Hey everyone!

New to this forum, and looking for some information on a purchase on a new or used 2015-2018 F150. I figured before I made a purchase within the next week or so, it would be smart to hop on one of the forums to get some thoughts from owners that know their trucks! Currently right now Im driving a 2015 Subaru WRX STi, and as much as I love this car, and how much fun it is to drive, I need to get back into a truck. I have two medium/large dogs that are hard to transport with the Subaru, so Im looking for the supercrew configuration on the F150. Really just want to see what most people like as far as features, and if some are worth the money when others necessarily are not. I have been back and fourth on if the newer 10 speed transmissions paired with the 2.7 are worth it or should I go with a used model that will have more features for my <$40,000 budget. I dont tow regularly, but may at some point down the road, and would like to keep the option available, mainly will be hauling items here and there, road trips, and winter driving.

Any help is appreciated!!

 

If you only keep vehicles a few years, lease an '18 F150 configured as you like. And remember, never put money down on a lease!

 

I was asking myself similar questions. When I was looking for my truck I was debating getting a '17 or '18. I really liked the 2.7EB but also had a thing for that 10 speed. More is better? I thought about waiting for the 10 speed and 2.7EB, but at the end of the day went with the '17 and 3.5EB/10 speed. It is way overkill for what I do, but I know if I want to pull a good size trailer I am able to. I snowmobile so having a large enclosed trailer isn't out of the question. I don't think I would own a TT but I might rent one and go camping for a few weeks if I can talk my wife into it.

Things I wanted was the 302A package, and Max tow with the 3.5/10speed. Only thing I wish I had now is leather interior, but I am ok with the cloth - I guess if the want is still there in a few years go with a Katzkin leather set?

Max Tow came with the 3.55 gears and electronic locking diff as well as all the towing goodies. Personally, I can't stand a pickup with an open diff. My dad had a 1997 with an open diff and it was always losing traction. His next truck was an Excursion and that had a limited slip and that sold me on it. Maybe being heavier in the rear helped too, but it definitely seemed to have more rear traction.

 

Thanks for the replies!

I'm planning to keep this truck until the wheels fall off lol. I just need something I can do everything I need to do in, and make sure it is reliable for years to come. I would like to get upwards of a few 100 thousand miles out of it. I have not done too much research yet into the reliability of the Ecoboost motors yet however.

I have been curious over the 2.7 with 10 speed as well, but to be honest I would take any of the motors (minus the NA V6). Just a few of the options I would like to have would be the center console 8" screen and locking diff for starters, so this is where the 2018 STX comes into play. However I would love to have the twin panel sunroof, auto rear window slider, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise, remote start, and push button start lol. I have $100,000 taste with a $40,000 budget.

 

 

I really do like the look of the grill on the STX as well, and it is pretty well equipped at the price for a comparable XLT models I have seen.

 

If you like the 2.7 but not so sure of the 10 speed, maybe search for 2017 with 2.7 and six speed. Might not get some things you want or buy things you don't want. More picky ya get, more money ya spend.

 

I would actually prefer the 10 speed over the 6 speed. Ive just been more curious if I could buy new and justify the 10 speed over the 6 speed as being a win. Would it be better advised to buy a new STX or XLT when you could buy an XLT or Lariat a year or two older with 20-30k miles for the same price or a little cheaper.

 

I had the same dilemma - kept shopping used. Finding a truck that suited close to what I wanted was really tough, and once I finally did it was a few thousand less than a new one. For my own piece of mind I bought new since I was going with a turbocharged engine. My previous car was a 2007 335i that I bought used - also turbocharged and I was wary - but after seeing the maintenance and seeing that the previous owners really took care of it I felt I could take a gamble. It was a fun car and fairly reliable for me - I didn't think I could win the lotto twice. Lol

 

For the features you want, look into 2016 pre-owned models. Lots of 502a Lariats available under $40k with low mileage. I bought my 16 Lariat with 4100 miles for $34,200 last June.