Buying advice
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 41
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From: New Jersey
Buying advice
Currently own a 1997 F-150 XL with 160K miles. Had it for 11 years and it's been great but it's rusting away and I'm looking to buy something else. I'm looking for a 2009-2011 and have a couple questions.
Are the newer trucks as good as the one I've had so much success with all these years? Will they go the distance with high miles like the '97?
I've never had anything that runs on flex-fuel but heard that the ethanol can damage the motor from inside. Is that something I should steer clear of? I don't even know anything about flex-fuel so that concerns me as well.
Any other comments or advice is appreciated. Thanks.
Are the newer trucks as good as the one I've had so much success with all these years? Will they go the distance with high miles like the '97?
I've never had anything that runs on flex-fuel but heard that the ethanol can damage the motor from inside. Is that something I should steer clear of? I don't even know anything about flex-fuel so that concerns me as well.
Any other comments or advice is appreciated. Thanks.
New User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Newer trucks are as good or better.
My advice - look at a 2011 with the 5.0. Ford changed their drivetrain lineup for 2011 to all new engines which are pretty much better in every way. More power, better fuel economy. I'd focus on 2011 or newer if you can find something you can afford. I don't recommend the 2011 ecoboost as it was the 1st year for that engine and there were a few teething issues. Nothing too bad, but the 5.0L engine has proven to be very reliable, cheaper, and gets almost identical fuel economy and power as the Ecoboost.
My advice - look at a 2011 with the 5.0. Ford changed their drivetrain lineup for 2011 to all new engines which are pretty much better in every way. More power, better fuel economy. I'd focus on 2011 or newer if you can find something you can afford. I don't recommend the 2011 ecoboost as it was the 1st year for that engine and there were a few teething issues. Nothing too bad, but the 5.0L engine has proven to be very reliable, cheaper, and gets almost identical fuel economy and power as the Ecoboost.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 306
Likes: 23
From: Baton Rouge
Newer trucks are as good or better.
My advice - look at a 2011 with the 5.0. Ford changed their drivetrain lineup for 2011 to all new engines which are pretty much better in every way. More power, better fuel economy. I'd focus on 2011 or newer if you can find something you can afford. I don't recommend the 2011 ecoboost as it was the 1st year for that engine and there were a few teething issues. Nothing too bad, but the 5.0L engine has proven to be very reliable, cheaper, and gets almost identical fuel economy and power as the Ecoboost.
My advice - look at a 2011 with the 5.0. Ford changed their drivetrain lineup for 2011 to all new engines which are pretty much better in every way. More power, better fuel economy. I'd focus on 2011 or newer if you can find something you can afford. I don't recommend the 2011 ecoboost as it was the 1st year for that engine and there were a few teething issues. Nothing too bad, but the 5.0L engine has proven to be very reliable, cheaper, and gets almost identical fuel economy and power as the Ecoboost.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,006
Likes: 1,517
From: Maine, Virginia
Personally I wouldn't go any older than 2013 for any of the engines listed above. I've had zero issues with my 2011 ecoboost but I wouldn't buy a used one in a 2011/12 unless I knew the guy who owned it. I wouldn't buy a used 5.0L in 2011/12 either. Certain teething issues of their own that actually began with the Mustang GT's.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,493
Likes: 21
Personally I wouldn't go any older than 2013 for any of the engines listed above. I've had zero issues with my 2011 ecoboost but I wouldn't buy a used one in a 2011/12 unless I knew the guy who owned it. I wouldn't buy a used 5.0L in 2011/12 either. Certain teething issues of their own that actually began with the Mustang GT's.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 177
Likes: 7
From: Pacific Northwest
Definite thumbs up to later model- at least 2011 F150. I have owned one now since late 2010-- F150 Screw 4x4 5.0L, 3.55 limited slip. This is way above the older 5.4L (had an 02 before this and a 95 before that). Performance, ride, MPG, comfort. late models are built to last. If your looking for mileage or hauling capabilities, or a power nut either he 5.0, 3.5, or some even say the 2.7 on the latest models are great. I opted for the 5.0 only because at the time I liked the sound of the truck and 750 bucks more for the turbo v6 just didn't sit well with me. Can't speak personally for the longevity yet as I only have 36k on the truck. But I love what I have.
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Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,517
Likes: 3
From: SE Wyoming
I went from a '97 with over 250K miles to my '09 5.4L. Only thing that comes to mind that I liked better on the '97 was the way the tranny shifts. Could be because it is the first year for the 6spd but it does some annoying up/down shifts. I've had the reflash that helped some but it still acts a bit weird, not enough to not own the truck though. Averages 3-5mpg better than my '97 5.4L and love all the things like sync, heated mirrors, power slider etc etc.
I've only test drove a 5.0L but it seemed like a nice engine. Also remembered compared to the fantastic relocation of the oil filter on the '97s the '09 is the worst design I have ever seen for an oil filter location. That would be my other bitch about it.
I've only test drove a 5.0L but it seemed like a nice engine. Also remembered compared to the fantastic relocation of the oil filter on the '97s the '09 is the worst design I have ever seen for an oil filter location. That would be my other bitch about it.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 77
From: Central Florida
I agree the newer trucks are as good as or better than the older trucks. I was told if you don't burn flex-fuel regularly in your truck then you should never burn it. I learned this after I plugged my fuel filter (on my 08 5.4). I had run regular unleaded for about 80,000 then had the bright idea to fill up with E85.
The biggest question is what will you use your truck for?
The biggest question is what will you use your truck for?
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,517
Likes: 3
From: SE Wyoming
I've ran a tank or two of E85 just to verify the poor mileage, never an issue other than poorer mileage. E85 is a very good cleaner so if you did have crap in the tank it would clean it up real good. '09+ don't have serviceable fuel filters FWIW.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,027
Likes: 7
From: 46th State
Not for any particular reason but I would stay away from any Flex-Fuel vehicle. I also would not recommend an F150 with a 5.4 engine. They do not get the best fuel mileage. Only in my personal experience, an F150 with a 4.6, 5.0 and 3.5 Ecoboost engines would be the best choices. Any F150 that is not purchased from the original owner and or one that does not have a good maintenance record I personally would have mechanically inspected by a certified Ford tech before buying.
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