I post these so anyone interested can get a report on a perhaps typical F150 ownership experience, since a lot of the posts are about problems and readers might think that's all there is.
So, actually 27,000 miles now. No problems so far. No rust on doors or tailgate. The manual transmission shift quality has improved a lot as the miles have added up. It was notchy into 3rd when new, but fine now. I'm getting 15 - 17 mpg depending on driving habits. The widely hated Goodyear RT/S tires still have lots of tread left (darn, need an excuse to spend $$$ on slightly bigger tires) and actually ride and handle pretty well. Still did very good in some nasty snow conditions last winter. I have been pulling a 900# trailer with 1000# load occasionally, and it handles it fine, although it does slow it down a bit.
I just detailed the whole truck. Lots of work getting rid of all that winter salt and mud but after regular Turtle Wax spray wax and Armor all (just exterior plastic, not on the dash) it's looking new again. I get a lot of compliments, and it's just an XL with plain steel wheels. The metallic sparkle of the DarkShadow Grey really comes out after waxing, I think it's very nice paint. It really glows in the sunset or under street lights.
I started changing my own oil. My pal helps out, the filter is pretty hard to get to, but we used one of those Craftsman strap wrenches and got it OK. I used Motorcraft filter and 5W-20 oil - why change when everything is OK? After 3200 miles it was not down even 1/2 quart.
Oh, I hit a deer last winter. Really smacked that poor critter, threw it right off the road dead. Hit on driver's side bumper. I was sure I would have grill, hood, and fender damage when I hit it, it hit so hard. But, it just cracked the big plastic piece under the bumper, that was it! $200+ for the piece, paid in full via State Farm comprehensive insurance.
I'm still very happy with the purchase of this truck and would buy one again.
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25,000 Mile Report
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