I've reached the point where I'm ready to get a pickup. Growing up we had Fords, so the first place I'm looking is the F-150. I looked briefly at the RAM and GM products, but I'll pass on those. The Tundra seems overpriced to me for what you get.

The number of options are overwhelming. I think I've narrowed it down to the STX or XLT 2x4 with the 2.7L EcoBoost. I've never owned a truck before, so I'm not sure if I'm missing something by not going 4x4 or picking a different engine. Is there anything I'm not thinking of when buying a pickup?

I would love some feedback from current owners or anyone with any relevant information.

Thanks, you guys.

I’ve known a few guys with the eco boost and all of them said the same thing, unless you drive it like an old lady the gas mileage sucks. But if you drive like an old lady the gas mileage is great. So you’ll have to evaluate your driving habits.
I just got a 5.0 xlt 4x4 and absolutely love it, mileage isn’t bad for a truck either.
One thing I thought was pretty cool is that it has a “hill assist” so when you’re stopped on a slight hill in traffic the truck doesn’t rock back at all when you let off the brakes

The F150 isn't the #1 selling truck for no reason. Though they have their issues (not unlike any vehicle) they are an excellent product. As to whether to buy 4x4 or a larger motor, answer the following questions and you'll have your answer.

1 - Are you going to use the truck off road/four wheeling?
2 - Do you deal with snow at least part of the year where you live?
3 - Do you plan to tow anything of substantial weight (~5k pounds) on a regular basis?

If you answer no to all or most of these questions, then you're probably fine buying the truck you described in your post.

I am curious though. What turned you off about the RAM truck? I've driven a F150 for the past 20 years and am considering a RAM to replace it, so I'm curious what your impressions of the RAM were. And if you haven't personally driven all three 1/2 tons (Ford, RAM, and GM) you should.

I have a 2016 F-150 Lariat. I just did a round trip to Northern California (Napa) from Seattle. Several mountain passes and got about 19.5 MPG. I have the eco boost. I was fully loaded in the bed of the truck and cab with bankers boxes, etc. on the way back. I think the MPG is good for the truck and its weight (I have about every option on this truck).

I had a 2016 F150 XLT SuperCrew 2wd with the 2.7 EcoBoost w 3.31 rear locking diff.
Drove it for 36k miles & got back into a car.

The only real issue I had was with the pano sunroof, rattles & squeaks.

I averaged between 19-22 mpg.

I rarely towed with it, but it handled a loaded 6x15 cargo trailer no problem, and the 3.5EB was a bit over budget at the time.
Also towed a Honda Civic from Houston to Albuquerque, on a tow dolly, barely knew it was back there.

Would buy again if I were in the market, no problem.

Why do you say Tundra is overpriced? My research indicates Fords are ridiculously overpriced (and I own and love my 2012 F150).

For $50K, you can get a decently equipped F150, or a LOADED Tundra. . .

I don’t know where you live but here in Central Kentucky we get a mix of all weather.
Aside from RWD sports cars I’ll likely never own anything but a 4wd or AWD vehicle.
I currently own a 2016 Expedition with the 3.5L Ecoboost and a 2015 Suburban with the 5.3L both 4x4 of course.

I really like the driving experience of the 3.5L Ecoboost. A buddy has the 2.7L in an F150 and it was very underwhelming.
If I had my choice I would have the F150 with 4x4 and the 5.0. I really do like my Ecoboost but with the added turbos and the like if they go bad I am guess I would have much preferred the 5.0.

Around here there are silly deals on the F150s right now, 15-17k off sticker.

If you have any interest in a diesel the baby powerstroke is something to think about but I am guessing since the 2.7 was your first choice you don’t need the diesel.
But my buddy just bought a NEW 2018 (yup it has been sitting on the lot for over 2 years) and man was I surprised at how quiet and smooth that thing was.
Took it on a 4 hours of highway driving and about an hour of gravel roads.

Its a truck so the first and most important question is what are you going to use it for like bigdeal asked? Towing? what? Loads? what size? getting a couple of 2x4 at Home depot? some grass seed. It really really matters. The number of options is staggering because not everyone uses the truck the same way. Me personally living in a state with snow I would never ever buy a 2wd rwd vehicle. And even if I lived in state without snow but had to drive the truck even casually while towing something serious(think a field to park) nope. The 2.7 is the worst of the available engines but the one you want is $2K extra. Need way more info to say with any conviction. But I as was said the F150 isn't the best selling truck because it sucks. Most of the available options are just fine.

