I currently have a 2011 F-250 6.7L and I am thinking of trading it in because I will no longer be towing a 5th wheel...

Because I am no longer pulling much and don't need the pulling capacity, I am thinking of moving to a cheaper 1/2 ton.

So my question is - what years of an F-150 should I stay away from? The last F-150 I've had was a 2003 5.4L, so it has been awhile. Right now, I am looking at 2015-16's because of the aluminum body, but would be interested in hearing suggestions.

I am only interested in a crew cab, 4x4 and 5.0L. I have absolutely no interest in the newer ecoboost.

Any F-150 year better than the others?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Just out of curiosity, what makes you disregard the EcoBoost engines?

The earlier 5.0L engines have a known issue with ticking and knocking that eventually requires complete engine replacement. Not all engines are affected, and it's tough to get a good scope of the problem. Seems like it took a few years for the issue to show itself, but it's a relatively common thing to hear about now. I'm not sure if it was resolved by the '15+ models or not.

The EcoBoost engines haven't been without their issues either, but complete failure seems quite rare at this point. More common are issues with moisture accumulation in the CAC and spark plugs needing to be replaced sooner than the recommended interval.

Regardless of engine, the '15+ redesign is a substantial improvement over the previous generation. The trucks are almost 700 lbs lighter in crew cab form, and you can really feel how much better they drive. Overall reliability seems good, but like anything else that's massed produced, some have had their issues, and the internet is filled with them.

 

Thank you for the reply. I have just heard some pretty big horror stories about the ecoboost's and I prefer a traditional V8. I had heard the newer 5.0's were pretty much bullet proof, but like you said, the internet if full of vehicle failures.

I just prefer the bigger engine. I am glad to hear the 2015 and newer trucks are a substantial improvement over the older vehicles. I am pretty focused on those two model years, but wanted to make sure I didn't overlook any other model year.

Thanks again for the response and please keep them coming!

 

I think you'd be good with either a '15 or '16. Like Tom said I wouldn't rule out the EB engines. For the most part they have proven to be reliable engines. The 5.0 has just as many issues as the EB and actually they might be worse do to the fact that I believe there are more EB engines out there than the 5.0.

The main issues with the 3.5eb are:

Water condensation in the CAC which doesn't affect all trucks(depends on how you drive them and the type of environment you live in)and I think Ford has made some changes to address the issues.

Plugs fouling quicker isn't really a big deal. You should be able to get 50k out of them and the plug change on a 3.5EB is really easy, about an 1hr job if you take your time.

There are some issues with timing chains stretching but that seems to pop up when you get closer to 100k.

 

I would have hard time not buying a 5.0 again ...despite the fact the 3.5 ecoboost out muscles it in pretty much every way, towing, acceleration etc... however I'd give the nod to the 5.0 for best overall fuel mileage if that's important to you.

 

For 5.0 trucks, '15-'17 are pretty much unchanged. Sync3 in '16 and up. Some paint color changes. No mechanical changes at all for the V8. '15 and up 5.0s have been very trouble free.

Also '15 and up 5.0 trucks are 385 hp vs 365 on the '11-'14s.

 

I had a 2012 F150 3.5 Eco and currently own a 2015 3.5 ECo. I had zero problems on the 2012 and so far have had none with the 2015. The 2015 does have a little better acceleration according to the seat of the pants meter, with less tire spin. I have driven both in downpours and extreme (to me) cold. 10 degrees. I haven't had the problem with the door locks. We have had a very mild winter so far this year we got down to lower 20's couple nights. I promise either will blow the doors off most other pickups including my son-in-laws Hemi! I may have snow on the roof but I ain't dead yet!

 

Welcome!

So, are you looking for never been titled new trucks that are hold overs or are you looking for a used '15 or '16?

Consider this if it's the latter, whether you trade or sell your SD truck, you'll immediately notice the extreme value that used trucks have. You can get a new 2017 for nearly the same money, perhaps just a few thousand more.

However, if you chose a used truck, do your best to find one that is a Ford Certified Pre-owned truck. The warranty on the CPO trucks is pretty strong and you can make out pretty well if you find a low mileage unit.

That said, you've clearly become accustomed to how the 6.7L truck drives. The ecoboost truck will most closely mimic the traits of the diesel without the maintenance costs.

The 5.0L is a solid engine and I'd proudly own one. Neither engine is without it's faults or failures. Even the 6.7L had some teething issues.

 

Sync 3 started with the 2016 trucks. I feel the new sync works a lot better than the previous version. I just bought a new 2016 F150 a couple weeks ago. There were some very good deals out there you may want to take a peek. I wouldn't be surprised if you could pickup a new 2016 for about the same price as used 2015.

 

If you want a V8, go for it. That's a great engine. But Sync3 is a huge improvement and worth getting IMO. So I agree with the above statement 100%.

 

I'd look for a leftover 2016 on the dealers lot, regardless of engine choice. Some really good deals down here on the '16's right now.
I'd suggest driving all of the engine choices, I love my 5.0l, but coming from a 6.7l, you'll probably appreciate the power delivery of the 3.5l more. About the only stories you hear about the EB are negative, (kind of like the 2011 6.7) I don't put a lot of stock in 2nd hand information, I know too many people that have the EB with zero issues....
Anyway, enjoy the hunt and keep an open mind.

 

Get a 5.0 with the 3.55 gear.
Sweet Combo. I had that combo in a 2012 157"wb Lariat Super Crew. I traded it recently at 100,000 miles. No maintenance/reliability issues ever. The trip meter 2 "lie-o-meter" showed 19.2 mpg over those 100,000 miles.

 

I went from a 2011 F250 6.7 4x4 KR to a 2016 F150 KR 4x4 3.5 ECO 157" bed and I love the Ecoboost . It seems to be more like the diesel I had in my last two trucks . Love the power and acceleration . I got the 157" bed so I would have the same bed length as the F250 .Seems to have more interior room than the F250 . I'm 20,000 miles into it and have no regrets on the truck or engine choice.

 

Thank you for the replies, I appreciate it. I was looking at used, but I do see some 16' leftovers fairly reasonable. I don't want to spend more than $35k, so not sure if new is possible.

Needs to be 4x4 and crew cab. Dont really care about anything else (other than engine). In doing some research, the 3.5L eco may be an option. Can you tell me more about the Sync3 and how it's better?

I see new 2016 2.7L ecos for for a little over $30k, but no 3.5's...or 5.0's

 

Go '16 leftover. No other sensible option. Glad you are considering the 3.5 EB, as I haven't heard such "horror stories" from anyone other than fanboys who are jealous their own trucks are under powered. Still, get what you want.

Lots of more basic trucks can be had in the $35k range new. Rebates vary by region, but I did a quick search and found XLTs starting around $35,500. If you would be good with and XL Chrome or Sport package, you'd easily be under the target, and with a brand new one.