Since my GF replaced her Mazda3 hatch with the company Corolla, I've been shopping for something more versatile to replace my Kizashi. Two similarly-sized sedans isn't ideal. Requirements were: A swiss-army knife that would suit me for the next 8-10 years - AWD/4WD, room for variations of people/dog/payload, tows approx 5k lbs. After tons of research, I narrowed it down to a truck and after some test drives settled on the F-150.
En route to an AirBNB GF & I are staying at for Thanksgiving I detoured to view a 2015 F-150 I bookmarked in Idaho Falls. It looked like a good deal in the ad but had limited pics and info, but it was priced a few grand cheaper than similar models in SLC. However in person it was in better condition than the pics suggested. It's an imported Canadian lease return, appears to have been exceptionally maintained. It also has the highest options package which wasn't mentioned in the ad, so it went from being a good price to a great price. I couldn't find anything wrong with it so I negotiated a little off to cover tires next year and signed.
2015 Lariat w/ 3.5L ecoboost, 502a + max tow. Nearly every available feature & option. It's a sweet ride. Arlo approves :ohyeah:
(https://i.postimg.cc/522n1Zvw/2020-11-22.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/xTRtw0kf/2020-11-22-4.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/gJZgQ8hQ/2015-ford-f-150-lariat-4x4-4dr-supercrew-5-5-ft-sb-17.jpg)
That's a nice truck. There are a lot of Canadian trucks floating around. If I could have found a 6 passenger, 6.5 foot bed, ecoboost with max tow package combination for a good price when I was looking I would have jumped on it instead of getting an older F-250.
Good choice. Is that the aluminum version? Don't remember when they switched.
Nice! What color is that?
These were pretty good trucks, but the Ecoboost engine can be hard on spark plugs. Every 60K is a good idea, especially if the truck has been worked.
What's the towing capacity on that? How much did you pay? My dad has been looking for RV tow trucks but he's mentally fixated on RAM+Cummins.
Quote from: RomanChariot on November 23, 2020, 10:57:50 AM
That's a nice truck. There are a lot of Canadian trucks floating around. If I could have found a 6 passenger, 6.5 foot bed, ecoboost with max tow package combination for a good price when I was looking I would have jumped on it instead of getting an older F-250.
I saw so many being listed and was originally iffy on it, but as long as the importer swaps & reprograms the gauges to MPH and there's no rust, you're usually ok. The only ways I can tell this one is Canadian are the pigtail block heater up front hah and the digital speedo defaults to KM/h everytime I drive it. I think that's a simple ECU reflash to fix it.
Quote from: FoMoJo on November 23, 2020, 11:03:35 AM
Good choice. Is that the aluminum version? Don't remember when they switched.
Yes, 2015 was the first year of the new style with the aluminum body
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-C7 on November 23, 2020, 11:10:56 AM
Nice! What color is that?
"Bronze Fire", it's this copper burgandy blend. I'd only ever seen it used on the King Ranch w/ a tan two tone. It should look sharp after I do a buff & polish.
Quote from: shp4man on November 23, 2020, 11:21:35 AM
These were pretty good trucks, but the Ecoboost engine can be hard on spark plugs. Every 60K is a good idea, especially if the truck has been worked.
Thanks for the tip, it just turned 60k so I'll swap those out when I get home.
Quote from: Laconian on November 23, 2020, 11:24:41 AM
What's the towing capacity on that? How much did you pay? My dad has been looking for RV tow trucks but he's mentally fixated on RAM+Cummins.
This one has the max tow pkg & 3.55 rear end, so in this configuration it's rated for ~11,500 lbs towing and 2,000 lbs payload. Ridiculous numbers.
I paid $31.7k OTD.
Nice color!
Truck! Dog!
Nice!!!!
I hope to be in that market someday the next 3-7 years. :) I am thinking about a small camp trailer.
Is that a GIANT sunroof???? I would love that if it is!
The weight savings from the aluminum body increased the payload capacity by 400-500 pounds. On the previous steel body model the towing capability was severely restricted by its limited payload capacity. I have heard really good things about towing with the Ecoboost.
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on November 23, 2020, 04:26:46 PM
Nice!!!!
