Anything I need to know before buying an F150?

[SpatiallyAware]

I've 'made do' with a ranger for the past few years. I have motorcycles/toys, and need a truck.


The ranger has been fine for 85% of the time, but the 15% of the time that it's annoying it is REALLY obnoxious.. (long bed means single cab = too small to go grocery shopping. 4cyl 5sp was fun at first, now it's a pain. when I tow, it's a bike in the bed, a bike or two + tools in the trailer = need a bigger truck)

There is a ton of F150 info, and not a great place to get concise information..

My questions:

Is the V6 a big enough engine for the 4 door version of the truck? Every time I go with the 'smaller gas saving engine' I end up regretting it. My commute isn't that far, only about 15 miles a day.

I've read about the 5.0 and ecoboost engines.. When are these coming out? Does anyone have any guesses on how well the V6 would pull a truck with 3-4 people, a bike in the back, trailer with 2 bikes and tools?


-------------

Update:

I took yesterday and today off to look at cars and get some other crap done.. I went and test drove a 2010 Platinum at carmax. The leather is amazing, I really like the air conditioned seats a lot. It looks ridiculously huge from the outside, but driving it isn't bad at all. I like the buttons/knobs/controls a lot more than the avalanche/GM stuff.

The backup camera is nice but I was REALLY disappointed to find out I can't use it to look at my trailer while towing. I wasn't impressed with the 'material quality' either.. The "wood" is obviously plastic (is this normal on luxo trucks??) as is most of the dashboard. The doors feel solid and all that, and it looks ok at first glance, but when you start looking at things closely the cheap materials start to stand out.

I also didn't realize how tall the bed is compared to my ranger. There's no way I'd be able to safely load a bike by myself without a ladder to get up to the bed, or a second ramp.


The salesguy suggested I just get a luxury/sports car and keep my ranger... He talked me into driving a GT500.. Wow. The guy was nice, but stalled it 3-4 times trying to get out of the parking lot. He looked sorta new and was definitely intimidated by the car. I jumped in, and it was an absolute blast.. We both got back grinning ear to ear... An S5 was following us as we turned right onto a 'not well-traveled' but main road, I stomped it, drifting a bit before the S5 was beside us and we both took off... Fun fun times, but even a ~500hp car doesn't compare to a sportbike. I dunno if I'm really interested in something like that as a daily driver.


So... I'm sorta stuck again. I want and 'need' a truck, but I don't want a cheap one with one cloth seats and no 'extras' like I have now. I like the concept of the platinum edition, but I don't like the faux wood, plastic parts, and that the backup camera can't be used for checking on a trailer while driving (when it rains tie-downs want to loosen up, if you can see the bike it's really obvious if the tie downs are okay etc)


Any suggestions? Does the Tundra or Titan have a better interior? They didn't have any 'nice ones' on the lot at carmax and I despise the salespeople at dealers.

 

[AstroManLuca]

I don't know much about trucks other than that the old F-150 got really bad crash test results. Like, you would die if you hit anything above 35.

Maybe you're planning on buying new, but if you do go used, get a 2004 or newer.

 

[EightySix Four]

I've 'made do' with a ranger for the past few years. I have motorcycles/toys, and need a truck.


The ranger has been fine for 85% of the time, but the 15% of the time that it's annoying it is REALLY obnoxious.. (long bed means single cab = too small to go grocery shopping. 4cyl 5sp was fun at first, now it's a pain. when I tow, it's a bike in the bed, a bike or two + tools in the trailer = need a bigger truck)

There is a ton of F150 info, and not a great place to get concise information..

My questions:

Is the V6 a big enough engine for the 4 door version of the truck? Every time I go with the 'smaller gas saving engine' I end up regretting it. My commute isn't that far, only about 15 miles a day.

I've read about the 5.0 and ecoboost engines.. When are these coming out? Does anyone have any guesses on how well the V6 would pull a truck with 3-4 people, a bike in the back, trailer with 2 bikes and tools?

