Yea, For me the 4A is the thing that I wonder about the most. For the truck I built if when it gets delivered and I can included a financing rebate of at least $750 I will be under 37K for a custom XLT to my liking. I just got to move on but I wonder if the reason that I am having some many what ifs is becasue the truck is not physically here and all is speculation until it gets delivered?

 

In Florida, we have torrential rain daily in the spring. It comes in swift and strikes the unsuspecting with unworldly power. My XLT aggressively tackles the flooded roads and wet conditions with ease, unrelenting as it diverts standing water to outwardly to safely guide me to my destination...

My only regret on not upleveling my trim package is that my wife complains about not having a light on the visor mirror every time she pulls it down.

 

When I was shopping a few months ago, the 302 xlt was about 12-13 less than a 502. (Xlt I got was 14 under sticker.)The only things I miss are the power fold mirrors.

I've added a few things to mine but peanuts compared to the price difference.

At the end of the day, if you are thinking you want the nicer truck, it's easier to just do it on the front end than to buy a cheap one and trade it 3 months later

 

4a is not worth it. 2wd in anything but the snow is useless. its a gimmick to add $ to the bottom line.

 

It has already been said, but everyone is going to have their own needs, wants, and opinion, and the only one that counts is yours.

As a person who pathologically over analyzes every decision made, and is subject to questioning myself endlessly after I made a decision, I can say that I dont regret buying an XLT. But my situation is probably different than yours, and maybe is unique. I live in CO at over 5000 feet. I tow a fairly heavy boat (the trucks primary job). The lake we go to charges a fee to enter the park, so more people in the truck = less money spent every week.

I spent a lot of time thinking about what I really NEEDED vs what I WANTED vs what was nice to have. I needed a truck with tons of torque to get up and down hills with 7K of boat behind me at altitude (3.5 EB, max tow). While I kind of wanted a luxurious interior (my other car is an Audi A6), that made no sense when getting in and out of the truck with wet swimsuits. We also take the dog with us to the lake, so leather made no sense. An extra seat position (bench seat) made a lot more sense, as did a cloth interior. Wet shoes and dirty dog - all weather mats. A secure bed with a surface that wont tear up the water toys was a need (BAK Revolver X2, Bedrug mat). Living in CO, snow can be an issue, but 4A at best was a nice to have, as I prefer to control myself so that I know what to expect. That is even more important to me when recovering the boat, the last thing I want on a wet slippery ramp is unpredictability. I had 4A on my old truck, and did not use it on the ramp.

Everything else was either a want or a nice to have. For us, spending a little on aftermarket upgrades that met our needs was more important than a level up on trim. That meant for me that the XLT 302A with max tow was the right truck for ME. Does that mean it is right for you? No, but maybe it is worth saying that I have never regretted the XLT.

 

I'd agree on Max Tow. Mine has the regular tow package w/ all the other Max Tow options added ala-cart save the upgraded bumper which is WDH certified for 100 more pounds than mine.

The ala-cart way was more expensive too. I'm sure my dealer did that on purpose so he could take more of my money.

 

I bought a 302a XLT and I'm very happy with it even after 16 months of ownership.

If money wasn't a consideration I would be rolling in a Platinum for sure. Buy what you need/want and enjoy it. These are really nice trucks, even in XL form.

 

If you are questioning it, you are better off getting the Lariat. Sounds like you will regret not getting it after the purchase, which will be a very expensive mistake. $5K is not worth losing any sleep over.

I've owned Platinums, Raptor, XLT's and F350 etc. I currently drive a 16 XLT 302a and Love it. My must haves for me are Sport, FX4, Pano Roof and a nice stereo. The XLT 302a is a perfect fit for me. Not worth spending thousands more for a Lariat.

The previous Gen F150 XLT's you couldn't get a Sunroof or a decent stereo, so I went with a Platinum. Sounds crazy, but everyone's needs are different.

Get what make You Happy! I think you will enjoy either one as they are all Great trucks and nice to have compared to the last Gen models.

Good Luck!

 

4A alone is worth it. I use it often and it works very well. Add in the LED lights and the other extras are icing on the cake. 502a all day for me.

 

I actually went even lower. 301A. Even got the carpet delete. I did add many options that were included in the 302A so it didn't really save me money. I was ordering, so I just decided to get it built exactly how I wanted it.