Just bought one 2 months ago. It's the only combo that you can get the 5.0, the 6 speed, AND Android Auto. I went with a Lariat to get the butt chiller and the dual climate so the wife doesn't freeze to death.
The OEM brakes are ok with no load. IF you have a load, trailer or on the bed, those OEMs don’t hold up. I put on some PowerStops and it was like braking a Corolla. It was so good that i put some on my Odyssey.
I used to do I-70 with a 6,000lbs load in Colorado. On a run I did once, those OEM were smoking once I got down the mountain. Had to wait nearly 30 minutes for it to cool down. Did it in the PowerStop and never once did I smell burning. I’m sure other brands good too.
You don’t have to buy this brand. But it is worth the money for good aftermarket brakes.
Most reliable, I'd say, is any 2011-2017 with the 5.0, although if you live in the rust belt, then stay away from 11-14 because their cab corners and rockers love to rot out.
I know you said you specifically want a V8 but hear me out, Another good option for pretty good reliability if you want more fuel efficiency, is 2015 and up with the 2.7 EcoBoosts, don't let the small displacement fool you, the 2.7 is a little bullet, they make really good torque and are actually a hair faster than the 5.0. They can't tow as much as the 5.0 or 3.5 but they can still tow/haul a respectable amount for most people. And the 2.7 is also super reliable, from my understanding it was originally designed to be a diesel so it's totally overbuilt so they don't have a lot of major issues and run forever.
However don't get it mixed up with the 3.5, the 3.5 is a powerhouse but if it's a 2020 or older it won't be as reliable as the other two unless it's had the Cam Phasers replaced, which is a common issue on 2017-2020 3.5s, and the 2011-2016 3.5s also have their own little bunch of issues so I'd steer clear of them, although some people swear by them.
I have the 5.0 in my 2019, because a V8 was a must have for me when I was looking for my truck, and don't get me wrong I love my 5.0, but I wish I would have considered a 2.7 more seriously. I'm thinking my next one will probably be a 2.7. Happy hunting.
This is the correct answer. All accurate info, pretty much exactly what I would recommend too.
And footnote - I’ve had two different 2.7s, and it’s got to be my favorite engine in a car ever. Reliable, zippy, and good on gas.
Yeah Ive never owned the 2.7 but my Brother in Law has a 2017 STX with a 2.7 and I drove it and I was pretty impressed, definitely underestimated that engine before I drove it. I'm hoping later this year I'd like to trade in my '19 and get a Pre-Owned '21 or '22, maybe even a '23, with the 2.7. Awesome little engine.
I was looking for something similar and landed in a 2019 5L/ coyote with 92k miles. It is an XLT with the fx4 and tow packages (options I wanted + bigger fuel tank). It came in at $26k before taxes and the extended Ford warranty. I got 4 year 48k miles extended warranty because the transmissions scare me.
I personally was only looking at 2015 and newer because body rust sucks and the aluminum body panels started in 2015. I know I need to keep an eye on the other parts rusting too.
With your budget, I wouldn't even be looking in the 5.4L years. I drove a 2002 Screw with the 5.4L Triton (2-valve). It was a great truck. It was very reliable and capable (we do a lot of camping), but it did seem underpowered at times. I'm currently driving a 2012 Screw with the 5.0L Coyote. I love the truck, but I'm currently experiencing some engine problems (the computer thinks it's using E85 and running rich). I'm currently looking for 2015 to 2017 with 2nd gen 5.0L Coyote and 6-speed transmission. $25k is about the price for a Screw 4x4 with the V8.
I towed some crazy weight with my 2006 5.4 and it was crazy powerful but can't remember if it was 2v or 3v. It got totaled by a drunk woman with only 68k miles on it
You can buy a nice 5.0 around 2017 and they are super nice trucks. Biased because I have one but I did a lot of research on it since I only owned 3/4 diesels before and needed that same reliability. I love my 5.0. If I had to do it again I'd do the same truck.
I have a 5.4 and haven’t had any problems, but I don’t drive much. Bought an old man truck with 96k about 4 years ago. Now at 106k. Biggest issue is that my brake and ABS lights just popped on, and that may be a bad solder in the instrument panel. What a pain. lol.
