If you buy a 3V 5.4, just make sure it is running quietly when you look at it. If the valve train is noisy, walk away

 

Yea, I am well aware of that one. I really hope I don't have to go that route though. I have enough saved to do the cam phaser job, should such a problem arise, but I would rather avoid it altogether, if I can, even if it means a higher mileage 5.0. If forced into a 5.4, I would want to look at '09-'10. My understanding is at least the stuck spark plug issues were resolved by then.

 

A friend showed me this one today. Not exactly the year I want, or the motor, but that mileage makes it a bit tempting.

https://www.redefinedautos.com/pre-o...d-F-150/215117

 

That's a dealer that gets vehicles from wholesalers and auctions. I wouldn't be surprised if it has a salvage title.

You would be looking at a spark plug change right off the bat.

 

I kind of go against the grain. I had a 2005 5.4 and loved that truck. Put 135,000 trouble free miles on it. There are Far more 5.4s with no problems than those with phaser problems. If it is quiet and the oil has been changed every 5,000, I would not hesitate to buy. The plugs are not that big a deal either, dealers know what to do to get them out and after the first change it’s not an issue anyhow. I am on my second 5.0, also trouble free, and there are much more responsive than the 5.4 plus get better gas mileage. 85,000 on a 2011 and 73,000 on my 2014.

 

Yea, I know the 5.0, despite its crazy miles, has been well maintained, if the carfax is anything to go by. It is at a Chevy dealership, and not just some used car dealer, so that might be a plus too.

 

That 06 is really shiny like maybe it's been painted or garaged since new. I would ask for sure. I like it.

 

I just looked at the carfax on that '06. I has been in 3 accidents, and I don't know what vehicle reconditioned means, but it doesn't sound good.

https://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistor...PW14536FB10961

 

Maybe you should come south and find a rust free truck.

 

That 06 is also a Canadian truck that has bounced around from dealers to auctions quite a bit. I would stay far away from that one.

 

Yea, I am going to go look at the high mileage 2012 Saturday. Going to do some fishing while I am over that way too. Might even take my boat, to try to chase down some big blue cat and flathead, on the ohio river.

 

What is your price range? I would take a low mileage 09 or 10 over a high mileage 5.0. I traded in a 2005 5.4 with 155,000 on it and it was still running great. Regular oil changes and one plug change is all it ever needed. They have a bad reputation because of the noisy cam phasers. The noise really isn't a problem though, the motor will still run fine. A lot of people hear the noise and think the motor is bad and change them for no reason. They're a lot like the 6.0, they had some problems but they are wildly overstated because of internet rumors.

 

I haven't even seen low mileage '09-'10. Some had less mileage than the 2012, that I am looking at saturday, but not enough to make any difference, nor with anywhere near as impressive of a service record.