Good evening everyone. I am looking at possibly purchasing a new truck in the next few days. I'm looking for a 2017 but it is pretty slim picking right now in my area. I've narrowed my search down to 2 trucks and I'm honestly torn between them. I'd like to hear everyone's opinion on which one they would choose and why.

Truck #1
2017 XLT 4x4 Crew Cab 2.7L EB in Oxford White
302a package; FX4 package; chrome package; 3.55 locking axle
MSRP=$49,305
Dealer is wanting $36,900 right now before any negotiating

Truck #2
2017 XL 4x4 Crew Cab 5.0L in Race Red
101a package; STX package; FX4 package; XL Sport package; 36 gallon tank
MSRP=$46,355
Dealer is wanting $37,895 before any negotiating

So far I am leaning toward Truck #2 because of it having the Sport package because I really don't like the chrome. But I am really unsure of the Race Red color. I prefer a darker color like black or gray or even a white. But other than the color, the truck is pretty much setup how I want it. On the other hand, Truck #1 seems like a really good deal. Thanks for any insight!

 

My initial though is that I also would go for truck number 2. Mainly for the 5.0L V8. Unless you're not going to do any heavy hauling or towing the 2.7 may be a bit under powered in some cases. I would also consider value when it comes to selling or trading. I'm not much on Red trucks but maybe you would be satisfied with it.

 

I have a red XL so you know what my choice would be....

 

Chrome doesn't cost $3000, what else is truck #2 missing that truck #1 has?

 

I`d say keep looking and look beyond your immediate area or State.

You should be able to find an XLT Sport, 301 or 302A, with the 2.7 or 5.0 for a good price.

Where are you located.

 

Truck #1:
302a = $5245 (boxlink,rear view camera, XM radio, remote start, reverse sensing system, sync 3, 110V/400W outlet, power rear window w/ defrost, LED box lighting)
2.7L Eco = $995
Inflatable rear belts = $200
Trailer tow pkg = $895
FX4 pkg = $770
Tailgate step = $375
Cloth 40/Console 40 = $295

Truck #2:
101a = $2,255 (XL series, XL power equipment group, cruise control)
STX app pkg = $1995 (275/55R20 BSW all-terrain, sync 3, rear window defrost, 20" alum wheels, manual driver lumbar, privacy glass)
5.0 V8 = $1795
Black running boards = $250
Trailer tow pkg = $895
FX4 pkg = $770
XM radio = $195
36 gallon tank = $445
Int trailer brake controller = $275
Rear view cam = $250
XL Sport pkg = $775 (fog lamps, Sport cloth 40/console 40)

Both trucks also come with the pro trailer backup assist and engine block heaters but those are no cost line items on the window sticker. I think the majority of the initial cost difference is that Truck #1 is an XLT and Truck #2 is the XL. Thanks for all of the replies so far. Keep them coming!

I'm thinking about taking Thursday off work to go try to make a deal on one of these trucks since it's the last day of the month.

 

I'm located in South Dakota. There isn't very many dealers around me unless I drive like 6 - 8 hours. My local dealers have plenty of Lariats on the lot but I don't want a fully decked out luxury truck or the cost that comes with it. There are very few 2017 XL or XLT leftovers. I had a 2016 F-350 Platinum before and got rid of it because I found I didn't like all of the luxury features.

I did look around a bit before and got a couple dealer quotes from further away but the truck pricing didn't look any better and I would have to also factor in shipping or travel costs.

 

Can't go wrong with the 5.0. Nothing like the sound of a American V8!

 

Tough choice for me. The $3K difference would not be an issue for me; so the 302A package would be the base for me. I would prefer the buckets to the bench seat, and I would prefer the 36 gallon tank. I would also want the one with the TBC.

So... None of the above.

 

Actually both of these trucks have the bucket front seats with the center console. To me it looks like the only things that Truck #1 has that #2 doesn't is the remote start, power seats and heated seats. I think the only thing I don't like about Truck #2 is that it is not my preferred color and it costs more before negotiations start.

 

Initially, I was going to say take the #1 because it has 302A. I only like the Sync 3, don't care about the rest, but it seems both have the Sync 3.

The #1 has the remote start which I use a lot especially on hot days. It was 87 degrees over Thanksgiving and it sure was nice pushing start from a distance to get in a nice cooled interior. Last year when it snowed like crazy, I started my truck to keep it warm a few times and didn't have it covered in snow the next morning while others did. Interior was toasty as well. A very nice feature to have.

However, the #2's 36-gallon tank is really nice on long drives, I have that too.

I also like the #1 and #2's 40/console/40 so you have rear vents for the backseat passengers and plugs for your phone without it cluttering the dashboard.

 

I was going to say number 1 mainly because of color. I cannot do red. Period. But I also noticed that it has the rear air bag seat belts that have a recall on them. I also prefer the 5.0, so I guess I'd have to keep looking. On the other hand I have a XLT w/302A and the power heated seats are great. As well as the remote start. I use it every time I start the truck. And the bed lights come in very handy.

 

If it is cold outside do the heated seats turn on automatically below a certain temperature when u remote start the truck? My F-350 Platinum heated seats did and that was one feature that I liked.

 

I purchased a 2016 F150 with a 2.7 and I am currently debating about trading it in for a 2017 with a 5.0. The various options are a side issue for me. The engine is the most critical part in my opinion. I have read everything there is on the 2.7 Ecoboost and here is my current thinking:
the 2.7 is an awesome engine and very powerful. When I floor it, it will put you back in your seat, all this with a 164 cubic inch engine. Of course it has twin turbo chargers, which is part of the problem to me. Also, my engine has direct injection, which means it will have carbon buildup on the back of the valves most certainly long term. Turbos can be very finicky as well. I do my Italian tune up every couple of weeks, run gas that doesn't have ethanol in it and put Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic oil in it every 5K miles, so I think I am doing what I can to help it make it to at least 200K miles. I do believe the newer 2.7 engines have dual injection which will at least diminish the carbon buildup issue. It does get better gas mileage than the 5.0, but the 5.0 is time tested and doesn't have these other technological advances that could be an issue later on. I have been off and on about trading it in for a 5.0, so I thought I would share some of my thoughts. I will say that I used to sell cars, and now is the time to buy. If you find a dealer that has a 2017 that you want, and can wait until closer to the end of December, you should be able to get 20% or higher off of the MSRP. They will lose money on your deal if that vehicle will help make their numbers for the month, or especially the year end total. It's about timing as much as anything. My truck was marked at $41K and I received 11K off of that price and they still made money on my deal. Ask to see invoice and go from there. They get kickbacks from the manufacturer on these trucks and other year end bonuses as well, just to get rid of the 17s. That's my two cents worth, good luck.

 

JeffW, thank you for your reply. Lots of good information in your post.