Oh, man. I hear you. I brought my '16 XLT 5.0 home one week ago today... and I haven't driven it nearly! as much as I'd like. I've also been glued to the computer, soaking up as much as I can re wheel and tire sizes, suspension, etc... but every time I twist the key and hear the rumble (through stock exhaust, mkay...) I cannot believe that this truck is mine. <3.

And like you I was going to buy a new! F150 *NEXT* year at this time... after saving even more money towards a meaty down payment.

"Life has other plans" as they say, and someone visiting my neighbor across the street crashed their car into mine... and all of a sudden I gotta go get a truck... hahaha.

Because I didn't have the budget I would have had had I waited another year, I went the Ford Certified Pre Owned route, but I had to look hard to find a 5.0 Super Crew. As it is, it isn't optioned the way I'd like (missing the ELD and 36-gal tank) but Holy Toledo! Ohio! what a nice truck this is. Love the Coyote V8 and Sport mode! (I've been familiar with a lot of auto trans software/shifter interfaces these past few years and this one takes the cake).

As for the nice feller who put a 35" tire to his 3.31... four inches larger than stock is when I'd definitely be ready for a ring-and-pinion swap. 2 inches larger dia. is about my limit before I'd want to alter the ring and pinion ratio. At least that's my experience.

What's not to love about an all-alloy, forged-crank, twin-cam four-valve V8 making three hundred eighty-five horsepower coupled to an intelligent, enthusiast-driver-mapped transmission in an aluminum body and big, four-wheel disc brakes? We are fortunate, indeed.

 

Roger that!

 

I sold my all but new condition 2011 XLT Super Cab with 25K on it to a co-worker that he was willing to give me a good dollar for. I was ready for a change and was convinced I'd buy an older, higher mileage truck, saving money so I could lay down cash at retirement for a new F150 or Ranger. My wife and I kicked tires without success. We decided we'd buy a new 17 Screw that will be paid for at retirement. We will also have the enjoyment of having a nice truck for the added years from now until then. Only the Lord knows how long any of us will be here anyhow, retirement isn't a guarantee. I wouldn't try to convince anyone to spend money they're uncomfortable with parting with. I am however very grateful for the decision we made and the beautiful truck sitting in our garage.

 

7000 miles and not one issue with the truck. Biggest issue: My wife now ask to take the truck instead of her Honda Accord ...