Oh ok thanks. Makes sense.

 

To the O.P. :

Wait for the new motors, the 4.6 and 5.4 needed to be put out to pasture 5 years ago. They are embarrassing now.

Ford has the solution you just have to wait for it a bit.

 

How do you tell Pioneers from Settlers?
The Pioneers are the ones with the arrows in their backs. (but, hey, somebody had to go)

The 5.4 is a fine engine as is.

You couldn't make some folks happy if you hung them with new rope.

I'm all for progress but I'm a scarred realist when it comes to technology.
Sort of like Al Swearengen "waiting for things to clarify".

 

I drive a 1991 Ford and am sick of fixing it while stranded hundreds of miles from home, so I'm considering buying a newer truck. Although I still consider pushrod a newer technology, I am ready to try this VVT thing, especially since the 5.0 is expected to be so awesome. Should I wait for a 5.0 to become used or get in an accident, or buy a used 4.6 now? Being the first owner of a truck is not really within my means since I'm a full-time college student.

 

None of these four new engines are unproven. They're all being used in various applications right now as we speak. Granted, they will be tuned differently for the F-150 but they are the same motor.

The last brand new Pick-up that I bought was in 1986. It was an F-150 with the 300. I'm getting a 2011 F-150 come hell or high water and I'm as giddy as a kid in Toy R us right now.

 

I think it's pretty naive to sit here and say that the new motors will be as stable as the 5.4's. It's unlikely that there will be any huge issues, and you do get a warranty, but the stresses on a car and a truck are two totally different things.

As others have said, there's no "right" decision. The 5.4 does everything I need it to do. I'd rather it rollover miles and miles and have a little less getup. My father has a 12 year old 4.6 with ~200k on the clock that is on just about the original everything except oil.

It's not like a few extra ponies makes much of a difference. The discounts are pretty steep right now - and how many times do you think you'll groan over more power? If anything, get the 6.2. I really don't see a reason to desire the 5.0.

 

Considering the 6.2 is only available in certain trims, they are not available in the truck that everyone wants. The 5.0L is. And the 5.0L is more than powerful enough for the trucks they are being put in. The 3.5 is being used in vehicles that weigh near what a truck weighs (the Flex is upwards of 4500#, the Taurus is right at 4400-4500), and the Mustang 5.0 is close to 2 tons as well. The 5.0L is a modular engine. Granted it has a few newer technologies implemented, it is still a modular engine so I wouldn't doubt its reliability too much.

 

Yes, but you aren't pulling another 3 tons with a flex, or mustang, or taurus.

I'm not saying they won't be reliable, what I'm saying is that I wouldn't run to vegas and put my money on the new motor platforms being as reliable as the old ones.

If I was going 2011, I'd def. put down the money for the extended warranty. Money in the bank.

 

I think naive is a pretty strong word considering that it took Ford until the 2007 MY to rectify the 5.4L 3V issues.

I'm certainly not knocking the 5.4 or any of the existing engines, they have powered Ford vehicles for over 20 years and for the most part, very reliably.

I'm on my 3rd 4.6L and I love that little engine more than I loved my 300.

However, it has come time for a change and one that will make Ford not only competitive but a market leader.

 

After looking at everything that is out there I have come to the conclusion that "F" is about the only manufacturer who seems to have their act together and the rest are busy trying to catch up.

Isuzu isn't exactly happy with GM and Dodge continues to live in the (diesel) truck market only by the fact that they have the Cummins engine and that's about all they have.

The finances of any company should play a role in any decision these days. I don't see additional bail outs in the future due to the reality check in D.C..
GM should have have gone BK and reorganized. They would have been far better off long term. So would the American taxpayer.

So, Ford got their act together early on and is now in the enviable position of being a world leader.

As for the 5.4; it is a known quantity. That's hard to beat.
The discounts being thrown around are pretty substantial. I saw a $42,000 F-250/5.4 with a $30,000 tag in the window. That's before you go into the dealer and start the negotiations!
Similar discounts are being applied across the board. My dealership is expecting another load of 2010 trucks soon as the 2011's are not nearly ready to hit the ground with all these new engines. The Ecoboost won't be seen till Q1 next year. I don't know about the 5.0 but rest assured Ford isn't continuing the 2010 for "fun".

Buy now and never look back.

 

My point exactly. If it took so long for them to fix your 5.4 3v, what makes you think it won't take as long for the new engines?

 

Don't you think we should wait and see IF the new engines are going to be problematic before we make judgement?

Nothing like the tail wagging the dog.

Ford has come along way since the days of the pushrod V-8's. I'm very sure that Ford has a kept a very complete historical journal on their successes and their failures.

I'm also very sure that Ford's past guides their future.

I'm pulling the trigger on a 2011 5.0L XLT Screw 4x4 in the spring. Say what you want. I'll be sure and report the good, the great and the excellent.

If I'm wrong, I'll be honest about that too. My gut tells me that it's a good gamble.

 

I don't think it's so black and white. I don't expect major issues - and if you do have them, you're protected by your states lemon law and a warranty. In ohio, it is very consumer focused.

I bought an 03 cobra -- 4.6 iron block with aluminum 4v heads and a blower. Didn't work out all that well. Motor was strong but had cooling issues and when it warmed up the heads would tick/rattle pretty good.

Anyway, we judge everything by it's past. Not sure why we'd stop now.

I'm not being a dick, internet is hard to convey tone/etc - just saying it's common sense to think there will be at least some issues with a new platform.

 

OK my friend, well said.

I've never bought a 1st year run of anything from any automaker. I consider all four engines to have been in service long enough to prove whether or not they will have issues.

I have also never bought an extended warranty or service plan until I bought my 2010 Focus. I bought the plan as my daughter will take it to college in 2012. She'll be covered bumper to bumper for 72K miles with a $100 deductible.

I'll likely purchase some sort of an extended warranty when I get the 2011. For the cost of these trucks and their technological advances, it's becoming cost prohibitive not to protect oneself. It's a cash cow for the dealer and I hate that.

 

Yeah, the warranty is a no brainer if you ask me.

Mine ran $1520 for 72 months, 100k miles on my 2010 platinum 4x4 ($50 deductible).

I traded in an 07 envoy denali 4x4 5.3 4:10. I was wrenching on it every weekend. Fuel pump, oil pressure sensor, wiper motor, blah blah, combined with regular maintenance and it gets old.

It makes your resale more valuable even if the warranty is expired, and it gives you huge piece of mind.