First post!


I'm picking up a 2005 F150 with a (whatever size) V6 Ford stuck in those. It has 64k miles.
How rugged are these engines? I don't really care about the power, but I am very concerned about the engine's longevity. This thing may have to last me a decade.

I've made the mistake of overworking a (straight) six before, and having to have it rebuilt at ± 110k. Rather not do THAT again

Also, how does Ford's V6 compare to their (smallest) V8 regarding gas mileage? The last 150 with the (300 cid) six I had always seemed to be working so hard that it drank as much as its 302 V8 predecessor.


If it matters, I very familiar with driving 150's, just haven't owned one in awhile. I drive a 2006 F150 with a large V8 over 300 miles a day. Of course, the six isn't as strong, but it's all I need; AS LONG as it'll stand up to normal (no towing) driving for 150 (hopefully 200k) miles. I've owned 150's on and off for the last 30+ years, just wandered over to the "dark side" (GM & Nissan) for a few years,... but I'm back!





(I'm sure the time since I've owned a Ford shows. I don't know wth 4.?, 5.?, etc means! What IS that, Japanese talk?!? Okay, I'm kinda kidding; I do know what it means,... but I'm still used to 302's, 351's, & 460's. )

 

These 4.2 V6's really are pretty decent engines anymore. If you dont need a lot of power they are great. Just keep the oil changed and the other maintenance up and you should get 200K no problem. As far as gas mileage they are very similar. I assume yours is a reg. cab 2WD. You may get a tick better than a V8 but not much. They all very by driving style. Ive got 1800 miles on mine now and generally get around 19 mpg with the 5-speed. You will hear many different claims here. Good luck with your truck and welcome back!

 

i got 2006 xlt with the v6...auto and the only part im not happy with is how slowwww it is lol other then that i love it....ive towed a little bit with it like boats and trailers and it surpised me at how well it did (2wd btw) i usally get about 20 mpg which isnt thats bad.....totally agree with above ^

 

If you get a 5 speed and take it easy high teens and 20s freeway are very realistic. It is a good engine, and easily will last that long if maintained.

 

it's the same motor that was around in the 1997-2004 body style. I had one in the 1998 F-150 and was really annoyed by that motor. got 15 mpg highway and was a pure dog. the truck could take anything I dished out, but the motor was useless. any real load in the bed and it required 3rd gear to stay at highway speeds. all that aside, the 4.2 lasted 30,000 miles without any problems despite me flogging the crap out of it

the 04+ 4.2 v-6 is the MPG equivalent of the 4.6 v-8. about 1 mpg of difference, and alot less power.

 

With the weight of these trucks & the size of the frame, a V6 ain't gonna cut it!.....

 

No doubt these are not the most powerful engines, neither is the 5.4 IMO, for this size truck. I bought an XL recently with the 4.2, pretty slow but has no problems towing and has done well with a full bed of dirt and furniture. I bought it not as a daily driver, but something to haul things around occassionally, and something for my son to drive when he gets his license in a year. I don't think I would have gone the auto route, and liked the fact it has a 5 speed trans. if it gets really bogged down. If you need a daily driver for work, and lots of towing I would look for a 5.4, deals on used 05's and up are really good.