Best time of year to buy a new truck (F-150) ?

[Bama67]

Alright guys, I kinda want a new truck. Well, I don't really want a new truck, I would be happy with a used one, but since I want a 2011 F150, there aren't many used ones to be had. The used ones I found are just as expensive as new ones.

My question is, is there a time of the year that is generally best for buying a new F-150?

I sold my last truck because it was paid for and we were buying a new place so the money was needed, and I came out really good. But since I sold it I have been driving a POS, and it sucks driving something that can't do what I need. (mainly pull my trailer)

I want a new F-150 SO BAD, still haven't decided on the 5.0 or Ecoboost yet. But I know I want Supercrew, 4x4, larger box, and locking 3.73 gears. Anything else doesn't really matter.

Not really wanting to buy right now, (building barn now) but probably within the next 6 months or so.

End of the year? Wait til next year when there are more 2012's out and they are cutting 2011's loose?

P.S.- Don't try to talk me into your brand of choice, I am not brand loyal, I have owned them all and done my research, and I want an F-150.

Thanks!

 

[JDgreen227]

I have read that year-end around Christmas is one of the best times to buy a new vehicle as sales are slow, with most people buying for Christmas instead of transportation. Not sure if it is true or not.

We buy new cars and trucks very rarely...have purchased during income tax time, during early fall when they are trying to close out current year models, different times. But I honestly don't know if there actually IS a best time of the year to buy a new F-150. I'm sure a lot of the savings that you would get are dependent upon current sale and rebate offers, etc.

We have owned all GM since 1993, but have NO intention of trying to convince you to buy other than what you want. Good luck!!!

 

[donn12]

Year end and model year closeout are usually the best time for a vehicle like that. The manufacturers are trying to get rid of cars to make room for the new model years.
Check town and country ford in charlotte if you want to do something now. they are doing crazy deals to hit number one in the market.

 

[Bama67]

Thanks for the replies so far guys.

I really need to stop looking at them so hard online, makes me want to go buy one now. :laughing:


Oh, and I guess you can only get the max tow package on the Ecoboost?

But that 5.0 sounds SUHWEET! :drool:

 

[Diamondpilot]

Between now and Christmas has always been a good time for me.

As for the motor my dad got a F-150 Super Crew FX4 Eco Boost 4x4 3.73 gears last May. Just turned over 5,000 miles this week. Talked to him last night.

I drove it for the first time last Thursday. That thing is sweet. Tons of power. It has averaged 17.3 mpg since new according to the dash and its not been more than 50 miles from home but 90% of his driving is 7 miles to town and back. When I drove it I took it to lunch on about a 15 mile round trip and averaged just over 18 mpg running it hard from two stop lights to 70 mph. In a cruise state on flat land the dash said it was in the 26 mpg range.

He has not towed a thing with it it but I wanted so bad to hitch up a 9,700# boat I have sitting in my pole barn and take it for a run to compare it to my 08 Titan. I think you had a Armada, which is basically the same thing so you know how strong the Nissan is. My gut says the Eco Boost would stomp all over my Titan. It was actually the first truck I have been in for about 5 years that I though even held a candle to the Titan and I have driven them all, gas and diesel. I am not saying its a diesel but its the second best thing.

Get the Eco Boost!

Chris

 

[GPintheMitten]

Get a Ram.

Just kidding. I like the F-150 crew cab 4x4 as well. If you get the eco boost, let us know how it does trailering.

I don't know the best time of the year. I suspect end of model year, but will any difference in cost, outweigh your need or want for one sooner. When you do buy, research dealer costs for one equipped the way you want, so you're informed going into price negotiations.

 

[Bama67]

Between now and Christmas has always been a good time for me.

As for the motor my dad got a F-150 Super Crew FX4 Eco Boost 4x4 3.73 gears last May. Just turned over 5,000 miles this week. Talked to him last night.

I drove it for the first time last Thursday. That thing is sweet. Tons of power. It has averaged 17.3 mpg since new according to the dash and its not been more than 50 miles from home but 90% of his driving is 7 miles to town and back. When I drove it I took it to lunch on about a 15 mile round trip and averaged just over 18 mpg running it hard from two stop lights to 70 mph. In a cruise state on flat land the dash said it was in the 26 mpg range.

He has not towed a thing with it it but I wanted so bad to hitch up a 9,700# boat I have sitting in my pole barn and take it for a run to compare it to my 08 Titan. I think you had a Armada, which is basically the same thing so you know how strong the Nissan is. My gut says the Eco Boost would stomp all over my Titan. It was actually the first truck I have been in for about 5 years that I though even held a candle to the Titan and I have driven them all, gas and diesel. I am not saying its a diesel but its the second best thing.

Get the Eco Boost!

Chris

Nice, those are definately some good mpg figures.

Yep, I had an Armada, and really liked it for what it was. It had the big tow package with the lower gears too, and would really get it. Going from the 05 F-150 5.4 I had to the Armada was quite a jump in power. If the Ecoboost feels really powerful compared to the Nissan, then it must have some real muscle.

I believe I will end up with one, just not a real great time to buy for my right now because I am spending so much money on my shop (just poured the $10,000 slab last week, yikes)

That is the only reason I haven't test drove them yet; I know I wouldn't be able to stand it and I would be miserable. :laughing:

 

[Bama67]

Good idea. But I have been keeping my eye on used ones, looked at alot actually. I have found I can get a deal on a new one for the same price (sometimes less) than a used one.

These are low mileage used 2011's. I don't know if it is because the people selling them paid more for them because they were fresh on the market or what. But the deals on them just don't seem to be there.

 

[MoKelly]

I have heard that toward the end of a month (any month) can be a good time to buy if the dealer has not yet reached their incentive target. Just selling a few miore vehicles can put the dealer over the target resulting in bigger rebates from the manufacturer.

So, the dealer may be willing to deal a little better than ususual to make that incentive target.

MoKelly

 

[JDgreen227]

Good idea. But I have been keeping my eye on used ones, looked at alot actually. I have found I can get a deal on a new one for the same price (sometimes less) than a used one.

These are low mileage used 2011's. I don't know if it is because the people selling them paid more for them because they were fresh on the market or what. But the deals on them just don't seem to be there.

I don't know if this will help, but I just ran downstairs and dug out the October 2011 issue of Motor Trend magazine...on page 96 they have a comparision test of four 2011 F-150's, they are a standard cab 3.7 L six, a 6.2 L Harley Davidson Supercrew, a 5.0 liter Supercrew, and a 3.5 L Ecoboost Twin Turbo Supercrew. I rarely save any issues of car mags but this one test was really detailed...prices ranged from about $27000 to $53000.
I am not sure, but you may be able to read the test and compare the specs at New Cars, Car Reviews & Prices, Used Cars for Sale, & Auto Shows at Motor Trend Magazine

The test was titled "Brains vs Brawn". I just checked, the road test is available online in the trucks section of the road tests.