I saw a 2006 F250 with a 6.0 engine at a small lot near me. It’s been sitting there for over a year, priced at $18k. I know the 6.0 has a reputation for problems like oil cooler issues, but is it really that bad? This would be my daily driver, and I’d also use it for some light hauling—plants, big household stuff, maybe a camper in the future.
The price seems high, but the used truck market here is crazy. Should I try to negotiate or just look for something else?
You’re considering spending $18k (way over market value) on a 17-year-old truck with a questionable service history and a notorious engine? Plus, it’s been sitting there for a year—huge red flag.
The 6.0 isn’t the worst, but without knowing its history or being able to fix issues yourself, you’re taking a big risk. Good trucks don’t stay on dealer lots for a year, and good dealerships don’t keep overpriced vehicles for that long either. If you’re not mechanically inclined, this isn’t the truck to learn on.
Used truck prices are crazy right now, thanks to people buying diesel trucks just for the sound or look. Every truck I check out has been modified and overpriced.
I got lucky with my truck. Prices were high, but I found one during a time when diesel prices scared buyers away. It had high mileage but was well-maintained. These days, finding a decent truck for a fair price feels impossible.
$18k is way too much for a 6.0. You could find a 7.3 in good condition or even a newer 6.7 for that price. If you really want a 6.0, make sure it’s had major upgrades done, like bulletproofing.
I run a shop that works on a lot of diesel trucks. The 6.0 can be great if you address its weak points: EGR cooler, oil cooler, head studs, and injectors. It’s expensive, but once fixed, it can be very reliable.
That said, $18k is crazy high unless it’s fully upgraded already. For that price, you can find a better deal on a different truck or engine.
The 6.0 can be reliable… until it’s not. They’re known for oil cooler and EGR problems, and repairs can get expensive fast. For $18k, you could find a more reliable truck like a 5.9 or 6.7 Cummins.
Why get a 3/4-ton diesel when something like a Ranger would do the job? Unless you really need the towing capacity, a smaller truck would be more practical and affordable.
The price is way too high for a 6.0 with almost 200k miles. If you’re serious about it, make sure you check for service records. But honestly, you could find something better for less money.
I owned a 6.0 for years. Once you fix its problems (EGR cooler, oil cooler, head studs), it can be solid. But that’s a lot of work and money. At $18k, you’d be better off with a different truck.