Buying a used truck, got some questions
10-10-2007, 04:21 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Toronto, ON
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Buying a used truck, got some questions
Hi Everyone,
I'm looking for a 1/2 ton and think I'm going with a F-150. I'm looking for a late-90's 4x4 truck with 100-125k miles. Are there any things I should look for when on a dealer's lot or potential issues that could come up after I buy the truck?
I'm not planning on doing many mods.... maybe an exhaust system and a few cosmetic things.
Thanks.
I'm looking for a 1/2 ton and think I'm going with a F-150. I'm looking for a late-90's 4x4 truck with 100-125k miles. Are there any things I should look for when on a dealer's lot or potential issues that could come up after I buy the truck?
I'm not planning on doing many mods.... maybe an exhaust system and a few cosmetic things.
Thanks.
10-10-2007, 05:42 PM
#2
Senior Member
With a used vehicle, there are any number of potential problems that could come up - some relating to the vehicle design and some relating to how it was operated and maintained.
Suggest to look for one with a V8, preferably larger than the minimum size offered - for example, a 5.4 would be preferred over a 4.6, a 5.8 over a 5.0, etc., IMO.
Look for signs on how the vehicle was used and maintained. Is the body beat all to crap, tire wear uneven, squeaks and rattles during the test drive? Check nooks and crannies to see if it was kept clean as a rule, or just given the quickie dealer job covered with lots of ArmorAll.
If you're not overly mechanical in nature, suggest to have a mechanic you trust give it a look-see.
There's nothing that I can immediately recall about F150s of that era as being a design or reliability issue - perhaps other members with those vintages can chime in.
If you're thinking about a Ford, then you're thinking right.
Suggest to look for one with a V8, preferably larger than the minimum size offered - for example, a 5.4 would be preferred over a 4.6, a 5.8 over a 5.0, etc., IMO.
Look for signs on how the vehicle was used and maintained. Is the body beat all to crap, tire wear uneven, squeaks and rattles during the test drive? Check nooks and crannies to see if it was kept clean as a rule, or just given the quickie dealer job covered with lots of ArmorAll.
If you're not overly mechanical in nature, suggest to have a mechanic you trust give it a look-see.
There's nothing that I can immediately recall about F150s of that era as being a design or reliability issue - perhaps other members with those vintages can chime in.
If you're thinking about a Ford, then you're thinking right.
10-10-2007, 05:55 PM
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Toronto, ON
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Is there any reason for looking for the 5.4 over 4.6?? This is an example of a truck I'm looking for.... http://www.trader.ca/powerpage/detai...7&adid=6471491
10-10-2007, 06:46 PM
#4
Senior Member
For me, the size of the V8 wouldn't be a deal-breaker if I otherwise liked the truck, it's just a personal preference.
It just seems that a common theme is always, "I wish it had a little more power".
It just seems that a common theme is always, "I wish it had a little more power".
10-10-2007, 11:37 PM
#5
97F-150XLT
The one thing I really reccomend is if you decide to go with the 5.4 make sure the plugs have been changed recently or if the previous owner has had any problems changing them. With that kinda mileage they should have been changed at least once. There seems to be an inherit problem with plugs blowing out of the head on some model 5.4s. That's why I like my 4.6 but thats's just me. Do a search on the plug problem and you will see as to what I speak of.
10-11-2007, 12:31 AM
#6
Beer Drinker
A late 90's model truck wouldn't have the 3 valve motor so the new style plugs wouldn't be an issue.
10-11-2007, 12:41 AM
#7
none.
Join Date: May 2007
Location: West Palm Beach, FL
Posts: 3,840
Likes: 0
Received 98 Likes
on
78 Posts
he said blow out, not get stuck. The windsor PI heads had a smaller number of plug threads than any of the romeo castings, thus having the tendency of shooting them out of the head, requiring thread retapping and/or heli coil work.
Trending Topics
10-11-2007, 12:50 AM
#8
Beer Drinker
My bad. I thought he was referring to all the new style plugs getting stuck & the lower half breaking off in the 3 valve heads.
10-11-2007, 08:17 AM
#10
No Pain, No Pain!
174K for a 1998 means that truck was driven more than 19,000 miles per year. Even if they were highway miles, that is still a lot of miles. You should be able to find something with less miles on it and a lower price tag with a little searching around. Good luck!