I hope to be in that market someday the next 3-7 years. :) I am thinking about a small camp trailer.
Is that a GIANT sunroof???? I would love that if it is!
Keep your eyes peeled in the next few years! Most everywhere is sold out of trailers because of COVID, and we're hoping that in a year or two there will be a bunch of small ones on the used market as people size-up for their kids, etc.
And yesss, it's a ginormous sunroof. Glass from front to back, though only the front half opens. It still makes for a really open interior though, I was hoping to find one with it included.
Awesome! I really love the little one in Odyssey. We close it when it's way too sunny but I like the sky.
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on November 24, 2020, 04:27:52 PM
Awesome! I really love the little one in Odyssey. We close it when it's way too sunny but I like the sky.
Hence the Miata!
Nice truck.
More dog pics, please.
Quote from: Raza on November 25, 2020, 09:34:55 AM
Nice truck.
More dog pics, please.
Good thing I have a million of those:
(https://i.postimg.cc/wv6z4CHZ/2020-11-12.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/pVcvkcSc/20201123-084829.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/mgJNw43Z/2020-10-26.jpg)
haha We've talked about getting a dog. So much fun. So much work!
Quote from: Speed_Racer on November 25, 2020, 11:48:55 AM
Good thing I have a million of those:
(https://i.postimg.cc/wv6z4CHZ/2020-11-12.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/pVcvkcSc/20201123-084829.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/mgJNw43Z/2020-10-26.jpg)
What a good puppy!
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on November 26, 2020, 08:02:13 AM
haha We've talked about getting a dog. So much fun. So much work!
worth it worth it worth it
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on November 26, 2020, 08:02:13 AM
haha We've talked about getting a dog. So much fun. So much work!
You're property seems ideally located for a dog or two. Lots of yard and trails. Just don't get a little yappy one.
If you grab a shelter dog, you can skip the cute but frustrating puppy stage. Or just go straight to the calm senior dog.
d0g
Quote from: Speed_Racer on November 26, 2020, 10:27:31 AM
If you grab a shelter dog, you can skip the cute but frustrating puppy stage. Or just go straight to the calm senior dog.
I skipped the kitten phase with my cat. But he's in his terrible twos so still a bit mischievous.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on November 26, 2020, 11:30:55 AM
I skipped the kitten phase with my cat. But he's in his terrible twos so still a bit mischievous.
My first shelter dog was super "cool" when I adopted him. It turns out he was nearly dead from heartworm.
Now he is healthy, and a perpetual puppy. :huh: :wub:
Quote from: CaminoRacer on November 26, 2020, 11:30:55 AM
I skipped the kitten phase with my cat. But he's in his terrible twos so still a bit mischievous.
Cats usually go from frisky and mischievous to just plain grumpy.
Quote from: FoMoJo on November 26, 2020, 09:57:03 AM
You're property seems ideally located for a dog or two. Lots of yard and trails. Just don't get a little yappy one.
Yup!! Just don't think the cats would appreciate a new family member LOL.
Someday when we go RVing
cats < dogs
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on November 26, 2020, 03:58:02 PM
Yup!! Just don't think the cats would appreciate a new family member LOL.
Someday when we go RVing
cats < dogs
Cats go crazy for awhile if a new pet enters the household, especially another cat. They eventually calm down though. I don't think they're bothered as much by a dog, though a dog might think it's fun to terrorize the cat, until they get their nose slashed a few times. Just going by personal experience though.
Congratulations. Great truck. Lovely doggiepooch.
On the drive back from Idaho I averaged ~21-22mpg, which surpasses my expectations.
(https://i.postimg.cc/WzGMfHsv/Capture.png)
On winter gas? That's pretty good!
6 speed auto?
Ford doesn't do cylinder deactivation right? That's a GM-only thing?
Quote from: Speed_Racer on December 07, 2020, 11:14:19 AM
On the drive back from Idaho I averaged ~21-22mpg, which surpasses my expectations.
If you have a gentle right foot, EcoBoost can be quite fuel efficient. Stomp on it, and it's a different story.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on December 07, 2020, 11:18:15 AM
6 speed auto?
Ford doesn't do cylinder deactivation right? That's a GM-only thing?
