Reapster

So I've been hearing mixed opinions as I look around on what the long term reliability is for the 5.0. Some are still advocating going with an older truck with the 4.6 or 5.4 as more proven engines and avoiding '11-'12 5.0's (Which are the only ones in my under $20k budget). Others I've seen said the 5.0's still have had some issues in '13 and '14 too.

I ask because I'm looking at one in a 2012 with 125k. To me this seems like fairly low mileage, but I'm not sure if these are more problem prone, if I should be looking for a lower mile 4.6 or 5.4 for the same budget or what.

Since I'm asking too, is this kind of diesel like idle sound normal? I've only looked at this one, but heard others say they all make this idle sound. No knocking or metallic sounds or anything, just a kind of glag glag glag that I could best describe as kind of like a diesel sound if you open the hood and listen to it. Not really noticeable with the hood closed or while driving.

verticalearl

Hey, new to modern fords and this forum so take it for what it's worth...I went through this exact process over the last few months and decided I definitely wanted to get a 5.0. I think if you get a 2012+ you will have a equally/possibly more reliable, more efficient/powerful motor than the old 5.4. In order to keep within my budget i had to get a high miler, 153,xxx mi XLT vs a lower mileage spiffier 2010. My 5 is super smooth and very quiet, the only thing i can hear at idle are the injectors. In hind site i am totally happy with my choice and i think i would have regretted getting a 5.4 motored truck, YMMV!

Ricktwuhk

No one has ever asked this before...

Dozens of posts on this. Your "mixed opinions" is because you are using the internets, where every Tom, Dick, Harry, and Elmer can voice their unscientific opinions.

The 5.0 is very reliable. My name is not Tom, Dick, Harry, or Elmer.

toledo

2011 with 137k miles... no issues except common coolant leak on the y hose

Blown F-150

With that kind of mileage, a good check-over is all you need. Only major issue that came up was the "knock" caused by oblong cylinders. Not common and should be detectable by any decent mechanic.

The key is to listen for the "knock" on cold start-up and running temp.

Other than that, it's all the usual checks.

militarybuilt

Proper maintenance is key. See my sig....

WXman

I'm coming up on 110,000 on mine soon. Zero issues.

My buddy has 215,000 on his 2011 5.0. Zero issues.

My father had a 2005 with 5.4L that didn't make it much past 100,000 before the timing phasers and chains started checking out.

So I'm not sure I'd say the older trucks are more reliable. The 5.4 had many issues, and the 4.6 was gutless and wouldn't get out of it's own way.

Reapster

Thanks guys, I really didn't think the 5.0 would have any issues but got spooked after finding a thread somewhere about 20-30 pages full of people getting a knocking sound and having an issue with one of the cylinders.

The only 4.6 I was considering was the 3V in the 2010, but I heard those have cam phaser problems among other things. The 5.4 I know was problematic for shooting out those spark plugs in some years too. Plus I just dig the features that started being available on them from '11+. I had a Mustang GT Premium and I really like that little info screen.

How well do the 5.0's hide abuse? Like say, the previous owner didn't keep up on oil changes as frequently as they should have or drove it a bit hard. Is it going to sound beat or worn, or will I basically not be able to tell it from a well kept one for the most part?

militarybuilt

I beg to differ. I was running one of my 2010 F150s with the 4.6 today towing a 4,000lb trailer with the differential out of a CAT 980G loader in the bed doing 70mph down the interstate with no problems. The truck has 286,150 miles on it with the original drivetrain never rebuilt...

Reapster

Didn't the '10 get a nicer 3V that had 292 HP and the older ones were all the 2V with 240-something HP? I was surprised when I test drove a '10 4.6, it had power that wasn't that far off the 5.0 I looked at. I expected a good bit slower but it wasn't so bad. 5.0 did have the edge, but not as drastic I imagine as the old 2V.