Looking to buy 2012 FX4 5.0 today, what to look out for?
10-30-2012, 04:40 PM
#11
One Bad MoFoMoCo Owner
The best way to catch any issues is to drive it for a while. Try accelerating to highway speeds very slowly, normally, and WOT. If there are any guideline issues, this should help you find them. For the most part, these are problem free trucks.
10-30-2012, 04:41 PM
#12
'11 FX4 SCREW 5.ohh!
The dealer shouldnt care if you drive for a good 30 minutes. Do some stop and go, 10 miles or so down and back on the freeway. You are going to be making a $40+ purchase-they shouldnt mind 30 minutes or more if thats the case. Also, I have the 5.0L and I have not had even a hiccup yet although I am at only 3000 miles or a little less. Love it. And what others have said is right. If a manufacturer builds 100K cars 95K+ are going to be great at least for the first 36K and if it doesnt feel right on the test drive-try another. If that doesnt feel right maybe a different car but you will love it. Oh and I am work for a dealer so if they give you grief for a little longer test drive-go somewhere else. Also, stop by the service dept when at the dealer and ask them some questions. A LOTTTTT of people talk **** about service advisors on this forum; however, they are pretty amazing people and usually will shoot you straight. After all, their entire job is built around pissed off customers coming and with issues and even though its not their fault-they get the bitching and complaining and try their best to resolve the issues. Not many of us can handle negativity all day, every day which is exactly what they do. No one stops by to say "man thanks for keeping my car running great for the last 46K." It always the opposite. But check with them-most all I have ever worked for will tell you the truth of what to expect and which models, engines, trims, etc are more reliable and the issues they are seeing.
The only problem with a long test drive is the fuel level. Every test drive I've been on had less than 30 miles to E on the gauge. I guess you could put $10 in if you wanted to.
10-30-2012, 05:46 PM
#14
HAHA yeah thats the cheap skate dealers and they all do that-all I have worked for. Its because they only get a certain amount of money for gas from the manufacturer so they try to use it when the customer buys the car-they can fill it up. But I promise if you ask they will add more gas or at least they should for you.
10-30-2012, 05:56 PM
#15
I have a 5.0 now and love it. Had the 5.4 before that and had no complaints either. I haven't had any issues/problems with the 5.0 and I'm at 10,500 miles in 6 months. I put in a decent amount of time behind the wheel and love everything about the engine and truck in general. I'm happy I didn't go with the Eco and stuck with a V8. If the dealer let's you take it home for a day or so drive it how you would normally, get on her a bit see how everything feels. You'll be more than happy with your new truck no matter what engine you decide, they're great trucks.
10-30-2012, 06:01 PM
#17
Confused Member
Originally Posted by danman_s
Here is the badboy:
driven it yet? Opinions? How does it compare to that Chevy you drive now?
10-30-2012, 06:18 PM
#18
Member
Thread Starter
I prefer the F150 interior, the carlike interior in the Chevy's aged pretty quickly. The utility and roominess of the Ford is much, much nicer! I like the gadgets, and the cooled seats will be great in the summer!
10-30-2012, 07:15 PM
#20
Senior Member
I have 10K on my 2012 FX4 5.0. I have had ZERO issues and I am fairly critical. No shudder, obscene oil usage, etc. The engine itself is stout for the size. I waited on the new engine lineup before I purchased a new F150. I simply wanted more power than the 5.4 offered (great engine- no need to flame). The 5.0 has proven itself to me. As a matter of fact I was deadset on an ECO after driving one. I talked myself into driving a 5.0 just to be sure. After the test drive, the Mustanger in me loved seeing the tach swing to 6,000 and it was all angry and beefy. My 5.4's have never had that character. It made me second guess my decision as I hardly ever tow and I always modify. It came down to getting a better deal on the 5.0. Gas mileage wasn't a critical concern and the mileage I have been getting is absolutely fantastic considering where I live and my driving habits. I think Ford has competitive engines across the board and each has a different personality to suit the owner. For you ECO guys, you have a towing machine. I have a coworker with a 2500 HD with the 6.0. He pulls a horse trailer. He asked me last week what F150 had the little door badge. I told him it was a TT V6. he said "HUH"?. He was pulling his trailer on the interstate this summer and said another 2500HD gas pulling a trailer went by him on a hill screaming and that the F150 pulling a similar trailer was pushing the guy up the interstate. All he had time to see was "the little badge" on the door. Word is getting out. Anyway, good luck on your decision. The one your looking at is a good looking truck for sure. And yes, the air conditioned seats are the berries. Now pick it up, slap a tuner and exhaust on it and make some hot rod noise.