F350 XL base to save $$$...anyone's thoughts?

[5arnolds]

Does anyone use a Ford model XL (typically used as company work trucks) as their TV as opposed to the upgraded Ford XLT or Lariat models? I can pick a brand new 2013 F350XL Super Crew with 6.2L gas for under $35K, saving me a substantial amount of money. I can get the rear windows tinted, cover the vinyl seats with cloth seat covers and add throw carpets on the floor.

It won't have all the bells and whistles (i.e. 10,000 cupholders) and doesn't look as snazzy without the chrome and nicer wheels, but it has the same gas engine as the XLT, has the essentials like AC and will easily pull my Jay Feather.

I'd be interested in hearing feedback on the comfort of an XL (vinyl seats...are they uncomfortable?) and their thoughts on my consideration.

Dave

[clubhouse]

I drive a company owned fleet vehicle daily for work. It’s not a truck, however I find exactly what you are saying -- same basic vehicle without the add-ons; no outside temp, no MP3 interface, manual seats, no self-dimming and/or lighted mirrors. Dependng on how much you are saving you can always add some of those things aftermarket -- many items I mention maybe you don't want. In my vehicle the seats are same as the non-fleet higher end units, just lower-end upholstery. I do like the idea of rubber floors that the XL seems to have over carpet for a camping truck.

The one thing that does irritate me, is I don't have automatic headlights. I am so used to automatic headlights in my personally owned vehicles I often get reminded by other drivers flashing high-beams at me around dusk that my lights aren't on.

Depending on how long you keep vehicles you may want to consider resale value. If you get new vehicles every ~7 years go price used XL vs XLT/Lariat that are 7 years old and see what impact it has on resale.

Personally, I like some of the creature comforts of the non-work/fleet vehicles. If you do too, maybe consider buying a low mileage 2 year old truck with the amenities. Bet you would still be ~$10k less than a comparable new truck.

[David472]

Nothing wrong with a work truck. Gone that route myself twice before.

[clutch]

We like the goodies so we bought a two year old truck with very low miles. Didn't want to pay the price for a new tricked out truck.