I decided against spending 19k for an 06 screw, figured I would save money and get something either a little older or with a few more miles. I've found a few more trucks that are promising. These are all 4x4 and 5.4l.

1. 2001 Supercrew - ~100k miles for 8500
2. 2003 Supercab - ~100k miles for 9500
3. 2005 Supercrew - ~100k miles for 13000.

Price aside, which is the best in your opinion? Newer truck with more miles put on in less time? Or one of the older ones? I know these trucks have a lot left in them, but just wanted to see what some fellow ford enthusiasts think. Thanks everyone.

 

I can tell you that I bought my 05' granted it was a 4.6L but still 4x4, with 42,000 miles for 15,000.00. And that was back in september....It's really hard to say, but i would think your best bet is the 03 or 01. Just compare the bodies of each and interior maybe get a carfax report on them and really check them over well.

 

Wow the deal on that 2005 supercrew seems to good to pass up. Not to mention I have one. You wont be disappointed.

 

Option #3 - 3. 2005 Supercrew - ~100k miles for 13000. IMHO

 

Thats an awesome deal! The stealership wants 18,900 for an 06 5.4 4x4 Screw with 42 or 43k miles. I'm sure I could play numbers with them, but I would rather not have to if I can find a cheaper deal elsewhere, even if a truck has more miles.

I've really had my eye out for an 04-08, I didn't like the body style at first, but its grown on me. This is one of the best deals I've seen on one. Any particular reason this over the others? I've always felt that even though it has the same milage, the parts in general are newer than on the 01 or 03.

 

What do you want to use the truck for? I use mine to work and play. Do you really need 4x4? Will you tow with it?

The 2001 and 2003 have the same engine. Good reliable power. During the 2003 model year Ford replaced the heads with heads that had more threads in the spark plug holes to correct the plug blow out problem. I am not sure of the build date but it was later rather than sooner during the year. I have over 100,00 Km on my 5.4 swap and have not yet experienced the spark blow out. i did have to time sert a freinds engine though. The 01-03s have a rust problem in the crimp joint at the lower part of the door. Some tail gates also have this problem. There are door cracks in the front doors. Mechanically the the trucks are sound. The 2005 has problems with the injectors leaking. I believe FORD will cover the injectors but I am not sure. Some have cam phaser noises and need to be replaced. The 2 piece spark plugs are a real PITA to remove if they break apart in the heads. I don't have the $$$ for a new truck but if I did I would be waiting for the Raptor with the 6.2. If I had to choose I would always go with the newer truck.


EDIT: If you choose the 05 have the seller throw in a spark plug change to clinch the deal.
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Wow, thanks for the sweosme info! I never new about the spark blowouts, although I've heard of it occuring on the 4.6 Mustang GTs. I'm not too worried about rust though, gotta love Arizona for that. My dads 02 Crew has 120+k miles and the only thing he has ever had to replace is tires (and of course regular fluid changes). Hopefully I can pop down to see this 05 next week between finals. I will have cash in hand, so maybe I get get them to drop the price, and I will definatly get the plug change


Edit: Just realized I didn't answer your first question. This truck will be commuting to school/work and some light off roading. I want to take my finace on a couple of trails and maybe out camping somewhere where my lowered mustang cant even dream of going. (Hell it can't even handle parking lot speedbumps.)

 

For off road use you will need a tire with a more aggressive thread. A used street tire will not get you very far off road. Check the Certification label on the door post to see if you have a limited slip axle. The axle code for a 3.55 Limited Slip is H9 and a 3.73 is B6.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

Will check that out when I got to look at it. I don't plan on taking it anymore "off road" than a well maintained dirt road until I get some new tires for sure. I'm planning for at least some 33" BFG A/Ts.