I just purchased a "Certified" pre-owned 2011 F-150 Flex Fule w/5.0 V8. Something looked odd about the bumper so I went to a different dealer who was closer to my house so I could compare to other trucks on the lot. One of the salesmen pointed out that my front end was that of an Eco-Boost which are all 6-cyl trucks. He could clearly see that mine was something else and then asked if it had been in a wreck. Hearing that I beat it back to the dealer I bought it from for clarification. The best they could give me was that it was likely a mess up on the assembly line and that 1) Carfax report no accidents 2) The original owner was an employee of the dealer (it only had 8500 miles on it when I bought it) 3) had it been in an accident it could not be labled as Certified Pre Owned and 4) It's VIN would have been reported when the replacement bumper was ordered. So I guess here's my question; did they scam me into a vehicle that had been in an accident or is it possible as they say that it was just a part screw up during assembly. Thanks in advance.

 

As far as I know, there is no difference between an Ecoboost bumper and a 5.0 bumper. What could be different is the driver's side rectangular black pad...and that is only different when an Ecoboost truck is ordered with a front license plate holder which has a recess in the pad to hold the front plate. Without a front plate option, all should be identical--two smooth pads and an open center section. In states where a front plate is required, all trucks are usually ordered with the front plate option. In states that do not require a front plate, some dealers order them anyways to give them another place to mount their advertising plate. The V-8 and 3.7 V-6 trucks have notches in the center opening to snap in a front plate holder. If one is there, it is very easy to snap out too.

 

I agree...I was looking at the ecoboost ones when shopping for my kid today, and the eco's have the plate on the left bumper pad...or maybe the right. The bumper is identical otherwise.

 

could be that the PO ordered the plate bracket for an ecoboost cauz he thoght it looked nice. could be as simple as that, i think.

 

EcoBooster's have the plate on the drivers side...

 

The bumpers are the same except for the license plate bracket and placement.

 

I would suggest that you take anything said by a salesman with a great deal of salt.
I have found over the years that salesmen are not the best source of information concerning a vehicle.
If you have concerns as to whether your truck has been wrecked take it to a reputable body shop that specializes in Ford products.
Ask one of the body techs if he would be kind enough to take a look at your truck and give his opinion.
One of them may be willing to take the time at lunch or after work to do so.
I would recommend that you offer a few dollars ($10-$20) as an enticement for the time and effort.

 

I agree with this. AND all the other posters as well.

The only difference is the front plate bracket location. The EcoBoost trucks need that opening clear for the intercooler.

Just so you are satisfied, confident and comfortable with your purchase. I would have it inspected by an independent third party for confirmation.

 

Can you post a pic of your bumper so we can see what your talking about

 

You can look at photo above by Sprocket226.
It shows the tag mount off to one side.

 

 

 

 

Nice Truck!

Love that blue color.

 

Your truck has a license plate bracket for an Ecoboost truck. Anyone could have changed the 'breadloaf' out for the bracket. The original owner probably preferred the offset plate.

The bumpers are the same.

The 3.7 V6 used the same center mounted license plate bracket as the 5.0 v8 & previous non-turbo models.