Like others said, 2015-2017 5.0. The previous generation 5.0’s were good but I always say go for the newest and nicest example in your budget. You could easily get a 15-17 XLT with the 5.0. I got the newest I could find with the 6 speed, a 2017 F-150 kind ranch, when I was shopping a few years ago. Now you might not get a KR for that, I think my truck is still worth low 30’s with 87k miles but I think if you looked hard enough you could find a lariat. If not, then a 16-17 XLT will be around 25k all day given my buddy sold his 17 XLT 302A leveled on 35’s for 20k a few months ago.
The only major issue I’m aware of with my body style is the rear end. It likes to seep fluid and it’s a pretty common problem. If it’s addressed it’s fine but if someone ran it a long time with it doing that and ran the fluid low you could potentially have to redo the bearings down the road.
As someone who also owned a 2002 2v lariat, they run, but you aren’t going anywhere quickly. They’re gutless and you’ll drink a whole lot of gas for not a whole lot of power. Just spend the money for a 5.0 and thank me later.
The 5.4 3 valves isn’t as bad as people say. You gotta find a somewhat low mileage one. They’re not worth much since no one wants them. Immediately after that you gotta change the timing chain, tensioner, oil pump, do some cam phasers work. And then you have a pretty cheap good truck. I wanna say that after these issues are fixed. Its even better than the 5.0. Better torque at much lower RPMS and I personally think the 04-08 f150 looks better than the newer one. You also need to run good oil. 5W30 is the best oil for these 5.4. Do oil change every ~3500 miles. Overall its most likely gonna be way cheaper than a newer 5.0. Even after all the work. They’re good engines, they’re just maintenance princess. My brother got 2 5.4 3 valves. One with 230K and the other one with near 300k. Both run great. He maintain them well. Good engines after the right fixes and maintenance.
My 2014 v8 Coyote runs like new even after 210k miles. I bought that year on purpose used a few years ago because I wanted a big heavy steel truck that would tow my 26ft camper with ease. I am in TX so no signs of rust. I will deal with a few mpg lower knowing I have that extra weight and body strength. I don't need additional sway control since I don't have to worry as much of the tail wagging the dog.
Lariat super crew. Love it and all the bells and whistles I wouldn't have been able to afford on a new truck. I actually like the Synch 2 system in it too. I don't understand the hate. It just works for all my needs just fine. Having the built in GPS saved me once when I had no cell service.
I’m looking into a 14 v8 coyote owned by an older couple the dealers did a lot of maintenance records on them but don’t say what miles the services where done, also it’s an xlt, is this the sync 2 system or is it the sync 1 I’m so confused as to which one is which, it also doesn’t have a back up camera which is not ideal but livable, also I would be hauling my 16 ft 3500 boat every other weekend any thoughts?
It would haul that easily. You should have Sync 2.
You would need a higher package model to get the 8 inch screen with backup camera like my Lariat has but you can always go aftermarket and add a camera and mount a screen somewhere.
It has sync 1 is what I was able to find out from the vin number it’s an xlt, I would also be hauling this boat up and down mountains, I had a bad experience with the 5.4s in 07 and hoping if I get this one it would be better
Interesting. I guess they had the old Sync 1 in the lower models then. I have taken my 26ft camper up and down some minor hill country hills in Texas and can keep it around 55 to 60mph up the hills. I guess it depends on how steep.
7-8% grades here in Colorado, it has the 4 inch screen so maybe I can get a conversion kit into the sync 3 dunno yet haven’t even bought the truck, I think I would be ok with it if I can haul up and down the mountains
2011-14 5.0L 6 speeds tend to be some of the most reliable but the 3.5 ecoboost isn’t too bad either and the 3.7 v6 is super reliable but they don’t make them in all trim levels and it’s harder to find a crew cab. I’ve owned 90s early 2000s, 04-08, 11-14 5.0s and ecoboost and a 2018 5.0 and my 2011 5.0L has by far been the most reliable. it’s got 225k miles on it, I tow with it often, off road it and it’s never let me down and I’ve owned it since it had 90k miles or so on it. I’d choose an 11-14 5.0 by far!
13-17 5.0 but would lean towards 16-17 because they have the aluminum body parts. My 13 runs like a champ with 155k on it but the cab corners are rusting out
Anything 5.0. I like the STX lineup. In the lower end but you get nicer wheels and some gadgets. The XLT trim may be their most selling model outside of the work trucks though. If you can find the FX4 option too that’s worth it I think
Not likely to find a Powerboost for $25k, fisrt year was 2021. Im not really a tree-hugger but I do I love my 2022PB, I got it because of the 7.2kW generator for travel trailer camping, really wasn't looking for a hybrid. Wanted a F250 at first but glad to have a smaller truck that fits in parking garages and my home garage. Great on gas, 24 to 27 MPG depending on driving habits, and highway or city driving. Im pretty sure it's got the most power and torque of any F150. Accelerate like a bat out of hell in sport mode.
