While the 11-12 (5.4) and 13-14 (5.8) blocks are both aluminum there are slight differences but the biggest reason an aluminum 5.4/5.8 build is so expensive is because of the aluminum block. Aluminum 5.4/5.8 blocks were only put in Ford GT's and GT500's. Ford only made so many of these castings and as far as I know Ford stopped making them, hence why a brand new aluminum block will run you about $4-5.5k . Even if you have a used but in good shape 5.4/5.8 aluminum block chances are you will have to install steel liners when rebuilding it, I think this runs about $3k.
On the other hand Ford has been putting iron 5.4 blocks in trucks and suvs for many many years, used inventory is very good. Also with an iron block you can just re-bore/hone and then start to rebuild. Basically more inventory and easier to work on, so less expensive.
Great point okay, so it's basically the BLOCK that is expensive with the aluminum engined cars not necessarily building them with better parts. I believe I saw MMR quote something around $2k for sleeves. Sounds like it would be smart to look for a car that has a sleeved aluminum block already in it, that way, I'm ahead of the curve and if it needs to be built up further/rebuilt I already have the liners.
If amenities don’t matter, get an 07-09, if you want Recaro seats and other “finer” things well a 2012 or newer is where you need to look
Definitely love the recaros haha. 2012+ or 2011+?
I assume 2011 would have all the similar options to 2012.