I'm in the market for a small truck. I was chatting with my mechanic recently and he said that he was thinking of selling his 2007 Ford F-150 XLT. It's got the 5.4 Triton engine and 75K miles. Estimated value is around $14K.
What are your thoughts on the Ford 5.4 Triton engine? I've seen some negative commentary online, but many people seem to like the engine and have found it to be reliable. Thoughts?
Also, is it wise to spend at the upper end of my budget for a 14 year old vehicle?
-Danpow
If it has the triton 5.4L 3 valve I would run away.
Why is he selling the truck?
Those were the early years that Ford began using the (infamous) Triton 5.4L Triton 24V V8 (3-valve) in those trucks. These engines had some inherent issues (the most severe related to the timing chain system) that if the previous owner was not on top of the engine maintenance including engine oil changes (every 3,000 miles recommended on these engines) then you are looking potentially at a new engine (worst case). If it were me, not worth the risk and I would pass on it, unless you have upwards of $7,000+ to spend on an new engine (again worst-case). See below to get caught up to speed on the engine issues:
https://go-powertrain.com/blog/ford-54l-most-popular-engine-issues-and-fixes/
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xcN_WcGr4BU&feature=emb_title
Worst engine ever made by Ford. I would never consider buying one of these at any price.
It's a no from me.
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup. The compact pickup that Ford made is the Ranger. That also is not a bad truck.
In terms of the 5.4 Triton engine, it all really depends on who took care of it in the first place. Yes you are right, the 5.4 Triton got a bad rep and Car Wizards (another automotive mechanic) explained why.
This mechanic- if he took care of that engine and you can confirm that it's really 75,000 miles then it can be a good truck. The price is a little high and you're talking about a mere 15 year old vehicle.
Take the vehicle for a test drive. Have a compression test done on the engine (wet and dry) and make sure all the other parts on the vehicle work properly. If everything works out in the end and you want to buy it, lower the price to $10k.
My mechanic is a super rigorous guy, his entire shop is spotless, you could eat off the floor. I also trust him, he's worked on my vehicles for 5+ years. Always fair and straight up about everything.
I had a look around the truck already, it's near spotless. Some nice upgrades as well (rims/tires, led lights, backup cam, etc...). It's also the SuperCab model with 4 doors. Interior looks great.
Knowing my mechanic, he took care of the car. I live in the salt belt, and there's basically no rust on the truck, which is unheard of for a 15 y/o truck. That tells me a lot. It's truly in 10/10 shape for it's age.
KBB has this truck listed for between $13K-16K in prime shape. After getting some clarity on the engine (whether he's replaced/upgraded problem areas like the spark plugs, tensioner, fuel pump, etc...), I'm thinking I'll offer $13K.
One thing I'm thinking about is that I don't want to lowball him. He's the best mechanic I've ever worked with, don't want to make our relationship awkward by trying to lowball him on his truck.
I have a family member with a loaded 2010 Lariat (purchased new) with 140k+ miles.
So far no issues, however it is a later version of the 5.4.
With only 75k on the clock, did he offer why he is selling it?
He just doesn't drive it. His commute is pretty far, so he has another car that he primarily uses for commuting.
His yearly average mileage is around 5,400 so I guess that sounds legitimate.
With all things considered, at this point you are just taking a gamble on a used vehicle.