The gas mileage differential isn't big enough on the V6 to make it worth it, the eco boost could do it though.

New engines are on the 2011

 

[SpatiallyAware]

I don't know much about trucks other than that the old F-150 got really bad crash test results. Like, you would die if you hit anything above 35.

Maybe you're planning on buying new, but if you do go used, get a 2004 or newer.

I'm looking at 09+

I'd rather not wait until mid-late 2011 when the prices fall, so I'll most likely just get the 5.4. They've used it forever, can't be that bad of a motor.

 

[EightySix Four]

I'm looking at 09+

I'd rather not wait until mid-late 2011 when the prices fall, so I'll most likely just get the 5.4. They've used it forever, can't be that bad of a motor.

The 5.4 isn't a bad motor at all, it's older, but it still pulls the truck and a trailer competently. The 6.2 feels all kinds of good

 

[alkemyst]

just know that truck balls are illegal now.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

just know that truck balls are illegal now.

oh alky... you always have the best comments.

 

[Demo24]

Might actually be able to get a good deal on some 2010's here pretty soon as the 2011's will be out in not too long with their new engines.

 

[Tsavo]

I've 'made do' with a ranger for the past few years. I have motorcycles/toys, and need a truck.


The ranger has been fine for 85% of the time, but the 15% of the time that it's annoying it is REALLY obnoxious.. (long bed means single cab = too small to go grocery shopping. 4cyl 5sp was fun at first, now it's a pain. when I tow, it's a bike in the bed, a bike or two + tools in the trailer = need a bigger truck)

There is a ton of F150 info, and not a great place to get concise information..

My questions:

Is the V6 a big enough engine for the 4 door version of the truck? Every time I go with the 'smaller gas saving engine' I end up regretting it. My commute isn't that far, only about 15 miles a day.

I've read about the 5.0 and ecoboost engines.. When are these coming out? Does anyone have any guesses on how well the V6 would pull a truck with 3-4 people, a bike in the back, trailer with 2 bikes and tools?

Be aware that a decent or fully loaded 4 door 4x4 half-ton's cargo is going to be shit. Cargo is trailer tongue weight + you + passengers + whatever crap you toss in the bed.

If you must go V6, get the 3V version over the 2 valve. At that point you are only $1k away from the V8, which adds $2k over the base 2V V6. $2k is nothing when you are financing.

 

[kornphlake]

The early and mid 2000's 5.4's had problems with the plugs blowing out of the head, sounds like your looking for something newer that shouldn't have that problem. Search for helicoil 5.4 and you'll come up with all kinds of stories.

 

[StageLeft]

just know that truck balls are illegal now.

In Delaware they are, not sure if anywhere else yet. I still see them sometimes in NY though I also see cars without front plates too and that is a no-no.

I don't know much about trucks but I'm pretty sure I'd rather have a year old F150 with a V8 than a new V6, if the price was the same and I bet they are. If you're going to splurge (buying a new truck is a splurge) you might as well do this right and get something impressive. I do know that $11-12k buys a 6 year old decked out V8 F150 crew cab with about 100k miles FWIW.

 

[Vette73]

Any reason for Ford only? I would also look at GMC / Chevy. But Ford would be my 2nd choice behind Chevy/GMC

<-- Drives a Mazda "ranger" B4000

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Any reason for Ford only? I would also look at GMC / Chevy. But Ford would be my 2nd choice behind Chevy/GMC

<-- Drives a Mazda "ranger" B4000

Purely because I don't like GM's bailout crap tactics or most of their cost-cutting business tactics from the mid-late 90's. I feel like Mulally is a good CEO and would rather support Ford.

 

[WT]

The early and mid 2000's 5.4's had problems with the plugs blowing out of the head, sounds like your looking for something newer that shouldn't have that problem. Search for helicoil 5.4 and you'll come up with all kinds of stories.

This. It actually dates back to 1998 IIRC, but was an issue with the Triton motors. I was interested in an older Ford until I read about that and saw the damage firsthand on two trucks owned by my friends.

