Notices
2009 - 2014 F150 Discuss the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Ford F150
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Moser

2012 5.0 or ecoboost?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 13, 2014 | 03:14 PM
  #1  
JB78f150's Avatar
JB78f150
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,104
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach, VA
2012 5.0 or ecoboost?

Starting to look at getting into a 12 or 13 f150. Having some difficulties deciding what engine to get. All opinions welcome!!
 
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2014 | 03:45 PM
  #2  
tuckr2's Avatar
tuckr2
Mountain Pass
10 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 177
Likes: 7
From: Pacific Northwest
Each to their own. I own a 2011 supercrew xlt 4x4 with 5.0 litre and 3.55 gears. I love the truck. gas mileage in town is usually in the 17.0 range. Average highway mileage exceeds 21 mpg. Best tank x 3 different times was 23+ mpgs with 3 people, 3 dogs, and 4 days worth of gear in the truck.
Hands down one fine truck. sold my 02 F150 screw and never looked back.
 
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2014 | 05:15 PM
  #3  
Truckpilot1329's Avatar
Truckpilot1329
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
In finding a good used F-150 with the color, trim ect. and price you want, you may just
have to accept whichever engine it comes with.
Looks like you're in PHX. 5.0 will do great around there, and you get the
much desired "V8 rumble."
If you get an EB, you'll get near silence, but you'll be amazed how effortless
the truck will go up I-17 to Flagstaff.
 
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2014 | 05:56 PM
  #4  
KJ Smith's Avatar
KJ Smith
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,052
Likes: 57
Unless you "need" the truck for a specific purpose, don't let the engine be the deciding factor.
 
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2014 | 05:59 PM
  #5  
tseekins's Avatar
tseekins
Super Moderator
15 Year Member
Veteran: Coast Guard
Community Builder
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,024
Likes: 1,519
From: Maine, Virginia
Club FTE Gold Member
Make sure you take the time to compare out the door prices on the 2014's before you pull the trigger on a used truck. Used truck priced are stupid high now an d have been for years. The 2015's will be rolling soon and the dealers are anxious and motivated to move their new inventory.
 
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2014 | 07:09 PM
  #6  
Goldstar225's Avatar
Goldstar225
Trailering
10 Year Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Unless you intend to pull a heavy load, it doesn't matter. I had a 2012 5.0 SCREW 4X2 w/ 3.73 gears (tow package) and it was a great truck. On level ground it pulled my 7000 pound camper effortlessly. Hills called for 4000 rpm but it had an excellent V-8 sound.


Because my towing needs increased I bought a 2014 Ecoboost SCREW 4X4 w/ 3.73 gears (Max Tow). Pulling the same camper it pulled hills at 2500 rpm that the 5.0 needed 4000 rpm to climb. I'm pulling 9,000 pounds with it now and it doesn't breath hard.


My mileage is comparable considering that the Ecoboost is a 4X4. The 5.0 gave me 21 highway, 17 mixed. The Ecoboost is giving me 19.5 highway, 16.5 mixed.


In short, I would advise you to get the ecoboost (properly set up) if you will pull heavy loads.
 
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2014 | 09:33 PM
  #7  
vista461's Avatar
vista461
Cross-Country
20 Year Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 74
Likes: 1
I have a 2011 SuperCrew 4x4 5.0 3.55 and 275/65-20's.
I think the power is very good, especially when compared to my old 2001 SuperCrew 5.4 4x4.

I wish I was getting the mileage some of you guys are getting, I'm surprised the tires kill the mileage that much even corrected for tire size.
 
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2014 | 09:44 PM
  #8  
xr7gt390's Avatar
xr7gt390
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 77
From: Central Florida
The EcoBoost really shines when towing, you'll love it in the mountains. If I didn't tow I wouldn't have a preference one way or the other.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-3

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-5

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-9

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Oct 13, 2014 | 09:47 PM
  #9  
JB78f150's Avatar
JB78f150
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,104
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach, VA
My location is wrong. I live in Virginia Beach now. And right now I currently have a 14 Mustang, so try to get something that'll handle the weather if it becomes bad. Not caring to much about power. Just want reliability.
 
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2014 | 09:51 PM
  #10  
CuNmUdF250's Avatar
CuNmUdF250
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 4
Originally Posted by Truckpilot1329



If you get an EB, you'll get near silence, but you'll be amazed how effortless
the truck will go up I-17 to Flagstaff.
made that run several times in my truck with 5.0 and it goes as fast as I am brave enough to drive it ......same thing running up to Payson which (to me anyway) seems to have steeper stretches
 
Reply
Old Oct 14, 2014 | 03:16 AM
  #11  
Atlee's Avatar
Atlee
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 175
Likes: 4
If you are going to tow much, I might suggest the Eco Boost.

If you are getting used, but aren't going to tow, it probably doesn't make any difference. Both are very good engines.

I'll also reiterate what was mentioned earlier. I wouldn't automatically settle on a used 2012 without seriously considering a new 2014 that's sitting on the lot. With the incentives available there might not be that much difference in used and new.
 
Reply
Old Oct 14, 2014 | 11:22 AM
  #12  
PrinceValium's Avatar
PrinceValium
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,946
Likes: 11
From: Northern California
There are a lot of good replies and honestly asking which truck to buy kind of doesn't make any sense. You have not given enough information like what you will be towing, how heavy it is, how often, etc. for people to give you a better idea of what it sounds like you will need.

I would NOT go by what people calim for milage for either motor. Your milage will vary due to your specific geography, climate, and how heavy your right foot is.

Ok after saying all that like some of the others have said the ecoboost would really be an advantage in the higher altitudes. I really love the way my ecoboost tows...it truely is like a small diesel. That is not to say the 5.0 is a slouch by any means as those driving it can attest...however in the mountains the ecoboost will have the advantage (and more power). It will also be rated to tow more with 3.73 gearing.

So maybe you can supply us with more of your needs?
 
Reply
Old Oct 14, 2014 | 02:08 PM
  #13  
aitg's Avatar
aitg
Cross-Country
10 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 56
Likes: 4
From: Northern MI
If you are buying used, pick the one in the best condition and with the lowest miles. If new, see PV's post above.
 
Reply
Old Oct 14, 2014 | 06:36 PM
  #14  
Turbo Dog's Avatar
Turbo Dog
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,061
Likes: 39
From: Laramie, WY
Yes, don't forget to check leftover year end deals on new trucks.


I have a '13 FX4 5.0 because I do not like turbos. They continue to spin with no oil pressure after you shut the engine off. That isn't a problem if you're not going to keep the truck long term.


On all the industrial engines I deal with we have post lube pumps that keep the oil pressure up until the turbo stops. For the street I would rather have a blower.


Just my $.02
 
Reply
Old Oct 14, 2014 | 06:48 PM
  #15  
xr7gt390's Avatar
xr7gt390
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 77
From: Central Florida
Ford tested the turbo cool down. They ran the engine at maximum boost for 10 minutes, then shut it while producing maximum boost. Let it cool down then did the test again. I think this was done something like 150,000 times. Cool down is not an issue with these trucks.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:17 PM.

story-0
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-2
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-4
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-6
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-8
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE