Currently own a 1997 F-150 XL with 160K miles. Had it for 11 years and it's been great but it's rusting away and I'm looking to buy something else. I'm looking for a 2009-2011 and have a couple questions.

Are the newer trucks as good as the one I've had so much success with all these years? Will they go the distance with high miles like the '97?

I've never had anything that runs on flex-fuel but heard that the ethanol can damage the motor from inside. Is that something I should steer clear of? I don't even know anything about flex-fuel so that concerns me as well.

Any other comments or advice is appreciated. Thanks.

 

Newer trucks are as good or better.


My advice - look at a 2011 with the 5.0. Ford changed their drivetrain lineup for 2011 to all new engines which are pretty much better in every way. More power, better fuel economy. I'd focus on 2011 or newer if you can find something you can afford. I don't recommend the 2011 ecoboost as it was the 1st year for that engine and there were a few teething issues. Nothing too bad, but the 5.0L engine has proven to be very reliable, cheaper, and gets almost identical fuel economy and power as the Ecoboost.

 

2nd all of this. Unless you tow at altitude or want to max tow, get the 5.0. I can tow 8,500 lbs with my 2014 5.0. Anything more than that should really be F250 territory. I get 24mpg with my 5.0 on trips. No issues. Great engine, great truck. It has done everything ive asked it to.

 

Another thumbs up for the 5.0L V8. My 2013 F150 with the 5.0 has been superb.

And no, you don't need to be concerned about the flex fuel.

 

some 2011-12 5.0s had cylinder problems. make sure it doent tick.

 

Personally I wouldn't go any older than 2013 for any of the engines listed above. I've had zero issues with my 2011 ecoboost but I wouldn't buy a used one in a 2011/12 unless I knew the guy who owned it. I wouldn't buy a used 5.0L in 2011/12 either. Certain teething issues of their own that actually began with the Mustang GT's.

 

I agree

 

Definite thumbs up to later model- at least 2011 F150. I have owned one now since late 2010-- F150 Screw 4x4 5.0L, 3.55 limited slip. This is way above the older 5.4L (had an 02 before this and a 95 before that). Performance, ride, MPG, comfort. late models are built to last. If your looking for mileage or hauling capabilities, or a power nut either he 5.0, 3.5, or some even say the 2.7 on the latest models are great. I opted for the 5.0 only because at the time I liked the sound of the truck and 750 bucks more for the turbo v6 just didn't sit well with me. Can't speak personally for the longevity yet as I only have 36k on the truck. But I love what I have.

 

I went from a '97 with over 250K miles to my '09 5.4L. Only thing that comes to mind that I liked better on the '97 was the way the tranny shifts. Could be because it is the first year for the 6spd but it does some annoying up/down shifts. I've had the reflash that helped some but it still acts a bit weird, not enough to not own the truck though. Averages 3-5mpg better than my '97 5.4L and love all the things like sync, heated mirrors, power slider etc etc.

I've only test drove a 5.0L but it seemed like a nice engine. Also remembered compared to the fantastic relocation of the oil filter on the '97s the '09 is the worst design I have ever seen for an oil filter location. That would be my other bitch about it.

 

I agree the newer trucks are as good as or better than the older trucks. I was told if you don't burn flex-fuel regularly in your truck then you should never burn it. I learned this after I plugged my fuel filter (on my 08 5.4). I had run regular unleaded for about 80,000 then had the bright idea to fill up with E85.
The biggest question is what will you use your truck for?

 

I've ran a tank or two of E85 just to verify the poor mileage, never an issue other than poorer mileage. E85 is a very good cleaner so if you did have crap in the tank it would clean it up real good. '09+ don't have serviceable fuel filters FWIW.

 

Not for any particular reason but I would stay away from any Flex-Fuel vehicle. I also would not recommend an F150 with a 5.4 engine. They do not get the best fuel mileage. Only in my personal experience, an F150 with a 4.6, 5.0 and 3.5 Ecoboost engines would be the best choices. Any F150 that is not purchased from the original owner and or one that does not have a good maintenance record I personally would have mechanically inspected by a certified Ford tech before buying.