Wagon or Powerstroke? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ashedd · #1 03-18-2011, 06:45 PM

I am having a problem deciding. I am on the look out for a w124 wagon to replace my w123 wagon. I only keep a wagon to haul stuff. I can't seem to find a wagon that fits the bill(price vs condition).

I found a '95 F250 2wd 5 spd truck locally. I drove it and it seems nice. From what I can tell... this truck and a gasser wagon would get roughly the same mileage.

I have found a couple wagons I can snag for 3K. They are not local and I would have to make a drive to see any of them. Only one claims to know much about the maintenance background. I found a perfect cream puff '94 TE I can have for 4K, I dont want to spend that much.

Do I hold out for a w124 wagon or just get the truck?

SirNik84 · #2 03-18-2011, 07:00 PM

With the truck you can tow things.... like more Mercedes

bustedbenz · #3 03-18-2011, 07:21 PM

I've got a suspicion that the truck will prove more cost effective, but it's hard to say. My next purchase will hopefully be a truck, but I already have 3 MB diesels (possibly soon to be 2) (no wagons though) so my MB fix is sort of satisfied for the moment.

4thesporty · #4 03-18-2011, 07:22 PM

Like most people that are "thinking" about a truck, you probably need a truck. At least you can put whatever in the back and it is clean 5 minutes later with a garden hose (I.E. trash, dirt, gravel, feed)

That is the advantage to a truck, IMHO...but what do i know, I've never owned a wagon.

1977busman · #5 03-18-2011, 07:42 PM

If I could ever get a chance to look at this $1000 wagon, you could get both the powerstroke and a wagon

ashedd · #6 03-18-2011, 07:45 PM

If I get the truck, I need a car that will break 30 mpg to makeup the difference. Kinda like a om602

vstech · #7 03-18-2011, 07:52 PM

a 94 PS should get mid 20's empty. mid teens towing/loaded LOTS of things break on the mid 90's PS trucks, so maintenance history is key. check out the PS forums prior to deciding.
the 87TD's are pretty sweet, I'd not want to haul gravel in one though. both mine have hitches, so I can haul a small trailer if needed.
I've got 3K in my pair of 87TD's so deals can be found. if you are patient.
be patient.
and lucky!
if you get a TE lean for 94/95 and get the headlight upgrade, and nicer interior. and dual airbags! but make sure the engine harness has been upgraded!

NJ300sdl · #8 03-18-2011, 07:53 PM

I get 12.5 mpg with a good running 1997 F250 powerstroke automatic. Mileage difference between a wagon and pickup may be greater than you expect.

snookwhaler · #9 03-18-2011, 08:00 PM

I would buy the truck just because of the utility. We use ours constantly. Hauling rock, dirt and various crap from the hardware store. Then we haul our boat to the local boat ramps 3 days a week during the summer. You really need to consider how many times a day, week, month, etc... you think you will really use the truck. It will cost you at the pump. But, it is not that bad unless you are driving hundreds of miles at a time.

We had a 3500 (one ton) loaded Diesel Dually for years because we pulled our RV around with it. Then we found a nice place to leave the RV permanently. So, we sold the Dually and got a nice used, gas, 1500 (half ton). It has been great and we still get 17 to 20 MPG with it. The Diesel Dually never got 17 MPG and it was hell to park and maneuver.

Something else to consider (especially in the Ford) is the ride. The mid 90's Ford Diesels ride like lumber wagons.

ashedd · #10 03-18-2011, 08:14 PM

He just agreed to take 3K for the truck. Not too sure how I feel... I guess nervous. It's been 15 years since I have had a truck. I have not technically bought it till I go pay him.

rscurtis · #11 03-18-2011, 08:30 PM

If you have the means, an '03 or '04 (not '04.5) Dodge is what you want. This is with a free spin kit on the front axle and an an aftermarket turbo and manifold.

smiffy6four · #12 03-18-2011, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJ300sdl

I get 12.5 mpg with a good running 1997 F250 powerstroke automatic. Mileage difference between a wagon and pickup may be greater than you expect.

Yep, the Ford diesels are crap on fuel.

My 97 F250 4x4 gasser does 15mpg, so where's the benefit of diesel here?

Get Dodge with a Cummins instead

I had a 95 3500 Dodge, with a 5speed and it did 23mpg and pulled like a train.

Get a trailer and haul it behind a Mercedes. Even if it takes 2 trips compared to a truck, you are still dollars out front. Think more insurance, upkeep, etc.