I just purchased a used 2011 F-150 with the 3.5 ecoboost engine. It had a weird clunk when first test driving it and the dealer replaced the u-joint on the drive shaft which corrected the problem. Turns out we have friends who know the former owner and are telling us that he had lots of problems with the engine. I have until tomorrow afternoon to return it during my "cooling" off period but I love the truck! It is the King Ranch and drives like a dream, much better than some of the 2014's I test drove. The truck has 134,000 miles on it. Advice?

 

Well that year is well known for chain tensioner issues and vacuum pump problems. Were either of those replaced? If you do decide to keep the truck I hope you got a good price on it like 18k-20k.

 

Thanks for the reply, yes, I did get a good price, 19,950.00 plus tax etc. etc.. The truck is in like new condition, has brand new tires and drives excellent! Turns out my son's new in-laws are good friends with the former/original owner so I had a nice talk with him on the phone today, loved the truck and besides an issue with a coil going out around 70k he never had any problems with it so I have decided to keep it and see what comes!

 

Congrats on your purchase! A coil is nothing and a few more will likely go in time but that's kind of normal in any car these days.

Whatever you do, don't get all crazy like some guys who buy a used truck and start flushing the engine with all sorts of cleaners, solvents and what have you. If you can get a hold of the previous owners service intervals and products used, I'd recommend continuing with that.