I'm sold on the F250 Crew Cab

[Nielubie]

Just came back from the dealer and took a test drive in a F250 SD Lariat 4x4 and loved it.

I have several questions before I pick one up.

1) The one I'm looking at is a Diesel, what is the gas mileage on a Diesel compared to a regular gas mileage?
2) I was told that maintainance is higher, what cost more? Is there more work involved in maintaining a diesel engine or is it just the extra oil that is used, etc?
3) What would be the best gear ratio for me? I would be using this as a daily driver and a plow truck (small jobs) in the winter. There are like 5 different gear ratios listed when I Google about it and I'm not sure which would be best for me.
4) Are truck prices cheaper in the south? (Texas)? If so, i have no problem driving down there to pick one up.. :P Are F250 SD Crew Cab Lariat priced around 57k everywhere or is the dealer I went to just trying to rip me off?

Any help would be appreciated, I am a noob to diesel so trying to get my worries out before i buy a truck.

Thank you,
Pete

[SmokeyWren]

Originally Posted by Nielubie

2) I was told that maintainance is higher, what cost more? Is there more work involved in maintaining a diesel engine or is it just the extra oil that is used, etc?

It holds about three times as much oil as a gasser, and you have to change it about as often. You have to change the fuel filter about every year.Other than that, you have about the same maintenance costs as a gasser.

3) What would be the best gear ratio for me? I would be using this as a daily driver and a plow truck (small jobs) in the winter. There are like 5 different gear ratios listed when I Google about it and I'm not sure which would be best for me.

Forget Google. Download the order guide from
Sunrise Ford Fleet - 16005 Valley Blvd, Fontana, CA 92335
and study it. On a 2009 F-250, you'll see you don't have much choice for axle ratio with the diesel engine. With 17" or 18" wheels, it's going to be 3.55. With 20" wheels it's going to be 3.73. End of choices.

4) Are truck prices cheaper in the south? (Texas)?

For a new truck? No.

Are F250 SD Crew Cab Lariat priced around 57k everywhere or is the dealer I went to just trying to rip me off?

MSRP for a 2009 with several options such as tailgate step and chrome pkg and some other nic-knacks is about $53k and cash buying price (no trade-in) is about $48k

Click on the following link, then put in your zip code and "Search Dealer Inventory". Then select
F-250
Lariat
CrewCab
4x4
and you should see the X-Plan price of those in stock. Click on "see window sticker" and you'll see the other options and the MSRP.

The X-Plan price is about $500 less than cash buying price, or if you can obtain an X-Plan PIN then the X-Plan price is the cash buying price. But you get any factory rebates, but then you have to add TT&L to the cash price.

Ford Build & Price - 2009 Ford F-250 SD - Use FordDirect Search Service OR search dealers online

[Brad777]

Smokey did a good job answering your questions. On a side note...you'll love the new truck. Although the maintenence is more with the diesel, if you need that much power, you'll never regret that purchase either. Additionally, you can bet that your buying the best truck on the market. The looks, the interior comforts and quality are second to none. Don't let any naysayers get the best of you. Every vehicle may have some issues. Ford has been great responding to any blurps. Best of luck in your decision.

[smotrs]

If you want your best deal, shop around for a 2008 still on the lot. Of course you won't get to pick and choose your options as if you ordered new. But you may be able to get close to what you want.

I have that same truck in an 08 and it's absolutely awesome. Mileage sits around 10-12 (10's being average 12.x being my best) driving city streets to work, and closer to 16 when I'm cruising on the freeway driving about 60. It drops about 1.5 for every 5mph higher.