New truck or keep old?

[Env1ous]

Hi all,
I currently have a 2013 F150 Ecoboost and I do like it. I am however thinking about trading it in or selling it to get another type of truck. I love the ecoboost but I do see how finicky and how much attention it does need. It has never fully been up to par as other similar trucks. I.E. Boost issues, wastegate possible issues, IWE, slip yoke issues. Although nothing major, just a constant source of concern for me. I have settled down, or as I like to say, got my priorities straight since I got engaged and moved in with the fiancee. We need to have a reliable vehicle for the niece and just a reliable truck when we take trips.

The ford has never left me stranded just the foreshadowing of turbos, timing chain, etc..etc is a little worry some if you let yourself think about it too much. I do have a aftermarket warranty on it to fix most issues but the downtime associated with it and the hassle may not be worth it. What is everyone's thoughts? I know I may be an over thinker but I would like to get my mind right on either decision. Of course other trucks have issues, not saying they don't. I just want to worry less about it

I would probably be looking at getting into a newer 2013+ ram with the 5.7 and the ZF transmission. No more turbos. The 5.7 will have more than enough power for me.

 

[jeepman3071]

It's hard to base decisions like this on what "could" happen, assuming the truck has been reliable. There are many ecoboosts with high mileage and very little issues. Is the truck paid for? The Ram with the 5.7 is a nice truck for sure, but I wouldn't shell out all that money unless its something you really want instead of just buying it to hopefully worry less.

 

[Lyman]

My Son in Law bought a 2018 Ram 5.7. He loves it. I drove it some coming back from AZ where he bought it to San Diego. I told him I didn't want to drive it anymore because it was growing on me.
He has told me that is sucks the gas at a fast rate. The 5.7 has plenty in the power department.

 

[StevieC]

The 5.7 will get decent fuel economy if you drive it with a reasonable foot on the accelerator, thanks to the MDS and the 8 speed.
If you are hard off the light and downshift a lot on the highway to pass it's a pig on gas. My neighbor has a newer one.

Personally I'd stay with your 2013 EB F-150 because you know the history unless you were going to buy a new RAM.

 

[MNgopher]

I see lots of concern over what could happen to a vehicle that you know the history and issues already versus buying a used vehicle, inheriting whatever issues someone else got rid of, and having no idea how the previous owners treated it.

If it were me, I'd stick with what I've got, rather than buy someone else's problem that they are trying to get out of...

 

[JLTD]

You'll take a bath on price for both vehicles...which would easily cover the timing chain repair if and I mean IF it's ever required. The EB has problems early if it's going to have them, a couple members have gone 200k on them no issues.

How many miles on your truck?

Also, I read that 10w30 helps with timing chain wear and would work in Denver's summer. You could also try a 10w-40 or even a 15w40 for the chains.

 

[Env1ous]

Originally Posted by jeepman3071
It's hard to base decisions like this on what "could" happen, assuming the truck has been reliable. There are many ecoboosts with high mileage and very little issues. Is the truck paid for? The Ram with the 5.7 is a nice truck for sure, but I wouldn't shell out all that money unless its something you really want instead of just buying it to hopefully worry less.


It is hard to base off of the "what ifs" I blame being in IT for that lol. Always gotta predict and be very cognizant of anything that can/may/will happen and do everything to prevent it to minimize downtime. (or shop time lol).
I had an 08 ram with the 5.7 and the engine was great. But the trans was really the pain point. It would always hunt for gears and in the mountains that was not fun. The truck is not paid for. But due to truck sales in CO I would come out with some cash in hand if i sold private party. Thank you I do see where you are coming from!

 

[beanoil]

Keep the Ford. Repair if and when needed.
Put a truck payment every month into a savings account.
Buy new when you can pay cash from the account.

 

[Donald]

I would keep current vehicle until it becomes a major headache.

My Ford may have an issue with the exhaust gas temp sensor. I has 4 and one had an issue and was replaced. But I am not about to dump the truck due to a possible future issue.

 

[Env1ous]

Originally Posted by StevieC
The 5.7 will get decent fuel economy if you drive it with a reasonable foot on the accelerator, thanks to the MDS and the 8 speed.
If you are hard off the light and downshift a lot on the highway to pass it's a pig on gas. My neighbor has a newer one.

Personally I'd stay with your 2013 EB F-150 because you know the history unless you were going to buy a new RAM.


Very true. I do not think I could buy a new vehicle. Just rubs me the wrong way. Although I make enough too, I just couldn't justify that lol.
Im not too worried about MPG since it is a truck. But I feel like even getting on it would be better mpg than a twin turbo. Once that is in boost it will eat!

That is a fair statement. I do know the maintenance on it. I have owned it since 50k and it has 83k miles on it now. It is reliable I guess the thought of what ifs are always scary.
The after market warranty would cover any engine, timing chain, trans issues it could have. But I have read so many stories about dealers not changing out all the parts and it being a mess.

Even with the IWE's they were telling me it was fine until I taught them how their system works and it shouldn't be exhibiting that behavior then they finally fixed it under the warranty.

 

[Env1ous]

Originally Posted by MNgopher
I see lots of concern over what could happen to a vehicle that you know the history and issues already versus buying a used vehicle, inheriting whatever issues someone else got rid of, and having no idea how the previous owners treated it.

If it were me, I'd stick with what I've got, rather than buy someone else's problem that they are trying to get out of...


