nwbearcat

Thanks to everyone for all you input on my truck buying decision. I have listened to everyone's comments as I looked around. Tell me what your thoughts are on these trucks. One is an '06 f150 crew cab lariat, one owner, almost all options, 156k listed for $13,900 at an independent dealer. Edmunds lists its tmv at much higher than the 13900 asking price even after the mile adjustment. (Trade in 15,086 private party 17650, dealer retail 19549). kelly blue book has dealer retail as 18,060 excellent condition, a private party value of 14,560 in good condition, and 10,825 trade in in good condition.

I also found a 2004 f150 from a private seller. It is an f150 lariat loaded with 119k for $10,000. Edmunds tmv lists this one as 14,949 dealer retail, 12,340 private party, and 10,597 trade in. Kelly retail is 17,145 in excellent condition, 13,995 in good private party condition, and 10,595 trade in good condition. I need to get a carfax on it, and he has only owned it for a year. Thoughts?

1BADLX

I would try to get it for cheaper. Even if the motor drivetrain is in good shape the body of the truck still has that many miles. Be sure to check out for rust, leaks, condition of the seats, carpet, etc. The 04 sounds like a decent deal. Good luck!

boilerup15

I would keep looking. I looked for my truck for almost a year and a half. It had around 42k on it when I bought it and I payed around 13k for mine. I know mine is an STX therefore it has no power options but I think you can get a better deal, you just have to be patient.

As for high mileage trucks, they can be an ok thing. They just have to be taken care of. I think your smart enough though to know that.

Ruprecht

There are a million of these trucks out there. If you can, be patient and wait for one that is just right. At least get it checked out very closely. If they don't let you take it to your own mechanic then move on. The '04 might be a deal unless you end up spending another $3-$5K on repairs just to get it on the road.
I had to rush my purchase since my last truck was stolen and I had to get back to work, so I just accepted the fact I'd have to settle for less than perfect.
I got my '04 xlt scab for 11K with 64K miles. I knew it needed valve work and cam phasers so I bought the extended service warranty for 300 bucks and got $1800 worth of work done for 300 plus 100 deduct. After brakes, tires and alignment, I spent a total of 12,900 for a '04 with low miles. I figure I made out pretty good, considering. No problems after the first 8 months and 2 cross country trips towing 3 ton trailer.
156K seems a bit high mileage for an '06 unless you know how it was used, and you won't since it's from a dealer. You can, however, get a warranty from a dealer. 2 years/ 24,000 miles power-train warranty gives some piece of mind.
Someone who owned a truck for 1 year or less may have found a major problem and is looking to pass it on. If it's tight, no leaks, straight body, runs strong and smooth, then it might be a good buy. But I'd deal it down to under 11K or pass. Lariat is a tempting package, but I'd go for substance over style. Again, I'd get it looked over very, very closely. And be willing to pass until you get the right deal.
If Carfax is clean, it doesn't mean it hasn't been wrecked, just that a wreck hasn't been reported. Keep that in mind.
Good luck.

pushnf8

That seems real high given the mileage. I would also consider the trade in value after a few years of driving it. Given everyone expects to keep the trucks to the end. If you were to trade it in in 3-4 years it would prob have 200k plus miles and I would think it would be impossible to get much for it then? That would leave you with a bad investment and back to square one on the next truck. I drove a few hours to get my truck. Well worth my time. Look outside your normal area and take a trip when you can get a few lined up.

BJV269SS

I paid 15k for my 05 FX4 extra cab with , at the time 87k on the clock. It is perfect with still nothing to do to it. It came with a $1200.00 stereo system too. Leather, moon roof, full power everything. I love the truck! Those figures make me feel pretty good!

travisb05

I got my 06 lariat crew cab for 14000 and it had onl. 36000 miles so i would look around alot more it had a texas salvage title then when i got it home to wyoming they gave me a new title that wasnt the salvaged title.

nwbearcat

Honestly the 04 is the one that intrigues me. I just think if it checks out on carfax/autocheck, and also with a mechanic, it is sitting below trade in value with the miles factored in.If I can get it below $10,000 that is appealing. I anticipated to spend about 13,300 originally, so that actually gives me $3,200 to play with for maint. issues. I have been searching in a 500 mile radius for the last month and a half. on cars.com, autotrader.com, and ebay as well as dealerships all over the area. My idea for a higher mileage truck actually came from some guys on this site. I had never really examined it before. From a price perspective, the cheapest crew cab xlt I have found with under 100k has been 13,900. (It has 93k). Now thats not what I am going to pay... I would assume somewhere between 12,750-13,300 would get it done. But if I go with a truck with 20k more in mileage in the same year, lariat for a minimum of 3,000 less? Maybe I am crazy, but that doesn't seem like a bad deal at all.

nwbearcat

How do you get a salvage title in one state an a clear one in another?

DallasSuperCrew

I'd definitely keep looking. Mine is a couple of weeks old now. I got an 04 XLT SCrew with 5.4L, 3.55 ratio LSD, Tow PKG, Keyless entry, and 18" wheels/new tires with 70K miles for $11K. Everyone who sees it thinks it's and 07 or 08.
I too was looking for a hi milage Lariat in my price range, but could not resist this one. My wife's only word when she saw it for the first time was: WoW!
Good luck on your hunt.