A $10,000 upcharge for the diesel is equivalent to over 50,000mi worth of gas at $2.50/gal and 13mpg. I don't tow often or heavy, so it really had no benefit for me.
7.3L Gas vs. 6.7L diesel
- OP 🔹 Badger2thDoc
- Start date
- Jun 23, 2020
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It’s actually really an $8,450 difference between the larger gasser and the diesel. The approximately $10k is when you go from the standard engine package to the 6.7
- Jun 23, 2020
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still an absurd amount
- Jun 23, 2020
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Lol! No argument there.
Hard to say on that one, depends on how the longevity pans out on each engine. If the tweaks to up the power on the 6.7 reduce the engine life and 7.3L proves it’s self as reliable as claimed than the 6.7L probably won’t keep the value holding advantage vs the gas as it has in the past. If history holds true diesel will hold a better resale value but not guaranteed and only time will tell.
I personally went with the 7.3L, but am a big block guy. For my case the 6.7L didn’t pencil out, but would have if I was towing super heavy more often than I do. Most of the time will be towing 10K or less. Only be in the 16-18K range a couple of times a year for equipment rentals, and those will be short trips. Made a spreadsheet and compared fuel/maintenance cost differences and would take almost 280K to break even on the extra cost of the 6.7L. Didn’t factor in resale since too early to tell.
- Jul 2, 2020
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People keep talking maintenance. I have never had a diesel. What type of additional maintenance does it require?
Diesels take 13 quarts of oil vs 8 on the 7.3L. Oil filters are approximately twice as much. Diesels need a fuel filter about every other oil change. Gas fuel filter is a lifetime thing now. There is DEF fluid to add periodically. The water separator needs to be drained periodically as well. Also need to be very cautious on fuel quality since contaminated fuel can cause engine damage.
- Jan 22, 2020
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I am in charge of our company trucks and have been since 1993. I purchase new and sell the used ones. I can say first hand the diesels rock the value on the used ones, Sometimes we do ok with gas trucks other times we get beat up. Never once got beat up on a diesel truck.
Some of the older gas engines definitely weren’t the most desirable thing to pickup used, be curious to see how the 7.3 gas pans out. Around here the 6.2L seems to be holding value pretty well but could be a regional thing.
If I had to go by the fleet at work would never buy a used diesel. In Fords defense they get abused pretty bad, and were bought in waves and a large # are in the early 6.7L era with the turbo issues. For a while there was having to deal with work schedule delays due to truck issues every couple of months. Might be why I am a little leery about the diesel. I definitely don’t treat my stuff like some of the company cars are treated though.
Do you get $8k it more at resale like you pay new?
If this new 7.3 is as reliable as it sounds like it will be ,Diesel good resell values are going to be a thing of the past I suspect.
Diesel will always be a premium on both ends (It can tow and haul more than any gas engine). Whether it is worth it is personal preference. I do agree that today's modern diesel needs more maintenance than the diesels of yesteryears. I do not know if I could go back to gas after owning a diesel. The power delivery is just so much better and effortlessly. I have a gas work truck that I drive everyday and it is just not the same. As far as problems any engine is capable of a melt down. There has been a couple of 7.3 on here with problems.
Not quite...diminishing returns. I'd venture to say 60% tops if resold, as far as the premium for the engine. So maybe 5k more than the gas with same options. But you probably knew that.
- Jan 22, 2020
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and then some! We are known for care and maintenance of our fleet,
agreed that some companies are harder than others on trucks.
additionally with all the emission "bs" the playing field can be leveled somewhat. We purchase new and sell at retail used, never trade in. I don't accept low ballers when I sell.
You actually wouldn't have to get the whole 8k cause the fuel economy made up for some of that initial cost.
Another thing to note fellas... EVERYONE seems to have their diesel vs gas calculator... the calculator works to get a "snap shot" of today's fuel cost. When fuel cost rise the difference between gas and diesel stays relatively the same as far as a "premium" over the cost of regular gas. Enter in your calculator higher fuel costs... say 3.20 and 3.40 or 3.50 (diesel being 20-30 cents higher) and the more efficient diesel starts to really show off.
Fuel filters can be bought online for around $55.00 and can be done in about 15 minutes one Saturday morning... easier than an oil change by far in my opinion.