Not Ford, but quite a few other foreign manufacturers do.
Quote from: Laconian on December 07, 2020, 11:17:42 AM
On winter gas? That's pretty good!
And 87 octane too!
Quote from: CaminoRacer on December 07, 2020, 11:18:15 AM
6 speed auto?
Ford doesn't do cylinder deactivation right? That's a GM-only thing?
Correct - 6 speed and no active fuel saving tech on this one. Later models did come with auto start/stop but I think it's 2016+
Over the past month I put about 16 hrs into detailing the truck from front to back, the majority of the time was spent polishing out buff & swirl marks. Don't use brush car washes! It looks a lot better in the sun, and the paint needed the wax.
On a side note or rant: the amount of bullets/guns/Murica/Punisher/Blue Line garbage I have to scroll through to find decent accessories, parts, or upgrades is ridiculous. I just want a stubby radio antenna, no I don't want it to look like a bullet. :facepalm:
(https://i.postimg.cc/DZsKFFsp/front.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Y0HBCVzr/back.jpg)
A clever upgrade I did: a set of e-track tie-down hoops from Harbor Freight + two rare earth magnets = cheap bed tiedowns
(https://i.postimg.cc/GtFT5HQc/cleat.jpg)
Looks great.
I just ordered a stubby antenna for my truck to! I feel your pain! LOL!!!
The Kizashi sold today. Bittersweet, but it went to a good home - they were jazzed about how uncommon a car it is. Now I'm down to only four vehicles :facepalm:
(https://i.postimg.cc/nLd3d2x8/2021-01-29.jpg)
I was gonna ask if you sold that yet. I'm listening to a Smoking Tire podcast that is talking about how Kizashis are good little cars
Time to invest in $SUZUKI. I'll have to listen to that episode
It's the Dec 8th episode with Jason Cammisa
I'm very attracted to the colour of that truck, not sure why, it just looks so rich.
We took the Ford and spent a long weekend exploring Capitol Reef & Grand Staircase and the backcountry surrounding both areas. The pandemic has lead to overcrowded Utah wilderness, but Torrey/Escalante were closed for the season so it was great to get some peace and quiet. On our day to touring the Cathedral Valley loop, we saw zero other humans the entire time. Wonderful! Also ate some picnics, hiked some slots, stargazed.
It's an excellent roadtrip vehicle. It's comfy, capable, the big sunroof is nice for scenery, and decent gas mileage considering its size (avg 19.5 for the trip). We also forded a few rivers, baja'ed some dirt roads, did some low-key rock crawling to reach overlooks. I'm going to get my money's worth on that 4WD
(https://i.postimg.cc/LhKjWtZt/20210224-150007.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/BZdy3RTg/DSC-0570.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Jhjz8tzQ/IMG-3623.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/SNcyb6Mn/GOPR2420.jpg)
Utah is so beautiful. Too bad about some of the weird laws there but it is a really beautiful place. Nice snaps!
Quote from: veeman on March 24, 2021, 01:52:23 PM
Utah is so beautiful. Too bad about some of the weird laws there but it is a really beautiful place. Nice snaps!
Yeah I really enjoyed visiting Moab, Park City, even Provo. ;)
Quote from: Speed_Racer on March 24, 2021, 11:24:45 AM
We took the Ford and spent a long weekend exploring Capitol Reef & Grand Staircase and the backcountry surrounding both areas. The pandemic has lead to overcrowded Utah wilderness, but Torrey/Escalante were closed for the season so it was great to get some peace and quiet. On our day to touring the Cathedral Valley loop, we saw zero other humans the entire time. Wonderful! Also ate some picnics, hiked some slots, stargazed.
It's an excellent roadtrip vehicle. It's comfy, capable, the big sunroof is nice for scenery, and decent gas mileage considering its size (avg 19.5 for the trip). We also forded a few rivers, baja'ed some dirt roads, did some low-key rock crawling to reach overlooks. I'm going to get my money's worth on that 4WD
(https://i.postimg.cc/BZdy3RTg/DSC-0570.jpg)
Are those your tire tracks on that cliff?
