Hello!

[ThrottleOut]

Just stopping here to say hello. New member here considering picking up a used, low mileage 2017-2019 FFH to help save some fuel on my daily commute rather than using my F150 all the time. Will be posting more if I end up finding a deal on one I like.

[Cobra348]

IMHO you'll do better with a 2017 or 2018.  In 2019 they changed some of the firmware and items that are helpful to a driver were eliminated.  Good luck!

[ThrottleOut]

That's great to know, my parents have a 2013 that I've driven several times and overall like the car. With our growing family, my summer car (02 Cougar) won't be overly practical and the truck is great for towing but for my daily commute won't be overly practical (or economical).

 

I'll have to look into what was changed in 2019. I found a 2019 SEL with 11k miles for $17k but also found a 2018 SEL w/sync3 tech pkg and nav with 8k miles for $18k. Was thinking about checking both out. May need to drive both to really see what the differences are.

[Cobra348]

If you are concerned or wanting to know how charged the HVB is, then '19 and '20 models do not have it.  The thread about SOC Display will lay out the issue.  I also did a thread  110 Miles in a 20 FFH (or something like) that outlines differences between my prior '17 and current '20.  Might also want to look thru that one.

 

Personally, with what you describe and the little knowledge I have of the options/packages, I would go for the 18 - mainly for the state-of-charge display.  Also, any model prior to '19 that has park assist will have added sensors in front and sides that are helpful in close spots.  These were removed in '19 because Park Assist was dropped ... so they nicely removed the sensors as well.

 

One last thing.  Since at least 2015 models, there is no compact spare ... only a mobility kit (essentially fix-a-flat).  I'm not sure if '13 models had a compact or not is why I mention this.

Edited February 25, 2020 by Cobra348

[Waldo]

I would also recommend the 2018, all other things being equal.  Ford has been on a fast track to cut costs in the last couple years and there are probably hundreds of cost reductions in the 2019, many of which you likely would never notice, but some that you would.

[ThrottleOut]

3 hours ago, Waldo said:

I would also recommend the 2018, all other things being equal.  Ford has been on a fast track to cut costs in the last couple years and there are probably hundreds of cost reductions in the 2019, many of which you likely would never notice, but some that you would.

 

I've owned several Ford vehicles and have seen them decontent features as the model ages before a redesign or being discontinued so I can't say as I'm surprised there. It is a bit of a bummer though. I may have to go look at both and seriously look both of them over to see what all is gone and whether I'd miss those features.

 

12 hours ago, Cobra348 said:

If you are concerned or wanting to know how charged the HVB is, then '19 and '20 models do not have it.  The thread about SOC Display will lay out the issue.  I also did a thread  110 Miles in a 20 FFH (or something like) that outlines differences between my prior '17 and current '20.  Might also want to look thru that one.

 

Personally, with what you describe and the little knowledge I have of the options/packages, I would go for the 18 - mainly for the state-of-charge display.  Also, any model prior to '19 that has park assist will have added sensors in front and sides that are helpful in close spots.  These were removed in '19 because Park Assist was dropped ... so they nicely removed the sensors as well.

 

One last thing.  Since at least 2015 models, there is no compact spare ... only a mobility kit (essentially fix-a-flat).  I'm not sure if '13 models had a compact or not is why I mention this.

 

I'll look for info on the SOC Display, my 'rents 13 has that feature and it's definitely nice to have. I can't believe they dropped that feature, definitely helpful in trying to get the best mileage out of them. Is there any way you might be able to re-enable that feature in the cluster? Maybe using Forscan or loading as-built data into the cluster from a 2018? 

 

I was leaning towards checking out the 19 just being newer so more time left on the warranty (and it's at a dealer I've bought from before that is great to deal with). My parent's 13 has never had any issues but I would prefer to have more time under warranty so if any issues do pop up I can get them taken care of.

 

Yea, the 13 my 'rents have didn't have a spare either. I found them a spare and the foam from a junkyard so I'd probably just do the same.

 

EDIT: I found the SOC Display thread, sounds like earlier 2019's have it and later ones may not. It also sounds like forscan may not be an option to re-enable it. It may be possible to load an earlier firmware or load as-built data to the module that would enable it (likely the gauge cluster) but I'm not familiar enough with the FFH's to say that yet.

 

I don't really care if it has the up/down arrows indicating charging/discharging but the approximate level would be nice to know. I wonder if that is why the 18's and 19's seem to average slightly less mpg's than the 17's on Fuelly.

 

 

Edited February 25, 2020 by ThrottleOut

[Cobra348]

If you look thru that SOC thread you'll see two part IDs for the firmware that have or do not have the display.  According to info found, it appears the versions are not necessarily similar and if we want it, we should get an Energi.  I think someone said Titanium trim does have it ... but I can't confirm that.

 

The arrows weren't my fave either, but the display in general was good reference.  I think you're right on the gas usage, because there is no distinct way to determine if the ICE should have relinquished control or not.  I can tell you (my opinion) that between '15 and '17 they did change things that caused lower MPG somewhat.  In my '15 I could hit mid- to -high-40 MPG with little problem with even some 50+ tanks. With the '17 it was a strain to get mid-40s.

 

You will not necessarily SEE differences between the models, without being totally familiar with the firmware prior to '19 models - and the option groups/packages that may also have supplied stuff.  Case in point - Park Assist.  Added sensors lateral and front.  Super helpful in close spots like at the ATM and getting close enough to not have to hang out the window to reach the machine. 

 

As I noted, this package was dropped for '19 - which then eliminated the nice adds.  What ... too hard to leave the sensors and code in and simply null-op the park stuff?  I was in IT for 40 years - programming, security, etc - I know it's easy to excise function without affecting secondary abilities.

Edited February 26, 2020 by Cobra348