Ford Diesel - To purchase or not?
 

Need some advice everyone. I am currently looking to get into a USED truck again. I have only owned Fords in the past, but I don't care anymore about brand. I need the right truck, period.
My uses:
Truck to haul ATV high into the mountains, haul wood and gravel.
My needs:
front bench seat, knob or button 4x4(only) Crew cab, 6ft. bed, auto, fair fuel mileage, proven reliability, priced below $17,000.

I am interested in the f250 diesels, but hearing mixed reviews about reliability. Have never owned a diesel and only considering because I want decent fuel mileage to power, plus a long lasting motor.

The 6.0L seems to have very poor reviews.
The 7.3L was a little better reviews.

Should I skip the diesel and stick with gas? I won't be pulling huge loads.
Should I skip Ford and get....what? (has to meet requirements above)
Thanks, ~easystreet

i would stick with gas i have never been a big fan of diesels, and as long as you take care of it should last quite awhile

I just came across a 2003 Chevy Silverado 1500HD 4x4. It has all the vehicle features I need.
The motor is a 6.0L gas with 139,000 miles on it. The truck is really clean.
Strongly interested in it now. Any opinions on these trucks? I will post a link to the sale listing below.
http://fortcollins.craigslist.org/ctd/2193805535.html

nice looking truck but i think $11,950 is a little too much for that many miles.

I don't know. I put in all the info and...
NADA clean retail was $14,950
KBB excellent condition was $13,800

Acording to those sites its low. Which concerned me if there is something bad in its history. Such as a wreck or long service history.

i have never put much faith in kelly blue book etc. the way i see it is someone had it before you and unless you know and trust them you have no way to know how it was driven or how well it was taken care of.

Anyone can clean up a truck to sell it, i dont think i have ever seen a dirty truck for sale. Just check it out real good before you pay for it.