IH444NC

Hello all. I come from the Toyota Tundra side of the word. Sold my 2003 Tundra with 245,000 miles unexpectedly this week, and even though it never had any issues, it was getting long in the tooth and cant fit 2 baby seats.

I like the 2010 and up F-150's, so I searched there first. I need 4wd, Crew Cab, and I'd like to have under 125,000 miles or so (I'd stretch it a bit, but not much).

Ideally, I'd like to have an EB in this truck I need, however there just arent many in my area that have this engine in the price range I need to be in (under $21,000).

So I've narrowed it down to a few options I seem to be finding consistently on the local sites and autotrader.com.

A) 2010 F-150 Crew 4x4 Lariat, but with the 5.4 Triton

B) 2011/2012 F-150 Crew 4x4 XLT, with the 5.0

Now I use my truck for work (I'm a project manager), but I dont tow a ton. Once in a while I'll tow my tractor (about 6000lbs with trailer), maybe a 2 horse trailer, *very* rarely my Bobcat 763 short distances. My small Tundra did all this just fine most of the time.

It seems like the option of the 5.4 is that it is a torquey down low engine, but a little antiquated. The 5.0 seems faster and more modern, but makes its power up high. MPG #'s seem to be similar from what I've researched.

So the question is,all things the same (miles, condition, price etc), would the 5.0 engine be enough to go up a year but down to an XLT trim level, or would the Lariat be enough to make up for the 5.4? The XLT seems well equipped, but there is something to be said for a sunroof/heated seats/good stereo etc.

My wife and I did just buy a 2011 Epedition 5.4 Limited, and like it just fine.

So F-150 pro's, whats your opinion? Would you go with the 2010 5.4 Lariat, or the 2011/2012 5.0 XLT's.

If you have any other suggestions I'm all ears.

paintballdude05

I'd go with the XLT for 3 reasons.

1. It's got the 5.0
2. There are more customization options with Forscan on 2011+ trucks vs. the olver ones
3. You get the 4" productivity screen in the cluster
4. Slightly better fuel economy with the 5.0
5. It's newer

SteveLord

Between here and your reddit post I think you got a good consensus. :P

Shadetree43

My vote (sight unseen of course) is for the XLT with 5.0
With the mileage you are looking at, may/may not be time for plugs.
Search on changing 5.4 spark plugs.
Just look at whatever you decide on VERY thoroughly, & good luck.

jbarr89

plugs shouldn't be an issue on that year 5.4, pretty sure Ford fixed that issue in 09+

5.0nly

I would go for the 2012 5.0. The 5.4L is a good engine, but a little maintenance sensitive and with 125,000 miles, it's a huge gamble. My 5.4 has 238k on it but it's been to Ford every 5k.

WXman

Right, but they didn't fix the horrendous access to the plugs, valve covers, etc. Coyote engine is MUCH easier to work on.

WIF-150

By 2010 the 5.4 was much better than first couple of years. But I wouldn't get any truck with that motor. 5.0 is just so much better IMHO.

sscottab

I would go for the lariat with the 5.4 they fixed the plug problem on all engines built after 10/09/07 so that would not be a issue I was looking for a 08 or newer with the 5.4 and found a 08 with 110k on it for 12k it is still at the shop I work at going to go through it and change all fluids, plugs, new tires and spraying the full underside with por-15 all said and done out the door I will still be under 14k for this truck. but that is my recommendation the 5.4

Ford_Guy15

I would much rather take a 5.0 engine over a 5.4. Seems to be more reliable, more power, newer technology, etc.