I need some advice on a 2008 F-150 I've been looking at purchasing. Its got a 5.4L 24-VALVE EFI FFV V8 engine. I've heard really mixed things about this engine. Some swear by it and others say its nothing but problems, even when maintained. I know there's the typical sparkplug issues that a lot of Fords run into, but this is a big purchase for me and I want to make sure I can get another 40k-50k miles out of it.
Its an automatic with 4WD, has about 130k miles on it and barely any rust. Dealership is asking just under $12k for it. I noticed the tread is fairly worn on the tires and I think dry rot could become an issue soon so I plan on replacing the tires, which will cost another $1k. Only had one previous owner and no accidents. Is this a good deal?
I'll be using the truck for landscape work. Mainly hauling bags of mulch & hardscape sand, as well as hand tools and a (small) brush mower. I'll also be installing a cross bed toolbox. Won't be doing any towing for now, but may be towing a compact tractor in the future depending on how long the truck lasts. Also will be using the truck on some hunting access/logging roads in the north country. Nothing crazy off-road but definitely some wet spots and decent rocks I will need to be able to get over. If anyone has any other alternatives besides an F150 let me know. Would like to keep the budget under $15k. (Before someone mentions a Tundra, there are basically no Tundras available for sale in my area!)
The truck sounds OK. The 5.4 engine has a terrible reputation. I would assume someone unloaded that truck before it cost them big. Try to find an F-150 with either the 4.2 V-6 or the 4.6 2 valve V-8. Both are good engines and can last a long time.
Depends how well the truck was taken care of and maintained. Common problems with this engine include (but are not limited to) coil boot deterioration, fuel pressure drive module failure, timing chains and VVT parts that fail and oil pan gasket leaks. There is also the famous blown out spark plug problem. I would not consider buying this truck without seeing complete maintenance records and at about half the asking price and definitely NOT from a dealer at ANY price.
Wouldn’t touch a 5.4 Triton with a 200 foot pole. Those engines screwed over many people who I know and they are terribly designed and not reliable. I would never buy ford trucks from 98-2013. Buy either the newer ones or the pre 97 ones if you want a ford. Don’t buy a 5.4 triton for your own mental stableness.
Check out this link, it's similar to yours:
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/hows-the-f150-5-4l-3v-engine/