Oil change is gonna be about $100 at the dealer for a diesel.... My old 1/2 ton was over $70 cause of the newer 0w30 requirements only allows for synthetic oils... $30 dollars more is not that big of a deal. The overall "maintenance" IMO is not as big of a factor as its made out to be.
For whatever reason, some people come across as seeming to think others are idiots cause they didn't buy the same motor for the same reasons as they did... (I said "seeming" so don't bash me for that comment).
Bottom line, buy whatever you want for whatever reason that you want, they are both great vehicles. Gas motors in general have come along way so both should last a long time.
Fuel filters can be bought online for around $55.00 and can be done in about 15 minutes one Saturday morning... easier than an oil change by far in my opinion.
Oil change is gonna be about $100 at the dealer for a diesel.... My old 1/2 ton was over $70 cause of the newer 0w30 requirements only allows for synthetic oils... $30 dollars more is not that big of a deal. The overall "maintenance" IMO is not as big of a factor as its made out to be.
For whatever reason, some people come across as seeming to think others are idiots cause they didn't buy the same motor for the same reasons as they did... (I said "seeming" so don't bash me for that comment).
Bottom line, buy whatever you want for whatever reason that you want, they are both great vehicles. Gas motors in general have come along way so both should last a long time.
It's really not difficult to change it for the "what if" and see what it all looks like. Most of it (more than any other factor) comes down to how many miles you drive/tow a year. That's by far the biggest factor in whether or not one engine is suitable over the other for each person's situation. I built the calculator (linked earlier) to allow everyone to change the parameters as it suits them for their individual needs. I think it's pretty eye-opening when you start looking at facts as opposed to the same old adage that, "Diesel's are more fuel efficient and pay for themselves after 5 years." Which unless you're driving/towing a lot (20k miles a year) is garbage. You can find out exactly when it pays for itself based on your driving needs and that helps make a more "informed" decision. If you need it buy it, if you just want it because you want it, buy it, but don't make up stuff that isn't true to justify it for others imo.
- Jan 22, 2020
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Really the bottom line does not matter, its how you want to use your truck.
If you want an off road beast you can tow with then the 7.3 for sure. If you tow a lot and lots of miles with some off roading then 6.7. I am fortunate to have both a Wrangler Ruby and a gen 1 Raptor to play with so the 6.7 was my choice...... If I was trading in a Raptor like many on this site I would opt for the 7.3 and get an aftermarket exhaust, some bigger wheels/tires and maybe an fresh air intake.
All Todays engines will go a long time. With proper maintenance.
If you want an off road beast you can tow with then the 7.3 for sure. If you tow a lot and lots of miles with some off roading then 6.7. I am fortunate to have both a Wrangler Ruby and a gen 1 Raptor to play with so the 6.7 was my choice...... If I was trading in a Raptor like many on this site I would opt for the 7.3 and get an aftermarket exhaust, some bigger wheels/tires and maybe an fresh air intake.
All Todays engines will go a long time. With proper maintenance.
The only issue I see with this is the risk of the uknown and warranty. Say after 5 years your engine blows, the gasoline one, then perhaps the diesel was the better buy. Although I myself got a 10 year, so at least for 10 years it'll be comparable, apples to apples, if I had purchased a diesel.I've never really understood the thought process that after 5 years the diesel is the way to go and it's worth it. It's really not unless the driving you're doing is taking advantage of it. I have a 7.3 on order after looking at maintenance costs and how I plan on driving it. It's pretty eye opening when you actually calculate out the numbers.
I'm pretty convinced that for myself, unless I was doing commercial work and towing 10,000+ miles a year, the diesel just doesn't make financial sense.
I built a calculator that shows how long it takes to pay for the diesel given a number of parameters.
I'm making it view only, but anyone should be able to copy it down and change their own miles driven estimates to see how it works out. If there's updates to the maintenance costs I'm happy to tweak as needed as well.
Gas vs Diesel
docs.google.com
Everyone looking just needs to determine their priorities; their needs over wants.
The 7.3 likely has everything I could ever want in terms of towing, hauling, or even offroad prowess. The diesel is overkill for me and an extra expense I do not require or want.
With the diesel you are paying a premium but hopefully you're buying it to be used in a way that necessitates it over the gasoline's relatively high limitations.
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