My wife and I need a pickup truck with four or three doors for our growing family (we have a two-year-old daughter). I’ve been reading a lot on this forum, and I’m stuck because some people say used gas trucks are better due to cheaper maintenance, while others say diesels are better for fuel economy.
I use the truck for firewood, camping trips, motocross, hauling construction supplies, furniture pickup, and general lawn maintenance. I also drive a bit from A to B.
We can spend up to around $15,000, but we might push it to $20,000 if necessary. According to trucktrend.com, they suggested the following diesel trucks for specific years:
2008 to 2010 Ford F-250 and F-350
– 6.4 Powerstroke
2005 to 2007 Ford F-250 and F-350
– 6.0 Powerstroke (Bulletproof)
1999½ to 2000 Ford Super Duty
– 7.3 Powerstroke
2006 to 2007 Chevy and GMC 2500 and 3500
– LBZ Duramax
2003 to 2004½ Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500
– inline-six Cummins
1996 to 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500
– 5.9 Cummins
1991½ to 1993 Dodge
– inline-six Cummins
Edit: Amount of oil needed for an oil change thanks to esrevinu. (Average gas truck is about 5Q)
Powerstroke - 15Q
Cummins - 12-13Q
Duramax - 10Q
What do you think? And how many kilometers on the used engine is considered a good deal for the year and make? Thanks.
Edit 1: It has to be automatic because my wife can’t drive manual, sigh.
Edit 2: Thanks for the comments. Some people recommended gas engines might be better due to maintenance issues. So, my next question is:
What is the best used gas pickup truck for durability and fuel efficiency?
Watch out for any Ford other than 7.3, the others had problems. IMO, the 12V Cummins is the one you want, they run forever. Unfortunately, everything else about the truck containing this motor will likely need a lot of work.
I’ve heard the 5.9L Cummins 12V gets the best mileage, but you’re right, the rest of the vehicle might need a lot of work because of the age of the truck.
I’ve heard the 5.9L Cummins 12V gets the best mileage, but you’re right, the rest of the vehicle might need a lot of work because of the age of the truck.
I’ve got a 92 5.9 Cummins in a 97 1500 chassis. Everything but the engine needs a lot of work. Honestly, you’d be better off with a newer vehicle unless you want to invest heavily in everything except engine repair. The mileage isn’t enough to make up for the extra diesel fuel cost, but if you’re going diesel, then it’s whatever. The 5.9 is a great engine, but be prepared for a lot of work elsewhere unless you’ve got someone who can upgrade the chassis. If you do, make sure they overhaul everything so it can support the engine and weight increase. And if you put the engine in a new chassis, get new tires rated for the extra weight—otherwise, they might put on tires that can’t handle it, and that’s going to cost you.
@Nova
I’ve definitely thought about building a good truck. The reason I’m putting a lot of thought into this next purchase is because I want it to last a long time. I can’t afford a new truck, so I’d go that route and make sure it’s properly maintained.
@Jordan
With your family’s needs, is this really the right time to take on such a project? If this truck were out of commission for two weeks, would it cause problems for you?
Mai said: @Jordan
With your family’s needs, is this really the right time to take on such a project? If this truck were out of commission for two weeks, would it cause problems for you?
It would definitely be a problem. If the truck was down for that long, I would be short on cash by the end of the month.
@Rowan
The last 2 years of the 6.0L diesel were the weakest in the Ford lineup. They had major problems early on, but the older engines were workhorses. The automatic transmissions weren’t great either, but that was more of an issue with gas engines in the same line than with diesels.
You’d be better off with a gas truck. The fuel cost savings won’t make up for regular maintenance costs. The Powerstroke engines need 15 quarts of oil, which is about three times more than a gas truck, and oil change intervals aren’t extended. Cummins engines need 12-13 quarts, and Duramax uses 10 quarts.
If you go the Powerstroke route, don’t trust anyone’s word about bulletproofing unless they can prove the work was done. If you can’t prove it, walk away.
I love all of those trucks, but unless you’re towing heavy loads like a skid steer, large camper, or horses, a gas engine is a better bet.
I did a rough calculation based on my experience with Powerstrokes. The diesel gets the best fuel economy, 18mpg. A gas truck (GMC 5.3L Vortec) is more like 14mpg over a full tank.
If you pay someone to do maintenance, the oil change cost will be at least double. This doesn’t even factor in potential issues with turbos ($1600), fuel injectors ($300-600 each), glow plugs, or other parts that wear out on Powerstrokes over 200K miles. For your price range, you’ll be looking at a diesel with over 180K miles.
@Kade
You’ve made some great points. I’ve updated my post to ask what the best gas engine for durability and fuel efficiency might be. I can repair most things, but the engine is where I fall short. I can replace things around the engine, but I wouldn’t attempt to change piston rings or anything like that. Thanks!
@Kade
Cool, the only truck I was considering from that list was the Ford 5.4 F150. I’ll scratch that off the list if I go gas, but I’m still torn between diesel and gas!
Jordan said: @Kade
Cool, the only truck I was considering from that list was the Ford 5.4 F150. I’ll scratch that off the list if I go gas, but I’m still torn between diesel and gas!
I do love the Powerstroke engines. They give you all the power you need when you need it. Just be prepared for the cost. If you go gas, I’d recommend 2008-2010 GM 1/2-ton trucks. Get the crew cab, not the extended cab. They’ll be near the top of your price range, but they’re worth it. If you see a truck with a bed liner, inspect the bed under it before buying.
@Kade
Great idea! I’ll be sure to check under the bed liner. I also agree with you about the GM 1/2-ton gas trucks. They’re better on gas than their peers in the same category. With GM, would you recommend the Canyon or Sierra?
@Jordan
Sierra, all the way (or Chevy Silverado). On the highway, I’ve seen as good as 20mpg with the 5.3L Vortec if I’m not driving through mountains. Typical mpg is around 14-18.