Can anyone recommend an F-150 for me?
I commute 50 miles round trip, need good gas mileage. Which V6?
I have 2 kids, need a crew or super cab - which offers the most backseat room?
I'm 6'3, so I need head and leg room.
Would like a shorter model or bed so I can park in my garage.
Any ideas would be appreciated.
I want to go back to driving American again, but need reliability.

Thanks,

John

 

Welcome to FTE.

2wd or do you need 4wd? Do you tow?
The 3.7L is a decent little engine, and you can get it in a 2wd crew cab. How old are your kids? The SuperCab has a decent amount of room, but the crew cab (SuperCrew) has LOADS more interior space for back seat occupants.

Don't rule out the 5.0L V8 either. Unloaded it's not that thirsty of an engine. It's more "simple" than the 3.5L Ecoboost V6 that is slight more fuel efficient.

All in all, you're making the right decision on the best all around truck on the market. SCab or SCrew you can't go wrong, just depends on what YOUR needs actually are.

 

Thanks. I need 4wd, don't tow or haul much gear. In your opinion, which engine would be most reliable, the 3.7L or the 5.0L?. I would like something that can go over 100,000 without much service.

 

Well...since you need 4wd and need the room of a SCab or SCrew, then you cannot get the 3.7L.
So that leaves the Ecoboost or the 5.0L. Honestly, they are both great motors. One a little more traditional, and the other with two high spinning turbines. It's up to you really. I think Ford has proved well enough that the 3.5L EB can take some abuse. And from the guys on here that have the EB they are reporting some good mileage if you can keep your foot out of its throat.

The 5.0L is a stout motor too. More traditional as I said since it's a V8, but it's miles above the 5.4L it replaced. Better power, torque, and mileage too boot.
I suggest you go test drive both motors, and both cabs, and see what fits your and your family's needs.

Enjoy! Both motors are fun to drive.

FYI, here's the 2011 spec sheet for all the F150 offerings. I'm not sure how this will change, if any, for 2012.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/specs/20...d-f-150-1.html

 

buy my 2011 Supercab XLT 5.0 4x4. Otherwise I'll be crying when I trade it in sometime in the next few weeks for something smaller and more economical (2012 Focus). It kills me to do it but, I'm finally facing up to the reality that I just don't NEED this truck and, I can't justify what it's costing me to keep around when all it ever really hauls is me, the 5.5 miles each way to/from the office 5 days a week. *sigh*...

 

i have a 2010, so not much help in the engine department, but mine is a supercab with a 6.5 foot bed. it fits in my garage with some room to spare when it's not full of all of the other things i seem to accumulate. i would say if you have younger kids get the super cab, but if they are older, possibly get a supercrew. I grew up from the time i was in diapers until i graduated high school riding in the back of a supercab. wheather it be a 1994 with sideways facing foldout seat or the traditional bucket seats of a 2001+ F-150, there is enough room for adults in the back. just not much room for anything else with he seats occupied.


Hope this helps,

Q.

 

To the OP, welcome to FTE.

My first question is, do you really need a truck? The 2012 Explorer has an advanced 4x4 / AWD system and it seems to be big enough to meet your needs. The MPG's on it will be better than any truck.

However, I bought my 2011 4x4 Ecoboost with 3.31 axle ratios and I'm getting 22-23 highway right now with only 2400 miles on her.

I recommend you drive everything that ford builds and make an educated decision.

 

Always thinking outside the box. Nice call on the Explorer Tim.

 

And those new Explorers are a sexy looking vehicle also

 

Well I can't help you on the engine question as I have a 2009 but I can give you my opinion in the scab - screw question. I have two small boys age 5 and 7 and I would not trade my screw in for a scab. The screw has a TON more room then the scab. So much room in fact that my boys can no longer kick my seats causing me to come unglued and them getting in trouble ! So screw for sure but definitely go take a look at them both and come to your own conclusion.

I would also take Tim's advice and make sure you really need a truck, unless of course you just really "want" a truck and that I can understand as well. The new explorers are nice for sure though.

 

Awe shucks Chandler.

 

Dont you go getting all gushy on me Tim. Might have to take back all those nice things I've said about ya.

 

Hi There "68fordmovingvan"...

Truly! Lots of sound advice in the posts... As MCD stated , Drive several that the Dealership has, And check them for yourself.. Read all the posts , Take everything to heart and then finally, Make the Decision for yourself...

Weigh the "Pro's & Con's" of what you test Drive don't be in a hurry, remember! The final part of making up your mind is something you have too live with...

Personally, I love my Truck and don't believe I would be happy with anything else, If you need a 4x4 and the added room, Your decision would be quite simple I think, Obtain the "12" SCREW with Ecoboost Engine.. Then you would have the Economy you also need...

Ford did it right in the testing on the E.B. It would be my choice if I were trading..

Well enough of my rambling.. welcome to this "Nightmare"....

iBear(D) & Ozzie

 

Definitely a good call on the new Explorer. They are sweet, but a bit $$$$ when set up right. Not sure they would work as good of a deal on that vs. the new F150. And the mpg probably won't be that much better in the real world.

But remember, even with a Screw (which I have) there is plenty of room in the back, but no "trunk", so be prepared for the expense of a tonneau cover to keep things dry.

That being said, I have the ecoboost Screw and love it so far. Around town mpg is around 13.5, but I drive it hard and it's still breaking in, so I expect it to get better.

 

I don't understand the savings in this. As little as you drive (55 miles/week). Gas consumption should be less than 4 gallons a week = $16.00. A Focus would use probably about 2 gallons per week = $8.00. An $8 per week saving in fuel would pay back the depreciation/trade loss in how long? Not to mention the difference in comfort and utility.

If it were a superCREW I'd be checking it out and maybe buy it.