Looking to buy a 2008 F350 SD DRW reg cab - any advice?

[Hutch333id]

Hi folks, due to my DW using the truck in front of her as a means to stop our Doge Caravan from 55kph to zero in less than a second I am now looking at a replacement vehicle. I have seen a 2008 F350 Super Duty Dually turbo diesel with an 8' bed, manufactures tow package with 98,000 km (60,000 miles) for $27,000 (cnd). I think it is the reg cab but again I'm not sure. All I can say is that it has the two little rear doors that open the wrong way. I haven't got the first idea about trucks or diesel engines. Would someone please point me in the right direction for what I should be looking at. There are dials in the dashboard that I have no idea what function they serve, there are all sorts of questions I should probably be asking and many more things I need to know. Any advice would be most welcome.

I'm looking at this with the intent of using it to pull my 2013 8315BSS. I'd originally planned to use the 2007 Expedition Max (EL) but wasn't sure if with this vehicle I was close to or over my cargo weights due to the heavy tongue weight of the trailer at 950lbs. I know the F350 will tow it without a problem

Thanks

[asquared]

Ok that is an extended cab. It will have the same engine that is in my truck, a 6.4 L diesel engine. It is a strong towing engine but it does have some faults. A hig one is frequent regeneration phases or blowing lots of white smoke while in regeneration phase. This is something to find out about. my truck does has both issues. It is also a thirsty engine.

A diesel will tow til the cows come home. They are happiest when worked. Diesels don't like to do a lot of short distance stop and go driving as they need a chance to go through regen. There will be more maintenance than with a gasser. You will need to drain water from the fuel filter once a month. You will need to add a cetane fuel additive to every tank of fuel. Oil changes will be every 5000-7000 miles but are about $100 each time (truck takes 15 quarts of oil). Fuel filter changes are every 10,000 miles. The upside to a diesel is that when taken care of they can easily live to be over 300,000 miles. Also your towing mileage will be really good. My truck gets13 mpg daily and about 10-11 mpg when towing. Once you tow with a diesel you won't ever want to go back to a gasser and you won't be able to wipe the smile off your face.

Here are two diesel forums for you. Ford truck enthusiasts and the diesel stop

[joelek]

The trucks with the backwards opening rear doors are less popular that the full 4 door models. Saving money if you don't want/need the full 4 door model. On the new Fords with DPF, make sure the tailpipe is clean as a whistle. If not, pass as she isn't running right or is not in stock form/tune.

[Hutch333id]

Thanks for the advice, I'll give it a whirl. I went back and took another look today while the dealership was closed. Managed to get a good look and everything appears to be looking good

[golfmedik]

Originally Posted by joelek

make sure the tailpipe is clean as a whistle. If not, pass as she isn't running right or is not in stock form/tune.

Agreed! Take a look at the inside of the tailpipe and see if it is black. If it is, I would pass on that one as it is not running correctly. Probably a cracked DPF or a bad EGR valve. The inside of the tailpipe may be a little darker than the outside, but not sooty black. I own the same engine. More maintenance, $100 oil changes making sure you USE ONLY FORD FILTERS for oil and fuel!! Bottom line, you take care of it, it will take care of you. Join the FTE, it is free and has a great 6.4L diesel section here Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - Ford truck and SUV owners and enthusiasts Community And Information Source.

[dezolen]

The 08,09 is a fuel guzzler big time.
Go for the new in house diesel

[bakken]

Originally Posted by dezolen

The 08,09 is a fuel guzzler big time.
Go for the new in house diesel

I have a feeling the OP doesn't want to spend $60,000

[Hutch333id]

I did look at a new one but for $80,000 and only about $3k coming back for the Caravan it left me with a bit of a shortfall on the finances. This appears to be the best I've seen and with only 60,000 miles on the lock it is barely run in.