1997 F-150 4.2, is it worth it? - Ford F150 Forum

kookookachew · 11-20-2009, 07:37 PM

Hey everybody, I'm looking to get another truck, something I can drive this winter since I wont be driving my '78.

I saw a 1997 F-150 XLT 4x4 off road with the 4.2 V6 and a 5 speed. 154,986 miles, but its pretty clean, very little rust, clean interior, only one small dent. It has euro front turn signals, straight piped dual exhaust with cats, a light bar, a tool box, and a few other things.

I stopped and looked at it, and it does need a little work, the check engine light is on, and so is the abs light, and there are a couple of bulbs out in the cluster for night illumination. I talked to the guy and since he is a register NYS dealer he is required to fix any problems with it before sale and he also has a 30 day warrantee.

He is asking $4,895 and so I'm asking, do you think its worth it? Also, how reliable are the 4.2s? I'm not too familiar with them. Any other info would be great, thanks.

**AZFX4** · 11-20-2009, 09:43 PM

Almost 5k? That's WAY to much.

I've seen plenty of F150 Extended Cabs with 5.4 with under 150k for 5k...

david350 · 11-20-2009, 09:45 PM

Some of those 97 4.2's are supposed to be junk. That is way to much with a pretty much finished engine. The interior has been ruined on it

No thanks!!! Looks good, don't mean it runs good.

tkjones2 · 11-21-2009, 09:08 AM

id agree way to high, we just picked up a 03 xlt for my son with the 4.2 auto, stock but very clean with 60k miles for 8000.00 yeah its almost dbl the money but its 5 years news and alot less miles, just something to compare to.

97green4x4 · 11-21-2009, 09:30 AM

Good day,

I would recommend you stay away from dealers... I'm probably gonna get a lot of grief over that statement, but the truck they are selling was purchased from an individual and the dealer will try to get rid of it with little money in it... You are better off getting one from a private party and having a friend take a look at it prior to purchase... Could save you thousands! You could do some research on the 4.2L and from what I have seen, they are based off the 3.8L OHV motors... Not too up on the 4.2L's myself, but the 3.8L's had issues with head gaskets in my past experience... I also agree that the interior in this truck is toast! But, that is just me! Take into consideration that the dealer probably paid less than $2000 for the truck... and RETAIL value (perfect condition) is just over $5K, which this is not...

Good luck in your search!

Cheers!!

dnlow · 11-21-2009, 09:39 AM

Buying a 12 year car from a dealer is a bad idea. Dealers are only good for new cars or used cars that are less than 3 years old. After that it is best to buy private party. With tax and all the dealer BS you will be around $5500. You can find something newer with less miles for the same price private party. Just take your time and you will find a deal. I picked up my 2005 F150 Scab XLT 2 wheel drive with 5.4L engine for $8700. It was a pretty good price, so keep looking. You will do great.

97green4x4 · 11-21-2009, 09:58 AM

Taking your time and finding what you are looking for is the best advice on here, as dnlow suggested!! I looked for months before I found a 2000 F150 extended cab 4X4, 5.4L with all the goodies... I paid just over $6500 for it three years ago... I just got a 97 F150 4x4, 4.6L manual everything for $810... It needed an engine, but the price was right and the truck was what I wanted...

Keep looking until you find what you want for the price you want to spend!!

Cheers!!

kookookachew · 11-21-2009, 10:22 AM

Ok, thanks everybody for your advice, I'll probably stay away from it. At first glance I said the same thing, no way. But he said that he has to fix all of the issues anyway if he sold it retail and that he offered a warrantee , and those were the only things that roped me in.
Also, I don't know it was a poor picture, but the interior was actually really clean. Just FYI.

Thanks, I guess I'll keep on looking.

2000xl_toronto · 11-22-2009, 05:54 PM

it's a nice ride just a little too pricey for what you're getting. I would be happy to give him $2k for it and call it a day!

ninja1195 · 11-22-2009, 06:42 PM

My 2003 V8 Triton Supercrew was in nearly mint condition both inside and out and needed just a few small repairs under $500 to make it perfect.

And after all that I only paid $6200.00 Canadian for it.

That asking price is beyond too high and I too would stay away from a dealer.

Take your time and look around and you will be rewarded with a newer and more solid truck.

Besides more often then not those V6's were nuthin' but a major headache from day one!