I joined the forum hoping to get more information on F150s, particularly any information that can help me to buy a reliable work truck.

I have been getting by with a utility trailer, but I think it may be time to look into getting something more capable.

I would like to find something affordable, reliable and capable, so I am looking to avoid the frills and find a basic work truck that can carry, tow, etc. I have never owned a pickup truck before but am a ford fan owning a taurus and mustang in the past.

I am planning on using this only for moving materials throughout the year (snow, summer, etc)

I think I will rule out anything that will make cargo less capable, short bed, flare side. I assume that the regular bed can carry 4x8 materials?

I would love to get something with a manual transmission. I miss driving those ( and don't know if automatics need additional trans cooler setup), but only know about when they were discontinued. Don't know about reliability. Wonder if a 6cyl pared with a 5 speed is any good.

I would occasionally carry gravel, concrete, so would be heavy loads from time to time, but don't see my self driving a long distance on the highway or towing any kind of significant trailer.

An extended cab is kind of cool, but probably would not get much use... not sure.

Fuel efficiency, as much as possible would be great. I drive like an old man and currently commute in a Prius. I bet any truck will be well below 20 mpg, but I would sacrifice acceleration over fuel efficiency. Do need hauling capability, at least on local roads.

I am probably going to avoid rust buckets, but I would consider trucks that need mechanical work where it makes sense.

Thanks for reading and I appreciate any feedback including years, features to look for and features to avoid.

 

Contractor special is what you want. Basic work truck, 8' bed.
.

 

This. I don't think you can get an F150 with a manual trans anymore.

bare-bones XL V6 long bed.

 

should be able to get a bare-bones XL V6 automatic long bed

 

just went to ford.com and you can build them. a 3.5L Eco Boost, reg cab, long bed, 4x2, automatic will run you just over 30k (before incentives).

If you are a contractor look into the transits. We use one for work to transport pack and parts (automotive supplier) back and forth. You would be surprised how cheap they are, do decent on gas, and how much crap you can stash in the back of them lol

 

Thanks for the replies.

I am looking to buy used. Probably late 90s to early 2000s. Don't really know if high mileage is an issue for these trucks. Don't know if 4x4 is problematic.

Just recently saw an ad for a 4x4 manual 6cyl 1997 f150 with what looks like regular cab and longer bed but stuck in 4 low. need to research possible fixes. I think that might be the kind of truck I am looking for.

What was the standard bed length on a regular cab f150?

I kind of like to pick something up that I can tinker with and get to know a little better. This is more for personal home repair. I am a DIYer, not a contractor.

 

To give you an idea, a guy I work with bought a brand new 2009 contractor special with a 4.6, a/c, radio, bare bones XL and paid $16,000 for it. He shopped around 3 different dealers before he settled on it. Some wanted a little more, some were stupid expensive.

Pays to shop around.
.

 

My opinion is probably not shared, but I think the 1997-2004 F150 was the least reliable of any Ford truck generation. I wouldn't touch one with a 20 foot pole. And I've been around Ford trucks for a LONG time.

 

OP mentioned snow..... If he is going to plow, I believe that limits him to the 5.0. I know, at least for the 2016 model year, plowing with the 2.7 was a no go per the owner's manual. Unfortunately, can't recall for sure about the 3.5 EB. May be a consideration on selection.

 

He's looking to buy a 20 year old truck.