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I have a 2002 Supercrew 5.4L with 240,000 miles that I purchased new. It's time for a new truck. I intend to buy a used 2018-2020 SuperCrew 6.5' bed 4x4 just to take advantage of the depreciation, yet still get something fairly new. While I normally keep vehicles until near death, I do intend to sell this one in about 6 years to move up to an F350 and put a camper on it...so resale is one variable I need to consider.
I pull a 21' lightweight camper occasionally. Like 1 vacation per year (planned 2500 miles RT this summer). And one 250 mile RT per year to our cabin where the camper sits all summer.
I pull a 17' fiberglass boat to the cabin a few times per year (depends on if it stays or comes home in between visits).
I pull 2 snowmobiles often in an enclosed trailer.
I have an ATV in the bed often.
It is not my daily commuter (my 2002 was).
In 2002 I would have never considered a V6. And I haven't paid attention to Ford's technology since, other than hearing about the Ecoboost when it was announced.
From just starting to look at the used market it seems there are far more V6s than V8s
I would appreciate thoughts on the 5.0L V8 vs. 3.5L EcoBoost V6 vs. 3.0L V6. They all have similar payloads, towing capacitie and mpg.
Questions that come to mind:
Are there differences in quality or reliability?
Thoughts on resale
Is one more valuable, or more in demand, than the other when looking at identical used trucks, for when I purchase and then resell?
Ok, I can give you a few comparisons. I went from an 02 lariat super crew 4x4 with the 5.4. Good engine. Sold it to my buddy in 2010 when I went to the 2011 f150 XLT super crew 4x4 with the 5.0 3.55 gears and 6 speed transmission. The truck was very nice and did an admirable job towing my 7500 lb loaded travel trailer. The 5.0 has tons more usable power than the older 5.4 265 hp vs 380 hp and a 6 speed transmission. Kept the 2011 till 2018 when I upgraded again to a 2018 XLT super crew 4x4 with 3.5 ecoboost and 10 speed transmission. Wow, worlds of difference pulling my travel trailer. The ecoboost begins making power down at 1750 rpm and maximum torque at around 3500 rpm. Backed with the 10 speed it’s like driving a diesel with hp and torque to make this thing go as fast as you want. It’s a beast. Nice thing is if you treat it right you can get great fuel mileage on top of everything. About 20% better whether towing or not. Heck I don’t think I ever saw my 02 get better than 16 hwy. the eco gets an easy 17+ city and I’ve had a few tanks in the 21/22 mpg range (19-21 mpg more consistently). With a 36 gallon fuel cell I can leave the west side of
Washington state and make it to central/east side of Montana. The 10 speed never looks for a gear and is smooth.
if your going to tow consistently I’d suggest 157” wheelbase screw, max tow, comes with 3.55 gears.
I have about 36k today issue free engine and transmission. With all the electronics today I have had a few minor squaks but nothing worth mentioning. Good luck.
Love/Hate? My experience is more drivers love the 3.5EB.
I owned all F-150 Super Crew 4X4: 2001 5.4L, 2014 5.0L, 2017 3.5 Ecoboost. All have been great trucks. While I enjoyed the 5.0L Coyote - that growl as you put your foot into it, my favorite of those trucks was the 3.5 Ecoboost. It is everything @tuckr2 says and more.
Your thoughts on 2018-2020 year models are spot on. I just purchased a 2018 F-250 6.7L diesel! I took what I could find with low miles and mint condition. It gets up and goes and matches the 3.5 Ecoboost for gas mileage, though the latter seems so much peppier (is that a word?). Sporty fo' schizzle! My point is with COVID it would appear the used truck market is hopping; prices up and inventory down since Ford can't get 2021 trucks to the dealers due to parts shortage. My Ford rep informed me they are throwing in the towel on the 2021 trucks and focusing on 2022. Good luck and let us know what you buy - and don't forget the pictures!
La Negra Bonita - Do you think she needs more chrome?
My next truck is going to be a F-350 with the PSD. I'm considering used, but only off a Ford lot locally with a factory warranty still in effect so I can get a Ford ESP. Otherwise new.
