Hey guys,
I would like to buy a half ton and wanted your experience/ feedback regarding which MY (or years) would be best to choose from when making a used half ton purchase.
Do you guys know which MY had a relatively bullet proof motor?
unsure which MY those were installed. I had very good luck with my previous pushrod 351 (Lightning Trucks were a real favorite of mine back in the mid 90's) Heavy towing is not required as I have a tow truck already. A naturally aspirated V8 is my goal. Not sure of a turbo'd V6 at this point in time.
I guess what I am asking is which MY's and power plants should I lean towards?
More consideration is given upon the engine and transmission as well as reliable 4x4 needs than anything else. I just can't live without 4x4 in a half ton any longer.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Bench

 

You lost me at MY

 

Is MY - month/year?

 

Get a 6.2L. They won't be putting them in the 2015 F150.

 

MY = Model Year.

09-10 got the 3v 5.4. pretty tried and true.

11+ has the option for select shift, which is a major plus in my book, and can be had with the 5.0 v8.

both get the same 6r80 transmission, but the 11's have some internal improvements and the programming is better as well.

i'd lean toward the 11+ for select shift, and the 5.0's are getting a touch better mileage than the older 5.4's.

 

I like MY 2013, just on looks and available trims and options if nothing else.

 

First off, there's very little price advantage to buying used anymore unless you're willing to go back a few years and potentially settle for a truck with high mileage.

That said, by the 2007 MY, the 5.4L issues were all worked out and were very reliable until the engine's retirement from the F-150 line up at the end of the 2010 MY.

As Mike stated, 2011 brought some nice improvements not only in the transmission but in engine options.

While you're shopping, you may consider looking at a 2013 and compare prices. You'll be very surprised on the deals that are being offered right now.

 

If you are going between 09-10 go with the '10, it has bigger brakes and e-fan. They are all sexy just the newer ones have more stuff to look at/play with in the cab

 

2012 got larger rear brakes aswell. This is one reason I wanted to upgrade from my 2011 to my 2013.

 

2009 and up. The 6 speed makes for a better overall truck be it a 5.4, or any other engine.

 

I guess the 6.2 IS available in something other than the Raptor.

I can't believe the half tons go for basically the same coin as the superdutys!

 

Yes, 6.2L is available up to MY 2014. You would probably have to order it since its not really a common engine. The Eco was pushed pretty hard at the dealerships so you would be hard pressed to find one depending on your location.

 

for me I established the budget then went on a search bender.....ultimately for what I spent new was not happening....this `13 was perfect for me in everyway price,options,miles etc...

 

Thanks guys for all your feedback.
I need to compare the 6.2 with the 5.0 with my needs and wants then make a decision and go from there.
It seems the 6.2 revs higher and looses 3 mpg.
Between the two, I think smart money's on the 5.0 especially if a flatlander. However of I lived in the mountains I'd opt for the 6.2 - reason; Cast Iron block with 5 main bearings w/ a 2 valve cofig. Sounds more durable.
One thing I didn't know was the discontinuation of the 5.4

 

Yep as of the 2011 model year the 5.4L was no more in the F-150, though its still in use with the Expedition. It was replaced by the 5.0L, 6.2L and Ecoboost as far as the F-150 goes.

I have a 2011 5.0L FX4 and have driven a few 2009-2010 5.4L's and I can't honestly say, because I haven't towed with a 2009-2010 5.4L but I have towed a little with my 5.0L and it handled it very well. I towed about 8,000lbs once with it. And it never skipped at beat, and this was in an area that had some mountains and was about 8,000 ft above sea level.

So as far as towing go's I suspect that the 5.4L and 5.0L are close. Unloaded however is a whole different story. Unloaded the 5.0L feels much stronger than any 5.4L I've ever driven...As a matter of the fact, I've got a friend who owns a 2010 F-150 5.4L and he has a tune CAI and Cat back exhaust on his truck and still loses straight line races to stock 5.0L F-150's. Granted with the tune and everything he hangs in there pretty good until about 45mph and then they start pulling.

I would say test drive the 5.0L and 6.2L and go from there. Both are solid and both make plenty of power. The 5.0L obviously will be more efficient and easier on the wallet.

But honestly I don't think you could go wrong with either.