Starting to look at getting into a 12 or 13 f150. Having some difficulties deciding what engine to get. All opinions welcome!!

 

Each to their own. I own a 2011 supercrew xlt 4x4 with 5.0 litre and 3.55 gears. I love the truck. gas mileage in town is usually in the 17.0 range. Average highway mileage exceeds 21 mpg. Best tank x 3 different times was 23+ mpgs with 3 people, 3 dogs, and 4 days worth of gear in the truck.
Hands down one fine truck. sold my 02 F150 screw and never looked back.

 

In finding a good used F-150 with the color, trim ect. and price you want, you may just
have to accept whichever engine it comes with.
Looks like you're in PHX. 5.0 will do great around there, and you get the
much desired "V8 rumble."
If you get an EB, you'll get near silence, but you'll be amazed how effortless
the truck will go up I-17 to Flagstaff.

 

Unless you "need" the truck for a specific purpose, don't let the engine be the deciding factor.

 

Make sure you take the time to compare out the door prices on the 2014's before you pull the trigger on a used truck. Used truck priced are stupid high now an d have been for years. The 2015's will be rolling soon and the dealers are anxious and motivated to move their new inventory.

 

Unless you intend to pull a heavy load, it doesn't matter. I had a 2012 5.0 SCREW 4X2 w/ 3.73 gears (tow package) and it was a great truck. On level ground it pulled my 7000 pound camper effortlessly. Hills called for 4000 rpm but it had an excellent V-8 sound.


Because my towing needs increased I bought a 2014 Ecoboost SCREW 4X4 w/ 3.73 gears (Max Tow). Pulling the same camper it pulled hills at 2500 rpm that the 5.0 needed 4000 rpm to climb. I'm pulling 9,000 pounds with it now and it doesn't breath hard.


My mileage is comparable considering that the Ecoboost is a 4X4. The 5.0 gave me 21 highway, 17 mixed. The Ecoboost is giving me 19.5 highway, 16.5 mixed.


In short, I would advise you to get the ecoboost (properly set up) if you will pull heavy loads.

 

I have a 2011 SuperCrew 4x4 5.0 3.55 and 275/65-20's.
I think the power is very good, especially when compared to my old 2001 SuperCrew 5.4 4x4.

I wish I was getting the mileage some of you guys are getting, I'm surprised the tires kill the mileage that much even corrected for tire size.

 

The EcoBoost really shines when towing, you'll love it in the mountains. If I didn't tow I wouldn't have a preference one way or the other.

 

My location is wrong. I live in Virginia Beach now. And right now I currently have a 14 Mustang, so try to get something that'll handle the weather if it becomes bad. Not caring to much about power. Just want reliability.

 

made that run several times in my truck with 5.0 and it goes as fast as I am brave enough to drive it ......same thing running up to Payson which (to me anyway) seems to have steeper stretches

 

If you are going to tow much, I might suggest the Eco Boost.

If you are getting used, but aren't going to tow, it probably doesn't make any difference. Both are very good engines.

I'll also reiterate what was mentioned earlier. I wouldn't automatically settle on a used 2012 without seriously considering a new 2014 that's sitting on the lot. With the incentives available there might not be that much difference in used and new.

 

There are a lot of good replies and honestly asking which truck to buy kind of doesn't make any sense. You have not given enough information like what you will be towing, how heavy it is, how often, etc. for people to give you a better idea of what it sounds like you will need.

I would NOT go by what people calim for milage for either motor. Your milage will vary due to your specific geography, climate, and how heavy your right foot is.

Ok after saying all that like some of the others have said the ecoboost would really be an advantage in the higher altitudes. I really love the way my ecoboost tows...it truely is like a small diesel. That is not to say the 5.0 is a slouch by any means as those driving it can attest...however in the mountains the ecoboost will have the advantage (and more power). It will also be rated to tow more with 3.73 gearing.

So maybe you can supply us with more of your needs?

 

If you are buying used, pick the one in the best condition and with the lowest miles. If new, see PV's post above.

 

Yes, don't forget to check leftover year end deals on new trucks.


I have a '13 FX4 5.0 because I do not like turbos. They continue to spin with no oil pressure after you shut the engine off. That isn't a problem if you're not going to keep the truck long term.


On all the industrial engines I deal with we have post lube pumps that keep the oil pressure up until the turbo stops. For the street I would rather have a blower.


Just my $.02

 

Ford tested the turbo cool down. They ran the engine at maximum boost for 10 minutes, then shut it while producing maximum boost. Let it cool down then did the test again. I think this was done something like 150,000 times. Cool down is not an issue with these trucks.