2012 Ford F-150 buying advice

[EddieWalker]

I've been reading and reading up on what's available out there in new trucks and think I've come to a decision on what I want. My current 1998 F250 is a regular cab, 8ft bed 4x4 4.6 V8. It's never given me any trouble, but it does have almost 190,000 miles on it and I'm getting nervous that it's time is about up.

I like the idea of the V6 engine, but can only get the EB with the 8ft bed. I've tried and tried to accept the 6 1/2 foot bed, but every time I go to Home Depot or Lowes and see the guys with the little beds try to load up materials, I know its not for me. I remodel houses for a living and need as much room in the bed as I can get. I also want the Supercab to store tool boxes in out of the weather and away from potential theft.

With the 2013 models coming out pretty soon, I've been emailing some of the local dealers on what I want.

2012 FORD F-150 2WD SuperCab 8 Ft Box XLT serving Terrell Mesquite Dallas Kaufman Canton Texas

$25,669 for an XLT seems to be the best price so far. Has anybody done better then this? Can I get them down any more?

Before I buy, am I missing something in the other brands? I'm open to re looking at them, but they have to offer an 8ft bed with the extra cab and decent milage.

This is a work truck that will get me to the job with whatever I need to get the job done. I'm not towing anything and don't want to tow anything. I can get anything delivered for such a small amount that there is no reason to pay for more power in a truck.

Thank you,
Eddie

 

[deerefan]

I've been reading and reading up on what's available out there in new trucks and think I've come to a decision on what I want. My current 1998 F250 is a regular cab, 8ft bed 4x4 4.6 V8. It's never given me any trouble, but it does have almost 190,000 miles on it and I'm getting nervous that it's time is about up.

I like the idea of the V6 engine, but can only get the EB with the 8ft bed. I've tried and tried to accept the 6 1/2 foot bed, but every time I go to Home Depot or Lowes and see the guys with the little beds try to load up materials, I know its not for me. I remodel houses for a living and need as much room in the bed as I can get. I also want the Supercab to store tool boxes in out of the weather and away from potential theft.

With the 2013 models coming out pretty soon, I've been emailing some of the local dealers on what I want.

2012 FORD F-150 2WD SuperCab 8 Ft Box XLT serving Terrell Mesquite Dallas Kaufman Canton Texas

$25,669 for an XLT seems to be the best price so far. Has anybody done better then this? Can I get them down any more?

Before I buy, am I missing something in the other brands? I'm open to re looking at them, but they have to offer an 8ft bed with the extra cab and decent milage.

This is a work truck that will get me to the job with whatever I need to get the job done. I'm not towing anything and don't want to tow anything. I can get anything delivered for such a small amount that there is no reason to pay for more power in a truck.

Thank you,
Eddie

I think you will find the 5 liter fits you nicely. One complaint about the base V6, not the eco boost, is it is rather weak. The EB, power wise, might be overkill for what you are doing.

 

[s219]

I was looking at pickups in December, and also narrowed down to the F-150 with 5.0 V8 and 8-ft bed. I think it's a great combo for a work truck. I was looking at both XL and XLT models. You're smart not to go with a shorter bed.

You won't see the year-end deals until December -- Ford stuffs the channel pretty well with F-150s, and there will still mostly be 2012 models on the lot through January. So I think at this point, look for typical month-end sales, etc.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I think you are smart for sticking with the Ford. I am not sure why you can not get a EB in the 8' bed? It seems I have seen them around here. Try going to the site and building the truck you want. The only other truck I would even consider right now other than the F-150 would be the Tundra. They have a really nice package but for a primary tow vehicle the rear frame section concerns me a little. That just me, primarily becuese my trucks have trailers behind them 60% or more of the time.

Chris

 

[dstig1]

It seems half tons with 8' beds are a dying breed. I ended up moving up to an F250 to get an 8' bed with an extended cab as it wasn't possible in an F150. I bought used so I was looking for either a 250 or 350, depending on what popped up. 8' beds are rare even in the bigger trucks. It seems everyone uses them for towing and wants the full crew cab, so crew cab short bed is the configuration of probably 75%+ of the trucks I could find (used, again - you take what you can find, to a degree). I'm glad I got the bigger truck as once I got the tractor and needed to tow it, I would have probably been over the limit on a half ton. That was just dumb luck as I never expected to be doing that when I got it...I just wanted an 8' bed...

Have you considered another 3/4 or 1 ton with the gas engine?

