Newb Question: Thoughts on Value of 2005 4x2 lifted Ford 35 - Page 2

Christopher Thwaites · 03-06-2008, 11:28 AM

I'm a V10 fan. I've never owned one.....yet. Every owner I have spoken to likes theirs. One guy has a 99 with nearly 175k on it and never has had any problems.
The 2005s and newer also have the 5spd heavy duty tranny.
Avg. gas mileage seems to be about 2 to 3 mpg less than the 6.0 diesel.
You will likely get feed back from actual owners. Which is more valuable than my second hand stuff.

deminimis · 03-06-2008, 11:40 AM

In-laws have a V-10 in their Winnie. Its great motor and if treated right, should be somewhat comparable to a diesel's longevity. Of course, they cost less. When talking a SMB, they tend to cost a whole lot less than a comparable diesel van. It if you take the time to pencil out the added cost to purchase and the added cost of diesel (at least for now), and then subtract the lower gas mileage, you might see a V-10 makes more economic sense. I took the time when searching and decided to find a V-10 (hard to change plugs though). It just worked out different for me as I ended up with a 7.3.

Christopher Thwaites · 03-06-2008, 12:17 PM

Ford says 100k miles on plugs. You are right on the economics. I did an imaginary comparison and the added cost of the diesel does not come back to you in fuel efficiency over the life of an average ownership.

jlrray · 03-08-2008, 04:17 PM

What were you assuming the life of the engine would be for both fuel types?

Christopher Thwaites · 03-10-2008, 10:39 AM

Common experience says any diesel will outlast a gas engine given identical use. I don't know about the 6.0 diesel...nobody does. It hasn't been around long enough to build a history. The 7.3 has proven to be a work horse with lots of anecdotal evidence pointing to 300k and more miles with no major problems.
The V10 also has shown a history of long life with mileages hitting 200K plus.
Bottom line......it all depends on how you drive and maintain any engine. My thinking is that a diesel will stand up to abuse (hard use) better than gas as long as it is properly serviced.

deminimis · 03-10-2008, 01:24 PM

What Chris said. Frankly, if religous about keeping good fresh oil in a V-10, driving it in a reasonable manner, and making sure to take care of the regular maintenence, the motor should outlast the rest of the vehicle. Longevity of either motor is pertty much a non-issue I believe (if only we could say the same about trannies).