Pre-2012 Ford Diesel a safe buy?

[marcusmark]

Recently I learned that Ford built/produced their own diesel engine beginning in 2012. I'm looking to buy a TV for our soon to own 30' AS Intl. I have three main concerns, can anyone help me with info?

We can't afford more than $35k and I've decided on Ford F-250 Crew Cab Super Duty with Diesel engine. The affordable years for me are yrs 2010-2013. 1.) Any thoughts on 2010 6.4L V-8, as I found a F-250 Super Duty Diesel right in my price range? 2.) Is the 2012 6.7L Powerstroke Biodiesel version worth excluding pre-2012? and finally; 3.) Even if I bought a 2012 aren't their 1st year bugs that would prove problematic?

I appreciate any help anyone can provide.

MarcusMark

[nrgtrakr]

I have a 99 F250 Super Duty xtra cab 4x4 ... love it. Bought it used with a few PO abuses to fix, but still worth it.

If it's bio diesel, does that mean regular diesel isn't good for it? If so, how available is bio diesel?

[Ampman]

Marcusmark,

The 6.7 Powerstroke came out in the 2011 model trucks. Steer clear of them. We have several in our fleet and they have all been shop queens. Two are on their second long blocks due to faulty crankshafts. The 2012 and newer units have been much better. I currently drive and tow with a 2012 F250 6.2L gasser for my own use but have over twenty years of driving the big three light duty diesel trucks in our fleet. Been put on foot by the 6.0L, 6.4L and the 2011 6.7L many times. Never had to walk with the old 7.3L. Not bashing them but not loving them either. Try and go with a 2012 or newer.

[squarebale19]

what ampman said is good info,these days you might just consider a gasser,400hp 400 torque is good enough for most under 10k weight.If you must have a ford diesel pre 2003 or 2012 with warranty.jmo

[Danattherock]

I have been researching the new (2011-2016) Ford 250 and 350 with 6.7 diesel and 6.2 gas motors a lot in recent weeks. Talked with many owners of the trucks, went to four Ford dealers, test drives, and read every old thread I could find here and elsewhere online. Both these engines have a great reputation as I hear it. Read the older 7.3 was a real workhorse, but read some bad reports about the 6.0 and 6.4 diesels.

While there are likely other differences I'm not privy to, two of the main things folks brag about with the 6.7 diesel is the power when towing, especially uphills and in mountains. And the use of the diesel brake to aid in going downhill safely. I test drove a 350 with 6.7 last week. Rocket ship. Still puts a grin on my face. A 440 hp grin.

Remember dealer mark up is substantial and they will be trying to move 2015 as 2016 is on lots now. You could likely buy a nicely appointed brand new 2015 Ford F-250 XLT with 6.7 in the mid/high forties. Just guessing. Maybe others will chime in with more insights. I'm still in the information collecting phase.


Dan
NC

[KJRitchie]

F250 6.7L Supercrew 6.5' bed XLT are advertised around here in the mid 40's. One thing that I want is a rear view camera which they don't have and I don't really like the fold down front seat console design either.

Lariat is about 53k. Both trims are about $8 off MSRP.

There are some 2016s on the lot at the same dealership.

Kelvin

[pappy19]

You need to ask the sales manager if they will give you the "X" Plan price less any incentives. If they say yes, ask them to show you the invoice that will show the "A" plan (you must be in the Ford dealer family to get one of these or work at the factory) and the "X" plan which is $500 over the invoice price to the dealer. You can also ask him if they will get into the "hold back" money which is a percent of the invoice that the dealer gets as profit even if the vehicle is sold at invoice price. I still like a lease, but if you are determined to buy, this is the way to negotiate and save many thousands over a "good deal" that they throw at you. I always try and find the salesman that has been at the dealer the longest. I tell him that he isn't going to make much off you but he will get credit for the sale. The more sales they make in a month and end of year, then they get a bonus. If you get some youngster that needs a big commission, you will waste your time.

[carl2591]

I have seen info on the 2006-07 ford SD 6.0L when modified correctly are one of the best engines going for the ford family of late. The ford produced motor (Scorpion ) has been having some growing pains and i dont expect that to get better till the 5th or 6th year of production.

check out powerstrokehelp.com and watch some of the video bill has put out showing the differences between the 6.0 and 7.3L..

When i was looking last year i know my budget was not to the 06-07 range so i hunted, hunted and found a '03 7.3L crew lariat with 168K miles about a 150 miles from me.

You might consider the Duramax GMC for the same years.. I think it called the LBZ motor is one of the best in that group..

the 6.4 motor was a nightmare as well and MPG was crap. If I was looking for something with 35K I would be looking at 06-07 6.0L with mods.

