Hi!

Thinking about buying a F150 next year that'll I'll probably use only for recreational means (won't do alot of miles with it me thinks).

A 4 cyl is out of the question since if I'm not the original owner, it might have been used for intense work, a thing 4 cyls aren't fit for. (This is why I'm looking for a f150)

Sure I'll try to get one that didn't "work", but suppose I'm lied to and that the truck was used for reasonable work and doesn't have much miles on it.

Would the V8 be more reliable than the V6 in that situation? Does a V8 have a better lifetime when used for work?

I know it has alot to do with the maintenance, say both were well taken care of.

I'm split between the 4.2 Essex and the 4.6 Triton.

Like you guys all are, I'm thinking about the gas bill

 

Both are good engines. But I would recommend getting the 4.6. From what I have seen the fuel economy of the 4.2 and 4.6 are about dead nuts. For that matter the 5.4 is about the same as the 4.2 and 4.6. Durability wise the 4.6 is hard to beat. It is a very durable engine. I would say one of the best engines made right now. Any of the three should suit your needs though. Good luck.

 

I don't know the mileage #'s on a V6, surely someone here will chime in on those. The 4.6 wouldn't work as hard as the 6, that would be enough for me to consider the 4.6. I have the 5.4, didn't think twice about it. It was a V8 for me all the way, and after I saw the 4.6 only gets 1 or 2 MPG better than the 5.4 it was easy. I have a buddy with a 4.6 2WD. It's his daily driver, NEVER hauls/tows and he wishes he would have gotten the 5.4. He says mine just drives so much easier, and its 4WD.

 

4.2L v6 pushs
202 HP @ 4350RPMs and
260 lb/ft torque @ 3750 rpms
and gets 15mpg city / 20 mpg highway..

4.6 v8 pushes
248 hp @ 4750RPMs and
294 lb/ft torque @ 4000 rpms
and gets 15 mpg city / 19 mpg highway

5.4 v8 pushes
300hp @ 5000RPMs and
365 lb/ft torque @ 3750 rpms
and gets 14 mpg city / 19mpg highway



i have the 5.4 and average 17mpg for all my daily driving

 

And you can tell a "work" truck from a daily driver/weekend trip to Home Depot, by looking at wear and tear in the box and interior. Look for tell tale signs of ladder racks and tool boxes that were removed (drill holes in the box rails). Besides, these trucks were built to work. Just be sure to stay away from anything used as a plow truck.

 

just remember the 4.6 is in all cruisers. and those take more abuse then we can do with our trucks. they run pretty much 24/7. now thats reliabilty.

 

Alright!

I'll look at the 4.6 option a little bit closer.

I previously posted a thread asking if there was known issues with the 4.6 97-99 version, and it seems a good choice as far as I know.

Thanks guys!

 

Another good test is to 'shake' the bed. Grab it from the side and pull back and forth. If it gives easly or creaks alot, or rattles, you can get it was beat to death.

 

and when you sell it the v8 holds a lot more value

 

whatever you do just dont buy a dodge or a jap

 

I thought Tacomas were good trucks, but there isnt much on the used market up here.

 

i have to be a traitor here, i had a 94 dakota 176k when i got rid of her.f 150 is great though i live the wider bed. didnt buy a ram beacuse didnt want tranny issues. dodge v6s are alright.

 

Heard that anything Dodge (truck, suv, etc) will have ball joints falling too easily.

Plus, the 3.9L (mid-size) seems to guzzle more than a F150 4.2L (full size).

 

Dude, there's NOTHING wrong with a Dodge!!!



So long as it's free!

 

towing =5.4 riding=4.6 or 4.2