 

[gumshu]

I've been reading and reading up on what's available out there in new trucks and think I've come to a decision on what I want. My current 1998 F250 is a regular cab, 8ft bed 4x4 4.6 V8. It's never given me any trouble, but it does have almost 190,000 miles on it and I'm getting nervous that it's time is about up.

I like the idea of the V6 engine, but can only get the EB with the 8ft bed. I've tried and tried to accept the 6 1/2 foot bed, but every time I go to Home Depot or Lowes and see the guys with the little beds try to load up materials, I know its not for me. I remodel houses for a living and need as much room in the bed as I can get. I also want the Supercab to store tool boxes in out of the weather and away from potential theft.

With the 2013 models coming out pretty soon, I've been emailing some of the local dealers on what I want.

2012 FORD F-150 2WD SuperCab 8 Ft Box XLT serving Terrell Mesquite Dallas Kaufman Canton Texas

$25,669 for an XLT seems to be the best price so far. Has anybody done better then this? Can I get them down any more?

Before I buy, am I missing something in the other brands? I'm open to re looking at them, but they have to offer an 8ft bed with the extra cab and decent milage.

This is a work truck that will get me to the job with whatever I need to get the job done. I'm not towing anything and don't want to tow anything. I can get anything delivered for such a small amount that there is no reason to pay for more power in a truck.

Thank you,
Eddie

If you're willing to travel to get a deal, you may want to shop online (i.e. cars.com). I bought a new F350 diesel, dually, long bed, super cab with Lariat package for $12,000 off sticker. Sticker was almost 50K and I paid 38K. It was a year end sale. I flew from Oregon to Kansas and drove it back. You may want to shop around and keep your eye open for year end deals. You may be able to find the F150 you want.

 

[EddieWalker]

Thanks for the replies and emails. I like the ride and price of the F150 over the bigger trucks. I don't know if they come with the smaller engine, but that's a plus for me as well. I dont want a diesel or a big block, so the 5.0 V8 seems like the best fit. I like the EB V6, but its more money for about the same performace with a little better milage. Might be funner to drive, but I'm kind of an old man when driving. I don't like to go fast or race around. I seriously thought about the base V6, but it's not available with the 8 ft bed, just the EB and 5.0.

I searched Cars.com and could only find the short beds. That 8 ft bed is kind of rare with the Supercab.

My local dealer said he cant come down any lower on price. They don't have any 8ft beds and would have to buy it from another dealer. He said he would have to pay more for it then they are quoting me for the one I listed. I'm thinking that's a pretty good price and might go look at it this weekend. Kind of depends on the weather and what the hurricane does.

Thank you,
Eddie

 

[EddieWalker]

Just found out that the two trucks that they have on the lot that I like have 3.31 rear axles. I might test drive one of them, but that's not what I was wanting.

Eddie

 

[JESSE1]

The six speed auto used in these trucks has a pretty low first gear. I have the same gear ratio in my '11 Expedition and it has plenty of power.

 

[TheGoose]

Are you sure you're talking about a real 6.5' "short" bed? Most of the newer super crew trucks have short 5.5' beds, the 6.5' bed on a super crew is rare. I know because I have one. The easiest way to tell is look at the space between the cab and the wheel well. Short beds have hardly any room there at all and the 6.5' bed trucks have about 2 or so feet between the cab and rear wheel well. I actually have a retractable (from factory) step on mine that makes it super easy to reach into the bed.

If you work out of your truck like I do I strongly suggest you look at getting a crew cab, it makes it very handy to store tools and supplies and keep them out of the weather and locked up. I often keep a generator etc. in my crew cab backseat area with the seats folded up. Try to find a real 6.5 ft bed on a crew cab and see how you like it.

I like the idea of the V6 engine, but can only get the EB with the 8ft bed. I've tried and tried to accept the 6 1/2 foot bed, but every time I go to Home Depot or Lowes and see the guys with the little beds try to load up materials, I know its not for me. I remodel houses for a living and need as much room in the bed as I can get. I also want the Supercab to store tool boxes in out of the weather and away from potential theft.

Thank you,
Eddie

 

[not2old]

My daughter was looking for a new F150 supercab 4x4 with a long box and discovered that you can only get one with an XLT or less trim package. She wants at least a Lariat or FX4. The solution of course would be a GM product. Hey, not there either. She just gotP***** and told them all to shove their new trucks and she'll keep what she's got. Sounds like her Dad

 

[two_bit_score]

Just found out that the two trucks that they have on the lot that I like have 3.31 rear axles. I might test drive one of them, but that's not what I was wanting.

