Looking at vans, opinions wanted.

[Roktoys84]

I've found two vans that I'm going to look at this weekend. Both are RB E350s. One is a 2013 V10 with 79k miles for $18900, the other is a 2014 5.4 with 32k miles for $21900. I'm planning on converting to 4x4 with a Ujoint kit, so I like the idea of the V10 van with 5R110 trans, but the mileage has me worried. I haven't found any other V10 vans in my search. Both vans look to be in good condition. The V10 has the towing package. The 5.4 has the backup camera, which is mandatory in my wife's eyes. Both vans are silver, which is my first color choice.

For reference my 2012 Pro4X Frontier just turned over 27k this week. The mileage of the V10 van is really my biggest concern. I haven't owned anything with more than 43k miles in the last 10 years, with my wife's 2007 Cobalt being the exception. It made it to 115k and then in a 3 month period it spent more time in the shop then in our possession.

So, what would Expo do?

 

[tgreening]

For the V10 80k is scratch. They are a solid long life 300k+ platform. These engines aren't like when I was a kid. Back then approaching 100k an engine was on borrowed time. Personally I'd take that V10 over the 5.4 every day of the week. Mileage differences are likely to be nil, especially in a heavy weight like a van, and the 6.8 has it all over the 5.4 in the giddy up go dept.

I've had 3 of the V10s and 1 5.4 and to me there's no contest, I wouldn't hesitate a moment to snap up another V10 given the choice.

 

[hurstjd]

We have a 1997 E350 with the V10. It runs fantastic. Drove it around bunches last year in Colorado and it had no problems with the mountains. Ours is a high-top and is heavy. Weighs around 9,200 lbs. We get 9-11 MPG.

 

[Navi]

I'd go with the v10. The 5.4 is just too underpowered imho

 

[silvrzuki77]

Bought a 5.4, wish I had a v10


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[Petrolburner]

I have a 5.4 V8 in my high top EB, I wish it was the V10. Since I only get 11 MPG on average I'd say the mileage difference is minimal.

 

[mgmetalworks]

my 5.4L mileage is 12-13 around town. Never done better than 14.9 on the highway. Van is completely empty now and no change in mileage.

 

[RememberTheFallen]

I bought a 5.4 because it was the cleanest one I could find in my price range at the time. Would have bought a V10 if one was available. I really enjoy the power of the 5.4 after coming from a 3.4 Tacoma. Not upset at all with the purchase.

That being the case I think the V10 will be the better buy in your situation as the V10 appears (from what I read) to be able to run longer as far as mileage is concerned. If you get the V10 you will only ever regret a very small MPG decrease, if you get the 5.4 you may wish you had the V10 power merging in the interstate or driving in the mountains.

In the end you will most likely be happy with either choice!

 

[arpisme]

vans

Backup cameras are an easy add on. Get the V10.

 

[Bbasso]

The only motor I would choose from Ford over the 6.8 V10 would be a 7.3 PSD.
I've had both... i enjoy the ridiculous speed the V10 can push a van to, but I enjoy the miles per gallon better out of the 7.3.... and all the cool sounds too.

 

[RememberTheFallen]

Not sure if you are interested in a drive and what your budget is but there is a 2014 RB with a 5.4 and 7k miles for sale right now in the For Sale section of this forum. Van is in Portland, OR. $25k. Several grand more than the two you are looking at but a ton less miles. Looks like he has done some insulation on it as well.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/155984-2014-E350-5-4l-RB-7k-Miles-Portland-OR


*not affiliated with the seller at all. Just passing it along.

 

[taylor3633]

I currently own a V10 SMB and absolutely love it. I have only driven the a 5.4 a couple of times and couldn't imagine one in a built out van. Particularly in the mountain west. I have averaged 12.8mpg over the course of my ownership and my van is HEAVY!

 

[depark]

my 5.4L mileage is 12-13 around town. Never done better than 14.9 on the highway. Van is completely empty now and no change in mileage.

Silly question, How do you get 12-13 around town? I only get 9-10 with my 5.4.

 

[Petrolburner]

Silly question, How do you get 12-13 around town? I only get 9-10 with my 5.4.

Same here.

 

[Roktoys84]

We drove 2 hours to look at the V10 van today. The dealer was asking clean retail but the interior was pretty hammered. They wouldn't drop the price much so I had to come home without it. The search continues...