So, long story short, I sold my 2012 F150 last summer to save/make some money for bills and I really miss it. I'm thinking the next kid will get my current vehicle in a year and a half when he turns 16. Then I will have an opportunity to purchase myself another vehicle, preferably another F150. I'm guessing in order to get into one, it will probably be a higher mileage truck, between 150-200k.
So, my question is, which F150 engine would you say is the better high-mileage engine? Should I look for an EcoBoost or the 5.0? Or do you even think there's a difference? I'm sure they all have their issues and I'm not looking to start a fight. I'm just curious what you all think. I guess I don't have a preference. I don't tow very often and only haul a few loads of mulch. I just want something that's hopefully reliable.
Mine had the 5.0. I only had it a year and a half, but it didn't have any major issues in that time. It did have a slight misfire on cylinder 7 I think. Never got it looked into seriously. The check engine light would go on and off depending on the week.
Thanks in advance for your input!

 

Both are likely fine in most cases, but they also had some bugs that had to be worked out the first few years for both. I have a 2011 F-150 5.0L FX4 with 81,000 miles on it and haven't had any issues with the engine or transmission, there's plenty of Ecoboost owners out there who will attest to its reliability as well, both with treat you well if you keep up with maintenance and of course you don't get a lemon, but the bad one's are few and far between compared to the good one's considering how many of these trucks Ford makes a year.

 

My stepson has been looking at 2011 - 2014 F-150's and has asked me t he same questions. Quite frankly, I wouldn't waste my time looking at either of them IF I didn't know the owners or the history.

I advised him to go a year older and look for a gently used 2010 with the 5.4L or suck it up and be willing to pay more for a newer truck.

 

My opinion, and that’s all it is, would be look for the 5.0. I had a relatively trouble free 12 EB but I like the simplicity of an NA engine once you get to higher mileage where you know you will have to start doing maintenance items. Just seems like less stuff to move.

also if you’re not towing or hauling heavy the coyote will be more motor than you’ll ever need anyway. Again, just my opinion

 

That's a no brainer, 5.0 for sure, its a more simple design with no turbos, and less moving parts.

 

I was told by my car repair guy to stay away from the 5.4. It's tempting though. I'd even be willing to go to 07-08, but not sure if that's a good idea. What would I be giving up going down a generation?

 

I'm going to sound like a broken record, but if you don't mind a little less MPG find a 6.2. Absolutely rock solid, no EPS or BMS to worry about long term.

 

I'm not even sure I've seen one with a 6.2. What year(s)/Trim(s) were they popular/available? Also, what about the 4.6?

 

Yes, the 6.2 is the best engine they have put in the F150 in the past 20 years, I wish they would have offered it in the base trim packages, if I remember correctly it was only available in the Platinum or Lariat editions.

 

The 6.2 was available from 2011-2014.

2011-2012 it was the standard engine on Harley and limited models. Optional on Lariat, Platinum

2013-2014 it was optional XLT, FX4, Lariat, Platinum.

I helped my friend find one, he picked up a 2012 platinum 6.2 4x4 6'5" bed with 40k miles. They are out there, seems like we have more then the average amount up here in AK so they aren't terrible to find.

 

I can add the 3.7L is a nice running engine, you don't see any complaints. The little I tow it's fine, I have hauled heavy with no issues. The best part is you can pick up a nicer lower mileage truck for the same or less money.

 

The 5.4L was offered until 2010, 2011 was when Ford changed to the current offerings.

2009 and 2010 seemed to have very few complaints as compared to the earlier models.

 

5.0L 3.5 Turbo issues