2014fiveoh

So I'm here for opinions and guidance. lol

Current truck: 2014 STX 4x4 with the 5.0. I have 55k miles on it already. I have roughly 30-36ish more months on payments depending on how aggressive I get with them. Right now, I could probably private sell and maybe pocket about 10kish. For a dealer trade in, who knows how much. I also have about 5 grand cash sitting aside.

So now I'm getting tired of payments. I am looking at some trucks ranging from 2006-2008 4x4s around the price of $12,000 with about 130,000ish miles on them. I am trying to stay away from the 5.4s. This may be an ignorant statement but I believe the 4.6 are a little more reliable?

What are your thoughts about trading in? Are you guys dumping a lot of money into these trucks? Should I ride my payments out?


Here is one truck I would consider.
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...35075505&Log=0

scobar

iTrader: (4)

I would source a 2008+ w/ 5.4, probably the 2009+ iirc you get the 6 speed auto with it. The revised heads are on 2008+ built after June, I can do a plug change in about 20-30min.

The "no payment" mod has been my most favorite. I had a 2011 eco, I would not recommend the 11th gen after that, the EPS, steering, brakes, handling is just so much better and more refined. The 11th gen feels like trying to stop a friggin semi at times, the steering isn't responsive, the 12th gen is just better on these fronts. I have modified my truck to improve these things, it has improved but I am still not happy. I have replaced my brakes with drilled/slotted and heavy duty ceramic pads, came as a kit. It is better but still sucks. Lowered the truck a touch, and hellwig sways front and rear, its tighter. Replaced struts/shocks, it's better but not quite happy yet.

650NutKase

The 4.6 is a very reliable motor since it does not have phasers. However, you'll give up some power and pulling capability. If you want straight up reliability and longevity, with little need for towing, the 4.2 v6 is an AMAZING motor/trans combo that requires minimal effort to keep running strong. All this assuming that the previous owner maintained it.

2008__XL

I agree the 05-08 4.2 is reliable (not fast), but the op wants a 4x4, which is not an option on the 11th gen 4.2.

xMUDKINGx

I would shoot for a 07-08 4.6 I have a 07 4.6 with over 160k with zero major issues. Some small ones like rear end, starter, and things like that. But zero engine issues. From my research the 06 and earlier have an issue where the spark plug threads are not long enough and the spark plugs rattle themselves out, chewing up the threads. This issue was fixed in the 07 and later models (although mine managed to do it twice on the same cylinder #3 passenger side) simple job to fix it through.

2014fiveoh

Sorry it's been a busy weekend!

What did you have to do on your rear end? And I thought the spark plug issue was only the 5.4?

I'm having a hard time pulling the trigger. I love my current truck and I don't want to get a lemon. I'm okay with a wrench but I don't want to be dropping money on repairs left and right. The no payments thing would really ease things up for me. Life decisions suck. Lol

Moremoney

While I love my truck it's definitely a pain in my ***. I would never buy a 04 to 08 truck ever ever again. I have had to do everything that these trucks are known for problems...

Both exhaust manifolds (nasty job)
Cam phasers
Chains and guides
Plugs
4x4 solenoid
Rear end Clutches x 3 times
Misc cabin leaks (cowl/third brake light)...now cab corners rusting as result

connorfx4

I agree with Moremoney. I absolutely love my 2005. But I will never own another truck from this generation. Even though I think they're the best looking. They can be money pits even if they've been taken care of and well maintained. Some people get lucky and have few to no problems though.

If I was you I would pay off your current truck and keep it for a while. Continue making monthly payments and use that 5k that you have set aside to help pay it off.

WIF-150

What moremoney and connorfx4 said

2014fiveoh

Well..... I appreciate the honesty. I think I'm leaning toward keeping my current truck now...