Let me preface with a disclaimer that I know almost nothing about vehicles. I'm woefully ignorant in regards to engines, axles, transmissions, and everything else.

I currently have an old Civic I use to commute to work (60 miles a day round trip) and an old Chevy pickup ('97 Silverado 1500 I think?) that I use to tow my boat and go hunting with. I believe it only has a V6 but it tows a big heavy bay boat pretty well. It is absolutely horrible for my hunting trips, though, due to the lack of four wheel drive. I spend an enormous amount of time in the woods and have had to be very creative in regards to getting that stupid thing unstuck.

I'm tired of paying insurance on two vehicles, getting registration and inspection stickers for two vehicles, maintaining both of them, etc, so I have decided to sell my current truck and car and purchase a new truck that I can commute with and also pull a boat and drive through the woods.

I realize I won't get the same fuel efficiency from an F-150 that I do from a Civic, but it's a calculated loss, and brings me to my first question:

Do I need a V8? How much more fuel does the V8 consume? I drive between 15k-20k a year and would like to calculate this somehow. I'd love to have a V8, particularly because of the boat (I've towed with my buddy's truck that has a V8 and it's a remarkable difference, but is only anecdotal). That being said, it's not necessarily critical. I've been towing a boat with a V6 now for five years. It takes me longer to get up to speed, but it gets the job done. I'd be curious to hear any opinions on this.

Secondly, which model is best for this simple purpose? I don't need anything fancy. This truck is going to be scratched up pretty bad the first time I take it into the woods. There's no getting around that, so I don't want to buy something too elaborate. Would an XL be just fine? I noticed they have four wheel drive available on them.

Is it idiotic to buy one with a tow package? I assume the dealers make a lot of money off of these little extras. I can bolt a hitch to a frame, but would like to know if the factory ones are better somehow.

Should I pursue this X-Plan thing? Is it a no-brainer to want to get one of those pins or are there other variables I'm not aware of?

Finally, what is the best resource for finding out dealer invoice prices and other critical information? I tend to approach negotiation from a relatively simplistic perspective.

Thanks for any help, and sorry for being such a newbie. It's just not a subject I know anything about. I apologize if these questions have been answered a thousand times previously.

 

Welcome. Here's my opinion:

I think you're fine with a V6. I'd try to get the 6 speed transmission as it will tow a lot better. Fuel economy won't be that much different... but probably worth 1-2mpg.

20,000 / 15mpg (v8) = 1333.33 gallons
20,000 / 17mpg (v6) = 1176.5 gallons

Probably $400ish per year?

As far as pricing goes, X-Plan is the way to go in my opinion. It's no haggle, just go in, pay, etc. It's usually right around invoice price. Most dealers have no issue showing you invoice price, as you can find it all over the internet (such as Edmunds.com). Also, it caps the dealer fee's at like $75 - your state may allow something like $250 so it might save you money there too.

Good luck!

 

You sound like you would be the perfect candidate for the new EcoBoost V6 available in the 2011 models. Although this may be more than you're willing to spend. But I think it would be the best fit for you.

The 3.7L V6 is a stout little plant thought. You are probably best looking down this route. The 2011s won't be out until late January or early February, but by the sounds of it, you're not hot on your feet to buy something tomorrow.

If I were in your shoes, I'd wait a few months and get your hands on a nice XL or decent XLT with the 3.7L, as long as that engine is available with 4wd. Someone else will have to chime in as to that pairing.

 

The 3.7L will be available in the 4x4's with reg and Scab trucks up to XLT I believe.

The 5.0L is a $1000 option. I believe the 3.5L will be between $1500 and $1800 extra. I think the 3.7L will be a very good all around engine but we don't know how heavy the boat is.

I would go with a 3.73 gear set. If the truck doesn't have the factory tow hitch then U-haul can certain accommodate.

 

I would suggest against a 2011 if you are the type to keep it 'forever'. Mainly because the first year of any redesign is more likely to have problems than a tried and true platform.

For all of the people that are going to scream at me for that -- I am not saying it WILL have more problems. None of us can see the future. I'm saying it's more likely.

Plus, he can get into a 2010 with a 4.6 significantly cheaper than a 2011 with the ecoboost.

 

I would get the factory tow package, They only charge $350.00 for it. You get the hitch, wiring for a 7 pin and 4 pin connectors, a bigger battery, an aux. transmission cooler and I think a bigger radiator. I got it on all my XLT's

 

Yes I meant to suggest that too ... well worth it.

 

The listed towing capacity of a V6 with a manual is going to be limited. Even a V6 with a auto is nothing to write home about.

When you factor in resale value, you'll really be wishing that you had at least a 4.6L.

If you tow a lot, then 3.73 gears would make sense. If you don't tow all that much, and want a bit better mpg, the 3.55 rear is the better choice with either the 4.6L or 5.4L.

You don't mention cab style or if you have a family. That will have a big impact too.

 

It's now a $375.00 option on the 2011's, you do get an upgraded radiator, you don't get a bigger battery, but in place you get a select shift tranny...what ever that is!!!!

 

Something to remember is that the 3.7L has been in use for 3+ years now. It's not the exact same motor as what is found in the Edge, Flex, etc, but it's quite close.

Some of the other guys here have pointed out quite a few strong points to the OP and should be great in helping the OP with a new purchase.

While I do love my 5.4L and admire the 4.6L for what it does, I have faith in Ford to provide a stout set of powerplants for the 150 for 2011. I'm personally excited to see them, and wish that I could afford one.

 

He's also driving 60+ miles per day. He's trying to find a happy medium.

The 2011 isn't a redesign. All four engines are in service though tuned differently than the F-150 will require they are still performing well. The six speed has been in service since the 2007 Expedition debuted. It has been tweaked and is better than it was. So I'm not really getting this redesign thing.

It would be irresponsible to tell the OP who is selling an old chevy V-6 and a civic to replace them with a Platinum F-150 with the 6.2L at price of about $53K+/-.

 

Ha, Tim you're right, but isn't it more fun to lead the guy down the road he'd rather not travel???

From the looks of it, the 3.7L V6 with the 3.73s is spec'd to out tow the 4.6L V8 and get better mileage doing so. Ford's site claims that a 4x4 Scab with the 3.7 will tow around 5500lbs

 

I just wanted to say thank you to everybody that has contributed to the thread. I just sat here for a half hour taking down notes.

I really value the information I receive from you all and genuinely appreciate you having taken the time to post.

 

Keep us all informed as to what you decide upon.
You can probably score a pretty sweet deal on a 2010 right now as they're trying to clear the lots for the 2011s.
Look into the X-Plan as mentioned before, and look into ordering a 2011, as you might find something that suits your wallet just fine.

Good luck and happy hunting!

 

Plus it will help out on resale later (if that happens).