Green_Bean

My aunt and uncle have decided to sell their 2003 F150 4x4 V8 and I was wondering if there was any known issues with this model of truck. The truck is super clean....always garage kept....and get this...it just turned over 8000 miles....yes....8K.

My uncle cannot drive anymore and they don't want to pay taxes and insurance on it to just sit in the garage. My brother is thinking about buying it....but I thought I'd check and see if you all have any insight on known issues that we should be aware of.

The truck is immaculate inside and out, always had covers on the seats and carpet since new.

I've read about the spark plug issues...both blowing them out and them getting stuck and breaking off in the cylinder head.

Would you all be afraid of a truck like this...with only 8K miles?

Ford Fan#1

... thats crazy low milage!!!! the 04-07 break the plugs, the 97-03's plugs will blow out if they aren't torqued right. if it has 8,000 miles i doubt you would have a problem there. pictures? i would like to see this

Green_Bean

Yeah, mileage is crazy low for sure...they have always had a car as the regular driver. This truck has sat in the garage since new...only get it out now and then to stir up the oil. Wish I had taken pics of it when I was there Tuesday. They had a spray in bed liner and tow package installed when it was new. I didn't do a real good inspection...but I don't think there is a ding on it anywhere from what I saw.

Ford Fan#1

thats crazy. is it a base work truck or a loaded one?

Green_Bean

It's an XLT. Not sure what options it has. I need to check with them again and see.

me1234

Yes!!! Buy it that's literally buying a brand new truck. I would get it, replace the battery and all fluids then drive it!! XLT is a trim option that mainly means a cloth interior. But I like XLT's. They're my favorite trim option. Probably because thats the trim I have lol.

What size motor does it have? There were 2 V8s that year, the 4.6L and the 5.4L. Both are great engines.

Also you may want to get new tires. 11 years is a long time for a tire to age and it'd be a shame to have the truck totaled because of a tire blowout. I've seen two tires blow out, one on a 1989 toyota pickup and one on a trailer. Both had tires that were over 10 years old on them. Fortunately no one was hurt and the vehicles weren't damaged but it's still a huge risk driving on old tires.

Green_Bean

Went down to my aunt and uncle's again yesterday with my brother to look at the truck. My brother is thinking about buying it. It does have the original tires on it. I looked them over and they look fine with no cracks what so ever....but old tires still concerns me.

We took it out for a spin...seemed to drive OK. It has the 4.6L which in my opinion is a little sluggish, although I'm used to my '13 SCrew with the 5.0. The '03 XLT is also A LOT smaller truck than my '13. The overall width of my '13 without the mirrors is the same as the '03 WITH the mirrors according to the specs on KBB. And about 6" shorter in length.

They are asking $14.5. KBB prices it from an individual at $13,245 and they agreed at 13,250. I think my brother is gonna take it. High retail from a dealer is $15K.

me1234

Can't comment on the width but the length is likely for more cab space. I know after the 03 year they made the extended cabs a longer for more space in the back section.

Green_Bean

Yeah, it's still a nice truck having only 8K miles. But when we got in it...it was very noticeably smaller in the cab. Especially after getting out of my '13 into this one. Not bashing the truck at all...I know designs change over the years...but I guess I'm spoiled with the size of my '13 .

Steve Osborne

my thoughts, change the plugs anyways, sitting/rust/rot. avoid the possible plugs being a problem later, cheap insurance ...and top up the tank with fresh fuel...sounds like a great deal..