Hello,
I'm new to the forum and looking to purchase a 2009-2014 F-150. Looking forward to it, because my last F-150 was 1996, many years ago. With a budget of around 15k, many of the trucks I'm looking at are pretty high mileage. I'm thinking of a 2011 and newer with a 5.0 coyote, but many are 180k + miles. What would you look for in my situation? What would you inspect before purchasing? I have a blue driver ODB2 Tool if it helps. I'm semi-prepared to do a timing set on the 5.4 (Thanks to Ford Tech Makuloco!) but it sounds like the 5.0 is an all-around better motor. To get an idea of my skill set, I don't mind swapping some parts, but really digging into a motor is pushing my skill set. Any advice appreciated.

 

I'd be looking for rust, in 2 places in particular:

1. Where the inner fender is bonded to the outer box wall, about 2" in from the wheel opening.

2. Rocker panels due to their "tape" covers falling off and letting crap in there...

 

Good Point Narly,
I'm in the Southeast now, so hopefully, I won't see any rust. At least not like I did in Upstate NY most of my life. My last F150 up there, the frame rotted through.

 

I think the early 5.0s were known for excessive oil consumption. '09-'10 5.4s are pretty solid for the most part