Thinking about getting the F-150 3.0 diesel… anyone here own one?

Hey everyone, I’m considering getting the F-150 with the 3.0L Powerstroke. I test drove a 3.5 today, but it didn’t feel as peppy as I’d expected (it was a 2017 Platinum and had a slight vibration while idling). I also tried a 5.0 (a Lariat with 60k miles), which felt smooth and peppy, but I’m not thrilled about the low MPG—averaging 10 MPG with no mods is tough when my Chevy 5.3 gets 12.5. The 3.0 diesel was the smoothest and most efficient of the bunch (showing an average of 25 MPG), so I’m really leaning towards it.

My concern is long-term support since Ford stopped offering this engine in the F-150. I checked Ford’s parts site, and they still seem available, which is reassuring. But I’d like to hear from anyone who owns one—how’s your experience been? Have you had trouble getting parts? Is there any news about Ford stopping production of these parts? Also, does this engine still appear in other models like commercial vehicles or vans?

I’m pretty set on getting a diesel. I just need to decide between the F-150 and jumping to an F-250 with the 6.7. The cost difference leans me toward the F-150. Let me know your thoughts, but please don’t ask why I need a diesel—I’ve already made up my mind on that.

I filled up my F-150 Powerstroke yesterday, and it cost me $120. Plus, my oil changes are over $100. Diesels are awesome but pricey to maintain.

If you go for one, buy your DEF from the pump at gas stations—it’s way cheaper than the store stuff.

You should try driving another 5.0. Mine’s a 2015 Lariat with 140k miles, and it’s still peppy and averages 19 MPG.

Tatum said:
You should try driving another 5.0. Mine’s a 2015 Lariat with 140k miles, and it’s still peppy and averages 19 MPG.

I’ve got a 2019 5.0 with no lift and highway tires. I average 18-20 MPG, and it goes up to 22-24 on all-highway trips. Towing my camper, I get about 12.5 MPG.

Tatum said:
You should try driving another 5.0. Mine’s a 2015 Lariat with 140k miles, and it’s still peppy and averages 19 MPG.

Same here. My 2015 gets 17 MPG even with a lift and oversized tires.

@Keegan
Yep, same for me.

Tatum said:
You should try driving another 5.0. Mine’s a 2015 Lariat with 140k miles, and it’s still peppy and averages 19 MPG.

Thanks for the suggestion. Next time I’m out, I’ll see what they have and take a longer test drive. I’ll reset the fuel economy gauge too.

I really liked mine, but I recently upgraded to an F-250 with the 6.7. I’ll miss the little Powerstroke—it served me well.

Ozzie said:
I really liked mine, but I recently upgraded to an F-250 with the 6.7. I’ll miss the little Powerstroke—it served me well.

Did you have any big issues with it?

Dakota said:

Ozzie said:
I really liked mine, but I recently upgraded to an F-250 with the 6.7. I’ll miss the little Powerstroke—it served me well.

Did you have any big issues with it?

Not a single problem. But to be fair, I only put 26k miles on it while I owned it. The truck was perfect.

@Ozzie
Haha, I might be buying your truck then! Was it traded in at Larry H. Miller Ford?

Dakota said:
@Ozzie
Haha, I might be buying your truck then! Was it traded in at Larry H. Miller Ford?

Yep, that’s the one!

Ozzie said:

Dakota said:
@Ozzie
Haha, I might be buying your truck then! Was it traded in at Larry H. Miller Ford?

Yep, that’s the one!

Haha, hope you treated her well! They’re inspecting it to see if it qualifies for the Blue Advantage program. I haven’t seen it yet, but they called me after I drove another one on the lot. That one was nice but wasn’t quite what I wanted.

There have been diesel shortages on the East Coast, in case you hadn’t heard.

Keir said:
There have been diesel shortages on the East Coast, in case you hadn’t heard.

Are you talking about fuel or engines? I’m in Arizona. Can you explain more?

Dakota said:

Keir said:
There have been diesel shortages on the East Coast, in case you hadn’t heard.

Are you talking about fuel or engines? I’m in Arizona. Can you explain more?

Fuel shortages. Here’s an article about it: https://www.bizpacreview.com/2022/05/13/running-on-empty-americas-diesel-stockpiles-are-rapidly-dwindling-fuel-rationing-on-the-horizon-1237408/

@Keir
Thanks for the link. Hopefully, it’s just temporary. It’s something to think about for sure.