[RandyBB]

We have a 2010 F250 6.4L diesel that we bought new. We've used it to tow both a 23FB and 25FB the last four years with no problems. We've had no issues with the truck and it tows the trailers very well.

[Norm States]

Go with the RAM Cummins and you will not be sorry based on my experience as transportation supervisor for a school (a few years ago) we were moving away from the international and going to Cummins due to repair and operating costs. I have owned 5 RAM's used for heavy 5th Wheel towing and had no issues.

[ole81]

We have a 2001 with the 7.3 and LOVE IT!!!!!

[Adam Geuss]

Originally Posted by Ampman

Marcusmark,

The 6.7 Powerstroke came out in the 2011 model trucks. Steer clear of them. We have several in our fleet and they have all been shop queens. Two are on their second long blocks due to faulty crankshafts. The 2012 and newer units have been much better. I currently drive and tow with a 2012 F250 6.2L gasser for my own use but have over twenty years of driving the big three light duty diesel trucks in our fleet. Been put on foot by the 6.0L, 6.4L and the 2011 6.7L many times. Never had to walk with the old 7.3L. Not bashing them but not loving them either. Try and go with a 2012 or newer.

Thanks for the heads up. We have a 2011 Ford 250 XLT SD/CC with the 6.7L TD engine. We have had some steering damper issues in the three years of ownership……purchased new in 2012, but no other problems of note. We only have 23000 miles on the truck as we speak. Are we in for expensive repairs as you seem to indicate? Is the truck's mileage at issue? Any preventative steps we might take? Frankly, the 250 is overkill for the 23' International Serenity we tow and I wouldn't mind selling the truck and looking for a new Chevy Suburban/Tahoe/GMC Denali etc..ie., A large SUV with the ability to tow comfortably/safely. Of course there is always the cost issues. Rats….

[FishinHatteras]

Marcus,
I am a GMC man. Wish I could afford a new diesel Denali. Champagne taste, and a beer wallet. I have never been a Ford man. My daughter has a 2011 Fiesta, and that's as close as I have come to owning one.
What I will say is, save yourself some serious cash...as in HALF of what you are looking to spend by getting an older Ford with the 7.3. You can find em for around 10-15k and they are still in damn good shape. That 7.3 is an absolute MONSTER of an engine, with torque coming out of its ears. Look at all the folks above my post, saying the same thing. You could pull a tank with a 7.3 w/o issue.
They really have an excellent reputation as a true workhorse of an engine.
You could take quite a few trips, and pay for a ton of CG nights in your new AS with the $ you save. Heck, momma would LOVE to go shopping to spruce up the interior with the extra cash you DIDN'T spend. Trust me..that 7.3 is one extremely reliable engine, that is highly sought after by those-who-know in the used market.
Good luck in your search,
Sea ya down the road,
Gavin

[Ampman]

If you have invested already and no problems yet then stay with it. Pay close attention to the fuel filters and where you buy fuel. Stay with reputable high volume stations. The truck and power train is very stout but you must be diligent about the fuel quality. You might even investigate the aftermarket fuel filtration products out there that are far superior than the factory system. We got some of the very first fleet units and have been very unlucky. Hopefully we got all the bad ones out there! Don't hesitate to buy the extended warranty from Ford for the Piece of Mind. Diesel repairs outside of the warranty period are quite shocking in my opinion. If you do decide to sell you should be able to get a good deal right now with your low mileage and cheaper diesel prices. I'm not a disgruntled owner of one, or into the whole gas vs diesel thing. I just happen to drive em for work and am just not confident in their reliability for these early first year production issues. For me the rest of the truck is awesome and the 6.2l gas engine that I have has all the power I need. Just got home from our third trip to the Rockies and had no issues over the San Juans or anywhere else. That includes the I-70, Lizard Head, Coal Bank, McClure, Molas and Red Mountain passes.
Just my opinion.

[pappy19]

Here's what I found out about Ford's competition diesel engines:

Chevy Duramax-
-Fuel starvation issues
-faulty water pumps
-overheating issues
-Injector issues including the harness
-glow plug failures
-Aluminum cylinder heads vs cast irn block
-Turbo oil injection problems
-Allison tranny goes into "Limp" mode
-DEF freezing in cold climates

Here are issues with the Dodge Cummins:
-DEF failures, many but most with faulty sensors which shuts down the engine
-O2 sensor failures
-Turbo failures
-Drive train issues, many
-Suspension issues
-Transmission problems, many
-Beware of buying any used Dodge Cummins from 2001,2003, 2006, 2007,2010