zozo

Hi friends,

I am planning on buying a used F150 (in Canada). I want a 4-door one (you know... child seat...), and I will be using it for light work-related and moving-related purposes. In other words, I do not need a heavy duty beast.

Are there types/models/years that are better, or better suited for my needs?

Please recommend.

Thanks!
Zozo

nfldfordman

I don't know exactly how much you wanted to spend, how old a truck you're willing to get, what "luxuries" you'd want, etc......if you're looking for a full supercrew, the 01-03 are a fine pick if the truck's been well looked after. super reliable and tough to a point never matched again yet. that was back when the 4.6 engine had real power and the 5.4 wasn't ruined yet.

if you're looking for a younger truck, I'd try to get a 2011 or up. the new 5.0 engine is quite an efficient powerful unit, even the new V6 offers very impressive power for what it is. some of the lower models have been going for very reasonable prices

the 04-08, while many are very nice trucks, I'd stay away from. the 04+ 4.6 got sluggish and slow (I have an 04, nice truck but weak and useless compared to my older 4.6), and the 04+ 5.4 are known for a few issues I'd rather stay clear of. (the 4.6's reliability is the better compromise than the 5.4's extra power if you were to go that route) the 09-10 trucks carried these engines over, but to the best of my knowledge were improved somewhat. (I'd just go for an 11 if you're going that close anyway).

as you what'd suit you best, the 04-08 supercrew cabin is bigger than the 01-03, and 09-14 bigger again. the 06 and up add the option of a 6.5' bed (looks 1000 times better IMO, and could prove very useful depending on what you're hauling.)

that's what generic info I can give you without extra specifics, if you're wondering something else just let me know

zozo

thanks nflndforman!

I think I will go for a newer one, and your recommendation to go for a '11 or newer is very helpful, though probably more money that I wanted to spend...

As for the luxuries, I really dont need any, as far as I know.

I have a couple of follow up questions:
what is the 6.5' bed - is that a longer or shorter bed?
is the newer (post 2011) 5.0 engine a V8?

I'd love to hear more tips and opinions

nfldfordman

believe me, if you're going to buy the 12th gen trucks (09+), it's worth it to get an 11+. I also forgot to mention that many love the 3.5 twin turbo ecoboost. and yes the 5.0 is a V8 (and the one I'd buy were I looking for a new/young truck).

if you're not into too much "luxury", an XLT will do you fine. nice mid range trim level, some nice stuff but not too over the top. the more base models are rare in full super crew cab form.

the 6.5' is the longer bed available on supercrews. you can identify it as it has about as much length in front of the wheel wells as behind. the short 5.5' box has the wheel wells very close to the cab. IMO the longer box looks much better and proportional to the long cab. as well it is much more useful for carrying many loads.

zozo

Thanks again.

I cant believe they offer an f150 with a 3.5 engine! Times have changed! If it's better on gas then sign me up

How about this one:
http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/drh/ctd/4535398794.html

FL5OVE

3.5 really won't save you much if anything on gas. Its benefit is increased tow capacity.


As for the ad, for a few thousand more, you can get a similarly equipped truck brand new. That seems to be a pretty basic model save for the power rear window and defrost.

nfldfordman

nice truck but as mentioned with some haggling you might get it for brand new for not that much more. and the 3.5 won't save that much gas, it's a twin turbo engine well suited to heavy towing. as a daily driver light duty, it'll be about the same as a 5.0 V8. but won't sound as good haha

zozo

Thanks again! I think I'll take the V8 roar then

I might just go to a dealership and see what they can offer me.

nfldfordman

not a bad idea. let us know what you find

NASSTY

Unless your #1 criteria is sound I would test drive both and then decide. The 3.5 will set you back in the seat better.