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+--- Thread: Clifford the Big Red Truck, an F150 Story (/showthread.php?tid=11649)
Clifford the Big Red Truck, an F150 Story - Jake - 03-12-2018
With the Range Rover being kickass but not the best option for towing my enclosed, I started re-evaluating uh, everything. The initial goal of the Range Rover purchase was to have a more compact tow vehicle that could fit in DC parking garages and also pull what I needed. Unfortunately, downsizing at the expense of safety made my chest too tight. So, I may have to eschew DC for Arlington (not 100% confirmed though) but would rather do that than have white-knuckle towing every month.
So, the pendulum swung back to a pickup truck. As mentioned in the RR thread, I'm tired of working on my daily. I got a raise with my new job and figured I could use a small bit of that money to end up in something new.
Given this would be expensive, I decided I wanted every last option. My last F-150 was equipped well but was not... lavish - and in a daily driver, I'd prefer a good sound system, heated seats, sunroof, etc. I also figured that hey, it's 2018 and I should have some modern driver assistance tech.
I cross-shopped every "half ton" pickup on the market. Nissan and Ram don't offer the driver assistance - Ram is coming on 2019s, but they aren't out yet and won't likely have strong deals at first. Toyota offers the technology, but the Tundra interior isn't somewhere I'd enjoy spending tons of time, and their navigation/infotainment is outdated. No GMs, obviously. So that left me with another Ford.
My friend Hans is a sales manager at Battlefield Ford, so we started talking. I also got put in touch with the SM of Koons in Sterling. Ultimately Hans was willing to make a better deal. I took the trailer out to American Truck & Trailer on Saturday morning for new tires, and they said it'd take a few hours, so off to the dealership I went.
I was initially gunning for a Platinum, but it had been sold the night before. But... you can option up a Lariat to have all of the relevant features of a Platinum, so it works out to be about $3-4k cheaper, and the only real difference is the appearance, and "exclusive" leather/wood options. Whatever. Let's see the Lariats.
The Lariat they had in the showroom was a 5.0L "502A" (the loaded model) with Technology package and 3.55 rear end (many have the 3.31). It also had the "sport" appearance package which eliminates the chrome everywhere. Cool, I like the looks, so that's a plus. We talked about the Rover trade-in and general numbers, I went and grabbed lunch (while fretting about the whole thing) and ultimately decided to go for it.
I ended up leasing, which I've never done. Looking at how it shakes out, it should be a good option for my use. I get to put three years of towing/DC potholes on the truck, and give it back long before I'd have to think about shocks, bushings, balljoints, cooling system, etc being replaced. I'll do oil changes and brakes/tires if needed.
So, I have it for 36 months and 15k miles a year. It came on some Hankook DynaPro all-terrains so I can still tackle light trails, assuming they're wide enough. The revised 5.0 is now direct/port injected and makes 395 hp and 400 ft-lb of torque, a nice upgrade from my last 5.0 (365/385). It's mated to the new Ford/GM 10-speed automatic, which shifts a LOT but is smooth. It can skip gears both up and down and is generally unobtrusive.
The Tech package gave me blind spot monitoring (works with a trailer up to 30', too!), 360° cameras, cross-traffic rear monitoring, emergency braking, and (the kicker) adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go. It will work in traffic all the way down to 0 mph, and accelerate again. And it will work with a trailer hooked up - in Tow mode, it knows to leave more braking distance.
I've got power-extending, power-folding, heated tow mirrors. Power-extending running boards. Heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel. Panoramic sunroof. Remote start. Auto high beams, auto wipers. Bang & Olufsen 10-speaker audio with Sync3 and CarPlay. The tailgate can be opened from the keyfob and is damped, so it won't slam down. The "FX4" package is now available on any XLT+ trim of F150, so I have the skid plates and rear locker, along with the same "Auto 4WD" system that Ryan has. It's got the "Pro Trailer Backup Assist" which I'll set up this weekend.
I don't expect to do much to this truck, other than a bedliner and tonneau cover. It didn't come with the integrated trailer brake controller (somehow) so I am going back to the dealer on Saturday for them to install it.
The timing worked such that I had to go pick up my trailer before that shop closed, so I brought it back to the dealership with me and my first drive of the red truck was with the trailer hooked up. It is already far more stable in curves than the Range Rover was. Should tow incredibly well.
Seeing this parked outside this morning gave me this "mhm, this is why I work hard" thought. I'm excited for the next three years with it.
![[Image: Rj4CBas.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/Rj4CBas.jpg)
RE: Clifford the Big Red Truck, an F150 Story - JPolen01 - 03-12-2018
Holy hell you got a lot of options on that thing. Sounds like it will do you well. The trailer blind spot monitoring looks really cool in the commercials. Should be a nice feature.
RE: Clifford the Big Red Truck, an F150 Story - Jake - 03-12-2018
(03-12-2018, 10:37 AM)JPolen01 Wrote: Holy hell you got a lot of options on that thing. Sounds like it will do you well. The trailer blind spot monitoring looks really cool in the commercials. Should be a nice feature.
