All Hat No Cattle

To me, that is like changing the word "truck" to "wife" and saying that is the way to go.

Not a majority choice, I think. Ask The Donald!!!

me1234

I have a 2000 scab 4.6L that I just drove 1,000 miles from Richmond Va to Lexington Kentucky through mountains with zero issues. Those trucks are reliable. I've seen the 2v(pre-2004) 5.4Ls last over 400,000 miles and heard from a taxi company owner that many of the 4.6Ls in their crown vics have gone over 300,000. The only major issue with the 2v engines is spark-plug blowout which is easily prevented with proper torquing(split plugs and cam phaser issues came in the 3v models). Transmissions are a different story, but are probably about the same as the new ones.


If you can find one that was properly maintained and is low on rust, I say go for it. They'll treat you fine if you're kind to them, and the bonus to your checkbook from cheaper base price beats any cost incurred by slightly less mpg.

tanked_darren

Yes those 90's engines where long lasting beasts. Does anyone else remeber the damn electrical gremlins that resided in those chassis?

me1234

I do in the 1987-1996 9th gens, not the 97-2003 10th. Besides, those older ones are an easy fix if you're not afraid of a screwdriver and a file.

Blown F-150

Some great feedback and responses, thanks guys.

I am really hoping that I can score my buddies '06 Mark LT. It is absolutely mint with some nice extra's (Roush blower and such) and only sits at about 60k miles right now. I wouldn't really put too many miles on it and I know it's records since day one. Even if it doesn't work out, I would have no problem looking for another clean F150, anywhere from 2000 to 2010 with a 5.4 in it. I have no fear of the motor as I've owned both 2 and 3 valve versions and both saw considerable trouble free miles. I can deal with the plug issues of either (have the removal tool for 3v's) and have assisted with a full cam phaser swap out fix. Manifolds seem to be getting more common to fail on the 3v's, but I have helped do couple of those now too.

I guess it comes down to how good the Focus RS actually ends up being. I would also consider another fun car, like a Mustang, WRX, STI or similar that's a bit newer or new depending on the deal.

If you guys want some light reading, you can see here that I'm not afraid of a little wrenching.
http://www.thedetailerscafe.com/smf/...p?topic=2981.0

Now I will clarify, I don't want to get into something again that needs this much "love", but if I find something clean and it just need maintenance or an odd failure, that is just fine. It wouldn't be a new vehicle, so I would have to anticipate some breaks.

Thanks again for the responses and experiences, keep 'em coming!

I know that there are endless options (other than budget restraints), who knows, if I pay this truck off and still like it, I could just keep it and buy the car I want.

Again, I still am wondering about the new Raptor. If it's "OK" on fuel, it may still be cheaper to run overall than two vehicles...maybe.

fordguy2100

How bad do you want one? Lol

Blown F-150

Lol, it wouldn't be for while. Thinking that I'll start looking in a couple of years and maybe a gem will pop up.

I think I have to take a Focus RS for a test drive once they hit the showroom and then really think on it.

stainlessman

I also had a '85 F150 and a '94 F150 I bought new and kept for 17 years. Both had straight six's , standard shifts. Great trucks.

fordguy2100

Welp I'm in the Indy area with an 03 scab that I love but could part with if need be... Let me know when you start looking lol

Blown F-150

That actually might have worked out well last year when I lived in Champaign, IL. But now I'm in Vancouver, BC Canada. That would be a bit of a drive!