You seem to be happy with the 300 HP 5.4L gas engine, so why not step up to the F-250 with the same engine?
Because it will be parked so much, fuel MPG is not all that important, and the V10 is another option that will win the races, but as you said if you are patient, the extra 50 HP is really not a huge deal breaker.
Are you looking for a supercab or crewcab or regular cab? They hardly make any regular cabs anymore. . .
The engines are lasting 200,000 - 250,000 miles these days. With the economy in the dumps from 2007 - 2009, there would be less trucks of those model years, as they did not sell well during 07 - 09.
You can look at $18,000 trucks and explain this is all it is really worth. . And you can sell the 04 truck for something. .
Good luck!
Fred.
