Is there any real advantage to getting a 2011/2012 over a 2009/2010? I found a good deal on a 2010 FX4 but not sure what the differences are other than the 5.0/3.5 and the onboard computer/screen is 1000% more useful in 2011+. My budget puts the 2009s within reach that have a decent amount of options but I'd need to wait to put a 2011/2012 within reach. Just weighing my options and what I should do.

 

In 2010, Ford upgraded the brakes, added electric cooling fans and made some software changes to adjust transmission shifting and help with it's quirkiness. Obviously slight changes and adjustments happen each year but 2011 brought about the largest changes, as you've already illustrated.

 

Should I be scared to buy a 2011 Eco with 100K miles?

 

5.0 is WAY easier to work on under the hood. It also makes more power and uses less fuel. Those things alone would make it worth skipping a 5.4 truck to me. Those 5.4s eat cam phasers and chain guides for breakfast. Unless price difference is significant, I'd go 2011+

 

I have an eco with 80k runs Great! But the eco's and 5.0 are way easier to work on vs the 5.4

 

Thanks for the comments. I ended up passing on the 2010. The interior and paint were beautiful but the underside and engine compartment were super crusty. The truck was originally from Canada so I think it was under coated in the last year to hide the salt damage. There was one spot where it had come off and it looked just as bad as my 2003 Ranger.

My goal is a 2011/2012 FX4 with the 5.0. I'd love the Ecoboost but not sure I want to own one in the 100,000-200,000 mile time period.

 

Don't rule out the 6.2 for 2011. I love mine!

 

I'm sure the 6.2 would a lot of fun... But I don't really need it. Hell, I really don't need a V8 but... What fun is that? haha

I found another 2010 in my price range. The only thing this one is missing is the back up camera. I think that could be added so I might go make a low offer.

2010 FX4, leather, sunroof, brake controler, 5.4, black on black, 107K miles can be had for $20K.

 

Don't rule out eco's. Mine is running great at 85k. Not to mention there's a whole thread on over 100k ecos. Can't beat the power of the eco. I do miss the V8 growl though. Thing is I'd never buy a 5.4 again. The newer motors out match it by leaps and bounds.

 

This guy knows what he's talkin about!

 

Yea... Spend a little extra money for the 2011!

 

I have to admit the 6.2L is in a class of its own at the top of the Ford Engine Pyramid. It wasn't an option for me but if you can find one.....jump on it.

 

FWIW I bought my 2011 F150 XLT 4x4 off road packaged 5.0 in Sept. 2014 with 35k on the clock for $26k. Look around and shop wise. You should be able to find an 11-14 truck with close to what you want for a price you can afford. However at this time of year 4x4's are in high demand. And funny thing is while the wife and I were working on finalizing the deal on my truck, another guy and his teenage son came into the dealership want to look at the truck and take it for a test drive. The look on their faces when they found out they were too late was priceless.

 

I have the 6.2 as well, its a very good motor. only bad thing about it its hard on gas. (But then I don't use either one of my trucks as a daily driver) and I think an F150 with a 6.2 is a rare truck.

 

Compared to my V10 Excursion ( 8 MPG personal license plate ) which I drove 30 miles daily before getting my 6.2 F-150, the 6.2 is like a Prius!! I hit almost exactly my EPA numbers listed on my window sticker of 12 city / 13 mixed / 16 Highway