I have to admit, when my F-150 Powerstroke is running smoothly, it’s a fantastic truck. Being a Lariat trim, the interior is really something special, comfortable and practical. I use it for proper truck duties and it handles them like a champ. The power from this diesel engine, even though it’s smaller than what I’m used to with commercial trucks, is seriously impressive, especially tackling these Kentucky hills. I even did a bit of weight reduction recently, and for me, it really improved the truck’s responsiveness, no regrets there.
However, owning this truck isn’t all sunshine and roses. My biggest issue is the cost and hassle of maintenance. Parts can be expensive and surprisingly hard to track down sometimes. It’s a bit strange knowing some parts are shared with Jaguar and Land Rover and even have their stamps on them! And the engine oil? You have to use very specific stuff, and there’s no budget-friendly option, which is something to consider if you’re watching your spending.
Just recently, my block heater went kaput. Took it to the dealership, and they said both the element and cord needed replacing. Made an appointment, showed up, and guess what? One part was in, the other wasn’t. Frustrating to say the least.
I’m hoping things will get better when I start doing more of the work myself. If you’ve got the space and know-how to pull cabs, you’d probably be in a much better position with this truck for repairs. Having worked on heavy-duty commercial diesels my whole life, these smaller truck diesels, even in F-250s and F-350s, can be surprisingly annoying to work on. They’re just built differently compared to Internationals, Sterlings, and Macks. Overall, it’s a mixed bag with the F-150 Powerstroke. Great when it’s running well, but be prepared for potentially higher maintenance costs and some parts headaches.
