Busted_Knuckles

Hello everyone! I'm looking to buy a 2009-14 F-150. I currently have a 2007 BMW X5 sport package and while the 350hp awd luxury SUV is amazing to drive, the past year I have dumped more money into it than I care to admit... and I'm getting rid of it... I used to own a 2007 Ford Ranger and LOVED it, It was totaled in a front end collision, I bought it wrecked, rebuilt it, and that thing was a tank, I beat the hell out of it and it kept truckin' along! I have shopped around a bit for Tacoma's and Tundra's but for the price, I cant get what I want. I really like the way the 2009-14 F-150's look, I know Ford makes great trucks, and I have finally decided this is what I want! I am looking around and trying to finally decide on one, but before I do I wanted to ask the true experts on the forum.

I wanted a V8 because I plan on towing and hauling frequently and want the power but have heard the spark plugs seize into the cylinder heads and are a costly repair requiring the cylinder heads removal. Is this true for this generation? I also heard the EcoBoost's are great but couldn't seem to find one in my price range as I know they are newer. I'm trying to keep it around or under $16k... Looking around, it seems the V8's are actually cheaper than the V6's... Are the V8's really that problematic? What should I be looking for when shopping around? I'm very mechanically inclined, I rebuild engines, fabricate, do custom electrical work, rebuild and tune carburetors, etc... I'm no master mechanic, but I have done a lot of work in my 28 years on this floating rock... Below are a few F-150's I am looking at already.. I live in Columbus Ohio and don't really want to drive more than 3 hours to get a vehicle. I've already read through some threads on this forum and plan on doing more research as I have time, but just wanted to go ahead and post this to see if I could get some feedback from more knowledgeable individuals. Thanks again everyone! below are the Autotrader listings I am already looking at.

I'm checking this one out Friday. The salvage title only scares me if it was flood damage. Then I will turn and run! Other than that, if it was rebuilt proper, it could be an awesome deal, low miles and looks good.
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=468052078&zip=43062 &referrer=%2Fcars-for-sale%2Fsearchresults.xhtml%3Fzip%3D43062%26startYe ar%3D2009%26maxMileage%3D100000%26incremental%3Dal l%26endYear%3D2014%26modelCodeList%3DF150PICKUP%26 makeCodeList%3DFORD%26driveGroup%3DAWD4WD%26listin gTypes%3Dused%26sortBy%3DderivedpriceASC%26maxPric e%3D15000%26engineCodes%3D8CLDR%26firstRecord%3D0% 26searchRadius%3D300&listingTypes=used&startYear=2 009&numRecords=25&maxPrice=15000&firstRecord=0&end Year=2014&modelCodeList=F150PICKUP&makeCodeList=FO RD&searchRadius=300&makeCode1=FORD&modelCode1=F150 PICKUP

I like the 4 doors, good shape, Not a huge fan of white trucks but I do like this and it seems solid.
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=466895197&zip=43062 &referrer=%2Fcars-for-sale%2Fsearchresults.xhtml%3Fzip%3D43062%26startYe ar%3D2009%26maxMileage%3D100000%26incremental%3Dal l%26endYear%3D2014%26modelCodeList%3DF150PICKUP%26 makeCodeList%3DFORD%26driveGroup%3DAWD4WD%26listin gTypes%3Dused%26sortBy%3DderivedpriceDESC%26maxPri ce%3D15000%26engineCodes%3D8CLDR%26firstRecord%3D0 %26searchRadius%3D300&listingTypes=used&startYear= 2009&numRecords=25&maxPrice=15000&firstRecord=0&en dYear=2014&modelCodeList=F150PICKUP&makeCodeList=F ORD&searchRadius=300&makeCode1=FORD&modelCode1=F15 0PICKUP

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jdunk54nl

Under k$16 is probably going to be either an 09 or 10. The 11/12's were the trucks that people have had the most engine problems with (Timing chain on eco and cylinder warp on the 5.0) but even then only 2% of the trucks on the road will ever have those.

You really are looking at a low mile (around 100k miles) 09/10 or a high mileage 11-14 (over 100k miles). Mine with 70,000 was still $25k. It is a limited edition so the options do play but buying an xl/xlt was still $20k.

jdunk54nl

Also be careful right now with salvage stuff, a lot of the flood stuff will be coming out of the hurricane paths.

Edit* did you see the trailer hitch on that salvaged truck? Also couldn't tell if the calipers were painted or just super rusty. It looks like rust to me, especially after seeing the hitch.

Here is part of the vehicle history, it is a free website. You can use that to look up some info on vehicles, not carfax but a good first start.

https://www.vehiclehistory.com/pagin...PX14V69KC17334

5.0nly

If you do get an '09 or '10 with the 5.4L, make sure it was maintained well as they have issues. Skip the EcoBoost if you go for a '11 or '12. 5.0L is a great engine that can go beyond 300k with ease (mine has 375k). If you're willing to make a trip for a day or two, I can sell you my dad's '11 Super Crew Lariat with 92,000 miles for what you're willing to pay.

DirtDawg

Good luck with your search for the right truck. I'm another that prefers a V8 engine in trucks of this class.

BTW, love your forum name...

bassJAM

With your budget it does sound like you're looking at an 09/10. Personally I'd check out the Nissan Titan, I never really cared for the engines Ford offered during those years and the Nissan VK engine is solid and was a rocket back in the days before the Coyote and Ecoboosts.

diegoo.jayjay

375k Miles???? What year and mileage do you put a year?
Holy S*****

diegoo.jayjay

But yeah, I vote for this guy's '11 Lariat.
Great trim and a SCREW.

If his trucks got 375K i would suspect his dads truck is equally maintained

Busted_Knuckles

Heck yeah I'm willing to make a trip for the right deal! can you send me some pictures by chance? I'll send you a PM about this too. Thanks again!

Busted_Knuckles

Thanks again everyone for the help I really appreciate it!

DirtDawg, thanks bud, I have a tendency to beat the crap out of my hands when I wrench on things so this has become my go-to name for all of the forums I'm on. And the V8 seems to be the only way to go for a truck this size. I cant imagine pulling a trailer or a full load with only a V6. I know the Ecotec's are turbo'd and have comparable power but I've always heard "there's no replacement for displacement" and tend to follow that ideology.

bassJAM, I never really considered the Titans but one of my co-workers has a black one that I do really like. I'll have to look into those a bit more but I really do like Ford trucks... I have no experience with Nissan's and do like the styling of this generation F150 more. But I will definitely look into those.

jdunk54nl, I was scared away from that salvage one due to the rust and multiple accident history. Mostly the rust... I didn't notice that at first but it looks bad. seems like water damage to me and I can only imagine what the rest of the vehicle looks like... *shudder*

Thanks again everyone, I cant wait to get my new (to me) truck! My friends/family make fun of me about my BMW, It's really nice but is breaking down so frequently that it has been dubbed "the shiny turd" I've never hated and loved a car at the same time so much... It's got to go and I cant wait to have a truck bed and be able to haul stuff again... soon...