Very true. And obviously, being on this forum, I am an over maintainer. So the truck is in tip top condition. It always is a huge gamble getting another used car or truck.
I could very well get another truck and it be an absolute nightmare! Thank you for the sound advice!

 

[Env1ous]

Originally Posted by JLTD
You'll take a bath on price for both vehicles...which would easily cover the timing chain repair if and I mean IF it's ever required. The EB has problems early if it's going to have them, a couple members have gone 200k on them no issues.

How many miles on your truck?

Also, I read that 10w30 helps with timing chain wear and would work in Denver's summer. You could also try a 10w-40 or even a 15w40 for the chains.


If I sold it private party, I would come out on top due to age/condition of the truck. I saw one with less options and 20k more miles (100k ish) selling for what I owe and it was gone in a few hours. I saw one guy has 350k on his original engine. No issue.

I just turned over 84k. and I do have the warranty that will cover it. I used them to get a ball joint replaced and they gave me zero issues. So it is a good company to work with. Just more worried about them not fixing it right, IF something does happen.

I just switched out to T6 5w-40 and so far the truck seems to like it. A lot quieter even the HPFP

 

[Env1ous]

Originally Posted by beanoil
Keep the Ford. Repair if and when needed.
Put a truck payment every month into a savings account.
Buy new when you can pay cash from the account.


I like this. That is a good idea. I do owe on it still but it is nothing crazy. I am working on paying it down so we can get a house in the future.

 

[Env1ous]

Originally Posted by Donald
I would keep current vehicle until it becomes a major headache.

My Ford may have an issue with the exhaust gas temp sensor. I has 4 and one had an issue and was replaced. But I am not about to dump the truck due to a possible future issue.


Thank you for that. Stuff I need to hear. This is why I am asking it here, from people who have experience. This over thinking stuff is a bit much sometimes

 

[WyrTwister]

Were it me , I would drive it until it lays down and dies . Once it is paid for , start stashing money away for the next purchase .

I personally am leery of turbos . On gasoline vehicles .

Be gentle on the accelerator peddle and MPG should improve . Change fluids / filters early / aggressively . Keep good tires & brakes on it . Try to combat the salt , if you can and are in the salt belt ( I am not ) .

Keep it washed and wax it a few times a year .

Every few months , inspect the rubber parts under the hood .

Do not forget the transmission and differential .

 

[Env1ous]

Originally Posted by WyrTwister
Were it me , I would drive it until it lays down and dies . Once it is paid for , start stashing money away for the next purchase .

I personally am leery of turbos . On gasoline vehicles .

Be gentle on the accelerator peddle and MPG should improve . Change fluids / filters early / aggressively . Keep good tires & brakes on it . Try to combat the salt , if you can and are in the salt belt ( I am not ) .

Keep it washed and wax it a few times a year .

Every few months , inspect the rubber parts under the hood .

Do not forget the transmission and differential .


To be honest. MPG is the least of my worries. I drive about 5 miles a day to work and back. My 36 gallon tank last way too long lol.
Since it is DI and I believe it likes the heat to try to keep the valves clean I do get on it after it is warmed up. I am very aggressive about maintenance and keeping it clean. It is a 13 but everyone thinks I bought it a year or two ago.
I think they made the turbos too small for elevation. They have to work really hard to get the same boost levels and it makes them run a lot hotter. They do have upgraded turbos but the fueling system cannot keep up. So on top of two performance turbos ($2,000) you have to buy a new HP fuel pump for another ($1,500) ugh

I just think I needed sound reasoning from people who are a lot smarter than me and have more wisdom!

 

[wog]

If truck is running so good,keep it and pay it off. Then start your plan for a house,that is well spent money,your truck is for the house projects. The old payed off truck will save you money for house and children, my kids grew up riding in old pick ups,now they own them. Repairs are part of owning,not payments and higher insurance bills. Enjoy your truck,don t sweat about maybes ,your truck will be fine for ten years or better. Priorities will change,and life keeps going on.

 

[dadto2]

Many decades ago, when I was young and new to car ownership, my Dad told me "If you own a vehicle, you own a problem". Truer words have never been spoken. It doesn't matter what you own, you are going to spend money on repairs and have some downtime sooner or later.

I keep my cars as long as possible. An earlier poster replied that you should start making payments to yourself once the loan is paid. I was able to do that, and got myself out of the car loan situation. Cash deals only from now on. (When the interest works for you instead of against you, the money accumulates more quickly than you might think!) Fix it until it no longer make financial sense to do so. Then buy another lightly user vehicle.

My $0.02

 

[NO2]

Accelerating gently will prolong engine and transmission life. F150's are good for 250K+ miles, you might expect a transmission repair if you carYour's looks like a raptor, which are crazy expensive but maintain their value better than most. Is yours a Raptor? It's probably the most fun of any pickup on the market.

The RAMs are less reliable overall, so I'm not sure what that will get you.

Given that even a basic crew cab pickups averages over $45K I'd be hesitant about replacing a perfectly functioning F150 with only 1/3rd of it's life used.

 

[KrisZ]

Don't scare yourself into buying another truck, or you will easily fall pray to salesman tactics.
And if you can get top dollar for your current truck, what do you think others will be asking for theirs? It's going to be top dollar as well.

Now, if you simply have an itch for a new/different truck, that's fine, but the worst thing you can do is lie to yourself that you need another truck. You will be on the losing end with that kind of thinking.