Here's hoping! The extending mirrors are really nice too. I had the strap-on mirrors for the RR and even then, lane changes were mildly terrifying.
Clifford the Big Red Truck, an F150 Story - Senor_Taylor - 03-12-2018
That's a great looking truck! I had no idea they had so many luxurious features! Great purchase and I hope the trade in value on the RR wasn't too painful. Millionaire Jake has arrived.
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RE: Clifford the Big Red Truck, an F150 Story - D_Eclipse9916 - 03-12-2018
Would be interested in what the cost was for leasing vs buying at some point. When I looked up cost of leasing a diesel, it made 0 sense because the residuals were extremely low compared to what the trucks actually sold for used. I love the idea for a truck of upgrading every couple years and beating the shit out of it without worry.
RE: Clifford the Big Red Truck, an F150 Story - Jake - 03-12-2018
(03-12-2018, 11:04 AM)D_Eclipse9916 Wrote: Would be interested in what the cost was for leasing vs buying at some point. When I looked up cost of leasing a diesel, it made 0 sense because the residuals were extremely low compared to what the trucks actually sold for used. I love the idea for a truck of upgrading every couple years and beating the shit out of it without worry.
So my friend is the regional manager for Toyota in this area and talked me through everything "lease" last week to make sure I was not doing anything dumb.
The F150 leases pretty well, mine has a 60% residual. He said the only truck that'd lease better would be a Tundra, they have a 70% residual - but I didn't like the Tundra as much. I got a good "rent factor" or whatever they call it - basically, the equivalent of the interest rate. If you have good credit, no worries there.
Not sure how a diesel would do by comparison. I didn't look at the F-250s due to size (although Hans said they would lease them) and the 3.0 diesel in the F-150 isn't available yet. Worth asking - I can put you in touch with Hans if you want to at least ask him about a 250/350 for the sake of information.
RE: Clifford the Big Red Truck, an F150 Story - Goodspeed - 03-12-2018
Students take note, this is how you ball. Love the color Jake, I hope this beast treats you very well over the next 3 yrs!
RE: Clifford the Big Red Truck, an F150 Story - rherold9 - 03-12-2018
(03-12-2018, 11:04 AM)D_Eclipse9916 Wrote: Would be interested in what the cost was for leasing vs buying at some point.
I love the idea for a truck of upgrading every couple years and beating the shit out of it without worry.
My thoughts exactly when I was talking to Jake about it. There is for sure a cross over point, but when 15-20+ years?
Anyhoo, nice pick up. Ruby Red is probably one of the best colors on the truck, but I'm a little biased since I already own a F150 in the same. Can't say I'm not jelly though because new truck.
The radar cruise alone got me questioning if I should go the same route or not leasing and all. Only difference heated steering wheel and heated rear seats in options besides the tech. If only the 2018s could parallel park itself and I'd for sure switch.
With the pro trailer backup assist I may wait until 2020-2021 when it can park a trailer on it's own???
Btw, the standard F150 mirrors are very good (I'm sure you know?), did the tow mirrors just come with truck or did you get them added?
RE: Clifford the Big Red Truck, an F150 Story - D_Eclipse9916 - 03-12-2018
(03-12-2018, 11:11 AM)Jake Wrote:(03-12-2018, 11:04 AM)D_Eclipse9916 Wrote: Would be interested in what the cost was for leasing vs buying at some point. When I looked up cost of leasing a diesel, it made 0 sense because the residuals were extremely low compared to what the trucks actually sold for used. I love the idea for a truck of upgrading every couple years and beating the shit out of it without worry.
So my friend is the regional manager for Toyota in this area and talked me through everything "lease" last week to make sure I was not doing anything dumb.
The F150 leases pretty well, mine has a 60% residual. He said the only truck that'd lease better would be a Tundra, they have a 70% residual - but I didn't like the Tundra as much. I got a good "rent factor" or whatever they call it - basically, the equivalent of the interest rate. If you have good credit, no worries there.
Not sure how a diesel would do by comparison. I didn't look at the F-250s due to size (although Hans said they would lease them) and the 3.0 diesel in the F-150 isn't available yet. Worth asking - I can put you in touch with Hans if you want to at least ask him about a 250/350 for the sake of information.
Maybe in a year or two, I didn't get a raise.
The diesels are insane at 65k for one that is loaded as well as mine, and if I want your features in a diesel its about 75-80k msrp.
RE: Clifford the Big Red Truck, an F150 Story - WRXtranceformed - 03-12-2018
Wow very nice choice! That thing is a beast! Trucks are so nice now it's amazing. 15k miles should be plenty, especially with you living up near the city.
RE: Clifford the Big Red Truck, an F150 Story - Jake - 03-12-2018
(03-12-2018, 11:13 AM)rherold9 Wrote: My thoughts exactly when I was talking to Jake about it. There is for sure a cross over point, but when 15-20+ years?
Anyhoo, nice pick up. Ruby Red is probably one of the best colors on the truck, but I'm a little biased since I already own a F150 in the same. Can't say I'm not jelly though because new truck.
