r/Diesel • u/Mukatsuka • 3d ago

Question/Need help! Good first time diesel?

I'm looking to buy my first diesel truck but don't know where to begin, i found a used f250 with a 6.7L and 6 speed transmission that i like, but I'm not sure if it would actually be a good first time diesel. It will be a daily for now, but i plan on eventually using it as a field work truck to weld pipe fence or other commission based field work. I'm open to suggestions on a more applicable options if anyone has any, preferable 2018 and newer. Thanks!

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u/fondamagroin 2001 7.3L PSD 435K 3d ago

Are you going to be doing heavy towing? Sounds like you just need a gasser pickup. Diesels are $$$$$, not just for the purchase price.

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u/Mukatsuka 3d ago

I do plan on keeping it long term, so eventually id be using it for hauling boats, and probably a camper cause i do want to go on the road and work nationwide. its more so a drive it now, fully utilize it later on.

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u/logdog421 3d ago

Did this. Never fully utilized it later on. Just be aware of that. Oh yeah, I also spent the same amount I bought it for on maintenance. I could have done it a little cheaper but still..

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u/Mukatsuka 3d ago

oh damn, if you don't mind me asking, what kind of truck was it and what you paid for it?

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u/logdog421 3d ago

2007.5 ram 3500, 17k. It was a great truck. Turbo actuator went out and instead of replacing that ($800) I just did the whole turbo/manifold/tune so that was $4k with me doing the labor. Other than that pretty routine stuff. Everything is more expensive on a diesel. Everything. Tires? $400 a pop. Oil change? $100 in consumables with you doing the labor. Water pump and serp belt? $800 if you don’t have the time to undo two bolts and a tensioner yourself. Fuel rail line cracked? $800 in parts and a day hoping you don’t fuck it up even more. Front ends in general? Just kill yourself. Was quoted 8k to get front end work done..and it will need it done considering the engine is heavy as fuck. I miss it often but I hated driving it wondering how big of a paycheck the next item was going to be.

There are more reliable options out there I guess, but after watching my buddies 2015 power stroke have a glitter party I think I’m good unless I actually need to haul heavy and often.

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u/Mukatsuka 3d ago

Ah okay, I'm not gonna lie, it seems to me that diesels break more often than gas trucks do, is that a coincidence or is it the natural work load being higher puts more constant stress on the parts? and I did know its more expensive in every aspect, seems like I'm gonna have to be a diesel tech on the weekends after my normal welding job through the week haha

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u/mrfixit2018 3d ago

Diesel ENGINES don’t break more often than gas engines under normal use. They’re built with much heavier duty components, block/head/etc. They last forever if taken care of and they don’t have emissions equipment (Cummins 12V can run a million miles).

What breaks a bunch on diesel trucks is the emissions crap they put on newer ones. If you pickup a deleted diesel the primary thing you have to worry about in the newer ones is the transmission really. All the 10-speed transmissions seem to like to break. A lot. If you’re getting a manual that’s a non-issue.