Should I buy a 2013 6.7 with 300k for $15k or a 2008 6.4 with 180k for $10k?

Hey everyone,

I’m stuck between two options for a truck:

  1. 2013 6.7 Powerstroke with 300,000 miles for $15,000.
  2. 2008 6.4 Powerstroke with 180,000 miles for $10,000.

Both are in similar condition, but I’m worried about the reliability and long-term costs. Which one would you go for? Or should I avoid both altogether?

Honestly, neither. But never buy an ’08-’10 6.4 unless it’s for an engine swap project.

Teo said:
Honestly, neither. But never buy an ’08-’10 6.4 unless it’s for an engine swap project.

What 1-ton diesel would you recommend under $15k? I’d mostly use it for hauling off-road buggies once or twice a month. Trips are usually under 500 miles but go through some mountains.

@Teo
For a new Powerstroke owner, I’d say any year 7.3. They’re super reliable and forgiving. The other years are much more maintenance-heavy.

@Teo
I’d suggest a 6.9L or 7.3L IDI. They’re all mechanical and don’t have any of the emissions stuff to worry about.

Teo said:
Honestly, neither. But never buy an ’08-’10 6.4 unless it’s for an engine swap project.

I’ve got an ’10 with a 300 Spartan tune. It’s still running strong at 375k miles, though I’m on my second transmission.

Short answer? Neither.

Longer answer: A 6.4 can either be the best or worst truck you’ve ever owned—it’s a total gamble. And a 6.7 with 300k miles is going to need some serious maintenance soon, especially for things like bushings, body mounts, and suspension. Even though the engine is solid, repairs on a 6.7 are expensive.

@Arin
Thanks for the advice. This really helps me weigh my options!

If you’re asking whether to buy an ’08-’10 6.4, the answer is always the other truck.

Slate said:
If you’re asking whether to buy an ’08-’10 6.4, the answer is always the other truck.

What if the other option is a clapped-out ’80s Silverado with a diesel 6.2L running on 7 cylinders?

@Teo
Well, one of those trucks has lasted 40 years…

I’d try to find a lower-mileage 6.0 or 7.3 in that price range. They don’t have the emissions junk to deal with. The 6.0 has an EGR, but no DPF or DEF to worry about.

If I had to choose between the two, I’d go with the ’13. The 6.7 is a solid engine and can go the distance with proper maintenance. The ’08 6.4, though? It’s a ticking time bomb.

There’s no such thing as a 6.3 Powerstroke, so…

Tru said:
There’s no such thing as a 6.3 Powerstroke, so…

You know what I meant. It was a typo, so let’s move on.

Teo said:

Tru said:
There’s no such thing as a 6.3 Powerstroke, so…

You know what I meant. It was a typo, so let’s move on.

In that case, I’d go with a 7.4.

Tru said:

Teo said:
Tru said:
There’s no such thing as a 6.3 Powerstroke, so…

You know what I meant. It was a typo, so let’s move on.

In that case, I’d go with a 7.4.

Why not the 5.9?

6.3? What’s that?

Zion said:
6.3? What’s that?

It was a typo. I can’t edit the post, but obviously I meant 6.4. Let’s not dwell on it.

Teo said:

Zion said:
6.3? What’s that?

It was a typo. I can’t edit the post, but obviously I meant 6.4. Let’s not dwell on it.

No need to get defensive. I just wanted clarification.