Going Fullsized Truck

So ive had my Taco since 2011 when all the spine problems started. 150k+ later.. Im moving on to a Fullsized Truck. The Ford F150 has been on my mind since last year when i had my first spine surgery. Today May 13 ive only been 5 days out my spinal fusion at Lumbar 3/4. I would stay with Toyota but the problems with the boosted v6 have me questioning Toyota. Tundra Limited TRD Offroad, and that price. SMH. Since the F150 had the 5.0 v8 option they have had my attention. F150 in a STX in FX4 now i could make that work.

This thread was just to concentrate my thoughts on everything ive been going through post surgery.

Please state your opinons

Tkx
Ben

 

I own a 2007 Tacoma and a 2014 F150. Both are 4X4 crew cabs and my Ford has the 5.0. 256,000 miles on the Tacoma and 163,000 on the Ford. Both are great trucks but with very different uses. The Ford is no doubt more comfortable and is much better at towing or hauling loads. But I love the smaller size of the Tacoma for around town use.

I think you'll be happy with the Ford. I wouldn't be afraid of Ford's turbo engines. They've been making them since 2011 and did have some issues the 1st few years. But they've got it figured out by now.

I'm planning to keep the Tacoma till I die and give it to one of the grandkids but will replace the Ford with a new/newer version at some point. I'd initially planned to do that sometime this winter after the 2026's come out. But with the unknowns with the political and economic front may ride it another year or 2.

I'm pretty certain I'll go back to F150, but I'm undecided on the engine. The 2.7L V6 turbo engine Ford makes may be their best engine and it does everything 90% of the needs of truck owners. It's also Ford's cheapest option and the one with the best fuel mileage. The 3.5 L turbo engine is the powerhouse if you need power to pull loads. The 5.0 splits the difference in power and isn't too far behind in fuel mileage.

 

I spent nearly 40 years with the big 3. I just couldn't buy a Japanese vehicle. Looking back, it was one of bigger mistakes in my life. Ford, GM, or Chrysler, they all needed constant repairs. I finally switched to Toyota and Nissan and unfortunately, couldn't be any happier. I wish we made vehicles on par with the Japanese and maybe we are getting closer but I wouldn't hold my breath.

Just my .02

 

I had a tacoma, then a 2020 Tundra and now a 2022 F150 with the 2.7 ecoboost and really like the truck. Even at a lower trim, it has more technology and gets stupid good mpg for a half ton, I'm seeing 19.5 with all city driving. Research says that the 2.7 is very reliable, time will tell. I think you'll be happy with the switch.

 

It sux that dealerships are not taking me seriously...

 

Hard to know what that means with no context.

 

Told them im ready to buy. Put the numbers in front of me. they just drag their feet for past 2 days.

 

like going from driving a folding lawn chair to a living room sofa LOL just don't like the wet belts...

 

Sorry to hear about your spine.

So, a 2011 newly purchased Tacoma ranged from $16,365 to $27,525 back in the day.

A 2024 Tundra Limited range from $51,885 to the Platinum $62,460.

A 2024 F150 Ecoboost $39,060 to $44,085 Regular Cab. (Suggested by @EatSleepTacos)

I can see where the F150 Ecoboost 2.7L would be a benefit as far as pricing goes.

A newer Tacoma is definitely much roomier than a 2011...I'm guessing just by the dimensions.

I'm a first time Tacoma owner for 4 years now...and 5'7" tall/197lbs and there's plenty of room in my Sporty.

With the TRD Lift, the side steps are definitely used more often now.

So, what's your threshold for expense?

If you didn't like the Tundra's price then the F150 Ecoboost 2.7L seems the way to go.

 

Find a different dealer.

 

Dont get me wrong, still love my Tacoma. Just time for me to move to something else. If the V8 was offered in the Tundra and was a better price compared to the F150 I'm looking at id always go Toyota.
157k miles still a lot of love it can give. SCed kept me always smiling. Always make the unsuspecting shake their head when trying to play at stoplights.

Im just looking for more comfort and space.

 

@50Buck went from a Tacoma to an F150 and then to a Tundra in under a year. Maybe he can chime in.

 

Come to the dark side!

Only real benefits to the 5.0 is the sound and a tad bit more simplicity though they now have cylinder deactivation.

The 3.5L is the do it all engine. Better fuel economy than the 5.0 and makes its power lower in the RPM range.

The 2.7 is a great motor for a daily driver with minimal towing.

 

Got to the next dealer...
Try & get $xxxxxx off msrp & use that # to strategize dealers against one another until you get the deal you want...

 

Been a ford engine tech for 30+ years,
2.7 is way less problematic than the eco 3.5L
Ide take the 5.0 all day long, simplicity trumps performance hands down for me....
I HATE the 3.5L as a ford tech....

 

I've heard the opposite from some of the techs at my local dealership. They said they'd take the 3.5L or 2.7L over the 5.0.

I work for an auction company and I see way more 3.5s with 230k+ than 5.0s. We have way more 5.0s in our inoperable section than 3.5s.

Everyone has their own opinion or experience with them and mine just happens to be positive

 

Used 2nd gen Tundra? Fits 37" tires with minimal work.

 

You see more 3.5' cuz theres more in circulation.
You see less 5.0's, cuz people hold on to them cuz theyre less troublesome...

your dealer buddies tell you 3.5L cuz of the power it makes,
So what, its still a truck & doesnt have to be the quickest option, less heartburn is more important..

5.0 way easier to work on, less problematic, no phaser or timing chain issues...
400% more reliable & less problematic.

the 3.5L
coolant leaks, waterpumps, long heater hose to coolant bottle / requires replacement of both & coolant bottle / air box isnt cheap..
oil leaks
phasers
cracked / leaking drivers side valve cover...
exhaust leaks up the yazooo at the exh manifolds, broken exh man bolts, wrapped manifolds...
coolant leaks at turbo coolant tube fittings up the yazoo....

2.7L
ive dealt with only 2 phaser rattle type noises & replaced some engines cuz of it, very few repairs compared to the 3.5L
Way more peppier off the line due to less turbo lag, more torque due to turbo mounts directly to the head & doesnt have an exh manifold.

The 3.5 was not a fun engine as a tech....

 

I added/upgraded to a 2021 Tundra last year. Found a low mileage, Toyota Certified Used down in Texas. Flew down and drove it home. Wanted the best of the "old tech".

 

You can’t go wrong with a F150. I’ve looked at them on/off as well. I’d go with the 3.5 twin for power and better fuel economy vs the 5.0. They are reliable and I’m not worried about working on them as I’d only do basic maintenance. Everything else would go to the shop.