When I bought my Toyota Prius 3 years ago, it was a pretty simple task – I was buying new and paying cash, so all I needed to do was call all of the local dealerships and bid them against each other to a steal of a price.

Things are not going as well with the truck search I am currently on.

After figuring out the Ford truck’s secret code of XL, XLT, SuperCab, Crew Cab, Extended Cab, Long Bed, 4×4…. I was finally on my way to searching for a trucks online.

Then I had a friend tell me that after 2003, the F-250 6.0L diesel engines weren’t “as good” as the standard Ford 6.0L diesel until 2008.

Then, I had another friend tell me that diesels last much longer than gas engines.

Then I had a dealer tell me that the F-250 and F-350 are the same body size and really the only difference was a spring in the back that helps with really big trailers.

I had another friend tell me that a dually was useless, unless you are towing loose livestock – which I hope I won’t be doing.

So… I think I have found a good truck and want everyone’s opinion, because obviously if I thought for myself on this truck thing, I would be way behind what (I think) I know now.

Here are the details:
F-350 – I finally found a used one!
2008 – Great for the price and easier to finance?
3,500 miles – makes getting a gas engine a little more worth it, since similar diesel trucks have 40k+ miles?
5.4L V8 gas engine – not a diesel, but makes it in my price range and with only 3,500 miles it might not matter as much?
Bed liner, towing package, vinyl seats – all dirty, horseperson friendly 🙂

What are everyone’s thoughts?

On a paranoid side note: If anyone googles this car and buys it before I can, I will find you!