Opinions on F150’s

[MVAR]

I still drive a 01 5.4 lariat. Had it for 15 years or so. 166k miles. The plug issue is from them being under torqued and ignored when they start to loosen and tick. Check blownoutsparkplug.com for all the information you could ever want on the issue. It is not a comfortable truck compared to anything modern but cheap and reliable. Oem parts are just starting to become an issue. MPG is bad like any old truck

I’m familiar with the spark plug issue & it doesn’t concern me. Fix is readily available.

Yeah, my old 98 was a pig in town but did really well on the highway. Usually got about 22mpg with it on the open roads

 

[MVAR]

I have a few customers with Gen 2 Coyote F150's....They've been very reliable. Coolant hoses, & 6R80 Lead Frames mostly.

6.2L Lariat F150's seem rare & are priced accordingly. I'm not sure/convinced the 6.2L Boss is more reliable than a Gen 2 Coyote in a half ton.

I’ve known a few people who have had issues with the 5.0 (not necessarily in F150’s though) so it got me a bit stand offish about them. Mostly phaser, timing & valve train issues. Others have been relatively trouble free.

Previously mentioned friend that does fleet work has had nothing but good things to say about the 6.2 in the super duty. That’s why it peaked my interest

 

[MVAR]

If you are going to keep it a while I would go with 2015+ because it's the new body style common with f150-f550. There will be more parts available in 5 years vs. the old body. The rear ends are so light you do need 4wd. -my opinion

Besides no 6.2 availability post 2014, I do get nervous with the tech in new vehicles. I had previously asked if the screen in the dash controls functions not available by a push button lower on the dash but never received an answer.

A vehicle with controls solely available from an iPad type screen on the dash is not on my list of possible vehicles to own. I don’t trust the tech support to maintain app’s functionality over long periods of time. Prefer older tech that can be replaced when needed.

 

[goingplacesanddoingstuff]

What are you towing/hauling?

 

[clinebarger]

I’ve known a few people who have had issues with the 5.0 (not necessarily in F150’s though) so it got me a bit stand offish about them. Mostly phaser, timing & valve train issues. Others have been relatively trouble free.

Previously mentioned friend that does fleet work has had nothing but good things to say about the 6.2 in the super duty. That’s why it peaked my interest

Can't compare Mustangs & F-150's.

 

[MVAR]

What are you towing/hauling?

90% of the time just light loads from local hardware store or HD. On occasion, 66 Bronco.

 

[21_6.7f450]

I'd probably look for a clean 2000-2003 5.4 4r100 F150 first, then 11-14 with a 6.2. Avoid ANY Ford after 2020. Ecoboosts, if oil was not changed early and a 5w30 or 0w40 wasn't used, they had a tendency to need timing chain components.

 

[MVAR]

Can't compare Mustangs & F-150's.

Same phaser & valvtrain though isn’t it? Different cam specs?

 

[MVAR]

I'd probably look for a clean 2000-2003 5.4 4r100 F150 first, then 11-14 with a 6.2. Avoid ANY Ford after 2020. Ecoboosts, if oil was not changed early and a 5w30 or 0w40 wasn't used, they had a tendency to need timing chain components.

The F150 was the 4R70W unless it was in the lighting, that got the 4R100

 

[MVAR]

I'd probably look for a clean 2000-2003 5.4 4r100 F150 first, then 11-14 with a 6.2. Avoid ANY Ford after 2020. Ecoboosts, if oil was not changed early and a 5w30 or 0w40 wasn't used, they had a tendency to need timing chain components.

Yeah, father in laws ecoboost F150 got whatever the dealer put in every 7-10k. Needed phaser & timing around 100k. New turbos at 140-150 then he dumped it as it was rattling.

 

[CarbonToast]

Besides no 6.2 availability post 2014, I do get nervous with the tech in new vehicles. I had previously asked if the screen in the dash controls functions not available by a push button lower on the dash but never received an answer.

A vehicle with controls solely available from an iPad type screen on the dash is not on my list of possible vehicles to own. I don’t trust the tech support to maintain app’s functionality over long periods of time. Prefer older tech that can be replaced when needed.

An XL or XLT trim will have normal knobs and buttons. Look for trucks with the small screen(SYNC1). It's the same as the 2014 generation.

I think even a lariat still has knobs. Just the automatic climate control runs through the screen.

