The old Ram has to go so I can fit a second car seats come May. Oops! Ive been shoppin and shoppin. Now keep in mind ive wanted an older tacoma for a lotta years but obviously that wont work. So, since Ford made a huge back seat several years ago and ive always liked the 2010 era Lariat, in toyin with one of those with a topper for MY family vehicle to haul wife kids and dogs AND and older tacoma for trappin and runnin around alone (no car seats). I have a work vehicle so am not gonna put a lot of miles on. How were those late model Tritons? Used to have an 02 and read some bad stuff on them old ones. Traded after my tranny went out. Thoughts from those who have had one?

Bought a Expedition with one it. After I bought it I found out from brother in law why it was so cheap. Serious timing chain problems. And when they break it fills oil filter with plastic and there goes engine.... but you can replace sprockets,chain, tensioner and guides for abouts$1000. Replace oil pump and water pump while your in that far too. The variable cams have their issues also. Talked to 2 different mechanics after I bought it, they both said sell it. Lol. Gas mileage isn't too good either.

They like the gas. Get you an SUV if it is going to be a family vehicle. Put a liner in the back for the dogs so you can clean it easily.
Oh yea better keep an eye on the oil . Don't smoke but will burn 2-3 quarts every 5,000 miles. That's why some people blow them up they don't check it. The school system I worked for that was our work trucks. They bought 7 new ones from 2007-2010. All used oil. I got to go up on the carpet because I took mine to the maintenance garge to service it after 3,000 and it was 3 quarts low. I explained I drove a chevy and a Toyota and NEVER added a drop of oil. Other guy ran his 6,000 before he brought it in over 4 quarts low.

Ha the next scenario is a tacoma alongside an older suburban with the 5.3. Just really liked the idea of havin two pickups around

Run From the FORD...

Good Advice above^^^

Big vehicle with a topper, hmmmmm, I know, you need a 7.3 diesel excursion. take the wife, girlfriend and both ladies kids a pack of coon dogs and still have room for a hitchhiker.

The 5.4 has some issues in the years that I have been around them, late 90s and early 2000s.coil pack problems, vacuum troubles of different kinds and heater control issues. I also think the 5.4 is just a bit under powered.

The spark plugs...
Maybe it is just the story from a mechanic to scare .e into them doing the work, but I was told that Ford put in spark plugs in the 5.4 that have a tendency to crack and split. It one is sticky in taking it out, it doesn't take much to drop part of the plug into the cylinder, supposedly. Not shade-tree mechanic friendly. Because I had heard the same thing somewhere else, a few years before, I let them change the plugs.

Oh we drove the fire out of the ones we had no troubles just love gas and oil. fast slow 11mpg was the best we got in town around town interstate no matter.

I had an 09 with the Triton. Bought it new. Biggest piece of junk Ive ever owned. Lots of issues with that engine.

My 2003 5.4 has 337,000+ miles on it. Replaced plugs and coils a couple times, and the alternator once. Pulled a couple Chevy 4x4's out last weekend coyote hunting and one the weekend before that, lol.

What does the 5.4 engine have to do with pulling out other folks? I've done that with an old 4 cyl Toyota Tacoma 4wd.

It doesn't it has to do with rubbing it in to the Chevy guys.

My old 2000 Tacoma has 697,000+ miles on it, and I've pulled out a few fords and chevys with it. What does that mean? It means you need to watch where you're driving, because being pulled out could be embarrassing.

Well I got no plans on selling the old Ford, hope it makes it to 700k too.

I hope so too. My son replaced his starter on an 97 F-150 - lol, fords bright idea in design. That top bolt was a bugger.

My work truck has the 5.4 Triton motor 180,000 starts and runs like a champ for the poor care it gets.

Look at the Nissan titan with the Cummins deisel we like ours 20 mpg and its a heavy half

Idk if i could justify a diesel. I have john boats and my kid isnt that big. The wife right now on the other hand...just kidding. I didnt say that....

Wow that amazing. That would be close to a million km! Toyota will be my next truck. That wont happen for a few years though because my wife just bought a Toyota Rav 4 a year ago.