Buying a 3rd gen, what year is best?

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Ellison Brown III

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I’ve owned 2 of the 15-17 trucks, and I think they are a pretty darn good value. I’ve heard not nice things about the 5.4, but many here have had no problems.

The 3.5 is not without warts, but mine has been great. Tons of torque on demand. I also prefer the exterior styling to the 4th gen.
On the 5.4, yes has it’s issues. The old Eddie Bauer I gave my daughter has approximately 305-306k miles on it. But it’s tired. Sluggish. And slurps gas. Honestly, I’d say that’s great for that many miles. Can’t compare the two in power (though a slightly unfair comparison due to the hard life the 5.4 is living now).

Having driven that truck when it was in it’s prime I’d still give the EcoBoost the win on power and fuel efficiency. The 5.4 was never big on power in that truck in my opinion. Towed decently, but never breaking any speed records with it.

I’d have to image now most of those early model 5.4’s have got some miles on them. I see so many in the junkyards!!! That’s where I get most of my parts for it.
 

Ed Fogle

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2009-2014

A more powerful engine increased towing capacity and newer more powerful transmission (6R80)

Also 2015-2017, they have really powerful engines and enhanced 6R80 transmission, however, you really don't know how their owners really treated those EcoBoost engines (a lot of them may treat them as if they are naturally-aspirated engines), so you should be really careful when looking for one, and make sure to check it really well and check its maintenance record.
I have a’17 4WD. I’ve never seen anything about operating turbo‘d engine cars differently than NA ones but can believe you should. Where can I learn more about best practices for turbo cars?
 

drbr0b0tnik

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I love my 15 Limited. I don’t do any towing, just hauling around 3 kiddos. Bought it used with 70k back in 2020. Just under 103k now, and haven’t had any major issues.

My only experience with the 5.4 was my dads 2001 F150. For what it’s worth, he’s had no major issues. With well over 200k, he loaded his 2010 mustang on a trailer and drove from Arizona to Virginia.
 

Michael Shepherd

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Also 2015-2017, they have really powerful engines and enhanced 6R80 transmission, however, you really don't know how their owners really treated those EcoBoost engines (a lot of them may treat them as if they are naturally-aspirated engines)
Can you elaborate a bit on what exactly that means? Not trying to be pedantic, just asking as the owner of a 2017 Ltd with an EB engine and would like to ensure that I do not inadvertently fall into that category.
 

mbtech2003

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I’ve got a 2010 5.4. Did timing chains at 84k miles due to chain tensioners going out. Now has 140. Trouble free. Still has original phasers. Gonna upgrade to bilstein shocks as originals are spent. Don’t rule out the 5.4. Gets 14 around town and 18-19 highway.
 

rollinstone

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Bought my 2014 with tow package with about 35k on it in 2016. Only major fix was replacing front brakes last year at about 73K. Sweet tow vehicle. Got the damn galvanic metal problem on the tailgate, though.
 

Herby

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Whatever 3rd generation you purchase, make sure oil changes were performed in a timely manner. For the ones with the 5.4 Triton, be prepared to perform a timing job. This is one of the most common repairs to be performed.
 

Goldnpaw

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I have owned 2001, 2005, 2014 and now 2017. I was fearful of walking away from the v8, but the v6 twin turbo ecoboost is sporty as heck….purrs at high speeds….I would easily say 2017 over my 2014. I have had no issues with any of my Expeditions. Now looking at 2023 stealth…but only if they have the nice red I always get.
 

rollinstone

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I have owned 2001, 2005, 2014 and now 2017. I was fearful of walking away from the v8, but the v6 twin turbo ecoboost is sporty as heck….purrs at high speeds….I would easily say 2017 over my 2014. I have had no issues with any of my Expeditions. Now looking at 2023 stealth…but only if they have the nice red I always get.
Curious how the V6 Ecoboost tows 5000-6000 lbs? Does it do as good as the V8?
 
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