Quote from: Laconian on March 24, 2021, 02:23:32 PM
Yeah I really enjoyed visiting Moab, Park City, even Provo. ;)
Provo is slowly turning into a little liberal enclave.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on March 24, 2021, 04:31:26 PM
Provo is slowly turning into a little liberal enclave.
...with a billion billboards for wedding vendors and plastic surgeons. And no good coffee anywhere!
Quote from: Laconian on March 24, 2021, 04:36:04 PM
...with a billion billboards for wedding vendors and plastic surgeons. And no good coffee anywhere!
I might run for state congress just to push an anti-billboard law every year until it passes. Eventually we won't be able to see the mountains from I-15.
If I say SLC is turning into dirty ole Las Vegas I'm sure I could get a lot of support.
Quote from: RomanChariot on November 23, 2020, 10:57:50 AM
That's a nice truck. There are a lot of Canadian trucks floating around. If I could have found a 6 passenger, 6.5 foot bed, ecoboost with max tow package combination for a good price when I was looking I would have jumped on it instead of getting an older F-250.
I noticed a while ago Ford (and subsequently GM/Ram) was offering very aggressive lease deals on F150's, specifically the Lariat trim models. It's something like $90/week for 24 months on a truck that has a ~$70k MSRP.
I learned Ford does this knowing/counting on the fact that F150 resale values are so strong in the US that they can lease the new ones here, make the residual high enough that people won't want to hold onto the trucks after the lease, and then Ford can still just take it to the US and sell them again for a profit.
Quote from: Speed_Racer on November 23, 2020, 12:02:27 PM
"Bronze Fire", it's this copper burgandy blend. I'd only ever seen it used on the King Ranch w/ a tan two tone. It should look sharp after I do a buff & polish.
I don't think I've ever seen a F150 in that color before, it's real nice.
Quote from: FoMoJo on March 24, 2021, 02:49:38 PM
Are those your tire tracks on that cliff?
I joked about giving it a shot, but GF shut it down. To be honest, the hill was probably a 45 angle, probably better on a dirtbike or ATV
Quote from: Speed_Racer on March 25, 2021, 10:28:55 AM
I joked about giving it a shot, but GF shut it down. To be honest, the hill was probably a 45 angle, probably better on a dirtbike or ATV
I would have tried reversing up it 3/4 way, while the wife and kids were out of the car taking pictures of the scenery and not in the path of me rolling back down. :lol:
Beautiful truck and pictures, so fun to see one used like they're supposed to be. :thumbsup:
For serious if I were to go truck shopping today that's probably exactly what I would want.
Oof, glad I bought when I did. The truck market is officially nuts. In other news, my vehicle is an appreciating asset. :huh:
(https://i.postimg.cc/3JmMGJQv/nutso2.jpg)
Quote from: Speed_Racer on May 07, 2021, 10:19:20 AM
Oof, glad I bought when I did. The truck market is officially nuts. In other news, my vehicle is an appreciating asset. :huh:
(https://i.postimg.cc/3JmMGJQv/nutso2.jpg)
Same for the C7 market! Through the roof!!!
So I've heard! Anything fun is expensive now.
Sucky thing is that you can't sell it because a replacement would cost just as much. Same with my graphics card. I could get 2-3x what I paid for it, but then my computer would have no graphics :lol:
One-ish year update:
I have added 8k miles since I bought it. I'm getting about 17 mpg, but averaged 20 mpg on a long road trip to Idaho recently. No issues mechanical or otherwise. I have needed it for more "trucky" stuff than I originally expected, so it has been great having it handy especially with rental pickups being in short supply. Tows like a dream. I installed a fresh set of Michelins and it greatly improved ride quality & road noise. Overall, no ragrets.
Carolina squatting w/ 1600 lbs of gravel in the bed
(https://i.postimg.cc/15Wwg9LP/20210325-081604.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/YSFWyQjq/20210515-142631.jpg)
Rescuing my brother's dead B3000
(https://i.postimg.cc/dVpCB5sx/20210613-134528.jpg)
Rented a trailer for a long weekend getaway
(https://i.postimg.cc/NGk1c8DK/20210916-093447.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/bwsbk7hn/DSC-0041.jpg)
How was the rented trailer? Never thought about doing that before, but it sounds more appealing than owning a trailer.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on December 14, 2021, 11:19:27 AM
How was the rented trailer? Never thought about doing that before, but it sounds more appealing than owning a trailer.
