OK so to make a long story short, I was literally hours away from buying a Tundra Limited when I had the opportunity to look at some reviews of the new F-150.

I had originally looked at the F-250 because I really like the looks of it and was not fond of the pre 09 150s. But a loaded 250 is out of my price range for this second vehicle so its Tundra or 150.

Now that I am considering the 09 150 I am not sure which "trim" level I want considering that this truck would be sort of a combination project/daily driver. I am going to go for the all black/murdered/stealth look so Black monotone is a given. The truck will be 4x4 and lifted, but probably only 2-3" with all black 18s on some Grapplers or Thompsons.

However I want all the bells and whistles (Nav, best audio, largest cab, cooled seats, tow mirrors/package, sat, et al) but I do not want a lot of chrome since I am going to black it out.

It will look off road for sure, but the amount of off roading will be minimal

So here are my questions and your feedback is appreciated:

1. Which trims are available in non chrome (the other option is to sandblast and line-X or powder coat)

2. Which cab is the largest and does it compare in size to the Toyota Crewmax?

3. I have heard some cool things about Sync and plan to get it. Does Sync with the nav system enhance Sync functionality? What all does Sync do?

4. I want the higher end truck (maybe even platinum) but loathe the sim wood grain. It that an option or standard on certain trims? And if so, which ones?

5. I know that the F150 has better interior and options but pales to the Tundra in terms of power (by a long shot). What are some mild mods to increase the 150s power band?

6. How are the leather captains chairs versus the 40/20/40? Anyone have pics?

7. Are there any options you would avoid or advice/reviews given on the 09s?

Thanks in advance.

 

Black Platinum 4x4. Get a blackout kit to cover the sim wood. You will get sync with the Nav system, You will love it. Go to syncmyride.com for all info on the bells and whistles. CAI with a tune will wake the Hp. Where are you located? From your tag I suspect San Diego.

 

I too considered a Tundra. Decided on a 09 XLT 5.4 4x2 Screw.

A loaded black FX4 sounds like what you may want if you want to limit chrome.

The rear of the Screw is cavernous compared to the Tundra IMO. The Tundra isn't bad, its just that the Screw is huge. I especially like the way the F150 seats fold up and out of the way with a completely flat floor.

I think only the captains chairs have the heated/cooled option.

I know the power with the F150 is down below the Tundra but after talking to a coworker with a new Tundra the other day, I don't envy his 11/12 mpg around town and 15 mpg on the highway. He says thats with a light foot too but I suppose that is subjective.

 

You should look at a loaded FX4 because you seem to be in the same boat I was in. I came from 20 years of owning nothing but Toyota trucks, including the Tundra. I hate chrome bling (except wheels) and fake burl wood interiors, but want all the bells and whistles so I bought the FX4 and can tell you it is far better than the Tundras I've had. Start with the interior fit, finish, and leg room, look at the Sync and navigation system, compare the build quality, anything you want. The only thing you mentioned was the power, but I used to get 11mpg in my Tundra and now I get 16 mpg so I'm willing to sacrafice a little horsepower. You still don't sacrafice towing capacity or anything else you'll likely use your truck for. If you want to race, wait for the Raptor next year. Also, I've had black trucks and hate the work to keep them looking clean so I went with the next darkest choice...sterling grey metallic with black leather interior and couldn't be happier. Look Ma...no swirls!

 

God I wish....hardcore Charger fan (car and team) currently displaced in Kansas (save your toto jokes)

 

I'd suggest the FX4 also, because it seems to me that it would best fit your application and cosmetic requirements... also I just got one so I'm a tiny bit biased Cab is the best out there in terms of room and function, but it doesn't look disproportional like the Dodge mega-cab, etc. You can get almost all the bells and whistles in the FX4 trim. I got most of the important ones on mine, and I took way too many pictures when I brought it home, check out my bragging rights thread here with lots of pictures:

https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...lots-pics.html

If you're going for murdered out, don't get factory step bars, and you'll have to get aftermarket tail lights, but other than that you'll be good to go! Good luck and good choice going w/ the F-150.

 

Kansas - nice. My 2009 XLT was built there.

 

Cooled seats are not available on FX4. Lariat has chrome you don't want, KR has woodgrain and doesn't sound like your type, so Platinum it is. If you can afford a Platinum with the options you listed (MSRP $48-50k), then I don't understand why an F-250 is not affordable, buy you can't get cooled seats on any of them.

Cooled seats = captain chairs, so you don't even have to think about the bench. If you give up the cooled seats, an FX4 with lux package should save about $4k.

 

Well the 250 I started looking at was around 45 after rebates. Not sure my local dealer was being all that "straight up" with me. Another local dealer has a black Plat 09 for 39,400 after rebates, discounts and includes any and all fees.

That a good deal?

 

I love the Platinum but if he is trying to avoid chrome, is the Platinum the best choice with the brushed chrome grille, side strips, mirrors, tailgate and interior?





I think a black FX4 with the luxury package and 18" wheels may be more to your liking but maybe you'll like the Platinum when you see it in person.

 

That platinum does look really nice but I feel like the whole look I am going for is diametrically opposed to the Platinum. The platinum seems very geared toward upscale, street, luxury like an escalade, while my whole look is geared at rugged, stealth, off road commando.

That being said, I want my truck to be closer to a show off road truck that something that will actually get muddy.

Maybe a lifted platinum would be so different and off the wall that it would be worth it.

 

It sounds like you want something like this FX4.

 

based on what you said you want, get the all black FX4 Luxury package like others have already suggested. The main 2 things you don't get that the Platinum has is the cooled seats and the power folding running boards. You can always add aftermarket power running boards.

To complete your blacked out look, the Ford Raptor F150 will be out this fall and you can buy the factory black headlights and smoked tail lights from that truck from a Ford parts dealer.

 

^^No navigation, cloth seats, bigass towing mirrors? I doubt that's what he's looking for, but a good reference nonetheless.

^I agree with you, I think he's looking more for FX4 Lux, Sony Nav, Moonroof, etc. and you beat me to the Raptor tail light comment.

I think he said he's going to do aftermarket wheels, so that's a moot point regardless of trim package.

 

When does the Harley Davidson come out? That sounds like your kind of truck.

You can get an F-150 for $22k to $51k, likewise an F-250 from $23k to 55k. Don't start by comparing any 2 arbitrary trucks on one dealer lot. Start with www.forddirect.com and build both with your desired/perfect options to compare prices. Even an F-150 Platinum can vary by options by $5k.