Eddie

Looks like you are already reaching out as far as Dallas. I'd recommend talking to a fleet rep at a large Ford dealer.

.

 

[swines]

You can get a SuperCab (extended cab) with an 8-foot bed. You cannot get a SuperCrew (crew cab) with an 8-foot bed - that model only comes with a 5.5 or 6.5-foot bed. If you're pulling a trailer, the EcoBoost V-6 has more torque than the 5 liter V-8 and nearly as much as the 6.2 liter V-8. The gas mileage between the EcoBoost and the 5.0 liter is nearly identical. I have an EcoBoost SuperCrew and average about 15.5 with it in mixed driving at 5000 foot altitude. The truck is a 4x4 with a 3:55 rear end.

The best deals are at the end of the month and you'll find the absolute lowest prices at the model year change. Generally, you can get a dealer to sell you a vehicle at 1-2% over their cost as they still have hold-back on US car company manufactured vehicles. Hold-back equals 5% of the MSRP - so the dealer gets 5% profit even if they sell it to you at 0% markup.

I buy Ford vehicles on X-Plan which is currently 0.5% above dealer invoice. Also, lookout for the adders - document processing fees, prep charges, etc. X-Plan limits the document fee to $75 and no vehicle prep fee. You should be able to get the same type of deal. Just let the dealer know what you'll pay for and that you will not pay vehicle prep fee, and will pay a reasonable document fee.

I've seen dealers attempt $400 in vehicle prep fees and $250 in document fees - that's all extra profit and not real costs for the services.

 

[Raspy]

If you want a reasonable price, as a small businessman, you have to go straight to the fleet manager and talk to nobody else at the dealer. Call and ask for the fleet manager. Ask him what he is doing over dealer invoice. Don't even say "hi" to the salesmen at the door or you will have to pay them their commission as part of your deal.

I'm also wondering about the Ecoboost engines. Do they require premium fuel because of the turbocharging? Boosting a small aluminum engine and expecting it to do some real work over a long period, seems short sighted.

Seems to me that F150s are below the minimum standard for strength as a contractor's truck. They seem more like a grocery getter and stylish street car. I'd get an F250 just to get to the minimum that can carry some building materials without being overloaded. Why not move up a notch and get something designed to at least do a bit of work since that's the way you make your living? And It won't be hard to find an 8' bed in a 3/4 ton truck. I understand you are committed to Ford, and they are nice, but they seem to be designed at the minimum level for longevity and the maximum level for style.

 

[B7510HSD]

If you want a reasonable price, as a small businessman, you have to go straight to the fleet manager and talk to nobody else at the dealer. Call and ask for the fleet manager. Ask him what he is doing over dealer invoice. Don't even say "hi" to the salesmen at the door or you will have to pay them their commission as part of your deal.

I'm also wondering about the Ecoboost engines. Do they require premium fuel because of the turbocharging? Boosting a small aluminum engine and expecting it to do some real work over a long period, seems short sighted.

Seems to me that F150s are below the minimum standard for strength as a contractor's truck. They seem more like a grocery getter and stylish street car. I'd get an F250 just to get to the minimum that can carry some building materials without being overloaded. Why not move up a notch and get something designed to at least do a bit of work since that's the way you make your living? And It won't be hard to find an 8' bed in a 3/4 ton truck. I understand you are committed to Ford, and they are nice, but they seem to be designed at the minimum level for longevity and the maximum level for style.

opcorntub:

 

[jejeosborne]

I've been reading and reading up on what's available out there in new trucks and think I've come to a decision on what I want. My current 1998 F250 is a regular cab, 8ft bed 4x4 4.6 V8. It's never given me any trouble, but it does have almost 190,000 miles on it and I'm getting nervous that it's time is about up.

I like the idea of the V6 engine, but can only get the EB with the 8ft bed. I've tried and tried to accept the 6 1/2 foot bed, but every time I go to Home Depot or Lowes and see the guys with the little beds try to load up materials, I know its not for me. I remodel houses for a living and need as much room in the bed as I can get. I also want the Supercab to store tool boxes in out of the weather and away from potential theft.

With the 2013 models coming out pretty soon, I've been emailing some of the local dealers on what I want.

2012 FORD F-150 2WD SuperCab 8 Ft Box XLT serving Terrell Mesquite Dallas Kaufman Canton Texas

$25,669 for an XLT seems to be the best price so far. Has anybody done better then this? Can I get them down any more?

