My dad bought a 2011 F-150 3.5L

[Diamondpilot]

Well, my dad pulled the trigger yesterday on a new tow rig. He got a Crew Cab 2011 F-150 4x4 3.5L FX4 package. Its silver with black leather, chrome package, brake controller, 3.73 gears, power sliding rear window, backup camera and sensors, climate control, 6 disc sat radio, ect. He takes delivery on it Saturday.

He got the truck I would have ordered. I had him consider the 5.0L but he really wanted the twin turbo. He thinks its the future of trucks. Well see.

More info and pictures to come.

Only options it does not have is the tool tracker, sun roof, and navigation system.

Chris

 

[dodge man]

My condolences

I'm sure it will be a nice truck and he will like it. Let us know how it goes.

 

[Diamondpilot]

My condolences

I'm sure it will be a nice truck and he will like it. Let us know how it goes.

Funny. He actually test drove them all. He drove a GMC with a 6.2L, a Dodge with a 5.7L, a Titan with the 5.6L, and a Tundra with the 5.7L. He said the only truck that held a candle to the F-150 was the Tundra in power dept. As far as the fit and finish he said the F-150 was head and shoulders above and beyond the rest.

I cautioned him about the new motor technology. He was not worried. To be honest he is like me and keeps most trucks 3 years or so. Only ones either of us keep longer were our Ford Diesels.

Chris

 

[Ford850]

From all the reviews I have read, especially from owners, the 3.5 sounds most impressive when you need power when you are already moving. For example when towing or not, climbing a hill or passing someone. They sound incredibly smooth and have what many describe as "endless power" when you want that extra boost. They also have the power down low. That's the power advantage that beats most V8's. Then the mpg advantage over the V8's makes it a no brainer for most people's driving habits. Even Ford is surprised at the sales numbers this month.
Rising Fuel Prices Create Rising Demand for Ford F-150's EcoBoost V-6 - PickupTrucks.com News

 

[crashz]

Congrats to your dad on his new truck! Can't wait to see the pics!

Now as he breaks it in and runs it, could you periodically post his empty hwy mileage, city mileage, and towing mileage? While that engine was being introduced, wild claims of mid 20's for highway mileage were tossed about. Ford is marketing it at 22 mpg hwy. Some real world experience would be very interesting. Your dads truck is probably the most desired combination, so its a perfect canidate for real world data.

BTW - I agree with your dad. Truck technology must change with the times. Ford is really putting their neck out on this one, and I'm pretty impressed with their courage to do so.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I will keep you all up to date and will be non biased. If it breaks or gives him any fits I will let you know. If its anything like the 20 or so F-150s me, my dad, and my BIL have owned it will be virtually trouble free. Only real question is the motor, not the truck itself.

As for his driving he does about 10,000 miles a year. Lives in a small town. Longest trips he makes on the highway is 60 miles to the airport and towing will be around 7,000# back and forth to the lake 12 miles each way. So not really a hard workout for it with that motor and 3.73 gears. It should be a towing beast though. He did say on his test drive he got 21 mpg according to the dash.

Maybe this summer I will trade him trucks for a week and give it a good workout with one of my 10,000# boats. Run down to Tennessee or something in mid July when its pushing 100 deg and running 75 mph will show what its made of.

Chris

 

[TCowner]

I bought the 2011 XLT Supercrew 4wd with the 3.5 Ecoboost three weeks ago. I continue to be impressed with this truck.

I'm now averaging 17 mpg which is a combination of city and highway driving. I will be doing a 200 mile trip next month of Interstate Highway driving so I should get a pretty good idea of its highway numbers. I'm going to predict 20 mpg. The best I ever did with my 2004 F150 with the 5.4 Triton was 17 mpg higway.

I too am impressed with the power of the Ecoboost. I too was a little nervous about a new engine but I've got some confidence with this one.

 

[crashz]

Congrats on your too, TCowner!

I'll be very interested in your mileage numbers as well. 17 mpg is decent for combined driving and not broken in yet.

 

[schmism]

price?

 

[dgl24087]

I've been following owner comments on the EB 3.5 on a few F150 forums and most owners comment that the engine really seems to gain power and economy after break-in, roughly 2000 miles. I've been looking at this one at my local Ford dealership.