I have had gmc and 3 fords in the last 17 years. Test drove all of them in 2018 and thought the Ford was still the best. I have had 2 3.5 eco boosts in a row and low them. I heave heard the 2.7 is a monster. I would love the sound of a v8 but the eco boost is better IMHO. I love in the Midwest so 4x4 is requires. Depends where you live on that one.

Four wheel drive can be a nice extra or a necessity depending on where you live. In northern Michigan dealers won't put a two wheel drive in their inventory. If one comes in on trade, it gets auctioned. Not that you can't get around but nobody will buy them.

If you live in Dallas or Atlanta the resale shouldn't be a problem.

To your first question, I replaced a 2003 Silverado with a F150 XLT 5.0 V8 new in 2011. 127,000 miles later, I replaced it with a 2018 in a different color but the same truck. I loved both of them. If I had to replace the 18 it would be another F150.

I have a 2018 F150 Platinum 4x4. It's a great truck. It has the 3.5 Ecoboost and flies. I've averaged 18.25 mpg since it was new.

One of the things that impressed me was the ability to perform Forscan on the truck.

Look at this link to open a world of custom features available the F150.........

https://docs.google.com/docume...8yejqegF1wxIqxY/edit

I did a number of these little changes to suit my taste.

I have a friend with a Toyota - loves gas way too much.
I have a friend that had a Chevy - Burnt to the ground while running down the highway.
I've owned a number of Dodges - too problematic.

There are some crazy deals out there on F-150 trucks.

Mike

Ford as a corp is something I might think about. I think you can buy a Tundra for what you can buy the F150 for. A more solid rig with a lot less bells and whistles available.
I would only buy a 2x4 truck in a 3/4 or 1 ton used for heavy hauling myself.

My experience is a 180 from most folks here so far.....I had always had F150s for my entire life....had at least 6 I can think of.....good truck but every damn one of them I had ball joint issues every 50k miles or so....granted, my younger years a lot if off road and hard driving but even the ones later in life that never left pavement had the same issues.
I tried a Chevy two trucks ago and am still in a Silverado with no issues. To each his own...kinda like buying a gun, all personal preference

Had a 2015 F150 4X4 XLT SuperCrew with the 2.7L Ecoboost.

Fantastic truck for the 68K miles I put on it without a single maintenance issue.

I’m going to disagree with the post about it having bad mileage unless you drive like an old lady, over 68K miles I averaged better than 19mpg and it got stomped a lot. That Twin Turbo V6 has pretty impressive power.


As for pricing, while F150’s stickers are about the same as Tundra’s, lots of rebates and discounts to be had on the Fords. Toyota doesn’t have much reputation towards selling under sticker. I had been looking at Tacomas before buying the F150, and while my F150 was stickered almost $12K over a comparable trim Taco, the selling price was only about $3500 more after rebates and dealer discounts.

Only sold it because it was too big for my wife to park and and negotiate tight spots. I now have a 2019 Ranger and it is even better.

If you don’t need the fill size, the Ranger is a great mid-size. I am loving mine and it even has the same towing capacity my F-150 did (7500 lbs). Just as quick and powerful with the 2.3L Turbo 4 as the F150 was with the 2.7 TT V6

As for 4x4 or 2WD - really depends on where and when you will be driving it. For a few thousand $ extra, I can’t imagine ever buying a @WD truck unless it was solely a work truck for street.

2013 F150 XLT 2WD with 3.5 Ecoboost. My third F150 over the years. 75,000 miles so far and the only issue I've had is it seems to eat front brake rotors. I've replaced them twice. Engine has plenty of power and I get about 18 MPG, mostly around town driving. Will probably go with the same truck but with 4WD when I decide to replace it. I've had good luck with all of my Ford trucks.

quote:

Originally posted by Hound Dog:
Why do you say Tundra is overpriced? My research indicates Fords are ridiculously overpriced (and I own and love my 2012 F150).

For $50K, you can get a decently equipped F150, or a LOADED Tundra. . .

