Hello all, Im a new user.

I have always been a GM guy yes I know that maybe a bad term to use in Ford territory but I am really thinking about turning over a new leaf and trying out a Ford truck. Which years are the best and do you prefer a eco boost or a 5.0 V8

 

I’d be very interested in which years fit your budget, that would be a better starting point...especially on a thread that seems very. Trollish

 

I would consider low 20s to little over 30k possibly

 

Welcome to FTE! Looks like you are almost there with a few '17 CPO trucks:
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/cl-Cer...#resultsPage=2

Avoid the '18 5.0. I suggest CPO vehicles as they are available with Ford warranty and in most cases the Ford ESP extended warranty can be purchased.

What are you using the truck for?

I am pleased with a '17 XL with several "fancy it up" options, 4x4, 2.7EB.

I had 5.0 as a loaner and I would be pretty happy with that too.

Shop on....

 

Just a daily driver pretty much with a little towing and bed cargo once in a while to the local hard ware store things of that nature. I haul lawn mowers and such for side jobs mowing lawns, haul brush to the local compost yard, things of that nature nothing like beating it to death lol and thank you for the welcome!

 

Also possibly some vacation trips in the truck as well and going to play golf just like a every day user truck get to where ya need to go with minimal towing (very rarely) with ability to haul things on occasion as well

 

Why should he avoid the 2018 5.0

 

For your uses I'm thinking the 2.7 Ecoboost would work just fine. A lot of happy people drive that engine and love it.

 

Welcome to FTE!

Helped a friend buy a new '18 4x4 with 2.7 EB (18s got the dual injection and 10 speed auto). He shoes horses and has a small but heavy custom built trailer as his shoeing rig - absolutely loves his truck! Plenty of power and gets good mileage to boot...

If '17 or earlier - I'd say go with the 5.0...

 

Thank you for the info I greatly appreciate it!!

 

Is there any issues with the 2 Eco boost engine?

 

The Gen 2 2.7 is often referred to as the most reliable engine choice, currently. We tend to hear very little drama about that engine around here or on other forums. Gen 2 3.5s have had some cam phaser issues, but that has been addressed with a TSB and updated parts. Other then that, they seem solid so far, as well.

Gen 1 2.7s have a pretty good track record. Gen 1 3.5s have some "quirks" that tend to show up on trucks that aren't maintained very well. Timing chain stretch is a problem on '11-14 trucks, as well as '15-16 updated Gen 1 3.5s, but to a lesser extent. You can expect a portion of the used '11-14 trucks to be due for a timing chain job. It is a common reason for people to trade in or sell, in order to avoid a $2-3,000 repair bill.
If you look at any Gen 1 3.5s, make sure you can hear it start up for the first time that day. Cold starts are where you will hear a bad/stretched timing chain. It will rattle for a only a second or 2, but is a very noticeable sound when you leave the door open or are standing outside the truck. Avoid those trucks or at least negotiate the deal accordingly. Keep in mind, those trucks likely had extended oil changes, which doesn't help the rest of the engine, either.

Long story short, both the 2.7 and 3.5 are great, so long as they are given adequate oil changes. 2013-2017 5.0s are also an excellent choice and have very little drama associated with them. They're also not nearly as hard on oil and are much more tolerant of neglect, which is important when shopping used, higher mile trucks. All of these engine choices have good longevity when taken care of.

I bought a new 2019 3.5 last year and couldn't be happier with it, although I've only put 10k miles on it so far. 470 torque, or even 420lb ft. in gen 1 is no joke, especially when it is available at low rpms. The 3.5 ecoboost tows better than any v8 available in a 1/2 ton. The 2.7 isn't far behind and spools quicker, so it feels about as fast as a 3.5 at lower speeds. The 2.7 also gets about 2mpg more than the 3.5, overall. I would have considered the 2.7 if I didn't occasionally tow up to 11k lbs. I still average 19-21mpg, hand-calculated, in my crewcab, 6.5ft bed, max tow 4x4 truck, so no complaints there.

If you haven't test driven a truck with an ecoboost yet, try one. They are a totally different animal.

My dad was set on a new 5.0 f-150 to replace his 2011 5.0 mustang back in 2015. He test drove a 3.5 ecoboost and still loves his 2015 3.5 ecoboost f-150 5 years later, at 65k miles. Not one issue with it yet. He's been considering trading for a 2020 3.5, but says he'll keep his 2015 for the long run, if not. In all fairness, he'd likely be just as happy with a 2015 5.0, if he had never tried the ecoboost.

Most people I know that test drove the 5.0 and 3.5 ended up getting the 3.5 or 2.7. One person I know accidentally bought a new 2018 2.7 a couple years ago, unaware that Ford even had a 2.7 ecoboost. He assumed there was only "the" ecoboost, like in '11-14. He still loves his 2.7 though. Lol

 

If you can find one equipped the way you want, and that's a big if, also consider the base engine, a 3.5 or 3.3 NA V6. People that have them are happy with them. Plenty of beans for light work, good mileage to boot.

 

Thanks for the feed back! Looks like I have some hard decisions to choose from. If I do not get one right now I sure will look at them down the road but I would love to test drive one. My buddy had a 3.5 eco boost and his mom has a 2.7. He likes Ford trucks I've always liked GM and thought maybe I would give a Ford a try sometime just to be curious and kinda change things around lol. Also, what mileage would you recommend I search for anything under 100K? or should I look at lower mileage trucks??

 

Buy the best truck you can afford. Miles are only one consideration. Higher miles are acceptable with one owner who took great care of it and has the records to show. On the other hand, a lower mile truck that was in a rental fleet or that has changed hands a couple of times is one I would pass on. Sounds funny, but I always look at the condition of the driver's seat and steering wheel, then tires ,asking sure they all match and have good tread. Then I look to see how dirty or damaged it is underneath and in the engine bay. Dried mud, dented skid plates and leaking fluids are things to look for. On a test drive pay attention to rattles and squeaks, don't even turn the radio on when driving. You'll quickly learn how to spot a well cared for truck over a polished turd.