I currently have an 07 STX 4.2 regular cab 4x2. With the end of year deals I have been seriously considering trading up a little. I can get a STX 4.6 SC Flairside 4x2 for $22k right now with rebates and X-plan. I'm wondering if it would be worth it to trade or just keep what I have. Is there going to be that much more power from the 4.6 over the 4.2??? I drive alot further to work now so I am also worried about the wear and tear on the 4.2. Having the extra seat would be nice but I just dunno how much I would use it. We have the Liberty to use when we all go somewhere. But again it would be nice to have.

I dunno if I am trying to convince myself to do it or to not do it.

 

keep what you got. If you dont need the extra seat why bother getting the longer truck. If ur happy with the 4.2 keep it too. It wont wear down on you. Plus did you pay for ur truck in cash? Wouldnt trading now kinda cause you to go upside down?

 

Regardless of whether or not you paid cash, that truck you described as yours is what's called a "leader." That's the model they sell for like $15,990 at the Ford dealer here. Nothing against you, just making a point.

Anyway, my point is the dealer will try to offer you $12k for the truck based on the fact that "Anyone can buy a new one for $xxxxx (insert bargain price here)." This is precisely why I got out of car sales, I was tired of lying to people.

Anyway, the V6 in the F-150, while a little underpowered, is a GREAT engine that has been in use since the 1997 model I believe. The power gains you will see with the 4.6L are so small that I would NOT trade up.

 

X 2. The 4.2 is just as good as the 4.6. Hope jamzwayne dosen't see me say that!

 

I was in your same position back in 2004, I had leased a 2001 F-150 Supercab that had the 4.2 and had to either buy it or trade it in.
First of all, with as heavy the 2004+ trucks are, there is little to no difference between the 4.6 and 4.2. I never had problem one with the 4.2 either.
The only reason i ended up with the 2004 is after doing the math on both vehicles i would have paid exactly the same thing in the end. (the interest rate was alot higher on buying the "used" 2001).
Hope that helps.

 

FIXED!

 

Actually, isn't it LOSS Leader? The dealership will take a loss on some trucks in order to lead others into buying a higher priced more profitable truck? Often times, there may be only 1 or 2 of these special deal "Loss Leader" trucks on the lot, so once they have piqued your interest, you can't help but buy a truck, and you don't want the stripped down XL so you buy a nice Lariat.

 

You are correct, i got side tracked as i was looking at my 'lost' fuel tables when i responded. :o

 

No worries!

 

i would only upgrade if your getting the 5.4. otherwise, keep what you got

 

Keep what you have until your ready to step into a 5.4

 

I would keep what you have. I traded in my last two cars after just one year. Because of that I rolled about 5 grand neg equity into my F150. I never want to do that again. At least I got it financed at 0% but it still sux. Keep your truck a couple more years and get the new body style. Also I think the reg cab STX's look nice. I dont see many reg cabs around. Drop the rear a couple of inches and get some OEM 20's and you will be set. I saw some 07 OEM 20's with tires on craigslist for $300. I almost bought them so I would have a spare set.

 

Just curious how the STX is considered a loss leader??? I always thought the XL work trucks were that. Sticker on mine was $24k and I got it for $18k with rebate and dealer match on the rebate.

 

Ahh, the debate over the 4.6l and 4.2l... Well...

The 4.6l V8 offers hp/tq at higher rpms... which is not so good for a truck. As far as a performance difference... there is a small... but not a kick in the pants type of difference. However, if you get that extra seat... expect it to be nearly identical if not slower. You've got a lot more mass you need to push with those rear wheels.

The 4.2l v6 offers hp/tq at lower rpms... which is better suited for a truck. Being that your truck is currently a shortbed, it probably is pretty decent for pickup and speed. Not to mention that the 4.2l is best picked by Consumer Reports, and has a great track record of lasting a VERY long time. Remember, the 4.2l v6 an industrial grade engine... meaning that companies use that engine for generators running dedicated services such as ISPs and even in the medical field for maintaining power for life support systems... that's more than I can say for the 4.6l and the 5.4l engines. By the time the 4.2l dies, you will need a new truck... granted you took 1/2 decent care of the engine... and yes, I said 1/2 decent care of it.

 

Keep it, save for a diesel!