qsysopr24@gmail.com

I'm getting ready to replace my 1998 F150 XL and I'm looking for some opinions from owners of 2007-2013 model years. What I'm looking at are basic work trucks (meaning regular cabs with a long bed). I put maybe 5K a year on my truck. I use it mostly for:

• Hauling a couple cords of firewood a year
• Taking trash to my local transfer station every couple weeks
• Transporting camping gear for 8-12 people a few times a year
• General errands

I've been through Consumer Reports and they have their opinion, now I'd like yours. Is there anything in particular about a 2007 or 2008 that is good or bad?
Thanks

HeathMc

They are good trucks. Only real difference is the 5.4 spark plugs went from a two piece that you hear of everyone breaking when they go to replace them (not sure of the engine build date but someone will chime in). Maintenance is key on these trucks. If the 5.4 has been taken care of they can last forever. If they were neglected it can give you issues. I dont see a lot on here about 4.6 issues. So I'm assuming they are a solid engine. If you could find a later model with the 5.0 in it I would really look into one of those. But I have a 08 King Ranch and love the truck and before it I had a 05 Lariat and loved it also. My next truck I will probably be looking at Toyota's. Good luck.

techrep

iTrader: (1)

Kevinpmac

I can attest. 193,000 miles on the odo and still going strong

HeathMc

I have 93k on mine and if I can get to 193k I'll be ecstatic. That would give me an easy 10 more years without a truck payment.

techrep

iTrader: (1)

brains646

I have an 07 STX 4.6 and I was just like you when I started looking. I've had two 5.4's and this is my second 4.6. Without a doubt the 4.6 is the more reliable of the two IN A USED TRUCK SITUATION. Like HeathMC said, if you can find a well kept 5.4 that has been cared for, it will run forever. The 4.6 doesn't need the same kind of attention to last long but if you give it good care, it will truly run until you take it out back and shoot it. There's a reason why the 4.6 serves duty in taxi cabs, police cars,F150's, F250's, U haul trucks and vans, ambulances, Econoline vans, mustangs, crown vics and lincolns. Now its not the most powerful motor in F150 form but it's not weak either. Many of the people that call it a dog...are just not very well informed. The 4.6 as well as the 5.4 are not pushrod engines that generate immediate torque. They require a few more RPM's in order to develop their power, thus, many people have this misconception that the engine is working too hard when its really just hitting its stride. A well kept 4.6 will pull strong from about 2300 RPM. Its a pickup though, not a dragster so no, its not gonna outrun a HEMI but it will outlast just about everything on the road.
So basically, what I'm saying is that for what you are saying youre gonna use it for, a 4.6 would be perfect. It's gonna be one of the smoothest truck engines you ever drove and if you do you plugs right and keep your fuel system clean, you'll be passing on to someone else in 10 years.

650NutKase

by what you are describing, it seems like a 4.2 v6 xl long bed would be best sited for your needs. Solid drivetrain and body.

JerseyGray

2008__XL