I'm looking at a 2002 f150 2x4, with a 4.2 V6, low miles, automatic, and cheap.

From a gas mileage point the V6 & V8 both get about the same. I'm using it for an everyday driver, highway driving to tow a small 1,000 +/- pound boat, and going hunting and fishing. I'm keeping my old ONE TON for hauling and towing big stuff.

Why do the make a smaller motor if it gets the same gas mileage as the 4.6 V8? I'm I missing something? What is your opinion about this set up for my intended use?

Thanks
Damifinow Fish

A lot of fleet vehicles seem to run the V-6 full size pickups. Probably a little cheaper and you have less power for your employees to wreck things with. There's probably a set of conditions where they would get better mileage than the V-8's, but as the speed goes up and the loads get heavier, the V-8 can often get better mileage.

I'd try to find one of the 4.6l v-8's over the 6cyl. Not much in the power department, but it will be better than the 6.