Hello, just moved back to the US and I am looking for an F150, 2009~2015, looking for some friendly, experienced advice. Not looking for arguments or anger.
Have been out of the gas truck scene for quite a while, I had a 2011 F250 bought new in 2011 and sold it before moving to Japan in 2019.
Before that I had a 2009 F150 that I liked (Lariat SCREW 5.4) and would be interested in getting one again as a occasional commuter and Home Depot truck.

All of the 10-15 yo trucks that I am seeing have 150K~250K and of course they have 4.6, 5.4, 3.5 and 5.0 engines. If you were buying a similar truck, which engine would you avoid?

Everything I have read and watched seems to indicate the first gen 3.5 is a 120K engine if not taken care of well within the factory service intervals and will then be on the downhill side with timing issues, DI crud, etc. etc.
I know the first gen 5.4 were terrible engines (Wife had an 05 Expy with piston slap that eventually let go at 20K, new warranty engine had heads replaced at 30K) my understanding is the second gen modulars got a lot of fixes but I am assuming between chain tensioners and phasers there is still a lot that can go wrong if oil was not cared for properly which of course is something that is usually not known when buying a 10-15 yo truck unless you happen to find an original owner with receipts.

So, best things to look for, best things to stay away from?

Thanks for any thoughts!

 

If it leaks or has rust, look else where.

 

i had a 2001 5.4 that ran 250K... then bought a 2002 5.4 that ran 200K... then bought a 2013 3.5 dual turbo that has 100K..... not much problems on ANY.

 

From your list, I would look for a 2014 5.0, unless you live in the rust belt, then a 2015 for no body rust. I have had 4.6, 5.0, and 3.5 EB, and I prefer the 5.0.

 

I did have a 00 F150 with the 5.4 and had no problems with it as well, had >150K when I sold it in 09 with zero issues, those old 2V modulars were great engines.

 

Thanks! I have been looking at the 5.0 with interest, I do not need to pull/haul any crazy loads and I have not seen where they have a lot of issues.
I am in the DFW area of Texas so unless the truck was imported from the rust belt we do not see that issue.

 

I had a 013 with a V6 3.7L engine, always had scheduled service at local Ford dealer. Never had any issues with it...... kinda wish I still had it, was peppy & got good gas milage.

 

Avoid the 2004-2010 5.4L 3v Triton… or buy it knowing that engines with 150K+ miles are going to have the timing tensioners, cam phasor timing, cam bushings & roller bearings and high pressure/high volume oil pump all need to be changed out. Needs to be done before the cam itself gets damaged.

 

That would probably fill OP’s needs just fine.

I have a coworker with a SCrew (2012?) with the 3.7. Been very solid. Aged better than the 3.5 Ecos I had to whip out the scanner on constantly and no doubt ages better than a 3V Triton.

 

Here is a photo of the 013..... treated me well for six years, had 40K on it when I traded it for a 019 F150 5.0