My local dealer has some nice used trucks coming in off leases. They are 2011-2013 models, XLTs, Crew Cabs, and 4x4s. So, they are all pretty much identical, with the exception of the '13 interior updates (which I really like).

The main difference is that some have the EcoBoost and some have the Coyote engine. All of these trucks are in the 80k-95k miles range. From what I'm gathering, the EcoBoost makes more overall power and is noticeably faster and tows easier. However, the Coyote is less problematic over time and less expensive to keep on the road as the miles rack up. Gas mileage seems to be a wash between them.

My uses would be to daily drive it to work 30 miles through both city and highway, and tow my ATVs to camp sites on some weekends. I am primarily concerned with REAL WORLD fuel economy and dependability....I don't want to have to work on this truck all the time.

With that in mind, which engine option would you guys pick and why?

 

There has got to be half a million threads on this subject.
Pick the truck you like best and go for it.
The amount you plan on towing won't matter.


Don't know who told you the 5.0 has less problems.... they are about the same.


I have 102k trouble free miles on my '13 Ecoboost.

 

either engine will serve you good. My wife's '12 EB powered SCREW 4x4 has 3.73 gears, a leveling kit and slightly larger tires and she averages just under 17 MPG on the 15 mile trip to work. On the interstate the truck will get just under 21 mpg. My buddy has had two EB powered 4x4 trucks with 3.31 gears and he gets around 18 local driving and around 25 on long distance trips.

Our truck has just under 50k on it without any issues and my buddy has had no issues with either of his two trucks, one is a '14 and the other was an '11 or '12(which ever was the first year for the EB)

 

I don't know how anybody could say the 5.0L lasts longer. Both engines were introduced in the F150 the same year. There aren't any 10+ year old trucks yet to see how it played out.

 

I would want to be the 1st person of the day to start the trucks & listen to the engine. There were a small number of early trucks that had a timing chain issue.

 

And some 5.0s has out of round cylinders and they tick sounding like popsicle sticks. I would also look at the carfaxs, and see if they would give you a warranty.

 

If that is all you plan to tow either engine will suit your needs. Both engines have had issues here and there...it's basically the luck of the draw as to how well the previous owners took care of the trucks. I would look for a maintenance history for the one you like and go from there. Drive them both back to back and decide for yourself.

 

That's exactly the kind of advice I wanted to hear. Thanks. I've been hearing a lot about carbon buildup, failed turbos, timing chains, losing power under load, etc. on the EcoBoost. I'd heard nothing on the Coyote except a #8 cylinder issue on Mustangs that had been tuned. I assumed that with no forced induction and no direct injection that the Coyote was a more dependable engine. So now I'm learning more...this is what I wanted. Thanks. Keep it coming...

 

I've said this over & over, but people afraid of turbos try scaring others. I've had a turbo charged engine (ran HARD at times, BTW) for years & years, and it never failed. Just like anything else mechanical, they are subject to failing. But also, like anything else mechanical, keep the fluids clean & cool, and change them when necessary and they'll last the life of the motor.

That said, with what you are looking to tow, either will work for you (as others have already mentioned). Do your due diligence on the vehicles you're looking at, find a good one, and it should serve you well. I actually looked at a King Ranch 5.0 before we found the Limited hidden in the back of the lot for the same money. That was a no-brainer for me...

 

There are issues with each, and at this point I think it's too early to say if one is more reliable than the other. The EcoBoost engines are having some timing issues, and the 5.0L engines seems to have an abnormal number of engine failures recently. Without any kind of accurate statistics it's all just conjecture though.

These threads made me much less certain of the 5.0L recently.

5.0L Short Block Replacement Time Lapse - Ford F150 Forum - Community of Ford Truck Fans

I've seen a handful of 5.0L failures here on FTE just in the last few months.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ine-knock.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-knocking.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ew-engine.html

Two in this one:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...dont-last.html

 

Sounds like either one will get the job done for you. My 11 was a 5.0 and it was great. I'm now nearly 40K into my 13 with the Eco and have to say it's great too. A tiny bit less character due to the lack of exhaust tone (V8 vs V6) but that's really about it. FWIW, I purchased my current truck because the deal was the best. No other reason.


If I were you, I would focus more on looking over the truck you like the most and make the best deal you can. Buy it and don't think twice about which motor. Heck, you can buy what everyone says is the best of the best and still end up with a P.O.S. it's just the luck of the draw.


Good luck with your decision and have fun with the truck!

 

I towed a lot of trailers with my EB. I put roughly 40,000 miles towing and another 40,000 just driving. The truck runs great. I think you'll be happy with either. Post some pictures of the new ride once you have it!

 

This is why I like this site.... more mature crowd.
On the other site this would have started a war by now.

 

That other site sucks.

 

A couple years ago war would have escalated here for sure. We've rid ourselves of the riffraff and now have a bunch of great folks who can communicate intelligently.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a truck equipped either way. I'd look for the normal things that anyone would look for in a used vehicle and make the best choice. In 2011 I spec'd out a 5.0L truck but the ecoboost truck fell in my lap for less money. I was grinnin' both ways.