Jerry44

I need a low-mileage reliable pickup for my family. I was really excited about the 2015 f-150 and planning to probably buy one, but now I think I'd rather wait and see how things turn out over the next few years. I'll buy a used truck to keep for about 5 years and then trade in on a new or newer used truck. I'm pretty set on getting a ford right now, but I would possibly be open to a used tundra or a chevy if you'd like to comment on those. Reliability is very important to me. I want a truck I can take my family up into the mountains for a week without any worry of a breakdown.

I was hoping to come here for suggestions or recommendations based on your experiences. I want to spend anywhere from 10,000 up to no more than 20,000 and right now I think i'd be open to trucks from 2002 and newer.

Is there certain model years or engines I should avoid based on potential problems that others have seen? I've heard about spark plugs blowing out. What year was that resolved? I've also heard some models years you had to lift the cab for some pretty minor repairs, is that true and for what years? Is there anything you recommend I look for specifically (problems the truck may have or have had or options that would be especially good to have) when buying a used f-150?

I'm also wondering if people think the price on used f-150s might drop significantly in the next few months as people trade them in for the 2015. Right now ideally I think i'd like a 2011 with the 5.0 v8 but it might be a little out of my price range for a supercab 4x4.

Thanks for any input.

shredderboy1658

my only advice is stay away from the older 5.4l v8 (i forget what year bracket that is) because they are notorious for having spark plug issues and what not, and my two cents on the depreciation of the value of the trucks is that the prices wont go down too much, f150s hold their value very well.

Heretic

Not all of them.

If you want to get picky, there are "faults" in just about every engine / model release.

techrep

iTrader: (1)

Re-Designed heads are on engines built 10/2007 and up..

dac79

The 09-10's have the updated spark plugs. Besides the 5L, the dash in the 11's has a more electronic look and more read-outs if you're into that sort of thing. The 5.4L has a bit of throttle lag but nothing that can't be fixed with a tuner. The 5L seems to get a bit better mileage also.

I don't plan on selling my 10 just to have the latest and greatest. I wouldn't go for the 08's or older though. The 4 spd trans sucks compared to the 6 and the super crew cab is a lot bigger and more comfortable in the 09's and newer.

Manuellabour247

Whichever vehicle you are looking at, get a CarFax report for it before starting paperwork. Some of the 2011 5.0L's had issues with piston slap. My old 09 4.6L XL burnt a transmission harness up, but was a very reliable truck. The 5.4 is a reliable engine if taken care of properly. Like stated above they revised the heads for the spark plug issues. My buddy has a 2010 5.4 4X4 SCrew and has had nothing but good luck with it. He tows his toys down to Wynoka a couple times a year. It's not as fast as my 5.0, but these trucks aren't race cars. They are designed to haul, so take that for what you will. I get slightly better mileage in my 13, but it's really not that far off. The 6-Spd transmission does seem to make all the difference in the world on these 2 engines. Also, a tuner will wake any engine up. Good luck.

SUPERLOOP

I've also heard some models years you had to lift the cab for some pretty minor repairs, is that true and for what years?


Just about all of the new full size trucks from every manufacture have to have the cab removed to do major engine work, not minor work. No need to worry about that, it is what it is on these new trucks.

joe mcmillan

I bought a 2004 Super Cab 4X4 XLT, 4.6L V8 a couple of years ago. It has every option other than leather and Nav. Had just over 50,000 miles.
This has been a great truck. I thought I wanted a new truck but this one is so nice, I will drive it for several more years.
Have had no issues to date.
The 4.6 is no hot rod but is is smooth and quiet. Tows my 22' boat with no issue.
G.P.M. is good at 18+ combined.
^^^ Meant to be M.P.G. - No alcohol involved tho! Just a senior moment...

hypnotoad

I would definitely advise a 2011+ 5.0. I think they are overall a more polished machine, if you can afford it.

techrep

iTrader: (1)

He said he only wanted to spend up to $20K