Scotty, would a naturally aspirated 3.5 v6 (not ecoboost) with good records be ok still at 180k miles?
Scotty, would a naturally aspirated 3.5 v6 (not ecoboost) with good records be ok still at 180k miles?
Unfortunately, we don't have magic crystal balls, here. History of ownership? Multiple owners over a short time period is a possible red flag, as is possible neglected maintenance (regular transmission fluid changes is the biggest one).
13th generation F-150s (2016-2020 models) are currently getting ready to be recalled due to transmission issues. The 6R80 is light-years better than any GM-Ford 10-speed, but certain electrical components within the transmission can still malfunction on 13th gen models. When the malfunction occurs, the transmission may select 1st gear, even on the highway, possibly leading the rear wheels to lock up. I have the 12th generation of the F-150 with the same transmission, and I'm suspecting this may be an issue with the vehicle's lead frame/valve body. Ford had lead frame issues with 12th gen F-150s, causing sudden downshifts into 1st as well, regardless of the speed the truck was traveling. Ford eventually figured out that some lead frames were faulty and Ford did recall and put some new lead frames in, as long as they were under 150k miles. Ford also did a blanket recall for F-150s with over 150k miles, updating software so that the truck would go into 3rd gear if the lead frame loses contact with the Transmission Control Module.
What ever you do, stay far away from GM-Ford 10-speeds. They were first launched in your perspective generation F-150 and neither Ford nor GM have pulled any kinks out of it, despite numerous recalls. Given that your prospective vehicle has 180k miles, if Ford does recalls for trucks with under 150k miles, that will leave you to pick up the tab if they only update software. If the truck runs good, shifts good and is gone through with a fine-toothed comb by a professional mechanic, it might be okay.
