Hey everyone, I’m in the market for an F250 and could use some advice. I’ve had GM and Toyota trucks before, but the F250 seems like a better option now. I can afford a new one, but dropping $75k on an XLT is a tough pill to swallow. I’m considering lightly used instead.
I’d like a diesel, even though I only tow about 3-4 times a year. Most of the time, it’ll be my daily driver and hunting truck in Arizona. What do you think—should I go new or used? Diesel or gas?
I just got a 2023 XLT with the 7.3 gas engine for $55k. I use it for towing a camper and hunting trips. I’d recommend a new gasser—it’s lighter, better off-road, and cheaper to maintain.
Charlie said:
I just got a 2023 XLT with the 7.3 gas engine for $55k. I use it for towing a camper and hunting trips. I’d recommend a new gasser—it’s lighter, better off-road, and cheaper to maintain.
I’ve got a used F450 XLT with the 7.3. Tons of power, more features than I need, and way less maintenance than a diesel. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to a modern diesel—the emissions systems are too much trouble.
I have a diesel F250, but if I could do it again, I’d go gas. Diesel maintenance and emissions systems are expensive unless you’re towing constantly. When I was a fleet manager, we had mixed luck with used diesels—half were great, and half had problems that explained why they were sold.
Mal said: @Murphy
What’s a static burn? Never heard of that.
It’s when you manually start a DPF burn while idling by pressing a few buttons. The engine revs to 2,000 RPM to clean the filter. Here’s a video: https://youtu.be/XPDWoRz7FFs. Without OCR, the truck does it automatically, but OCR gives you more control if you don’t drive long distances often.
I’d go for a lightly used gas truck and maybe a commuter car. I switched from a 7.3 Powerstroke to a 6.2 gas engine, and I don’t regret it. I tow trailers almost every weekend from spring through fall, and gas handles it fine. For towing 4 times a year, gas will save you money and headaches.
Keep in mind that banks usually finance used trucks at higher interest rates than new ones. I found a great F350 Tremor for under $60k in 2020, but the monthly payment was too high due to financing differences. I ended up with a new F150 instead. Financing can really change the math if you’re looking at monthly costs.
Mal said: @Renny
I’m paying cash, so financing won’t matter, but I know what you mean.
I picked up a 2017 F350 with the 6.2 gas engine for $39k with 58k miles. It’s been reliable aside from replacing a fuel recovery module and spark plugs. It even came with a flatbed and has good payload capacity. I’m getting about 13 MPG in the summer.
I have a 2023 XL F250 diesel and a 2017 Ram 3500 with the Hemi. For daily driving, the gas Ram is so much easier. The diesel is great for towing, but for daily use, it’s overkill. If you’re not towing often, an F150 or another half-ton is cheaper, more practical, and easier to drive.
I’d look for a used 2021 or 2022. New ones are just so expensive right now. I’ve owned five diesels since 2011, and I keep coming back to the Powerstroke. My 2020 has been fantastic for towing, and once you go diesel, it’s hard to switch back.
Mal said: @Micah
What is it about the diesel that keeps you coming back?
It’s all about towing. The 7.3 gas engine with the 10-speed is great, but I missed the torque of a diesel. Even towing something small like my bass boat, the gasser would rev high. With the diesel, I can go up any hill with my fifth wheel without breaking a sweat.
I bought a lightly used F250 diesel back in 2014, and it’s been the best truck I’ve ever owned. It was certified pre-owned with a 125k-mile warranty. If you can find a similar deal, go for it.