In the market for a new 2018 truck - questions for current owners.
03-17-2018, 01:37 PM
#41
These are the experiences that worry me a bit...haha. I realize a truck won't get 30 mpg..... but I do want to get something that is on the higher end of the spectrum for truck mpg. as this will also be my 'daily driver' and not strictly a 'work truck.' I think Ford has captialized on this with the Ecoboosts, at least in marketing, which has been a very successful aspect of buying the Ford - improved mpg.
Also, my truck only has 1200 miles so I am assuming the MPG will get better than the 15-17 I have been averaging. I don't really hit the pedal hard and do mostly conservative driving with some cruise control on the highway for the 10 miles on the way to work. Let us know what you decide and post pics!
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Joe Friday (03-17-2018)
03-17-2018, 03:35 PM
#43
Hi everyone.
I am in the market for a new truck. I want to sell my 2014 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD, and get back into a full size, crew cab (Ford calls it a SuperCrew, I guess). I have had a few Chevy's years ago, but am not that crazy about GM products.
So.... here are some comments and questions - please don't eviscerate me over some questions - I have never owned a Ford before. :-)
Comments:
I am probably forgetting a few things, so feel free to add any buying info you feel is important to consider.
Thank you good people !!
I am in the market for a new truck. I want to sell my 2014 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD, and get back into a full size, crew cab (Ford calls it a SuperCrew, I guess). I have had a few Chevy's years ago, but am not that crazy about GM products.
So.... here are some comments and questions - please don't eviscerate me over some questions - I have never owned a Ford before. :-)
Comments:
- Looking for best combo of MPG and Performance.
- If I buy a Ford, I believe I want a Lariat for some of the features that don't come standard/or you can't get on an XLT.
- Leather
- Auto 4X4 setting
- Rear Fold-down Armrest
- I won't be towing much - probably a small open 5' X 8' utility trailer. I may rarely use my neighbor's dual axle trailer to tow my John Deere SubCompact 1025R Tractor/front end loader/ballast box, which I estimate might weight 3k pounds not including trailer.
- I was initially all about the 2.7 EcoBoost because of the combo of 'power' and 'mpg'.... but am reading articles about the engine not delivering real world mpg results. I saw tonight that Edmunds is doing a long term test on the 2.7 and said that so far, it is under-delivering mpg results by 3 mpg. That puts it below the lusted epa estimate of the 2018 5.0 litre engine.
- My buddy owns a F150 with the 3.5. He loves it and says he can get about 23-25 hwy, but only if he baby's it and stays at 70 mph or under.
- I am concerned that putting my foot into the accelerator will make the turbo's suck fuel like crazy - but don't know if that is a reality.
- Given your current experience, would you outfit your truck again with the same engine you chose? And what would be the most reliable of the three main engines (not interested in the 3.3 at all)
- I know this has probably been asked before, but regarding the 2018 model - which has new epa estimates - is the 24 hwy estimate for the 2.7 attainable at 70 mph? Or is it a fantasy?
- Does the Auto Stop/Start function bug the crap out of anyone to the point where they wish they didn't buy the vehicle? I understand that you have to push the Auto Start/stop button every time you start the car if you wish to turn it off? Just wondering how annoying that might get??
- In real world driving, taking into consideration moderate acceleration driving habits with occasional runs of 75-80 mph, on relatively flatish roads in Michigan, how would the 2.7, 3.5, and 5.0 compare in actual average mpg numbers?
- I realize this is subjective, but I am VERY **** about vehicle maintenance - oil changes, etc. I am not a speed demon, but not plugging up traffic on a one lane road either.
- Is the 'AUTO 4X4 worth having in practical application during a typical Michigan winter? I am thinking that I want the Lariat on account of this option, mainly.... because it can't be had on the XLT. I had it on my last 204 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab and it worked pretty well at kicking into 4X4 when needed on patchy snowy roads in the winter.
- This is the question that will probably get my butt kicked: I am also considering a 2019 Dodge Ram.... depending upon forthcoming info on the new Etorque Hemi setup.... and what the mpg numbers are for that.... as well as looking at their 3.0 EcoDiesel, which seems to get rave reviews for durability and mpg numbers .... not to mention you can get it in almost any of their Ram models. Real world mpg numbers for the Eco Diesel seem to be documented at stated epa of 27 mpg on highway in 4X4 configuration.
- Not sure about Dodge reliability though.
- Also not sure about their 'rust protection' verses the Ford Aluminum panels.
- I did happen to bump into a guy today driving an Eco Diesel Ram and I COULD NOT BELIEVE how quiet it was - it literally sounded like a gas engine when standing outside his vehicle. He said it has been completely trouble free, and he gets 27 mpg on the highway.... said he had 80k miles on it and he would buy another one in a heartbeat.
- Thoughts on this???
- One thing that scares me about the RAM is that it will be a new year COMPLETE MODEL CHANGE.... and I have had a lot of problems with my 2014 Toyota Highlander which was also a new generation completely overhauled model....
