triton318

I'm looking at possibly buying a 2003 Ford F-150 XLT (4.6 V-8 Triton, w/ automatic transmission) with 128,000 miles. This would be the first pick-up truck I've ever owned, and the first Ford. It's a one-owner truck. I would be towing a small travel trailer (around 4,500 lbs) for the next fifteen or so years, averaging about 10,000 miles a year.

My question is -- if this truck was properly maintained during the first 128,000 miles, and I continue to maintain it properly, how long could I expect it to provide dependable service?

Thanks in advance for your answers.

Jay

CDC5.0

128K miles isn't a ton for an F-150 but it makes it no spring chicken either, a lot will depend on how the previous owner treated the truck in that time, also keep in mind that it's almost 12 years old.

IF the price is right and you have a trusted mechanic give it a thorough once over and they day it's in good shape I may consider it if I was in your shoes. At 10K a year you might be able to squeeze your fifteen years out of it as long as you stay ontop of regular maintenance and don't get too discouraged if something major needs repairing in that time.

I'm not sure what your financial situation is but if I were in your shoes I would be hunting for something 5 years old max, especially if i wanted to keep it for fifteen years. In my mind its better to buy a newer vehicle with more miles on it than a older vehicle with fewer miles.

gone postal

Depending on the condition of the body I'd have no heartburn whatsoever. The 4.6L is a fairly bulletproof engine, and the '03 was the next to the last year for that model, so the bugs were pretty well worked out.

I'd have a mechanic check it out first, but I wouldn't worry about the mileage.

murf

I had the 4.6 in my 06. Put 120,000 miles on it and not one thing wrong. It's pretty durable. Now my situation doesn't help you that much, but I had no reason to get rid of my old truck other than I wanted a newer model. If I didn't have that itch, I'm sure it would still be running fine with almost 200,000 miles on it.

triton318

Thanks for the replies. I've decided to buy this truck and will be getting it Friday. I'm looking forward to owning my first pick-up truck (and first Ford). Hopefully I'll have my travel trailer in about three months, then I'll be ready to go! I think this forum will provide a wealth of information and help.

mcordell

Congrats…. I wouldn't worry about the mileage to much

slyone

I sold my 98 with the 4.6 when it had 209,000. The new owner has over 210,000. Good luck