Hello, I need to buy a truck for the following reasons-

1. To much snow
2. Need a truck to move a ladder for work

I am a college student that will be working a sales job this summer and I will make $20-$30k. The job I will be doing requires that I take a ladder with me from job to job. I am looking to spend a little bit of money on a truck and the rest will go to college. I will be going to college 4 hours away so fuel milage is helpful.

What I've gotten my options down to are either a 2004ish F150. They seem like nice trucks but won't get great mileage. Or I could get a 2000ish F250/350 diesel. The diesel would give me more room for hauling sleds and I would get better mileage.

What do you guys think?

 

If you can find a 7.3 in good shape and rust free I would jump on it. Short of wrecking it, there's not really any way to devalue it. Unfortunately, they are difficult to find. You may be able to find a 01-06 GMC Duramax in that price range as well. The duramax/Allison combo is pretty much bulletproof

DO NOT buy a 6.0 Powerstroke.

 

The mileage will be better with the diesel, but by the time you figure in the more expensive maintenance, higher initial cost and slightly more expensive diesel fuel, I don't think you will save anything by buying the diesel. It doesn't sound like you really need the additional towing capacity? I would go for a gas if it were me. I considered long and hard about this before buying mine and I have been very happy with the gas 6.2L

Of course, if you were buying a new truck and money were no object, then diesel would be the obvious choice, particularly if you plan to keep the truck for 500,000 miles.

 

agree with the last comment


gasser all the way. Only reason for a diesel is max towing capacity. Yes they are 30% more efficient but the maintenance on an old diesel is big $. if your not towing heavy loads with your gasser your mileage will be ok.


Price out a set of new injectors for a high mileage diesel; some run into $700 range. That is each so x by 8. Headgaskets are around 29 hours labour. then price out injection pumps or turbo's. Unless you work in the trade...never buy an old diesel. Gas stuff are easy to fix, access and parts are much cheaper.


city transit where I live are getting out of diesels and going back to gasers for their small buses due to the maintenance costs. what does that tell you!


I bought a 2000 gaser and spent $700 to fix everything and change all the fluids... no way could I do that with a diesel.

 

I have to agree with all the previous responses. For the simple fact of carrying a ladder and possibly hauling a sled, a 2500 3500 diesel would be a significant expense.
If you are looking for economical pick-up for what you mentioned and still servive while at college maybe consider a Ford Ranger w/ladder rack + maybe a trailer for sled.

 

I had an 06 F250 gas bought new for 36-38K... towed and hauled great I pounded on that truck....I also put about 70$ of fuel every 3-5 days in it. traded it bought a 2012 6.7 f350 diesel dually, towed and hauled even better super and I put about 90$ of fuel per week in it ....but it also cost 46-48K . My 2016 6.7 diesel f350 dually gets same fuel economy as the 2012 and I also pound it hard.
For a first investment on a truck I would go with a gas, as others have said cost of maintenance is less, you still can tow and haul if needed, an older used diesel could have some routine upkeep issues as well as more rustetc... and lets face it any time you buy a full size truck, fuel economy is always going be less then any sedan or small wagon...As truck owners we need to realize that and accept it. good luck with your purchase!

 

Although I understand the guy has already bought a car, it would be interesting to know what he bought. I also think that after working in wall work trucks that buying 2500 - 3500 diesel is expensive and at that time, maybe someone else will read these comments.
A more economical pickup for what was mentioned, and still servicing it while in college, perhaps consider a Ford Ranger or Fiat, such a car can be bought used. Or rent, although now it will be cheaper to buy a used car and choose to keep it in good condition.