TractorHound

Morning all! Newbie...just considering purchasing a F150. I’m not brand loyal, I’ve driven many different makes and models. Looking at Ford, GMC, and Toyota. (Toying with the idea of a Titan as well...owned and have had good luck with Nissan).
I’m Looking at years 2012-2014, under 100k, Lariat, Fx4, platinum trims, and the eco-boost and coyote engines. I won’t be doing any serious hauling, but we are thinking of getting a hybrid camper, and I own a compact tractor that I may have to haul around from time to time, but that would be it. I’m hoping to hear from those who have owned these years (maybe still own them) and get an idea on the reliability of them, also anything to look for when inspecting them before purchasing. Hopefully I don’t start a monster debate, but I wanted to hear from Ford owners and/or new Ford owners, potentially like me. Thanks in advance.
the Hound

Scott in PA

Once you zero in on a vehicle, have a professional inspect it. Around here it costs between $90-$150 for a PPI and it has saved me so much over the years I can't even add it up.
Find what you want then have the pro tell you if it's worth it and what to look out for on that specific configuration.

Ricktwuhk

There are literally dozens and dozens of discussions in this forum about those model years, have you read any of the threads?

[F2C]MaDMaXX

Get 3.73 gears.

TractorHound

Thanks for the suggestions!
finding a mechanic to go over the truck will be a definite after I feel I have a good amount of knowledge on the years I’m interested in and find a truck that I like. But when I give it a once over, just wondering if there’s anything that I can ask about before setting up an appointment with a tech.
yes I’ve read threads/posts on multiple websites, enough to make my head spin. Just can’t find any with owners of the years I’m interested in, who are currently still driving them. Would really like to hear from them.
MaXX, thanks for the suggestion. Are the 3.73 gears standard with any particular trim or are they optional no matter the trim. And if I buy used, how would i determine if it’s equipped with them? Vin #?

[F2C]MaDMaXX

I think it'll be common with tow package trucks.

Axle code has the gear ratio mentioned in the code so you can check there. If you can, try and find a one owner, more likely to find a truck at the dealer who can then do a window sticker for you.

TractorHound

MaXX, again thank you. do you have any insight on the 2012-14 year models? What to look for? What to worry about? Is 70k too many miles for either engine/trans?
I’ve been concentrating on the 12 and 14 years, 11 was first year of new engine install and I typically shy away from first year. However my bro in law has an 11 and nearly 200k, bought it with 150 or so.. no engine problems thus far. Read some negatives about the 13’s but I can’t remember what they were. So any input you have, I’d like to hear. Thanks

[F2C]MaDMaXX

I have a 5.0 2012, happy with it, details in sig along with a thread.

As you're all the way over in salt land, you're gonna have to look for rusted cab corners/rockers if they've not been cleaned/maintained over the years. Rust comes through from the inside, through the paint. That mileage is nothing, don't worry about that. I chose the 5.0 as it was likely to be the safer choice given the mileage and unknown service history. The earlier eco's had the chance of going pear shaped if they didn't have very regular oil changes (more regular than Ford's spec) and buying used at this age doesn't give me the luxury of knowing the real history.

Besides, the V8 sounds great

TractorHound

Oh yes...you’re familiar with salt land? Grew up here, lived out west for several years, moved back. Road winter maintenance just destroys vehicles here. Thanks for the info. Been reading up on your threads. Very informative as you’re asking many of the same questions I have. Even Looking at the same year trucks as well! I’m learning a lot about maintenance history being of vital importance with the 3.5L TT. I was going to look at a 2012 Lariat 3.5L this Sunday, but now I’m second guessing because there are no records of maintenance. None. Zero. Just the owners word that he did it. I may cancel and wait to find one with more of a history. The price is really affordable, but maybe finding one at a dealer is a safer bet, as they should be going through it...

PlainOldBob

I drove all of the makes you have listed plus the Ram line up before finding my current F150 '14. I felt the 150 was the most comfortable to drive with the best ride. I then narrowed down the options I wanted, V8 being a must. I had a 2000 Excursion for 17 years and 200k miles so I was behind the time in terms of electronic options and ride quality. I also didn't want an aluminum body so '14 was the newest I was interested in. Once I had that figured out it was a matter of finding one with lower mileage and no rust; a tough task in western NY. It took a year to find one that must of been a trade-in by snowbird. I got it in '18 with 20k miles. I do get it Krown rust treated yearly and it seems to be working pretty well. It's like driving on the Salt Flats around here in the winter (which is October through April.) My wife wasn't happy about me getting it until we took our first road trip with it; she now admits it's a very comfortable ride. It's been super reliable with no issues and I hammer it quite frequently just because it is a neck snapper! At 60 plus I still love that!