I have to admit, there’s a lot to love about my F-150 diesel when everything is running smoothly. Maybe I just expect a lot, but it’s been a mixed bag. I opted for the Lariat trim, and the interior is fantastic – a real step up in comfort. And when it comes to using it as a truck, it truly performs like one. The power of this little diesel engine is impressive, especially tackling the hills around Kentucky; it handles them like a champ. I even did a weight reduction modification recently, which I think really brought the truck to life, no regrets there. Others might disagree, but personally, I’m not sure if I’d go diesel again in this truck.
The biggest issue comes down to maintenance and parts. They are expensive, and finding them can be a real headache sometimes. It doesn’t help that the engine is shared with Jaguar and Land Rover; you even see their names stamped on some parts! And the oil requirements are very specific, with no cheap options that I’ve found. If you’re someone who doesn’t like spending money on maintenance, you should probably steer clear of the F-150 diesel.
Just to give you a concrete example, my block heater went out recently. The dealer said both the element and cord needed replacing. I made an appointment for this morning, showed up at the dealership, and guess what? One part was in stock, but the other wasn’t. Maybe the missing part was still sleeping it off from last night, who knows! Laughable, really.
I’m hoping things will get better when I start doing more of the work myself. If you’ve got the space and the know-how to pull cabs, you’d probably be in a much better position with this truck. I’ve spent my career working on commercial diesels – big rigs and tractors – and these smaller truck diesels still manage to frustrate me. And yes, that includes even the F-250 and F-350; when you’re used to Internationals, Sterlings, and Macks, these Fords feel like toys.
