I'm not sure if this forum is the correct place for this thread, but I figure that a good number of ya'll will have possibly owned several model years. I have done some reading and see a pretty evenly split consensus on which year models are better. My question is a little more specific.

Would you rather have a newer F150 (2015+) that has fewer options, or would you rather a previous year model with all the bells and whistles? Assuming the money is about the same, which it seems it is between $25K and $30K in my area. I'm wanting an FX4 package with the 5.0 flavor engine, but I am not willing to pay the price tag for a 2015+ model. It looks like there was little change in the truck for 2015 except for the aluminum parts which I can live without.

Also, I have been reading the "advance-track" problem thread in the 2014- forum, is this something that should steer me away from a certain spread of years, or is the problem not as much of a problem?

 

When you consider having the complete factory warranty along with maybe easier financing, and everything else, that new smell, the new truck may not be such a bad idea. If you know the history of the used truck that is also a factor to consider. Tough decision that only you can make. I can't help with the newer models because my 02 is the newest truck I've owned and yes I bought it used, 7 yrs old with 69k miles and i got it for a great price in 09 when used car/truck prices were low due to the recession. $9500

 

Thanks Roadie! I've only ever had 2 new trucks in my life, the first was an 07 Lariat Screw that I bought as my first truck. Loved it, but it was the dumbest purchase I ever made. The new smell wears off pretty quick after the first few payments. The second new truck I've "owned" was a company purchased 2015 Chevy Silverado that I hate, but love the payments. I'm considering a career move, thus giving up the free truck, and will be making my way back into vehicle ownership. So, I do not have any kind of trade, and will likely be making a good down payment so that I'm not paying $500+ a month on a vehicle.

 

Just get a new 2016 left over...

 

I've got a 2014. Never had a problem with Advance Trak. In the menu, I can turn it off if need be. I've turned off trailer sway control and would turn off traction control permanently if I could. I've gotten accustomed to hitting the button on the dash every time I get in it. For me, I get about 2 mpgs better fuel mileage with it off, especially hiway. The dam thing won't let the truck pickup speed going down hill. I use that to get me more MPGs. That way I don't have to press so much on the gas getting up the other side. I get about 19-20 town driving and got 22.7 hiway on a trip from Texas to N Carolina at 75+mph. Local hiways I can get upwards of 24 in our Texas hill country....with traction control OFF.

 

Yeah, I've heard buying and financing a new vehicle described as few months of honeymoon when you are happy with the purchase and then comes the hangover for the rest of the loan term! Most of us have bought new vehicles and know what we are getting into.

 

Great information Labnerd! Exactly what I'm wanting to hear. Are you driving a 5.0, and what is your gear ratio? Your numbers sound much better than expected.

I said I would never purchase a new vehicle again unless I could pay cash.

 

I had and on occasion still drive a '13 4x4 SuperCrew. Own a '15 FX4 super cab short bed. Both 5.0. '13 has 36 gallon tank, '15 has '23 gallon tank.
Both are great trucks and very similar. With the less HP, the '13 gets better mileage by 2 than the '15.
My sickness is wanting a new truck all the time...That being said, I would look for a '14 with a 36 gallon tank. The only real thing I can find that is better between the two model years is the mirrors. The mirrors on the last model are much better. They see more of the lane. The '15 up work, but have a poor angle.(I deal with it). I suppose I could find a base mirror without the spotter in it? I would put the spotter in the bottom outside corner and not the top. Just my driving style.
Used 4x4 2014's in the OC are going for around $30 to $35K, and with less than 29K miles. You can knock $3 to $5K off for a 2WD depending on mileage.

 

I'm driving a 2014 F150 Supercrew with the 3.7 V6 with 3.73 gears and the 275/55/20" factory wheel package. The 3.7 is a 3.5 EcoBoost bored out. I doubt you could ever hurt one. Only downside to one is low end torque just isn't there. From a roll, a 5.4 can't stay with me. From a dead stop, I can't even get close until the engine hits about 3 grand and then it takes off. Redline is 7 grand so it pulls pretty hard for a long time. If you're in any kind of mountains, you don't want one. Mine struggled at 70mph in the mountains in N Carolina, heavily loaded. I'd hate to put it in real mountains as a steady diet.

 

Do you need 4x4 or a lariat?

If I was on a set budget I would be looking for a close out 2wd XLT.

 

Joe T - I don't need 4X4, I do prefer it. Why would you go for a "lower" 2016 model rather than an upgraded 2014 model? Do you think the newer trucks are "better" or do you just prefer a new truck?

 

I recommend you buy what you want if it means a lot to you. Some folks view cars and trucks as utility vehicles and look for best mileage etc. But if you are a car/truck person, you won't be happy with it unless you buy what you want. I would prefer a used truck with the options I wanted instead of a new base model. My old truck is a Lariat that has stuff that isn't necessary but nice to have such as the door keypad, adjustable pedals, heated seats, traction lok rear, 4x4, etc.

 

I'm an old guy, so just having AC, power windows and a decent stereo is a "high end vehicle" to me..

My current 13 is my first brand new vehicle I've ever owned. It's only an XLT, but has so many more options/features than my previous 1997 F150 XLT I traded in for it, I still don't use all of it's features.. But, I do like what I do use!

I've sat in Platinum's and such... I just don't want all that stuff..

It costs way too much and they weigh so much more and I just don't need that extra stuff..

That's just me, I know.. I know it's all the gizmos and fluff that sells today.. I get that..

This was the first truck I was exposed to as a daily driver when my Dad bought it brand new in 1971 and I was just a kid. He still owns it to this day..





Grew up with this truck going on family camping trips and I learned to drive in this thing for the most part.. Dad let me drive it long before I got my drivers license..

Anyway, do what you gotta do.. Get what you gotta get... As long as you are happy in the end, who cares what "we" think...

Good luck!

Mitch

 

Roadie- I think you and myself think quite a bit alike. I like to hear others views because you never know what you might learn. If I bought what I wanted, my wife would likely not hang around and my life span would likely decrease many years, haha. Thanks for your input.

Mitch F150- I like the classics. My mother had a souped up challenger when she married my father. The story is, he sold it because he was jealous that "her" car would outrun his. Either way, I bring it up every once in a while just to stir the pot. I like the "egoboost" in your sig.

 

I don't know how clear you were on your needs... need to take out a date and valet park to impress? Need a truck for snow, off roading or frequent beach/fishing trips? Is this just a utility vehicle for commuting and taking to the ranch on the weekends?

As far as the 14 vs the 15 year trucks the 15s are much nicer.

If you are on a budget it is all about necessity. So a happy middle would maybe be a 2wd 2016 xlt sport with heated seats and katskin leather seat covers? I would take that over a 2014 platinum any day.

I have a basic XL f250 6.2l gas work truck plus my loaded out 2015 fx4 lariat. I prefer the basic work truck generally unless I need to dress to impress.