I have 5K to spend on a truck that would be my main vehicle but would be able to haul a 2h on w/e for local trips (no more that 20mi return).

I only have 5k to spend, and would like advice on which would be better:

I've looked at 1999 F250 Diesels with about 200K mi on them --- just adore those F250 Diesels -- but -- upkeep on a truck with that many miles might render the truck an ornament should I need to put 2K into it every few months to rebuild a transmission, wheelbearings, etc. 

Alternatively: Dodge Ram 1500, which seem to be affordable... would really limit the weight hauling capacity, but since I'm not truckign long distances maybe it would be okay?

Or: F250 Gas.

I don't have any idea what the MPG differences are between Diesel and Gas when hauling a two horse, and when simply driving around town, or what brands tend to have specific major mechanical issues (and their costs) once they reach the high miles.

Anyone with advice on what the MPGs are on the above trucks, and costs of repairs on hi mi Ram 1500s or F250s would be great.  I am not mechanical and am a--- a  lady -- so I want to get advice before I start looking at trucks so I go in knowing what to lookout for when looking for a good deal. 

Thanks for your help.

When you say a 2h..do you mean bumper pull or gn? does it have a dressing room or living quarters? etc. Some more information about the trailer would be very helpful.

When you pull the trailer, are you going to be pulling in/over mountain regions or is it generally flat, etc. Is 4x4 a necessity? etc.

Some 2h trailers can be well within the weight limits of a 1500 series truck, but some more information about the trailer, needs/requirements of the truck, and the topography of the land where you live would help a lot.

Thanks for advice... it seems diesel does get a better mpg --- the question i'm fiddling with is that lately Diesel costs a good 10% more at the pump -- which is worth it if you get x % mpg than a gasser (as you guys call it :).  I'm so affraid of that gulp gulp gulp sound of a "gasser" V8.... you can just hear the tank emptying.

I don't have a trailer yet -- but will try to find something very lightweight bumper-pull. I don't care about dressingrooms and can be stock/open so long as I can find it in 7' height. Most my horses are 16+ hands.    Terrain is flat.  Do not need a 4 x 4 - no snow, no hills, pretty easy driving.

Has anyone driven a Dodge 1500 Gas... for example-- i've heard they get really bad MPG even w/o trailers but there are so many here for sale --- it's tempting.

Thanks for your advice. 

Given your situation, light 2 horse bumper pull, flat lands, and easy weather climate I would recommend a gasser. Here's a post I had put up last week.

"Diesels are going to be anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000 more to purchase than any gas truck right off the bat. For my diesel, Ford 6.0, it takes 15 quarts of Motorcraft 15w-40 diesel engine oil that is $14.00 per 5 quarts which is $42.00 total and a Motorcraft Oil Filter that is $18.77 at the local Wal-Mart. We'll call this $60 even for each oil change done every 5 thousand miles--labor done by yours truly. Now $60 times 20 Oil changes (per 100,000 miles) is $1200. If you factor in Fuel filter changes done at the recommended 10,000 mi mark at ~$50 per change (Motorcraft fuel filters) is another $500 per 100,000 miles. Diesels use 2 batteries instead of 1 (+$85) and will need changed before 100k.

So initially, we are going to look at middle of the road $5000 off the top for diesel engine option. We're at $6785 in VERY basic maintenance cost plus the initial cost for the diesel option.

For the sake of conversation, transmission fluid change, transfer case fluid change, differential fluid changes, tires, and basic 100k maintenance(belts, t-stat, water pump, etc) I will leave out because are necessary on both trucks and will both equal about the same - We'll call it $3000 total for 100k.

V10's--use 6 quarts of Motocraft Syn blend 5w-20 oil at $3.99 a quart and a Motorcraft oil filter that is a mere $3.69. Change every 5k makes for a $30 oil change labor done by yours truly. Half the cost of a change for a diesel. $600 per 100,000 miles. Spark plugs--Motorcraft Iridium Plugs are $3.49 each times 10 is ~$35.00 every 50k (even though they are 100k plugs). So, $70 total and lets call it $80 for the change of plug wires at 100k. On gas engines I've owned, I don't worry about fuel filter changes until about 100k or I start noticing problems because they are such a hassle. $750 per 100,000 in VERY basic maintenance costs.

Both diesel and gas barring additonal "warranty claim" troubles and cost (glow plugs, injectors, ball joints, u-joints, etc).

Fuel costs-Current price at the pump- $2.95 for 87, 3.25 for diesel. For sake of conversation, both trucks have BONE DRY on E 38 gal tanks. Gas = $112.10 to fill excluding tax, Diesel = $123.50 to fill excluding tax. $11.40 more to fill up. Lets say I get 550 miles from my diesel per tank and the V10 gets 450 miles per tank (realistic #'s from experience). Per 100,000 miles--drum roll please-- Diesel--182 fill ups at $123.50 per fill (assuming static fuel price) = $22,477 per 100k in fuel cost -- V10 -- 222 fill ups at $112.10 per fill (assuming static fuel price) = 24,886.20 per 100k in fuel cost.

-Diesel $22,477 + $6785 (initial cost and maintenance) equals $29,262 per 100k.

-V10 $24,886.20 + $750 (Maintenance) equals $25,616.20 per 100k.

29,262 - 25,616.20

EQUALS

$3645.80 in additional diesel cost in 100,000 miles."

For $5,000 you could get a decent 00-02 gasser. Since 4wd is not necessary, a 2wd f250 gas could be had for less than 5k. "Good mileage" is subjective. For gassers and diesels alike, mid teens is good mileage. I don't think I would buy a diesel for your needs. I know, its contrary.

I pulled a 2200# (empty) 2h bumper pull with an 87 dodge d150 with a 318 for years. It wasn't ideal, but it did it safely for many miles. Half tons, I would not really recommend, but I think they would do what you want it to just fine. Don't forget about brakes on the trailer and a controller for the truck.

Here is my .02 worth....  I would buy anything with 200-k miles if the price was right (other than a Dodge gas truck)  Yes, most diesels will get a litte better mileage but will cost more to service but also the service period is 2 times longer than a gas rig too.  My older high mile diesel trucks I let go about 7-k between oil changes but will only go 3-k on a gas truck.

If you go gas I have had good luck out of V/10 Ford (better mileage than the 5.4) and also the 6.0 Chevys are good trucks as well.  Just do your homework and take the time to check out whatever you end up going with.