I am planing to buy an 1999 Ford F150 Ext Cab with 4x4, XLT or Larient Trim. I have $8-$12K to spend, i'd prefer to buy it at around 8K. The truck will have around 100-140K miles. I am looking for a reliable truck that will be able to do everything. Is this truck a good choice for the millage that it has? Also, can you guys give me some tips to check out when I go for a test drive/check out the truck. I have consumer reports and have been looking at various Ford websites for tips, but I would like to see what you guys have to say from your experiences. Is it worth it to get the 5.4L V8 over the smaller, one because of similar gas millage? I don't plan to haul trailers. I plan to use the truck as an everyday driver and also road trips across a couple of states. What are some common problems these trucks experience at the stated millage? What are some red flags to look out for?
Thanks.
2007-02-17 13:37:39 · 6 answers · asked by Fire for Effect...Splash 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
Im in PHX, Arizona if that helps.
2007-02-17 13:51:21 · update #1
Good truck. The 5.4 is a good work horse and like you mentioned, not pulling a trailer that motor will not disappoint you.
If I knew where your approximate location was I could give you some pricing info, but I bet you have done that yourself.
I really think properly maintained that Truck can last many, many seasons and be a joy to drive.
2007-02-17 13:50:12 · answer #1 · answered by Jaunty Jalopy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok I have done research and the first answer is a little of base to be nice. CHevy is without a doubt your worse choice. Followed by dodge then ford. Chevys have a 46 percent problem rate with thier vehicles and dodge is 44 % while Ford is 38%. This is facts done by research and not some lame opinion given by some chevy die hard lover. Look around jobsites in construction you will find most work horses are fords cause they last and are reliable or more so than the other main 2 companies. The only issues I know of is rear end problems look for leaky rear diff and it should purr when started. I have a 98 4x4 5.4 and it starts without touching the gas and rides as if it were new. I do construction and have towed other cars across states. It has 150 k on it now and again it performs and passes smog as if it were a new vehicle.
The 5.4 has a noticeable horsepower pulling power over the 4.6 and not much more of a gas hog either so I from experience would go for the 5.4. I had the 4.6 it was nice but the 5.4 I love. The engine doesn't have to work half as hard to get going with loads or up steep hills. Tips use 91 octane for a cleaner better riding truck and oil change religiously.
2007-02-17 14:57:10 · answer #2 · answered by stephenmwells 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There's nothing wrong with ford's some people don't like them.I have Ford's,Dodges
and Chev's.You need to ask if those are road miles are in town miles,it makes a difference, (road miles are the best)also see if this person kept any kind of record's on this truck.When the oil was changed,transmission etc,
Look under the truck from the back and right down the main frame on each side, if you see any twist in the frame,don't buy it,it's bent.It will never be the same.
Check out the cooling system very importing,check the motor for new gasket like head gaskets,you can see if something has been worked on.what's to old saying? You get what you pay for,Good luck,Ole Country Boy
2007-02-17 14:53:47 · answer #3 · answered by D Grass 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you rear when you put on the 35s? You should have 4.56's with 35's and the 300 I6. If you're still rocking the 3.08 or 3.55's then that's a problem. But overall 10 MPG is pretty reasonable for a truck with 6 inches of lift and 35's. I have a 4 inch lift and 33's on my Bronco with the 351 and 4.56 gears, and I get about 9-10 MPG. If you haven't already you should regear the truck, expect to spend about $1200. That should get you about 2 MPG or so and make the truck much more responsive. You can try putting synthetic gear oil in the diffs as well for a small gain. But there's not alot more you can do. As I said before for a full sized truck with a lift and 35's 10 MPG is about par for the course.
2016-05-24 00:18:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My advise to you is to stay away from the Fords. I'm not just being prejudice against that brand, I'm speaking of years of experience buying and driving all types. I would lean towards a Chevy or a dodge !
2007-02-17 13:43:09 · answer #5 · answered by Don A 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Check out this website - www.Automotive.com - it has lots of car buying tips, a classified section, even auto recalls and stock paint schemes. Very resourceful for buying any type of vehicle for that matter.
2007-02-21 10:13:18 · answer #6 · answered by i_am_bocephus 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