I have an '07 F150 Screw XLT 4x4 with 67000 miles that I bought new. I've really enjoyed this truck. I don't use it much, as you can see by the mileage. Its really only have oil changes/tires/etc tho I did flush the tranny once.
Now its making a "whirring" noise from the engine at 1500+ rpm. My local mechanic looked at it, took off the belt and it still made the noise. He said he can't diagnose further without digging into the engine - $$$. Also my AC compressor is kaput, $1200 according to him.
My truck is 11 years old. I'm scared to start throwing money at it, worrying that things will start breaking and I'll want to trade it in soon anyway.
If you were me, would you trade it in on a '16/17, or is there an advantage to buying new? Can I buy a '18 XLT Screw new for close to $30k? I'm in Wa state. I only rarely tow a 3000lb boat. Reliability is my main engine concern. If I do trade it in, the V8 would be the best choice in that regard? I don't do many miles so a couple mpg isn't a dealbreaker for me.

Opinions please! I'm thinking of trading it in this weekend.

 

Fix if and keep it would be my advice. But, if you can't resist the desire to trade up, I recommend going new because the two or three year old trucks are selling for almost what you can buy a new one for.

 

Roadie is on the right track.

I would trade it for something new as well.

I got a '07 and it isn't giving me any issues plus I got a ESP on it until 2022. So to me, it's like driving a new truck still. When the warranty runs out, and it starts being flaky then I'll get a new truck.

I'm not like some that always needs the newest thing out there. If that's the case, I recommend leasing.

 

I've been looking at new trucks lately. I tried to buy a used 2016 F150 last fall but I could have bought a new 2017 with a new warranty just like it for $5k more. It didn't compute for me. I'm now looking at other brands because of the stop/start feature on the new F150s. I'm not playing that game. I drove a Tacoma and Tundra this week but they want too much money for those things. A $2500 discount was a big deal with them and of course they added $500 plus back in for dealer doc fee. I'm also looking at Rams. I like the 2005 Hemi Dodge Magnum I have except it just blew its Mercedes transmission at 108k miles.

 

I'm not sold on the new trucks yet either... Traded a 97 F150 with 255,000 miles on it for the 13 Eco and love it!

I got my 13 for $33k from a sticker price of $43k and it had about 50 miles on it, of which I put about 20 miles on my test drive alone!

Anyway, still not interested in the 'new' ones yet... But, I'm spoiled in that I have a 'new' one, it's just 5 years old now! ha, ha!

Good luck!

Mitch

 

SS can be permanently disabled with reprogramming



As for the OP. I loved my 2014, no issues 48,000 miles. But man my new 2018 is night and day better truck. Makes me wish I traded sooner

 

If your 07 has a 5.4 3 valve, trade it in.

 

why?

 

VCT issues.

 

Yeah, you don't want to deal with the VCT issues... trust us. It's $$$$ and a PITA.

 

Can VCT issues start with a whining noise like I'm experiencing?

 

Some people get a ton of miles out of a 3V, others have nothing but problems. If yours is having ANY kind of problems, it's best to get rid of it rather than throw big bucks into it.

 

I will eventually trade it in. I'm wondering if I should be happy for 11 years of great service and trade it in before putting a couple/3 grand into it.

I paid $26k 11 yrs ago, if I trade it in for 10k now thats $16k over 11 years = $1450 per year

If I keep it 2 more years after putting $3k in it, ($26k new, trade in value $9k, $3k repairs) = $1667 per year

I WILL get a new/newer truck in the next 5 years, I'm just trying to make the best financial decision.

 

You are only driving it about 6k miles/yr. If you spend a little money on your existing truck it should last you another 11 years and still be worth $5k. I'm just jerking your chain. Ha! if yah wanta new truck go for it!