I am a long time Ford fan. Having said that, let me say this...
I use a 1986 F 250 diesel to tow my 5th wheel camper. Generally its been good. However, as it ages ( and everything ages) every new noise becomes a source of concern. The result is that the last few vacations have been less than the relaxing times I had hoped. Listen...do you here THAT? What is it?
How about THAT, you surely heard that noise, didn't you?

OTOH, if you are not a "car-guy" by nature, maybe you NEVER hear those sounds. In that case, buy the truck, and enjoy the trip. Make sure the radio can be real loud.
Keep your speed under 60, and you might get 6mpg; but that is 20% less cost than at 5 mpg ( and 70 mph)

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1982 300SD " Wotan" ..On the road as of Jan 8, 2007 with Historic Tags