Really good experience! We want a trailer eventually but we haven't settled on a size or features. Outdoorsy.com seems to be the most well-known site for renting other people's trailers, but we found this one on KSL and rented directly from the owner. It was about $55/night including a portable generator.
This one was a 15 ft w/ a slide-out dining area but we felt it was a bit "too big" even though it was the smallest one in the campground.
A hard-sided popup + toy deck is next on our list to rent. They feel airy inside but probably tow super easily. Plus room to bring a bike or two.
(https://i.postimg.cc/vTdV5Tv2/3678247-1627902513-475344.jpg)
https://www.outdoorsy.com/rv-rental/orem_ut_united-states/2021_rockwood_a122th_103913-listing?cam=803 (https://www.outdoorsy.com/rv-rental/orem_ut_united-states/2021_rockwood_a122th_103913-listing?cam=803)
What is the toilet/shower setup there?
Quote from: Submariner on December 14, 2021, 01:27:44 PM
What is the toilet/shower setup there?
In the smaller ones: no bathroom, outside shower nozzle (maybe)
In the bigger ones: cassette toilet in the middle of your floorplan that may also be a shower lol. Be sure to make eye contact with your table guests.
(https://d17qgzvii7d4wm.cloudfront.net/s3/img.rv/1755/i/5125/o/1_1755_5125_114279804.jpg;maxwidth=653;maxheight=490;mode=pad)
Nice!!
My (retired) folks just bought a used Tundra, thinking they may do some camping in the future. It's 2WD :confused: in Wyoming lol. Several thousand cheaper.
I've seen lots and lots of rigs on outdoorsy in there south but seems many of them want $100/night or more. Eek!!
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on December 15, 2021, 10:33:46 AM
Nice!!
My (retired) folks just bought a used Tundra, thinking they may do some camping in the future. It's 2WD :confused: in Wyoming lol. Several thousand cheaper.
I've seen lots and lots of rigs on outdoorsy in there south but seems many of them want $100/night or more. Eek!!
2WD should be fine for towing a camper and stuff. I'd hope they won't be camping during blizzards in their retirement lol
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on December 15, 2021, 10:33:46 AM
Nice!!
My (retired) folks just bought a used Tundra, thinking they may do some camping in the future. It's 2WD :confused: in Wyoming lol. Several thousand cheaper.
I've seen lots and lots of rigs on outdoorsy in there south but seems many of them want $100/night or more. Eek!!
Good choice except maybe for choosing 2wd. My parents have been towing FT with a Tundra and have had zero problems in 5 years, tens of thousands of miles.
I have towed my camper all over Utah and parts of Arizona and the only time I have needed 4WD while towing was in a site at Canyonlands that had a deep sand entry that was about 50 yards long.
Its Wyoming. He's concerned with snow.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on December 15, 2021, 08:08:28 PM
Its Wyoming. He's concerned with snow.
Wyoming is great. I would love there, but there are no jobs or places to live.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on December 15, 2021, 08:08:28 PM
Its Wyoming. He's concerned with snow.
I wouldn't buy a 2WD truck if I lived in Wyoming but I have driven across Wyoming in blizzard conditions multiple times in 2WD vehicles. It limits what you can do but I would guess that over half of the vehicles in Wyoming are 2WD.
Quote from: RomanChariot on December 16, 2021, 12:13:38 PM
I wouldn't buy a 2WD truck if I lived in Wyoming but I have driven across Wyoming in blizzard conditions multiple times in 2WD vehicles. It limits what you can do but I would guess that over half of the vehicles in Wyoming are 2WD.
That's what tire chains are fur.
Quote from: RomanChariot on December 16, 2021, 12:13:38 PM
I wouldn't buy a 2WD truck if I lived in Wyoming but I have driven across Wyoming in blizzard conditions multiple times in 2WD vehicles. It limits what you can do but I would guess that over half of the vehicles in Wyoming are 2WD.
Yeah for the most part 2wd are fwd cars though. :)
They have another car for winter, and not concerned with mom having to go somewhere while dad's at work anymore. Funny how that's a big decision point for families.