vegasdom

When is it time to replace your truck? How many miles are you comfortable with before replacement? Whats your experience with high mileage vehicles and repairs?

I'm just trying to decide if I want to keep putting money into my 05 5.4 with 219k miles on it. I drive over 20k a year. It has issues right not that have not been diagnosed(search my post). I sort of feel like its time. Cats, tranny, whats the next issue? I am happy its made it this far and I'd like to push it to 250k but I keep thinking whats next. and those twin turbos are calling to me.

1lowranger

Sounds to me like it's time to move on. Once those turbos start callin you its all over. I have a 2012 ecoboost fx4 and a 2011 sho so I know the call.

2014fiveoh

I drove my 2002 ranger from 130k miles to 285k when I traded it in.

My most expensive repair was $1200 and I will be honest, it would have been a $50 repair but that's what happens when you play mechanic without actually being a mechanic.

Anyways, it's your call. I drove the truck 42 miles one day to work everyday. I never felt like it would leave me stranded but I knew the ends and outs of it.

jdtemple

One thing dad always said was, "It's cheaper than making payments." or "Nothing's cheaper than what you're already driving."

But, when my vehicle starts becoming a money pit is about when I let it go. I spent almost $2500 in a year keeping my last one running; that was the last year I owned it.

atwowheelguy

I traded in my '01 5.4 for a '13 twin turbo. The '01 was 12 years old with 240k miles. It needed a new transmission at 160k and four coil packs over several years. At 240k it was using a quart of oil every 2k miles, but it was still running well. If you haven't replaced the transmission yet, that is likely an expensive repair in your future. Also beware of do-it-yourself spark plug replacement. The plugs are prone to break after they have been in there for several years. There is a special tool and procedure for removal. I took mine to a mechanic with experience doing it for replacement. A mistake could result in removing the cylinder head. Otherwise, it will likely get to that 250k just fine. I was happy with mine.

That being said, that 3.5L twin turbo engine is an engineering marvel. 35% better highway mpg and WAY more power than the 5.4. The low rpm torque while pulling a camper is something completely different. I have 65k on mine in 30 months and have no regrets for trading.

Liveaboard74

If power is what your wanting just add a turbo or supercharger to what you have. Usually around 6500 installed.
Got back into drag racing about 5 years ago, had to supercharged street cars sold them. .
Sure the 3.5 TT is going to have more power and torgue, but stick a superchager or a procharger on the 5.4 or a turbo and you'll lose that 3.5 in the rear view mirror quickly.
If power is what your wanting, don't sell what you have at the huge cost of getting another truck. Just boost what you have now. Good tune, few pounds of boost, it will be a new truck. To you anyway.