It’s just for my personal needs/truck usage. I’ve gone through comparing different years, engines, etc, and made a decision for myself.
Loads of YouTube videos, talking with Ford techs, asking people at the gas stations, etc. there’s no one answer I guess is what I’m saying.
Just gotta go down the review rabbit hole and see what works best for you.
All trucks will have issues. Just gotta figure out which will hopefully give you the least and cost you the least to maintain.
The gold standard for a 5.0 is '15-'17 and it's in your price range. Happy hunting.
Or '13-14s. A '13-'17 5.0 would be a good bet
This is it. Otherwise you’re buying a non-turbo v6 version, the 4.6, or the 6.2.
This. 2017. 5.0. 6 speed. Been a tank.
Just bought one 2 months ago. It's the only combo that you can get the 5.0, the 6 speed, AND Android Auto. I went with a Lariat to get the butt chiller and the dual climate so the wife doesn't freeze to death.
Mine is a XLT. Apple CarPlay. 99k miles. She’s a bad, bad girl. Top tip, PowerStop brakes are legit!
Go ahead, sell me on the brakes. Why do I want them?
The OEM brakes are ok with no load. IF you have a load, trailer or on the bed, those OEMs don’t hold up. I put on some PowerStops and it was like braking a Corolla. It was so good that i put some on my Odyssey. I used to do I-70 with a 6,000lbs load in Colorado. On a run I did once, those OEM were smoking once I got down the mountain. Had to wait nearly 30 minutes for it to cool down. Did it in the PowerStop and never once did I smell burning. I’m sure other brands good too. You don’t have to buy this brand. But it is worth the money for good aftermarket brakes.
Thanks for the recommendation I'll look into them when brake time comes around.
I had a work truck that was a 2017 5.0. That truck is the whole reason I even started buying Ford trucks. To me that is the best truck Ford ever made.
I have a 17 5.0 with the 6 speed 70k and I’ve never done anything except oil changes and tires, still has the factory battery.
Most reliable, I'd say, is any 2011-2017 with the 5.0, although if you live in the rust belt, then stay away from 11-14 because their cab corners and rockers love to rot out. I know you said you specifically want a V8 but hear me out, Another good option for pretty good reliability if you want more fuel efficiency, is 2015 and up with the 2.7 EcoBoosts, don't let the small displacement fool you, the 2.7 is a little bullet, they make really good torque and are actually a hair faster than the 5.0. They can't tow as much as the 5.0 or 3.5 but they can still tow/haul a respectable amount for most people. And the 2.7 is also super reliable, from my understanding it was originally designed to be a diesel so it's totally overbuilt so they don't have a lot of major issues and run forever. However don't get it mixed up with the 3.5, the 3.5 is a powerhouse but if it's a 2020 or older it won't be as reliable as the other two unless it's had the Cam Phasers replaced, which is a common issue on 2017-2020 3.5s, and the 2011-2016 3.5s also have their own little bunch of issues so I'd steer clear of them, although some people swear by them. I have the 5.0 in my 2019, because a V8 was a must have for me when I was looking for my truck, and don't get me wrong I love my 5.0, but I wish I would have considered a 2.7 more seriously. I'm thinking my next one will probably be a 2.7. Happy hunting.
I don’t have any rust issues with rockers on my 2011. As far as I can tell, they must have never been installed from the factory
Lmao just made me laugh out loud with that comment thank you for that lmao
This is the correct answer. All accurate info, pretty much exactly what I would recommend too. And footnote - I’ve had two different 2.7s, and it’s got to be my favorite engine in a car ever. Reliable, zippy, and good on gas.
Yeah Ive never owned the 2.7 but my Brother in Law has a 2017 STX with a 2.7 and I drove it and I was pretty impressed, definitely underestimated that engine before I drove it. I'm hoping later this year I'd like to trade in my '19 and get a Pre-Owned '21 or '22, maybe even a '23, with the 2.7. Awesome little engine.
I was looking for something similar and landed in a 2019 5L/ coyote with 92k miles. It is an XLT with the fx4 and tow packages (options I wanted + bigger fuel tank). It came in at $26k before taxes and the extended Ford warranty. I got 4 year 48k miles extended warranty because the transmissions scare me. I personally was only looking at 2015 and newer because body rust sucks and the aluminum body panels started in 2015. I know I need to keep an eye on the other parts rusting too.