The radar cruise alone got me questioning if I should go the same route or not leasing and all. Only difference heated steering wheel and heated rear seats in options besides the tech. If only the 2018s could parallel park itself and I'd for sure switch.
With the pro trailer backup assist I may wait until 2020-2021 when it can park a trailer on it's own???
Btw, the standard F150 mirrors are very good (I'm sure you know?), did the tow mirrors just come with truck or did you get them added?
Oh, it does parallel park itself. I'm very good at doing it on my own, but Matthew and I tested it in Arlington yesterday and it did a good job. DC makes you learn quickly
Haven't tried the Pro Trailer Backup yet, but from what they told me, you use the knob to set the trailer's trajectory, and then let go of it. The truck should then wiggle everything around and park it/straighten it out. Need to read up on it more.
The tow mirrors were already on the truck and it wasn't going to be a deal-breaker without them - but I do like having them.
RE: Clifford the Big Red Truck, an F150 Story - rherold9 - 03-12-2018
(03-12-2018, 11:38 AM)Jake Wrote: Oh, it does parallel park itself. I'm very good at doing it on my own, but Matthew and I tested it in Arlington yesterday and it did a good job. DC makes you learn quickly
Haven't tried the Pro Trailer Backup yet, but from what they told me, you use the knob to set the trailer's trajectory, and then let go of it. The truck should then wiggle everything around and park it/straighten it out. Need to read up on it more.
The tow mirrors were already on the truck and it wasn't going to be a deal-breaker without them - but I do like having them.
Nuckin' Futs. Sigh, guess it's time for a new vehicle IF a dealer works with me to get a good enough deal to get out of my current truck.
Clifford the Big Red Truck, an F150 Story - Senor_Taylor - 03-12-2018
![[Image: 0023177d5f008333a2a29e83bba83ced.jpg]](https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180312/0023177d5f008333a2a29e83bba83ced.jpg)
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RE: Clifford the Big Red Truck, an F150 Story - Jake - 03-12-2018
(03-12-2018, 11:40 AM)rherold9 Wrote: Nuckin' Futs. Sigh, guess it's time for a new vehicle IF a dealer works with me to get a good enough deal to get out of my current truck.
Talk to Hans, he'll help you out.
RE: Clifford the Big Red Truck, an F150 Story - rherold9 - 03-12-2018
(03-12-2018, 11:43 AM)Jake Wrote:(03-12-2018, 11:40 AM)rherold9 Wrote: Nuckin' Futs. Sigh, guess it's time for a new vehicle IF a dealer works with me to get a good enough deal to get out of my current truck.
Talk to Hans, he'll help you out.
I shall once I've checked them out locally/driven them and see what they will do for me here. It's a long drive otherwise
RE: Clifford the Big Red Truck, an F150 Story - .RJ - 03-12-2018
(03-12-2018, 11:43 AM)Jake Wrote:(03-12-2018, 11:40 AM)rherold9 Wrote: Nuckin' Futs. Sigh, guess it's time for a new vehicle IF a dealer works with me to get a good enough deal to get out of my current truck.
Talk to Hans, he'll help you out.
what about Frans
RE: Clifford the Big Red Truck, an F150 Story - WRXtranceformed - 03-12-2018
(03-12-2018, 11:54 AM).RJ Wrote:(03-12-2018, 11:43 AM)Jake Wrote:(03-12-2018, 11:40 AM)rherold9 Wrote: Nuckin' Futs. Sigh, guess it's time for a new vehicle IF a dealer works with me to get a good enough deal to get out of my current truck.
Talk to Hans, he'll help you out.
what about Frans
![[Image: 140207_2723958_Pumping_up_with_Hans_and_...vver_3.jpg]](https://www.nbc.com/sites/nbcunbc/files/files/images/2015/5/05/140207_2723958_Pumping_up_with_Hans_and_Franz_anvver_3.jpg)
RE: Clifford the Big Red Truck, an F150 Story - rherold9 - 03-12-2018
(03-12-2018, 11:54 AM).RJ Wrote:(03-12-2018, 11:43 AM)Jake Wrote:(03-12-2018, 11:40 AM)rherold9 Wrote: Nuckin' Futs. Sigh, guess it's time for a new vehicle IF a dealer works with me to get a good enough deal to get out of my current truck.
Talk to Hans, he'll help you out.
what about Frans
Franzia?
RE: Clifford the Big Red Truck, an F150 Story - .RJ - 03-12-2018
(03-12-2018, 11:57 AM)rherold9 Wrote:(03-12-2018, 11:54 AM).RJ Wrote:(03-12-2018, 11:43 AM)Jake Wrote:(03-12-2018, 11:40 AM)rherold9 Wrote: Nuckin' Futs. Sigh, guess it's time for a new vehicle IF a dealer works with me to get a good enough deal to get out of my current truck.
Talk to Hans, he'll help you out.
what about Frans
Franzia?
Save that for Justin.
Clifford the Big Red Truck, an F150 Story - Senor_Taylor - 03-12-2018
I bet this frees up space for my moped
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