A good friend

Me Again wrote:
Friends let friends purchase 7.3's!

Or 5.9s a better choice all around.

Friends let friends purchase 7.3's!

Well, are the trucks he's potentially buying already modified with the reliability items common for them? For the 6.4, if something goes wrong, it's really expensive. They only had that engine in fords for 3 model years, but even 2010 was cut short so they could quickly roll out the 2011 6.7 motor. So if anything goes wrong on a 6.4, the parts are nowhere near as common as 6.0 parts and its aftermarket. Also, you could point out just how large the "Reliability" aftermarket is for both of those engines. Those parts exist because there is quite a market for them. You don't really hear much about a "Bullet Proofing" kit for the Duramaxes, Cummins, or 7.3 / 6.7 Powerstrokes. Really, the only "Reliability" mod that people do with newer trucks is delete the emissions to remove the whole EGR and Aftertreatment systems. But those systems also aren't all that problematic except for people with a lousy duty cycle (Lots of idling / slow traffic). And for the earlier ford 6.7 with the single-sequential turbo, a few people started swapping out the newer turbo which is a typical VG turbo and doesn't have the bearing issues of the 1st gen 6.7 truck.

Secondly, as other have stated, does he or she plan to hold onto it for a long time? If so, your odds of failure do increase and if the vehicles are not bullet-proofed, you could potentially see a very expensive bill down the line. It's these fears that make these vehicles a "Bargain" in the used vehicle market. If set on Ford, refer him to get a 7.3 or 2013+ 6.7 diesel.

He's wrong, those trucks will be much more expensive - in the long run.

Ugh, for god sake please steer him clear of those trucks and advise him that they are much cheaper than the other 2 for good reason. Having a truck that you are nervous about taking anywhere far from home is not a good feeling and I am speaking from experience with my 6.0L.

Neither, look for something else

As an owner of a 2005 6.0 diesel I'll tell him to stay away from it. Mine ran just great up until it didn't run great anymore. $8,000+ about three months ago and it runs fine again.

The 6.4 I think will get slightly less fuel mileage, but you can buy a lot of fuel for $8,000.

Bill

Does the 6.4 have a bullet proof recipe? or is that just for the 6.0?

The 6.4 has a better reputation than the 6.0 does as you may know. Tho lots of people have the 6.0 without any problems. But you are playing the odds when you buy used.