I’m trying to buy my first diesel to haul a heavy camper around, and I found a forest service-maintained 2003 F450 6.0L with 86k miles for $14k. I’ve heard that 6.0Ls can be risky, especially the earlier 2003 and 2004 years. I don’t mind putting some money into making them reliable, but are these earlier models even worth considering?
I shouldn’t have said ‘haul’ since that’s misleading. I plan to put a big slide-in camper on the bed.
The 6.0L has its issues, but they’re well-documented and have reliable fixes. Buy a stock 6.0L, spend ~$5,000 to bulletproof it, and you’ll have a strong, reliable truck. Try haggling it down to $12k, and you’ll have room in the budget for upgrades.
A 6.0L is totally worth it if you’re okay spending another $15k on a $15k truck to make it perform like a $20k truck. If you can find one already bulletproofed for $14k, that’s the way to go.
Onyx said:
A 6.0L is totally worth it if you’re okay spending another $15k on a $15k truck to make it perform like a $20k truck. If you can find one already bulletproofed for $14k, that’s the way to go.
That’s not entirely fair. Stock 6.0Ls with proper maintenance can go 500k miles without head gasket issues. You might have to replace an EGR or injectors, but that’s not unreasonable.
Onyx said:
A 6.0L is totally worth it if you’re okay spending another $15k on a $15k truck to make it perform like a $20k truck. If you can find one already bulletproofed for $14k, that’s the way to go.
Sure, but even stock they’re prone to problems. I’ve replaced countless 6.0L engines in my career, even in fleet vehicles with perfect maintenance records. They’re just not as robust as some claim.
Early 2003 models are solid if maintained well. People often forget that Ford sold more 6.0Ls than any other diesel during its time. Head studs are cheaper to fix than dealing with Dodge’s transmission issues.
Personally, I’d avoid it unless you’re ready to spend on bulletproofing. I picked up my 6.0L for $5k with a blown head gasket and fixed it myself. It’s been reliable since, but heavy hauling will test the head gaskets even on a bulletproofed engine.
Forest service vehicles are often run hard and put away wet. As a first-time diesel owner, I’d suggest looking at a Cummins. They’re more forgiving for new owners.
If you’re using it as a workhorse and keeping up with maintenance, the 6.0L can be a good diesel. Just be sure to run it hard occasionally to keep the VGT turbo vanes clean.
Get the VIN and check the service history with local dealers. Maintenance history is crucial with these trucks. Also, consider upgrading to a high-output alternator to keep the FICM happy.
Before buying, have a diesel shop inspect it. Look for excessive idle hours, inspect the VGT turbo for soot buildup, and check the fuel system. A $300 inspection could save you thousands in repairs.
If you bulletproof it properly (studs, EGR delete, oil cooler upgrade), the 6.0L can be a fantastic engine. My truck has aluminum heads now, and it’s been rock-solid for two years.
Honestly, a 6.0L isn’t worth it unless you’re getting it dirt cheap and can afford the bulletproofing process. If you want reliability, look at a 6.7L, a 7.3L, or a pre-emissions Cummins or Duramax.
Just this morning, my wife asked what I’d replace my 6.0L with if I sold it. My first thought? A broken heart. My second thought? Another bulletproofed 6.0L.
I bought an ’03 F250 6.0L in 2018 with 104k miles for $13.5k. It’s been great with just an EGR delete and regular maintenance. Don’t rule it out just because of online negativity.