So. I'm in the market for a truck, more specifically a f150. I like the styling and can see some good use out of it for myself. I've been looking at the 1997-2003 gen and could use some advice on what to expect when purchasing one. I've done some searching and I was very surprised to see that the price tags are pretty steep even for the 1997-99 ones, the high price wouldn't bother me so much except all of them are well over 150000 mi! I'm having a lot of trouble finding a good looking truck with under AT LEAST 150000 mi, would really like one under or close to 100000 mi on the od.

is this a good generation to purchase in? and should I veer more towards the beginning, middle, or end of the generation? any advice/help, thanks

-jefferson

 

If you drive even 10K a year, that's at least 120K mileage for a 97. 15K (which I believe is the national average) and you're at 150K on the low side for a 99. I can't speak to the 5.4 long term yet but I can say the 4.6 easily handles this without complaints (or at least mine has). I've got a 97 I'll be selling soon with 150K on it (90K I put on, the other 60k was on it when I got it), in the 10 years I've had it, the only mechanical issue I had (other than the normal maintenance) was an alternator and 2 plug wires. Doesn't use oil, starts every time and gets good gas mileage. I've heard of others with 200k-250K still going strong. The biggest thing IMHO is proper maintenance. Keep the wear items replacement up and do regular oil changes and it will last a long time. Me, I'm a firm believer in 3000 mile oil changes and mine hasn't let me down. Only once in 10 years hasn't it started and that was when I got a bad load of gas in -30 degree weather.

If you find one you really like, have it checked out by a mechanic you trust. Be objective but be fair. You can find under 100K trucks but you pay a price for that.

Paul