Looking at sticker price, yes the F-150 is more than the Tundra. Looking at real world pricing; rebates, incentives and willingness of dealers to sell, the F-150 is substantially less. For example XLT's currently have a $6,500 rebate, Toyota is offering $2,750 on the Tundra.

Currently driving a 2019 Crew Cab, 4x4, 5.5' bed XLT, sport package, FX-4, 3.5 Ecoboost. I love the truck, it's done everything I've asked for it. My 2015 that was just liked it got me up the ALCAN to Alaska and this one's been driven north of the Arctic Circle.

As far as what to look for, the big 36.5 gallon fuel tank is a must. The FX-4 package is good for the skidplates and electronic locking rear diff. The sport package is mostly looks but, I like the all black interior that comes with it as well as the bucket seat and console. Which reminds me, the console shifter is a must. It allows to easily select drive modes, manually shift, and the ability to progressively lockout higher gears which is great for mountain driving.

The bad, the OEM shocks are craptacular, I've got Bilstein 5100's on mine now and the ride is much more controlled. It also understears for handing, a Helwig rear swaybar cured that problem. Mileage with the 3.5 Ecoboost does no meat expectations. The power is great, the mileage not so much. I typically get around 17.5mpg with mine.

Shop around, drive them all, A lot comes down to personal preference.

I bought my first truck (except for SUVs) in 2012 - a new Tundra 2wd 5.7 with work package. My requirements were simple. Light duty, durable, reliable and big V-8. I specifically wanted thick vinyl seats. It’s a truck. ie If you want a luxury sedan, buy a sedan.

Consumer Reports well sums up the Tundra. It lags the Big 3 offerings in terms of updated technology, efficiency, features. But it is the overwhelming leader in terms of reliability and resale value.

You just need to decide what you prioritize. Some of us lean to the attributes of the Tundra. Some prefer the more-modern attributes of the Big 3. You should already know how you tend to lean on such matters.

quote:

Originally posted by 2000Z-71:
Currently driving a 2019 Crew Cab, 4x4, 5.5' bed XLT, sport package, FX-4, 3.5 Ecoboost. I love the truck, it's done everything I've asked for it. My 2015 that was just liked it got me up the ALCAN to Alaska and this one's been driven north of the Arctic Circle.

As far as what to look for, the big 36.5 gallon fuel tank is a must. The FX-4 package is good for the skidplates and electronic locking rear diff. The sport package is mostly looks but, I like the all black interior that comes with it as well as the bucket seat and console. Which reminds me, the console shifter is a must. It allows to easily select drive modes, manually shift, and the ability to progressively lockout higher gears which is great for mountain driving.

The bad, the OEM shocks are craptacular, I've got Bilstein 5100's on mine now and the ride is much more controlled. It also understears for handing, a Helwig rear swaybar cured that problem. Mileage with the 3.5 Ecoboost does no meat expectations. The power is great, the mileage not so much. I typically get around 17.5mpg with mine.

Shop around, drive them all, A lot comes down to personal preference.

I completely forgot about the shocks.
The rear of mine seemed uversprung/underdamped.

Bilstein 5100 & Fox 2.0 were the go to swaps when I Was active on the F150 Forum.

I don't recall any noticeable understeer.

quote:

Originally posted by limblessbiff:
I’ve known a few guys with the eco boost and all of them said the same thing, unless you drive it like an old lady the gas mileage sucks. But if you drive like an old lady the gas mileage is great. So you’ll have to evaluate your driving habits.
I just got a 5.0 xlt 4x4 and absolutely love it, mileage isn’t bad for a truck either.
One thing I thought was pretty cool is that it has a “hill assist” so when you’re stopped on a slight hill in traffic the truck doesn’t rock back at all when you let off the brakes

That's untrue. I've had 5 Expeditions in a row 2000, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2018. The 2018 has the 3.5 eco boost. I get 2-3 mpg better fuel mileage over my 2008 with 5.4L around town and 3-4 mpg better on the highway at 80 mph. Not sure how much is equated to the 10 speed transmission or aluminum body. But on the highway both engines turn the same RPM at 80 mph. The ecoboost has twice the acceleration the 5.4 did. I always leave the stop/start crap where it shuts the motor off at stop lights turned OFF.

OP- I'd say to go for the F-150, they're a great truck, just figure out what your needs are and which one/model to get.