I wouldn't get hung up on a 6.2. If it's so good, why was it short lived? Any of the turbo v6 or v8 engines will serve your needs.

 

[CarbonToast]

I'd probably look for a clean 2000-2003 5.4 4r100 F150 first, then 11-14 with a 6.2. Avoid ANY Ford after 2020. Ecoboosts, if oil was not changed early and a 5w30 or 0w40 wasn't used, they had a tendency to need timing chain components.

A 2000-2003 is 20years old. The newer power trains and cab is light-years better.

 

[350Rocket]

The F150 was the 4R70W unless it was in the lighting, that got the 4R100

I believe the 7700 versions (like a heavy half ton) has the 4R1000 (if my memory from working at ford 20 years ago is correct).

 

[demarpaint]

Coming from a former Ford fan boy. I'd look at Ram or something from GM.

 

[oilstudent24]

My son will turn 16 next March & I’m planning on giving him the 2012 Canyon 2wd 4cyl/auto in my signature. Haven’t had a need for 4wd in several years but with family now living over the mountain from me in Gardnerville, NV, visiting in winter during holidays is just about impossible without it.

That said, I’m starting to browse a couple, fairly different, F150’s to be my daily driver as well as haul the family over I50 & I80 during winter.

1) 2011-14 F150 Lariat supercrew 4x4 with the 6.2 SOHC mpi and 6R80 transmission. This engine is mainly in the super duty, early raptor & Harley trucks but was available in lariat as well. From what I can tell, it’s the most reliable of the “powerful” engines of this generation as well is the transmission. I know there are some that break valve springs (mostly trucks that tow heavy regularly) but there are upgraded springs available if needed. I also know the lower spark plugs are a PITA to replace.

2) 2000-2003 F150 supercrew 4x4 5.4 2V 4R70W. Completely different truck. Simple, comfortable enough (owned a 98 a long time ago), lighter but far less powerful, likely better mpg. I’m aware of the spark plug thread issue & have a friend with the kit to repair it.

I know getting into an older truck can come with several additional expenses just bringing them up to snuff. I’m more trusting in the ability to replace mechanical components in the future than electronics.

All that said, who has long term experience with both of these platforms? I’d like to hear how they’ve held up to age. I know of both engines in the super duty lasting >700k mi as my friend has a ford specialty shop & services fleets. 95% of his work is the super duty though & he’s not open to the public to get a better insight on the lighter duty applications. I also didn’t own the 98 long enough to judge its reliability.

Thanks in advance.

2011-2014 f150s have had issues on 5.0 water pumps being short lived. This may affect models newer as well. Mine went around 65000 miles. 6r80 6 speed auto has been recalled for a transmission that could lose signal to the computer and downshift to 1st gear at highway speeds. Not sure what the fix is yet as letters should come out to customers soon. I like my truck, but it is not without some issues.

 

[MVAR]

I believe the 7700 versions (like a heavy half ton) has the 4R1000 (if my memory from working at ford 20 years ago is correct).

Haven’t heard of that version before. Will have to look into it

 

[MVAR]

An XL or XLT trim will have normal knobs and buttons. Look for trucks with the small screen(SYNC1). It's the same as the 2014 generation.

I think even a lariat still has knobs. Just the automatic climate control runs through the screen.

I wouldn't get hung up on a 6.2. If it's so good, why was it short lived? Any of the turbo v6 or v8 engines will serve your needs.

6.2 went on until the new 6.9 was just released in the super duty. It was short lived in the F150 due to CAFE/mpg ratings.

 

[MVAR]

An XL or XLT trim will have normal knobs and buttons. Look for trucks with the small screen(SYNC1). It's the same as the 2014 generation.

I think even a lariat still has knobs. Just the automatic climate control runs through the screen.

I wouldn't get hung up on a 6.2. If it's so good, why was it short lived? Any of the turbo v6 or v8 engines will serve your needs.

If the climate control is only available through the screen then I’d eliminate the 11-14 lariat from my list.

 

[MVAR]

Coming from a former Ford fan boy. I'd look at Ram or something from GM.

About the only other brand I’d be open to is Toyota.

I’ve owned several GM products over the years, still have a 12 Canyon. The build quality is nowhere near that of a Ford.

 

[demarpaint]

About the only other brand I’d be open to is Toyota.

I’ve owned several GM products over the years, still have a 12 Canyon. The build quality is nowhere near that of a Ford.

As with everything, opinions will vary. Ford is a big no for me.