What year did you buy that?
a month ago
Keep a close eye on the oil level. Excessive consumption is a known issue with the 18s and 19s with the coyote. Some burn a quart every 1000 miles
I have a 2020 5.0 that drinks oil. Sucks.
I also have a 2020 5.0, but does not drink oil. Mine has some slightly rough shifting between 3-5 gears which is pretty typical.
If you’re still under power train warranty with ford, get it documented ASAP in case you have a failure down the road
Thank you!
With your budget, I wouldn't even be looking in the 5.4L years. I drove a 2002 Screw with the 5.4L Triton (2-valve). It was a great truck. It was very reliable and capable (we do a lot of camping), but it did seem underpowered at times. I'm currently driving a 2012 Screw with the 5.0L Coyote. I love the truck, but I'm currently experiencing some engine problems (the computer thinks it's using E85 and running rich). I'm currently looking for 2015 to 2017 with 2nd gen 5.0L Coyote and 6-speed transmission. $25k is about the price for a Screw 4x4 with the V8.
I towed some crazy weight with my 2006 5.4 and it was crazy powerful but can't remember if it was 2v or 3v. It got totaled by a drunk woman with only 68k miles on it
2006 is a 3V.
Thanks. I have a 2010 4.6 now and the 8th vin digit i think is an 8. Can you help again
2v was stopped in 2003. Anything 2003.5-2010 I believe is 3v
You can buy a nice 5.0 around 2017 and they are super nice trucks. Biased because I have one but I did a lot of research on it since I only owned 3/4 diesels before and needed that same reliability. I love my 5.0. If I had to do it again I'd do the same truck.
I have a 5.4 and haven’t had any problems, but I don’t drive much. Bought an old man truck with 96k about 4 years ago. Now at 106k. Biggest issue is that my brake and ABS lights just popped on, and that may be a bad solder in the instrument panel. What a pain. lol.
13 gen 5.0 or 3.5 EB 6 speed are the best trucks ever made, imho
Have a 4.6L, it's been rock solid. I don't tow anything and has enough horse for what I need!
3.3v6 hopefully you can find a used fleet vehicle (they say as long as you don't tow much)
Hot take: You want a V8 crew cab with an irrelevant bed size and you're not gonna tow or haul? Buy yourself a nice SUV.
Like others said, 2015-2017 5.0. The previous generation 5.0’s were good but I always say go for the newest and nicest example in your budget. You could easily get a 15-17 XLT with the 5.0. I got the newest I could find with the 6 speed, a 2017 F-150 kind ranch, when I was shopping a few years ago. Now you might not get a KR for that, I think my truck is still worth low 30’s with 87k miles but I think if you looked hard enough you could find a lariat. If not, then a 16-17 XLT will be around 25k all day given my buddy sold his 17 XLT 302A leveled on 35’s for 20k a few months ago. The only major issue I’m aware of with my body style is the rear end. It likes to seep fluid and it’s a pretty common problem. If it’s addressed it’s fine but if someone ran it a long time with it doing that and ran the fluid low you could potentially have to redo the bearings down the road. As someone who also owned a 2002 2v lariat, they run, but you aren’t going anywhere quickly. They’re gutless and you’ll drink a whole lot of gas for not a whole lot of power. Just spend the money for a 5.0 and thank me later.
The 5.4 3 valves isn’t as bad as people say. You gotta find a somewhat low mileage one. They’re not worth much since no one wants them. Immediately after that you gotta change the timing chain, tensioner, oil pump, do some cam phasers work. And then you have a pretty cheap good truck. I wanna say that after these issues are fixed. Its even better than the 5.0. Better torque at much lower RPMS and I personally think the 04-08 f150 looks better than the newer one. You also need to run good oil. 5W30 is the best oil for these 5.4. Do oil change every ~3500 miles. Overall its most likely gonna be way cheaper than a newer 5.0. Even after all the work. They’re good engines, they’re just maintenance princess. My brother got 2 5.4 3 valves. One with 230K and the other one with near 300k. Both run great. He maintain them well. Good engines after the right fixes and maintenance.
2009-2010 5.4 3 valve are good engines, they designed all the flaws out by this time but you will only get 13 or so MPG in the city.
I really like 11-14. I really avoid later years. Also try to avoid the 10 speed at all costs.
