I am thinking about getting a new truck. I need just a work truck (XL). I am wondering from anybody that has driven a 06 with the V6 how the performance is. I know the truck weighs more with the new body style. How does the truck do overall. I have a 800 pound tractor that I haul weekly. Also normay hauling like drywall and such. I am not expecting a race car but I don't want to be very disappointed either. Opinions appreciated.

 

My opinion is that if you are going to tow every week, you need the V8.

 

I have an 06 v6 5spd and I am happy enough with the performance, I knew it wasn't going to be real fast when I bought it, but I haven't had much more than 200 - 300 lbs extra weight in the bed (couldn't tell there was extra weight). You're best bet would be to test drive (if you haven't already) and go from there. Overall I am happy with my truck so far.

 

I have to agree.

 

The 6-cyl is cheaper, but it probably won't get better mileage than a V8. In the long run, you'll probably be happier with the 5.4L.

 

I would rather have the extra HP available then be hauling something with not enough HP.

My 2¢

 

I agree with you guys that I would be happier with the V8 but I am looking for cheap. The cheapest XL with a V8 was 21,000 if I remember right and the V6 XL was 17000. I will probably drive one but you really cant get a feel of how it will handle 800 lbs in the bed on a test drive. Also, has anything changed on the V6 mechanically and power wise since 2000MY or is it the exact same motor?

 

2000 4.2
Horsepower - 205-hp @ 4,950 rpm
Torque - 255 lbs.-ft. @ 3,700 rpm

2005 4.2 (2005 numbers, should be the same as 2006)
Horsepower - 202-hp @ 4,350 rpm
Torque - 260 lbs.-ft. @ 3,750 rpm

2005 4.6
Horsepower - 231-hp @ 4,750 rpm
Torque - 293 lbs.-ft. @ 3,500 rpm

2005 5.4
Horsepower - 300-hp @ 5,000 rpm
Torque - 365 lbs.-ft. @ 3,750 rpm

A little bit of change but not much, I got my truck as a daily driver on a 100 mile round trip so I'll take the 4.2 19-20 mpg (driving fairly easy) over the 14-16 of a v8. If I want something fast I'll buy a car or a Lightning . Are you hauling the tractor in a 4.2 f150 right now, and how far do you haul it? The truck is rated for a payload of 1830 lbs and a trailer weight of 2400. I wouldn't want to haul that kind of weight very often, but my dad has pulled a minivan 50 miles in his 97 4.2 before, so I guess the truck is capable of it.

 

I say go ahead and get the V8 You don't want to go like the slogan for the V8juice ads some years back where they say i could have had a V8 my last truck a 2000 reg cab I had the 4.6 in it was very happy with it my new truck I got the 5.4 and I'm even happier with the extra power i got now.

 

Thanks for the response ID3. The truck I haul it in now is a V8 4x4. I will haul it about 50 mi every week when it gets nice outside. I live in the country and drive quite a bit so the added fuel milage is desireable. Thanks again.