Too smart for my own good?
 

Hello.

First time poster, but periodic lurker here. I think I know the answer already, but I thought I would ask anyway. I have been looking online at F 150s for sale and I came across a 2009 with according to the description has a 4.6 liter engine. In looking at the pictures the licence plate is offset like on the Ecoboost trucks. There is no Ecoboost logo on the doors and there are no pictures of the engine. It is a really good price (for a Ecoboost), but is this truck a 4.6 like I suspect?
I found a couple of pictures online of 4.6 trucks with what appeared to be offset plates, but I thought only the Ecoboosts had these. I need someone smarter than me to fill me in. Thanks.

The Ecoboost "I believe" started in 2011, but I couldn't swear to it.


Unk Bob:-huh

My advice would be to go to Kelly Blue Book or a similar site. Price the vehicle that way and see what engine options you see for an 09. I really don't believe the Ecoboost was available that year. I also believe it was around 11 or 12.

You are correct. The ecoboost was not an option until 2011. Thanks

In 2009 there were three engine options, 4.6L with the 4 speed transmission, 4.6L3V and the 5.4L3V that both came with the six speed.

Personally, if it's the old trusty 4.6L with the four speed, I'd jump all over it in a heart beat. A little under powered and a tad bit thirsty, but it will be around well after many other engines are forgotten about.

I agree with Tim, if it's a 2v 4.6L jump on it if you aren't going to be pulling heavy loads. IMO the 4.6l 2v is probably the best engine Ford has produced since the old pushrod engine line. I had a '97 with the 4.6 and it was a great motor, I did have some problems with the CEL coming on periodically due to a misfire in #7 cylinder but I finally broke down and just changed plugs/coils and never had an issue after that. Some of the early 4.6s had problems with piston slap but that would've been long corrected by '09.

Like all have stated already, 2011 is when the ecoboost was introduced. But do your research on the pricing. I typically use NDA and KB to compare. I have never tried the true car app so maybe it is worth a shot.