Summary:
I love it!
Faults:
Fuel pump solenoid went out fairly early--maybe 50,000 miles. It came on even when no one was in the vehicle, causing the battery to run down.
Park/neutral switch went out in the transmission at about 115,000 miles, causing the vehicle to fail to start.
Transmission went out at about 120,000. Seals failed, apparently due to the vehicle not being run often enough to keep them lubricated.
General Comments:
In spite of its size, this truck is fun to drive and definitely sticks to dry pavement. I like to say that it straightens out the corners, because I can drive it down a very curvy road without ever slowing for the bends. Lots of power when unloaded, like a giant sports car.
However, when pulling a heavy trailer, I think it ought to have more power for the size engine it has. Seventy mph on the freeway is easy, as long as the road is flat. Hills present a problem. Maybe I'm expecting too much, but it's like driving a big truck and slows down on uphill grades. Even modern trucks, fully loaded, can handle freeway grades without much slowing. I'm disappointed in the F-350's performance pulling a heavy trailer. It ought to be better for 11 mpg. (When I say "truck," I'm talking about tractor-trailer units that gross 80,000 pounds.)
Other than pulling a heavy trailer, this vehicle is a delight. Handling, power, and driver comfort are great. Heavy loads in the bed are no trouble at all, even well over the recommended limits.
The only other caveat I would offer is for sticking to the road under slippery conditions. My advice: leave it parked.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 18th January, 2008
