So kinda' looking for folks who've had the truck I had & maybe have and or had to move up in a similar situation as me. I just got news my '98 Scab's being totaled out. She gave me great service for almost 20 years so I'm happy.

That said....if I *do* move up, I think I'd enjoy a crew cab this time around.

Any suggestions for years to stay away from?

Years better than others?

I enjoyed the simplicity of my '98. My wife could drive the thing easy cuz it was like a car. Chevys and Nissans steer like boats.

Any suggestions much appreciated!!!

TIA

 

The 2004 thru 2008 5.4s have been a little problematic because of the VCT. A 4.6 in those years may be better. I'd stay away from the first couple of years of the ecoboost. The 5.0 seems to be solid. And the base V6s are good engines (after 98).

 

If you want a crew cab, I'd get a 01-03 4.6 or 5.4, or a 11+ with a 5.0. A 4.6 in a 04+ crew cab is underpowered, as is the base V6 in the 11+.

 

What's the budget?

 

A LOT of people on this forum have had problems with the power rear window. I recommend avoiding one at all costs unless it's something that you REALLY want.

 

Great responses guys! Thanks!

Budget's pretty open. I was told by someone "in the know" tonight that the incentives on new are getting really good at Ford. (I haven't ruled out another brand entirely I'm just partial to "not Chevy" LOL)

Definitely thinking "Crew Cab" so I'm thinking 11+ for sure.

If the incentives are so good that a new one makes sense, I'd probably jump.

Ecoboost worth it on the new ones or just go with a V8?

 

Can't help you on the 15+ F150's, since I have no idea on them, and have not even looked at one...

I started looking to trade in my 97 F150 in January 2014 and found a Max Tow 2013 XLT SuperCab Ecoboost with 302a package, 4x4 for $33k (sticker price was $43k)

Bought it on the spot, traded the ol' 97 for way too little, but was happy with the overall deal. Making $393/month payments on it, but that will end in 2 years..

So far, love the Eco.. Crews will cost more, but if that's what you want, that's what you should get.. Got my truck with 53 miles on it, and 20 of that was my test drive! They filed the 36 gallon tank on delivery and walked me thru all the new gizmos the thing has.

Even with only an XLT, it was a ton more than my XLT 97..

Anyway, don't be afraid of the Ecoboost because of all the horror stories on the internet...

When I first bought my 97 and then signed up for this site, I thought I bought the biggest POS on earth!! Turned out, I got over 255,000 trouble free miles out of it and didn't have any of the horror story issues I read about..

Anyway, good luck with whatever you do.

Mitch

 

Thanks Mitch!!

Ya, I had good luck with my '98. I'll probably shop '15, '16, '17 so I'll assume most things are worked out.

I'm noticing that a low mileage '15 or '16 saves around $10K off the cost of brand new. That's enough serious dough to make me consider it!

'17 XLT moderately equipped = around $36-$38K

'15/'16 same = around $26-$28K

I can do a lot with $10K

 

I bought my 2014 STX 5.0L brand new in July 2014 for 28.5k sticker was high 30s on it. I want to say 38,900 but I could be wrong.

(now it's equivalent is called XL sport)

Deals are out there you just have to decide what options are important to you, and how much you'd pay to have those options

 

If you are looking at 2015+, the 3.5 Ecoboost has been reliable. The 5.0 is excellent, the 2.7 Ecoboost had some early issues and it has the auto stop/start. If you get a 2017, both Ecoboosts have auto stop/start.

 

Thanks Pat & glc!

Ya, I know sometimes stickers are a joke, though here in California, many dealers have been forced into this "one price" stuff. I haven't stepped on the lot yet. (gotta break out my Kevlar vest for the vultures...LOL) but I'll quickly learn whether they can move on their "one price" stuff or not.

I've also got a buddy who's a auto sales/leasing independent who works with local dealers looking for me as well.

If the gap can tighten up enough I'm not opposed either way between slight used/new. (Of course new is always cool, right?)

And that auto stop/start would definitely take some getting used to. Ihear it all the time around intersections but man.....that'd be weird for sure! LOL