Joe Friday

It probably will not make a difference, but the salesman that loaned me the last vehicle (3.5) told me upon returning and reviewing my impressions, that the 5.0 might be worth a try because it is a 'heavier' engine..... and is 'beefed-up' with heavier supporting components up front...

Now, whether that will make it a stiffer ride or not, I don't know.

But I figure it is worth a try. I do like the looks of the F150. Yeah, the standard interior was not much to write home about in the XLT that I last test drove.... but I would be interested in the Lariat if I felt comfortable enough to do it. The Lariat interior is somewhat more appealing in that it has *some* 'soft-touch' materials and stitching in the dash as opposed to hard plastic everywhere.... and it also has 'soft-touch' materials on the door.... leather, faux woodgrain trim.... etc.... it just looks a *little* better than the XLT interior. (Again - not pitching the RAM, because I wouldn't buy one of those either for the reasons I mentioned in my original post.... but their new interior is incredible and hard to beat... even the entry level interior uses the same soft-touch, stitched materials everywhere... and employs a much better layout and buttons and ***** that have a really nice tactile feel)

If it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out.

Sorry to all for getting into a 'chain-pulling' contest.... it wasn't my original intent. My original intent was to simply note my impressions of an extended test drive and call it a day - - maybe get some last minute suggestions on what might make the ride better.... I dunno.

Most people were secure enough in their masculinity to take it for what it was, but as soon as a few started flaming me... well, I fell for the bait and sadly jumped into the fray feet first... although, I have to admit; the doctored photo I posted had me laughing so hard at my desk that I was crying. I am a designer... and work in Photoshop every day, all day. This wasn't my best work by a long stretch.... but a quick spoof that worked for a defensive reply.

Honestly - I hope you all enjoy your F150's and have the best, trouble-free experience and complete satisfaction.

I am going to test drive a 5.0 here in a few minutes at the local dealership.... and see how it goes.

Joe Friday

You may be on to something here. I did notice the 3.5 jumped forward like a Lion when I barely touched the peddle.... might be something that just takes getting used to. That low end torque might be what I am experiencing as 'twitchy' simply because I am not used to that sort of a response from the throttle.

Joe Friday

I think that is an accurate description.... I am probably just not used to the excessive response to mild throttle input with that beast. Mainly, it was the 'ride quality' over bumps, etc that didn't set well with me.

I did notice too, that my tester had a very 'rough/course' idle as I was 'creeping up to a stop' just short of stopping and before the auto stop employed.... my wife thought it was idling roughly too. It didn't seem to do that as soon as I started putting pressure on the accelerator. My tester had about 740 miles on it.... so it was a demo, I guess. Maybe it had 740 miles for being stomped to the floor and was out of whack.

Joe Friday

I don't get it. You opened the door, walked in, and are sitting on the couch hanging around this post. Why would you bother if you hate this thread so much? Almost seems sadistic.

Joe Friday

Thanks! Good to hear it is working well.... problem with the internet is you only generally hear the complaints.... that tends to sidetrack me sometimes, so glad it was a good choice for you.

Joe Friday

Mmmm... that wouldn't even be on my radar. I happen to be someone who likes to do the research and make an informed buying decision and hopefully avoid the hassles of having to transition to plan B prematurely.

My home in the country has been paid off for years, I have a good 'day' job and also own my own business that I work on the side, wife is a government employee on the verge of retirement with a defined pension, 401k's, Roths, IRA's etc.... money isn't the problem.

Call me Dutch... I just like knowing that I get the best bang for the buck.... as well as something I won't get bored of or disenchanted with.

Joe Friday

Great suggestion! I will keep you posted.

Joe Friday

Thanks... that is really what this is about.... of course there are those that love to sit behind their keyboards and take out there frustrations with life on whoever looks to be an easy target. Always in anonymity though.... they would never treat people like that in person....well, most wouldn't.

Joe Friday

Thanks. You bring up a good point.... I don't do farming or construction. I was looking at this as a vehicle that might be nice as a versatile truck to head into retirement with.... used like 95% of trucks are primarily used for: suburban tasks.... convenient hauling of items that I would otherwise have to attach my utility trailer, etc.... and a very occasional hauling of my John Deere 1025R subcompact diesel tractor/front end loader/snowblower/ ballast box attachments....That unit with an implement and the 700 # ballast box might weight in at somewhere between 4200 and 5k pounds.

But again, that would be a rare occurrence.

jdvass

I'm getting in late, but if this helps you Joe..........

I Just went from a 2016 Ram 1500 back to an F-150. Not because there was a problem with the Ram, just fell in love with the 18 F-150. My truck had the hemi tick. I switched to full synthetic and it quieted right down. The tick is not a big problem at all. I was told is due to the angle that the valves run at, an inherent part of the design. My Ram was a fine truck and if you end up buying one I don't think it will regret it.