I am probably forgetting a few things, so feel free to add any buying info you feel is important to consider.
Thank you good people !!
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Joe Friday (03-17-2018)
03-17-2018, 04:11 PM
#44
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I have owned all three and the 2.7 is definitely the sweet spot on cost and MPG for most owners.
However, I prefer the 3.5L for the extra torque. I just traded my 5.0 in on a 2018 3.5 (again). I am so happy to be back in the turbo world and enjoy driving the turbo engines so much more. It just seems so much more effortless. The V8 is always downshifting and revving where the turbo motors just quietly do their job and at much lower RPM with fewer gear changes.
I would not buy ANY truck based on MPG. If you use the turbos regularly, you WILL suck down the gas. Forget the EPA, they are not real world figures despite what they claim. I typically get about 2 more MPG in 3.5 than I did on the 5.0 but the 3.5 has the ten speed tranny as well. I averaged just under 16 from the 5.0 and about 18 with the 3.5. Now, if you live in a mostly flat area and don't drive fast, I am sure you can match the EPA ratings or even best them. We live in the Appalachians so we never stop going up and down. But, be forewarned, the turbos make driving fun! The V8 is the same 'ol boring drive.
When they ask the mechanics which engine they prefer, of course they will say the V8! The 5.0 has much less plumbing and is easier to work on. I saw that video as well when I was trolling YouTube, it made me chuckle. The good news is that neither of them need worked on much if at all. 2011 models with the original 3.5s are rolling in with over 200K miles with no issues. Those same mechanics would undoubtedly rather work on 1960 car than a modern car with all the computers and tightly packed engine compartments, etc. They prefer whatever is easier day to day. Ask the drivers which they prefer and you will get vastly different results. There is a reason the turbo engines are outselling the V8 by a ridiculous margin...
Another telling sign is that if you look up the NADA (the real dealer version) there is a premium value on the EcoBoost engines when traded. If there were reliability or other issues, this would be reflected in real world decreasing values and depreciation. The fact is that ALL of the engines are extremely reliable.
I also buy Lariats. They are a premium price, but you get what you pay for. I am spooled and enjoy more creature comforts and goodies.
However, I prefer the 3.5L for the extra torque. I just traded my 5.0 in on a 2018 3.5 (again). I am so happy to be back in the turbo world and enjoy driving the turbo engines so much more. It just seems so much more effortless. The V8 is always downshifting and revving where the turbo motors just quietly do their job and at much lower RPM with fewer gear changes.
I would not buy ANY truck based on MPG. If you use the turbos regularly, you WILL suck down the gas. Forget the EPA, they are not real world figures despite what they claim. I typically get about 2 more MPG in 3.5 than I did on the 5.0 but the 3.5 has the ten speed tranny as well. I averaged just under 16 from the 5.0 and about 18 with the 3.5. Now, if you live in a mostly flat area and don't drive fast, I am sure you can match the EPA ratings or even best them. We live in the Appalachians so we never stop going up and down. But, be forewarned, the turbos make driving fun! The V8 is the same 'ol boring drive.
When they ask the mechanics which engine they prefer, of course they will say the V8! The 5.0 has much less plumbing and is easier to work on. I saw that video as well when I was trolling YouTube, it made me chuckle. The good news is that neither of them need worked on much if at all. 2011 models with the original 3.5s are rolling in with over 200K miles with no issues. Those same mechanics would undoubtedly rather work on 1960 car than a modern car with all the computers and tightly packed engine compartments, etc. They prefer whatever is easier day to day. Ask the drivers which they prefer and you will get vastly different results. There is a reason the turbo engines are outselling the V8 by a ridiculous margin...
Another telling sign is that if you look up the NADA (the real dealer version) there is a premium value on the EcoBoost engines when traded. If there were reliability or other issues, this would be reflected in real world decreasing values and depreciation. The fact is that ALL of the engines are extremely reliable.
I also buy Lariats. They are a premium price, but you get what you pay for. I am spooled and enjoy more creature comforts and goodies.
03-17-2018, 04:29 PM
#45
03-17-2018, 06:14 PM
#46
If you are not familiar with Ford trucks I would recommend to get a knowledgeable Ford truck guy, Be it a friend or an experienced salesman to familiarize you with the options, trim levels and what you're actually looking for in a truck and not what the dealer is trying to sell you. More times than not they can be very different. One last thing. Do not take anything for granted. A dealers primary goal is to sell trucks and not necessarily look out for the customer first.
Someone else's wants and need may not be the same as yours. One thing that makes a Ford truck so appealing to so many different drivers is that one can get just about any combination of trim levels and options. Of course everyone can't always be completely satisfied. Just make sure you know what you want in a truck and don't settle for anything less.
Someone else's wants and need may not be the same as yours. One thing that makes a Ford truck so appealing to so many different drivers is that one can get just about any combination of trim levels and options. Of course everyone can't always be completely satisfied. Just make sure you know what you want in a truck and don't settle for anything less.
Last edited by shortride; 03-17-2018 at 06:31 PM.