Long-Term ownership “How-To”

Hi Forum,
I purchased a 2022 Ford F-150 Lariat Powerboost two months ago. It has 22k miles, and I’ve already been in the shop 3 times.
I wanted a 4R for the reliability but decided on a F-150 because of the backseat space and bed capabilities.
I have regretted the decision every single day since I purchased it. My goal is to own the truck until the warranty runs out, and then I will purchase a 4R.
All of this makes me wonder how to keep a 4R going for 200k or 300k miles
So, those of you with 200k miles or more, HOW DO YOU DO IT?
What did you do to keep it going?

 

If I owned a vehicle for two months that had been in the shop three times, I would start shopping around for another vehicle right away.

Oh, and for the guys who have had their Toyota to go 200/300k miles (I've never had one, yet), they say "Do the regular maintenance on it and it takes care of itself". Toyota's are the lowest maintenance vehicle out there.

Just change the oil, filters, rotate the tires and keep it gassed up. With basic maintenance, a Toyota can last a very long time.

 

1)Purchase four runner
2)Follow routine maintenance
3)Profit.

The above should get you in the ballpark for a starting point In regards to reliability. Barring any major issues, you should not have any items to worry about.

My opinions are based off of coming from 7.3 and 6.0 Ford diesels after not needing the towing ability.

 

Did you have any issues with your Fords?

 

It's not a 4R, but I still have this. 273,xxx miles. Change the fluids at the recommended intervals and keep it clean. This '96 has seen 26 Wis winters. Oh, don't drive it like you stole it.

 

On the 7.3 some dual alternator/ charging system and transmission overheating issues.

The 6.0 liter pushed it to the edge with a head gasket failure and then an egr issue that kept me away from racing for a few weeks.

Reevaluated my needs at that point.

 

Don't modify it.

 

200k is really nothing. All you require are periodic fluid changes and regular maintenance. Nothing special to do, unless you live in an area that uses road salt. If that's the case, I highly recommend getting it treated with fluid film or wool wax or similar to prevent corrosion. Not only will this help with the longevity the vehicle, it will also help with resale as it'll maintain a nice appearance as well as being easier to work on. Not having to deal with corrosion related repairs is a time and money saver.

 

Your Powerboost is giving you heartburn?! Ours (2023, 16k miles) has been trouble free, and we are averaging 23mpg, and generally we love everything about the truck. Just curious what problems have you been having?

Just listen to the guys here when you're ready to buy, lots of shit I never would've thought about when buying mine that helped me out a LOT. I dont think it takes a lot of work to make one go 300k miles tbh. Stay out of the redline, keep the fluids fresh at the right intervals, and you'll probably easily get it.

 

Check Engine light came on due to issue with the catalytic converter.
Big issue was the “12V Battery State of Charge Low” warning light. That showed up 10 days into ownership. Dealer had the truck for 10 days. Three different issues with it.
A recent post on a F-150 forum showed Consumer Reports listed it as the third-least reliable car on the road.
I can’t wait to get rid of it and find a reliable 4R.

 

Dang, that sucks!! Like I said, we haven't had any issues at all. I read that about the reliability issues with them, and its always playing in the back of my mind. Hoping to have a good run until it goes back (lease) in 2.5 more years.

Of course, we have the 4Runner too. Kinda balances things out
Its a good looking pickup. Blackout package, leather, no moonroof.

 

Welcome.

Follow the recommended manufacturer maintenance intervals and use the correct fluids. Don’t cheap out on maintenance, use OEM parts. Wash regularly, especially the undercarriage. Don’t buy a used and abused one. Certain modifications can stress the drivetrain, so try and avoid those. Don’t get one with the XREAS suspension.

Overall, these things are pretty bulletproof. Owner/driver abuse is what kills them.

 

Just regular maintenance and don't abuse it too hard. Mine is the first ne vehicle I've bought that didn't have any recalls or special service bulletins. There are no bugs to work out and they are about as reliable as it comes.

 

What is so bad about XREAS suspension?

 

Step 1. Don't buy a Ford
Step 2. Buy a 4Runner
Step 3. Regular maintenance.

 

I would suggest looking into your state's Lemon Law. You might be able to be able to return the F-150 if the problems meet your state's guidelines.

My 2016 F-150 infotainment system died one month after the warranty expired. Other problems have been leaky sunroof and turbocharger failure (waste gate, IIRC). On the plus side, I called Ford Customer Service for two of the three problems and they actually covered some of the cost even though the warranty had long since expired, so I'll give them credit for that. However, I still don't think I'll consider buying another Ford any time soon, if ever.

 

As mentioned above, regular maintenance, and FRAME PROTECTION. Too many Toyotas become scrap with a perfect mechanical condition, but rotted out frames. Depends where you live, of course.

 

Regular maintenance. All you can do, the rest is luck of the draw. My 94 F150 has made it too 215k so far, the most intensive maintenance it needed was a new oil pan gasket

 

I don't qualify for GA's lemon law yet. And honestly, I don't care. My plan is to drive it until something happens after the warranty runs out, have it fixed, and then get a 4Runner. My wife would KILL me if I got a 4R one year after getting a new truck.
These turbos on the new Tundras scare me even though they are a Toyota. Are there any widespread issues with those yet?
Getting a non-turbo engine is one of the main reasons I want a 4R. I want it to last 10+ years and give it to my 7-year old when he turns 16.

 

Toyota manuals says oil change at 10k mile interval... do 5k instead and keep up with all maintenance like transmission, transfer case, and rear diff fluids, etc as the manual says.

ALSO, a huge one, if you live in the rust belt, apply Fluid Film. Hose down and clean your frame after driving on salty roads. This will prevent corrosion.

 

My 2020 Raptor is being traded for a 4Runner any day now (waiting for it to arrive). Never again Ford.

 

Sweet ride! All blacked out. Have you towed with it?

 

What kinda issues did you have?

 

Shocks are x-connected with hoses. One shock fails all four need to be replaced. OEM replacement of the whole system is expensive ($3-4k) but you can install regular aftermarket shocks from Bilstein, KYB, Rancho, etc. OEM shocks last a reasonable amount of time so it shouldn't be a deal breaker.

Yep, spun bearings:
https://www.tundras.com/threads/engine-failure.120431/
https://www.tundras.com/threads/blown-engine.115124/

There were also common turbo wastegate failures in 2022s requiring cab-off repairs at the dealer.

 

I do not see how a cab off repair at Toyota could be good for anyone with that type of repair. It would always be in the back of mind anytime you hear a new noise..

 

^Normally that would be the case. However, the build quality on the 2022 Tundra was so poor, any "new" noises would be lost among the old noises: https://www.autoevolution.com/news/...e-build-quality-of-his-new-truck-179184.html#

 

Today I received my fourth check engine light in three months on my F-150. I’m officially dumping it for a 4R.
Is the ORP really worth it? I won’t do much off-roading.

 

Honestly, do SR5P if you won't do much off-roaring. I have an ORP and have used the locker while off-roading and it's a god send, but only got ORP because the missus wanted Lunar Rock and Softex seats.

 

I say go for the SR5P. The locker is the main advantage the ORP gets. Although, some of us value the 4wd lever over the dash switch.

If you go SR5, just make sure you exercise the 4wd actuator, as it seems like they're a pain to replace.

 

Meaning, turn it to 4H or 4L every now and then?