Before I buy, am I missing something in the other brands? I'm open to re looking at them, but they have to offer an 8ft bed with the extra cab and decent milage.

This is a work truck that will get me to the job with whatever I need to get the job done. I'm not towing anything and don't want to tow anything. I can get anything delivered for such a small amount that there is no reason to pay for more power in a truck.

Thank you,
Eddie

Eddie you can get an 8' box with the supercab but not with the supercrew. 2012 model inventory is getting very thin. I purchase an EB model last year and a friend just purchased an EB model about 2 weeks ago. He had a hard time finding the configuration he wanted and it was too late to order. I ordered mine the last week they allowed and benefited with the best rebates at the end of 2011 model year. My friends dealer located one close to what he wanted and they did a dealer trade for no additional cost. I can understand additional cost for trading across a long distance but not within 50 miles.

As far as price, I paid $500 under invoice and kept all rebates and had no hidden fees come bill time.

I think you will enjoy either engine and wouldn't go wrong with either one. If you are not towing heavy loads (which I sometimes do) or don't enjoy racing teenagers (which I again sometimes do), the 5.0 would fit you well with a POSSIBLE future savings in maintence cost once you cross say 175,000 miles. Notice the emphasis on "Possible" because who knows which engine will outlive the other. Both are not low tech but the EB has more expensive hardware making it tick. I would say real world empty driving the EB is getting around 1 MPG better than the 5.0 liter and it is a quieter cabin.

 

[dstig1]

And It won't be hard to find an 8' bed in a 3/4 ton truck. I understand you are committed to Ford, and they are nice, but they seem to be designed at the minimum level for longevity and the maximum level for style.

Not in my experience. 8' beds are getting pretty rare as everyone wants the crew cab short bed setup since it seems the most common use it towing. A CC long bed is a BIG truck and I suspect the extra parking hassle scares people off of those. Not many regular cabs or extended cabs either - it's mostly CC.

Sure you can find them, but it may take some effort. When I was looking used, it took me several months to find the configuration I wanted (Ext cab/long bed).

Different areas of the country, YMMV....

 

[94BULLITT]

One thing I think ever truck should have is a limited slip rear. The 5.0 V8 is similar to the 4.6 and 5.4 but more powerful and hi-tech.

 

[jejeosborne]

Just found out that the two trucks that they have on the lot that I like have 3.31 rear axles. I might test drive one of them, but that's not what I was wanting.

Eddie

What kind of payload do you require for your work? Are you often hauling bags of concrete or heavy loads like drywall? If so, you will gain about 800-900 lbs more payload with the 3.73 rear end. It also includes the max tow package with that rear end. If you don't like the big mirrors, they are hot items to trade on the f150 forum page.

 

[EddieWalker]

I really don't carry that much weight, it's more of a volume thing. Lumber one day, a dozen sheets of sheetrock another day, maybe some cabinets or a bathtub. None of my loads are very heavy, but with my tool boxes in the back of the bed, I run out of room a lot and regularly have to tie stuff down because it's piled up above the sides of my bed. I want the extra cab so I can put my tool boxes inside and give more room in the box. I thought about the 6.5 bed being alright because I wouldn't have the tool boxes in there, but then I figured there isn't any such thing as too much room, and it was silly to go smaller when I already have to make several trips iwth an 8 ft bed.

Power has never been an issue with the 4.5 V8 engine that I have now. It's only 240 hp, but since I just drive around town, and rarely tow anything, that's always been plenty.

I've thought about and looked into 3/4 and one ton trucks. I just don't want the stiffer ride or feel the need for the extra power. I would also like to have a smoother, softer ride and like the way the half ton trucks feel.

I'm not against other brands and have thought about Toyota, but haven't seen an 8 foot bed on any supercab/extracab trucks. I don't agree that Ford's don't last. I have a 98 with 190,000 miles on it and it still runs great. It's just that I'm afraid that something is going to fail on me pretty soon and I feel it's time for something new.

Politics aside, I would consider Dodge or GM, but don't see anything that compares to Ford. The reviews that I've read online also dont have anything to say that makes me think Dodge or GM are as good as Ford. Only thing they have going for them is that they are now cheaper to buy.

I'm also very nervous that with all the bailout money GM has received, and they haven't done anything to improve their products or cash flow issues, is that when the latest give away to them runs out, they will either need more money or will fail.

I was planning on looking at trucks yesterday, but work got in the way. Three meetings to look at new jobs, and doing two small jobs ate up my day. Maybe next weekend I'll have more time.

Eddie