 

[madeuce]

I would get the V8 if you are towing anything. I've got an 08 FX4 with the V8. Haven't had any problems with it, I don't tow a lot of weight, just a 6x10 trailer with a motorcycle in it at most. With the V8 you would have more leeway if you wanted to get bigger tires without changing the gearing.

The V6 doesn't look to be much better gas mileage than the V8. I think it would tow what you are carrying OK though.

Another good thing to know is the 4" Rancho lift works perfect with 35" tires. All you need is a drop hitch for your trailer

http://www.mediafire.com/i/?irjzmnank20
http://www.mediafire.com/i/?dwemk42jlmj

 

[Malak]

Why not a Dodge Ram with a Hemi? Screw gas mileage.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

I've decided to definitely get the v8. Only thing is whether or not I'm going to wait for the 5.0 or just get the 5.4. I'm looking at lariats (I don't need 4wd and am not going to be lifting anything or going off roading)

 

[Paperlantern]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHDlJSSZYjg

 

[PricklyPete]

I've decided to definitely get the v8. Only thing is whether or not I'm going to wait for the 5.0 or just get the 5.4. I'm looking at lariats (I don't need 4wd and am not going to be lifting anything or going off roading)

I would wait till the 5.0...and buy the 5.4. The 5.4 is perfectly adequate for "truck duties" and you should be able to save a nice penny by getting a truck sitting on the lot.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

I would wait till the 5.0...and buy the 5.4. The 5.4 is perfectly adequate for "truck duties" and you should be able to save a nice penny by getting a truck sitting on the lot.

I'd really prefer to not wait 3-4 months for this, I've heard that dealers are heavily discounting 5.4's already..

 

[madeuce]

If you wait a few months you could see them side by side too. Even if they are discounted now, they will be less when they are sitting next to the new ones.

It looks like the gas mileage will be a lot better with the new ones. Supposedly a better transmission for towing as well.

 

[PricklyPete]

I'd really prefer to not wait 3-4 months for this, I've heard that dealers are heavily discounting 5.4's already..

Probably not a bad idea to jump on one now then if they are giving good deals already...more likely to get closer to the option set you want this way.

 

[Pulsar]

I just bought a Supercrew 4 door 2008 F-150 4x4 with 15k miles. ($24k) I also work for Ford, so I can give you a couple pointers.

The 5.4 and 4.6 are bulletproof. However, the 4.6 is simply a bit underpowered, especially if you're going to be towing anything. You also definitely want to buy a spray-in bed liner. There ARE significant differents in durability and feel between the two top spray-in's. One is less durable, but the other is harder and you'll need to put something like carpet on it if you're carrying stuff you don't want sanded. You should be able to negotiate that in with the dealer as they generally have a local person who does it for them at a reduced price.

You'll also want a tonneau cover. If you don't and don't get the spray-in, you'll have to look at putting drain holes in the front of the bed: water, salt and snow will collect in there and will rust it out over time.

You'll pay a premium to go FX4. It's not worth it. You can get the 5.4L with 4x4 without going to the FX4 and paying a couple grand extra.

The new engines Ford is putting out are incredible, but I would wait one year, or lease the vehicle for a year before buying. I'd give that same advice to anyone buying a new model year vehicle with an all-new drivetrain from any company.

If you're buying used, pay attention and cross-shop between dealers. You'll find that trucks will cost the same whether they have the chrome package and running boards or they don't. Same goes for the powered seats. Trust me - you WILL Want running boards: the F-150 is a substantial step up from the ground.

Also - consider this. A new crew-cab 4x4 5.4L will price in at around 34-38k. A used one with under 20k miles will price in around $24k. Is it really worth 10k to you to make sure no one drove it before you did? I certainly couldn't stomach it.

 

[punjabiplaya]

raptor /thread

 

[WackyDan]

F150's have a whole new engine line up coming out with the 2011 models. If you are planning on buying new, I'd wait. That new Eco Boost and the New V6 look promising... Even the new V8's look awesome.