I just bought a 2018 F150 xlt 4x4 screw with 3,100 miles with the 3.5L ecoboost way cheaper than that.
This is the second ecoboost I've owned it'll flat out pull. I've had just about every engine Ford
has put in a truck and the eco engine exceeds the power of them imo. It has no hesitation when you need
to get on it like some V8. All in all I would most definitely go with the 3.5L eco. As far as the lariats they are nice
but why does a kid need all that other than wanting to be cool. I'm way past that I've got a really nice
truck for way less.
Google and compare the 3.5L ecoboost vs 5.0 you will be surprised with the results. I've never had a moment's trouble with the ecoboost.