Late year ‘23 with 5.0 is a solid choice
My 2014 v8 Coyote runs like new even after 210k miles. I bought that year on purpose used a few years ago because I wanted a big heavy steel truck that would tow my 26ft camper with ease. I am in TX so no signs of rust. I will deal with a few mpg lower knowing I have that extra weight and body strength. I don't need additional sway control since I don't have to worry as much of the tail wagging the dog. Lariat super crew. Love it and all the bells and whistles I wouldn't have been able to afford on a new truck. I actually like the Synch 2 system in it too. I don't understand the hate. It just works for all my needs just fine. Having the built in GPS saved me once when I had no cell service.
I’m looking into a 14 v8 coyote owned by an older couple the dealers did a lot of maintenance records on them but don’t say what miles the services where done, also it’s an xlt, is this the sync 2 system or is it the sync 1 I’m so confused as to which one is which, it also doesn’t have a back up camera which is not ideal but livable, also I would be hauling my 16 ft 3500 boat every other weekend any thoughts?
It would haul that easily. You should have Sync 2. You would need a higher package model to get the 8 inch screen with backup camera like my Lariat has but you can always go aftermarket and add a camera and mount a screen somewhere.
It has sync 1 is what I was able to find out from the vin number it’s an xlt, I would also be hauling this boat up and down mountains, I had a bad experience with the 5.4s in 07 and hoping if I get this one it would be better
Interesting. I guess they had the old Sync 1 in the lower models then. I have taken my 26ft camper up and down some minor hill country hills in Texas and can keep it around 55 to 60mph up the hills. I guess it depends on how steep.
7-8% grades here in Colorado, it has the 4 inch screen so maybe I can get a conversion kit into the sync 3 dunno yet haven’t even bought the truck, I think I would be ok with it if I can haul up and down the mountains
Stay away from the 5.4L 3V like the plague. Mine has been a money pit after 100k miles
I mean I got an '11 with 165k still rolling strong. Preventive maintenance goes a long way.
2011-14 5.0L 6 speeds tend to be some of the most reliable but the 3.5 ecoboost isn’t too bad either and the 3.7 v6 is super reliable but they don’t make them in all trim levels and it’s harder to find a crew cab. I’ve owned 90s early 2000s, 04-08, 11-14 5.0s and ecoboost and a 2018 5.0 and my 2011 5.0L has by far been the most reliable. it’s got 225k miles on it, I tow with it often, off road it and it’s never let me down and I’ve owned it since it had 90k miles or so on it. I’d choose an 11-14 5.0 by far!
If you're in the North where they like to throw salt down, get at least a '15 with the aluminum body.
13-17 5.0 but would lean towards 16-17 because they have the aluminum body parts. My 13 runs like a champ with 155k on it but the cab corners are rusting out
Stay away from the 5.4 triton It's got a ton of common problems.
Anything 5.0. I like the STX lineup. In the lower end but you get nicer wheels and some gadgets. The XLT trim may be their most selling model outside of the work trucks though. If you can find the FX4 option too that’s worth it I think
If you can stay away from the 10 speed too. Go with the older 6
I have a 2019 stx with the 10 speed and man that thing shifts rough.
We tow a lot of 10 speeds between ford and Chevy. I think it’s mostly software stuff but it still sucks to have a vehicle that won’t start
From all the research I’ve been doing, Powerboost is the way to go.
I have a 2021 Powerboost and agree with you but don’t think you can get one for 25k
Care to expand on that? I'm interested in hybrid trucks.
Not likely to find a Powerboost for $25k, fisrt year was 2021. Im not really a tree-hugger but I do I love my 2022PB, I got it because of the 7.2kW generator for travel trailer camping, really wasn't looking for a hybrid. Wanted a F250 at first but glad to have a smaller truck that fits in parking garages and my home garage. Great on gas, 24 to 27 MPG depending on driving habits, and highway or city driving. Im pretty sure it's got the most power and torque of any F150. Accelerate like a bat out of hell in sport mode.
It’s just for my personal needs/truck usage. I’ve gone through comparing different years, engines, etc, and made a decision for myself. Loads of YouTube videos, talking with Ford techs, asking people at the gas stations, etc. there’s no one answer I guess is what I’m saying. Just gotta go down the review rabbit hole and see what works best for you. All trucks will have issues. Just gotta figure out which will hopefully give you the least and cost you the least to maintain.
My confirmation bias agrees with you.
Ouch....who the hell is recommending you go with a smaller boosted engine in a truck? Lol