I’m planning to buy a 2024 F350 but can’t decide between the 7.3 gas or the 6.7 diesel. It’ll be my daily driver, with occasional towing—sometimes light, sometimes heavy—and possibly more frequent towing in the future.
The dealership offers free lifetime oil changes and a lifetime powertrain warranty, so I’m not too concerned about long-term repairs. Just not sure which one makes more sense for me.
Marley said:
If you’re not towing 10k+ lbs most of the time, go with the 7.3. It’s plenty capable, and you’ll save money on the upfront cost and potential repairs.
I was leaning toward the 7.3, but with the lifetime powertrain warranty, I wasn’t too worried about repair costs. Still, saving the $10k upfront would be nice.
@Pace
Your 15-mile commute seals it—go with gas. A diesel won’t even warm up fully in that short time, which will mess with the emissions system. You’ll end up spending thousands on emissions repairs like the diesel particulate filter. Save yourself the headache and get the 7.3.
@Pace
Be careful with that lifetime powertrain warranty. At the dealership I worked at, every single scheduled maintenance item had to be done on time, and it only covered internally lubricated parts. I’ve seen them deny claims over something as small as using the wrong air filter. You might want to look into getting an ESP from Grainger Ford instead—it might be a better option.
Yan said:
If you’re not towing all the time, why not just get a half-ton instead of an F350?
I’ve always had F350s. I like having the crew cab and 8-foot bed since I use the bed a lot, and I occasionally tow up to 15k lbs. Right now, I’m borrowing my dad’s F350 whenever I need to tow, so I want my own.
Buy what you want. I’m tired of people saying you can’t daily a diesel unless you’re towing 50 million pounds. I’ve driven diesels as daily drivers for over 10 years with no issues—25-mile commutes, occasional towing, and no emissions problems. It’s your checkbook, not theirs.
Lane said:
Daily driving an unloaded 1-ton truck is a bold move, but if you’re not towing all the time, the gas engine is the better choice.
I’ve daily-driven 1-tons my whole life, so I’m used to it. I had a WRX for the past two years, but I prefer the 1-tons, especially since I do tow occasionally and expect to tow more in the future. I think the gas engine fits my needs better, though.
I traded my 2016 6.7 for a 2022 7.3, and I haven’t looked back. I loved the diesel, but it’s nice not worrying about filters, DEF, or expensive repairs. I just put 87 in the 7.3 and go. It’s been a great truck, and I plan to keep it for a long time.
I have a 2017 6.7, and while I love diesels, I’d go gas if I were buying now. Between the cost of diesel, CP4 pump issues, and DPF headaches, a gas engine just makes more sense unless you absolutely need the diesel.
Gas, no question. The diesel is only worth it if you absolutely need it. Plus, with the gas engine, you’ll likely never have to deal with taking the body off the frame for repairs, which the diesel might require eventually.