10f150junky

I’m looking at a few different trucks. From what I’ve found in my price range is some 13-14 f150’s and some 15-16’s but mainly with the 2.7. Both are comparable pricing wise. I’m unsure of the 2.7 at this point. I don’t tow a whole lot but I was leaning with a 3.5 or a 5.0 just cause I don’t like to “limit” myself. I know a lot of people seem to like the 2.7 and I’m curious on your opinions, would you choose a 13-14 truck with the 3.5/5.0 or a 15-16 truck with the 2.7? I definitely like the styling of the 15+ trucks better. The weight savings I’m sure would help the 2.7 in a 15+ truck feel and be quicker than a 13-14 3.5/5.0 truck. What do you guys think? How’s the reliability of the 2.7?

dagooaz

I think some of the early 2.7's had issues, but they've been worked out by now. I have the 3.5 in my 2017 because that's what was on the lot in the truck I wanted at the time. I can say, I wish I had the 2.7 for the mileage aspect. I put Raptor wheels and tires on my rig after the Bilstein 5100's were installed, and my mileage went down at least 2 mpg. I had a 2014 5.0 that performed flawlessly for me for 50K miles, but seemed a bit underpowered, especially when towing. I wouldn't hesitate grabbing a 2.7 at this point. From what I've read and heard, it's a great motor that gives excellent power and fuel mileage. My 3.5 has the max tow package, but I would never tow as much as Ford states I could with a half-ton truck. I think it's too much for a half-ton platform. The 2.7 will tow anything you "should" be towing with a half-ton truck, IMO. My wife loves my truck so much, that she keeps pushing me to trade in her 2017 Explorer that we bought on the same day to get her an F-150. If I end up taking the loss on her Explorer for an F-150, I will definitely get her the 2.7.

marshallr

If I never towed over 6000ish lbs I'd not be afraid of the 2.7. It is actually rated at about the same tow capacity as the 5.0. But at the same time I'd not be afraid of an older truck with either the 3.5 or 5.0. I have a 14 with the 5.0 and it serves my needs. It all comes down to which way you get the best price on. The 2.7 would probably work for me, but wasn't available when I bought. I'd look hard at one if buying a new truck today. The 3.5 and 5.0 get the same real world fuel mileage. The 3.5 is the way to go if you tow heavier and the 2.7 will get a little better fuel mileage than the other 2. If buying new it will cost less too. Not sure about used trucks with the 2.7, but the 5.0 will be a lot less expensive than the 3.5 if buying used.

2014fiveoh

13-14, is go 5.0
15+ id still go 5.0 but a 3.5 wouldn’t be bad.

The only reason I’d say stay away from the 2.7 is because If they are in the 15-16 models, they are new designs.

10f150junky

You guys make very good points. The market around here is tough and I’m picky on what I get. Ideally I like more options in my vehicles so trying to find one that’s not crazy expensive is the problem. I’m afraid of the 13-14 3.5’s just because of the turbo and timing chain failures I’ve heard of

2014fiveoh

My brother in-law has a 13 with the 3.5. He’s had some timing chain issues.

bassJAM

Have you test driven the 2013/14 and 2015/16 trucks yet? Back when I was looking in 2016 I much preferred the way the 2015's with the 2.7 drove and they way the interior fit me, but I was wary back then of getting a first model year so I went with a 2014 instead. By now those trucks are 4-5 years old and there doesn't seem to be any major issues that have popped up. If I had to do it all over again I would have went with a 2015 and the 2.7. The engine was peppy enough and would still tow the occasional 6k lbs of topsoil or gravel I might need. And more importantly, I liked the interior better. I'm a stocky 5'8" and my 2014 feels like it was designed around someone 12" taller than me. I just can never find a comfortable seating position where I can reach the dash, put my arm on the window sill, and have a comfortable reach to the steering wheel. On the flip side the 2015 interior felt like it was designed to fit me.

blkZ28spt

Unless I planned to tow heavier than 5k lbs or so, I'd aim for a 2016 w/2.7 hands down. New gen for 2015 and Sync 3 for 2016. The 2.7 reliability seems to be great.

What turbo failures have you heard of? Timing chain might be something to think about, but not the turbos.

13XLTEco

I haven't read of any turbo failures.

Shann

I don't know if it is a consideration, but if you want to plow with it, you'll need the 5.0.

You can spice up the 2.7 if you want more power with a tune, for not a lot of money.