Thinking about buying a 2018 F250 6.7L Power Stroke Lariat. Here’s my situation: I drive an 08 Lexus GX470 with 250k miles. It’s been a good car, but this year it’s needed about $5k in repairs, and the total value is around $7-9k. I’ve come across a 2018 F250 Lariat with 95k miles for $45k. I’d put $5k down and plan to use it for work, daily driving, and maybe hauling my Lexus for off-road trips.
Financially, the payments would be around 15% of my income, and I’m in a good spot with only about 30% of my income going to bills overall. Is this a smart buy or am I jumping into something I’ll regret?
Diesels can be a lot of trouble if you’re not ready for the costs. They’re expensive to maintain, and when something breaks, it’s usually not cheap. The CP4 fuel pump issue on the 6.7 can cause catastrophic damage, costing tens of thousands to fix. If you’re set on buying it, I’d suggest investing in some preventative upgrades like the S&S disaster prevention kit, an Amsoil oil filter relocation kit, and monitoring tools like a Banks pod. Also, keep up with fuel and oil filter changes regularly.
Make sure you get a pre-purchase inspection and check what similar trucks are selling for. Maintenance is key, but know what you’re getting into.
Emman said:
What’s your take on keeping a 6.4 running well? I’ve got one and baby it, but I’m open to tips for making it last longer.
The 6.4 has its own set of problems. The radiator tends to fail, so replacing it with an all-aluminum one is a good idea. The up-pipe often cracks, so an aftermarket replacement can help. The pistons are a bigger issue; they’re prone to cracking. I’d still recommend the Amsoil kit and Banks upgrades for better performance and longevity.
If $5k in repairs for your current car feels like too much, a diesel might not be the best move. Diesel maintenance and repairs can easily hit $8-15k depending on what goes wrong. Consider something simpler or stick with what you have for now.
Be careful about tuning it for extra power. It’s tempting, but a lot of issues come from pushing these trucks too hard with performance tunes. If you do get it, focus on monitoring systems and preventative maintenance.
If you’re going diesel, the ’17-’19 Fords are some of the best. They’re more reliable than earlier models and have better towing capacity. Solid choice if you’re committed to diesel.
Do you really need a diesel? They’re expensive to maintain, and Ford’s design often requires pulling the cab for repairs. If you understand the costs and still want it, go ahead. Just keep an eye on known issues like the CP4 failure.
