads. Stay on the maintenance an MOST of the time you'll be good.
 
#8 ·
i paid $17k for mine and it had 140k on it. Only thing i have done is replace the belt tensioner. I have 198k on it now i think i got lucky
 
#9 ·
sorry to start up the old thread but would like some input. i have a 06 6.0 with 186k on it and it runs great. but looking for a crew cab and i found an 08 for 14k with 240k miles. looks clean just drove a lot. any input from you guys with the 6.4 now?
 
#11 ·
Yeah it's 100% stock. I have read about some of the problems but I also have read some great things about the truck. I figured for the price I could put a couple grand into it that everyone with the 6.4 had problems with and it could be a great truck. Then again I'm not very knowledgeable with the 6.4. thanks for your input and reply
 
#12 ·
Search my posts to see the POSSIBLE repercussions of buying a high mileage 6.4.. Mine cost me 12k but once I factored in the replacement engine plus the tune/delete I ended up spending 22,000. If I had spent that much in the beginning I would have gotten a nicer truck that possibly would have had a warranty. I'm not saying that this truck will fail but that many miles with a dpf could be a killer if the previous owner didn't OVER maintain the truck (mine was a fleet truck that was immaculately maintained and still had problems) then fuel dilution will surely have taken it's toll.
14k seems high for a truck with this many miles. If you're dying to buy one for that much I'll sell you mine. 2008 with 225,000 miles. New short block installed last March at 194,000 because of a lifter failure. Had been tuned and deleted since installation of new engine. Oil changed every 5k since engine replacement.
 
#14 ·
I bought my 08 F350 two years ago with 113k on it. At 111k a dealer had rebuilt the motor due to lack of oil changes and washed the bearings out. With in a week of buying it I deleted the dpf and such. Two months ago the egr fell off. I'm at 131k now. Aside from the common HVAC noises and the drivers heated seat just quit working its been a solid truck. I just did a 5k round trip to California with my 48 foot toy hauler in Feb with no issues.

I do have a coolant leak somewhere that has raised its ugly head in the last week. Haven't had time to get it in the garage to track it down. Hoping its a hose clamp.

mac 'as long as the issues are little things, i'm ok with that' gyvr
 
#16 ·
I bought my '10 from a dealer in Houston in March this year with 122K on it for $26500. I found it on Ebay and living in Alberta, I had to buy it sight unseen. This truck was pretty well flawless, not a mark anywhere and looked more like 22K miles. I took it to the nearest Ford dealer after flying down to drive it back. Had all fluids changed out, engine, tranny, rad, diffs and transfer case. They said it was probably a good one since they had NO records of it ever having a warranty issue. Truck has ran flawlessly for the last 11000 miles since I have owned it but it has developed a coolant leak, only periodically though and there will be maybe an oz of fluid on the ground if I leave it running somewhere for 10-15 mins, but only once in a while...not sure about what that is. I just had the DPF and CAT deleted yesterday with a spartan tuner and single tip and what a HUGE difference in fuel mileage!! Instantly jumped up 4 MPG according to the lie-o-meter, which seems to be off a fairly consistant 1.2 MPG. I drove 300 miles one way to get the delete done partly because I wanted to check mpg's there and back. I am quite happy with this rig and I plan on keepin it for many years to come, since its the nicest truck I have and prolly will ever own.
 
#25 ·
Truck has ran flawlessly for the last 11000 miles since I have owned it but it has developed a coolant leak, only periodically though and there will be maybe an oz of fluid on the ground if I leave it running somewhere for 10-15 mins, but only once in a while...not sure about what that is.
If you haven't changed the lower radiator hoses, that's where I would start. They are pretty easy to change yourself, just use kind of an odd clamp to keep them on.

I bought mine from Amazon for 1/3 what the dealer wanted.

As for my truck, I just traded the truck and my toyhauler for a big RV. Tried to sell it, for less than what you guys are paying for unmodified trucks, no bites. Did make a good trade, so it worked out.

mac 'RV is still a Ford...just a v-10' gyvr
 
#18 ·
I deleted before my warrant was up and wish I did it even sooner. Especially since I plan on keeping this truck till it dies
 
#20 ·
Thats what I am planning on doing. I like the 6.4 and have been reading up on what to do to the truck. I dont want to hot rod it but use it as a work truck and to tow.

Looking to do DPF-R delete with cutout. EGR block plates and then AirDog II system for the truck right when I get it.

Then work may way for some of the other mods.
 
#21 ·
Wish I read or studied these forums before I bought mine! If it's stock and your not sure of the maintenance have dpf replaced or deleted, have egr replaced or deleted. Relatively cheap compared to the catastrophic failure I had. Everything was fine thought I was on top of the world in my new rig. Well $8,900 later in repairs I'm still in a rental.
 
#23 ·
I bought an 08 F350 CCLB SRW 4x4 Lariat with every option but NAV, b/u cam and programmable seats back in June for $19k with 195k. I saw it on ebay but it didn't sell, so I contacted the seller and arranged a deal if it worked out to be what he said it was. I looked it over very well and drove the hell out of it when I looked at it...on the interstate! I asked a ton of questions and backed up all his info with carfax and an OASIS.

The only thing I have done to date is: lower radiator hose, oil change (which I then sent off a sample to BlackStone...and was told the motor appeared to be very healthy and possibly a 6.4 anomaly!!) and fuel filters. I drive it everyday! I'm almost at 200k now...
 
#24 ·
Gosh, I bought mine 2 years ago with 72,000 miles, I now have 135,000. When purchased the HPFP went out and was changed under Ford warranty, luckily. I have since installed an H&S mini with DPF delete. Have not had any problems and I control myself from showing what she can really do due to the programmer. I have seriously considered selling as I always owned gas and the miles are now at 135,000. I worry a lot cause I don't want to refinance my house for another motor.
 
#27 ·
I know this post is old but really looking for any advice.. I am thinking about buying an '08 F350 with 189,600 miles on it for $18,000. I am wondering whether this is a good idea... Had my '06 F350 engine fail 8 months after buying it so I want to be cautious about this purchase and get some advice.

Features on '08 F350:
-Head gasket and studs done at 155,000 mi (ARP Studded heads)
-Egr/dpf delete (emissions system removed)
-h+s mini maxx tuner
-6" engineered lift (done at 125,000 mi)
-King shocks and fox racing shocks in rear with air bags
-Upgraded coolant system
-New fuel lines
-New front end ball joints
-New 37" tires
-Fuel Rims
-Entire under carriage coated
-Entire truck painted in rock guard with coat of paint to seal.
-Custom straight pipe exhaust

This thing looks mint. No rust whatsoever. Runs smooth and sounds great.

I am pretty concerned about the mileage and the reliability issues with 6.4L engines... Anyone out there getting over 300,000 mi on these trucks with all the reliability improvements listed? Do you think its a good idea?
 

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