My dad and I both happen to be in the truck market, and he has been gracious enough to offer me the opportunity to buy his truck from him (he'll be getting back into a Super Duty).

It's a 2011 XLT SuperCrew, 3.7L V6 4x2 with 30k miles. Here's the sweet part of the deal: He is offering it to me for what he owes, which is only $18,000. The same truck goes for around $23-25k at dealerships in this area, so it would be a steal. However, I'm not sure how I feel about the 3.7L. It just seems weird to me to have a six cylinder in a full-size truck. Given my current truck (see signature), I still feel like it'd be an upgrade, especially since the 3.7's numbers are better than the 5.4 2v (that, and mine has 190,000 miles on it). But for some reason I can't shake the craving for a 5.0.

I saw a good write-up on here about the 3.7, and it seemed to be well-praised. Technically, I don't NEED anything more; all I ever tow is a 17' Bass Tracker, and the rest of the time it's a daily driver and a grocery getter. So I'm sure it would do the job adequately, but I'm still not convinced. But with that price, I feel like it'd be foolish not to jump on the opportunity.

What do you guys think?

 

I'm normally a V8 guy through and through. I have the 2011 5.0 and really like it, but at that price, I think I could live with the 3.7. There is no question that it's a very solid engine.

Sent from my iPhone using IB AutoGroup

 

To me, can you not afford a 5.0 or EB or are you helping out your dad? If you CAN afford the truck you want, dont settle. If you have to get a 2008 5.4L over the 2011 I would do the 2011. 2011 is a much better truck but the V6 does not equal a V8.

To me, if you are settling for the 3.7 or arent helping out your pops, I think you'd be disappointed eventually.

 

I agree, I have always been V8 guy myself. But maybe it's worth a shot. Glad to hear the 3.7 is not considered a joke, though.

Yeah, that's true. It's actually my dad who would be helping me out considering he'd be eating the equity he has in the truck just to be nice. But you have a good point, I may be disappointed eventually.

 

Brand New they are $23-25k.

Example: http://www.brandonford.com/vehicle-d...-fl-id-5602242

$24,995. asking. And they'll take less.

 

Hmm, good find. Didn't notice that. I was only looking at 2011 and 2012 used models, like this one. Just wasn't sure about the V6.

 

Drive it and see what you think. The price is right, miles are low, and you know its history.

I would not tow more than 5k with a 3.7. It's got plenty of horsepower but it's weak on torque.

 

I've been driving my 2011 for almost three years now. It's only got just shy of 25k. It's been a comfortable, reliable truck.

The 3.7 is a really good V6. It is not a V8. Not close.

I have tended to trade my vehicles after three-four years. This one I think I'm going to hang on to for a while. I really do like it and it's come time to pay one of these things off. Having said that, if I were to get a new truck today, I wouldn't opt for the 3.7. From what people here say, the 5.0 is getting just about the same mpg, but has better power.

Good luck deciding.

 

Thanks for the feedback! I think I'm probably gonna go for it. I've driven it several times, and it doesn't feel any weaker than my tired old 5.4. I never thought I'd say this, but I think I could learn to live with the V6 for a price like that, especially since it'll be the newest, nicest vehicle I've ever owned. I suppose if I'm still craving the V8 in a year or so, I could trade the truck in with some nice equity in it. Who knows, I may end up really happy with it like you are.

Thanks again!

 

It can't be that weak. Porky truck, yeah, but I know of no factory issued 300 I6 that had about 280 ft/lbs of guts all the way up to 4000 RPMs. Or 4.2's for that matter.

 

I'd go for it. It's a good price. Has plenty of room when you need it. Comfortable. The XLT has nice standard equipment, not counting any options your Dad got. You know the history of the truck. The 3.7 is a very good engine. You will be towing a relatively light load?, maybe occasionally a little more? I don't think you'll be disappointed with the 3.7 after you've had it a few weeks, unless you're a "stop light" kind guy .

 

I should have said *relatively* weak on torque, it has more HP than TQ. You have to wind it up like a cheap watch to make it go. If I'm not mistaken, the max tow rating for a F-150 with a 3.7 is in the 5000 to 6000# range.

 

Ford's specs online show 6,400 pounds. That's for the Supercab though. The crew may be a bit less. My bass boat doesn't weigh nearly that so it should do the job.

 

So you still thinking you'll go for it? I didn't even know about the situation when I said earlier that it wouldn't be bad. The whole deal sounds pretty good to me! Cause that only a couple grand more than what I paid for my 06 last year. So that's the same truck as mine, just 3.7 vs. 5.4, but 40k fewer miles and 4 years newer (when adjusting purchase times).

 

I wasn't that impressed with the 5.0s, but they were in XL pickups.