Hello,
I'm thinking about a 2002 Ford F150 5.4L XLT Crew Cab 4WD SB for as my car, and I would like to hear opinions. I may not end up buying a 02, but around that age 02-07, are those Ford 5.4L reliable? How's the truck holding up? What is the maximum mileage I should consider? My budget is about 6k or less. I found one with 100.000 miles, ( thats literally what it says on cargurus but ill check out the truck tmrw ) and everything looks good, but of course will test it out and see how it works. anything i should be aware of when considering a used F150 about that age?
thank you

 

The age would worry me more than the mileage ,i bought newer/high mileage and have been very happy with mine but price was way over your budget,good luck as buying used will always be a crap shoot

 

It's your money but at 6k you aren't going to get a top notch truck as they seem to hold their resale value pretty good. Using one as a car? I have a pickup because I need to haul stuff around and use my Hyundai for commuting. For 6k if I were you I would look at cars if that's what I needed. More bang for the buck. Be aware that many use timing belts, the trend looks like they are moving away from it but if it's due it's a pretty big expense. You'll need a water pump, pulleys, drive belts, etc. by then.

 

I was in the exact same boat. Spent so much time looking and couldn't find what I wanted.

Eventually bit the bullet and used that money as a down payment instead on a 2010 FX2 4.6L. Couldn't be happier. Well, could be happier if it was a 2017.

 

i wouldn't touch a 10th gen nor would i let my wife and kids drive or ride in one, the crash rating is horrible. i know that probably won't be a popular opinion, but i would take it into consideration if i was you.

 

Interesting video. My dad has had a 2001 XLT Supercrew for 13 years now. Had no idea this whole time my life was in danger as often as I've been in it :p

Then again he's never been in an accident haha

 

5.4 up to 03 are the old 2V. 04-10 are the 3V.

The 2V are pretty solid. Spark plugs being thrown are one of the big complaints. Mainly on the back cylinders you can't reach, just snug them down good and it's no big deal. Some intake gasket issues with these as well.

The 3V, I would be very careful about. Timing component issues (cam phasers, chain guides, tensioners). Go to you tube and look up Fordtechmakuloco, he has videos working on and explaining some of these issues. When they're running right they are great. If you find one that wasn't well maintained, it could get expensive.

 

While you maybe talking about front end collisions, let me tell you a quick story.
My mother has always been a Chevy and Dodge person. To my surprise, she purchased a 2002 F150 Crew Cab a couple of years ago. I believe she had that truck for maybe one year before getting T-boned by some guy pulling out onto the highway from a side road. They had to use the jaws of life to get her out of the truck, but THAT 10th generation, 2002 F150 saved her life!!!

 

glad your mother is okay, however, this does nothing to change my opinion. Brian O'Neill flat out said it was one of the worst vehicles he had ever tested, i have no reason not to believe him. if i was the op, i would save the money to buy a much safer 11th gen.

 

Thank you. I wasn't trying to change your mind, but rather point out that it is possible to survive an accident while others deem the vehicle unsafe.
Look at classic cars - we still drive them around, yet we all know that they could never pass today's crash tests. It's all in what you are comfortable with driving. Most people don't consider the results of a crash test before purchasing a vehicle, so it's interesting that you brought that up.

Back to KingZD's original question though, you should first set a maximum dollar amount. The second thing I would think about is mileage. Maybe even set a max number on that too. From there, the rest of your preferences should fall into place, but you may need to adjust your original dollar/mileage amount. Happy shopping! It doesn't cost anything to look!