I'm new to your forum. This morning was a bitter sweet day. I cleaned all of my effects out of my Blue '97 F150 4X4 XLT Ext cab 230K miles.. and she now sits in the driveway waiting for the dealership to come get her. She still runs great and will make a great work truck for someone.



When the dealer comes to get her, they will leave a Black 2009 F150 STX 4x2 Std cab. I pulled the trigger on one last night.

I wanted to say thanks to everyone on this forum. You have been helpful thus far and will help me pass the days until the new one is here.

 

Like hungary vikings awaiting a freshly killed turkey, we sit around this internet table with out knives and forks in hand shouting "PICS, PICS, PICS!!!"

Bittersweet is right. Congrats and welcome.

 

Thank you... fair enough. I updated my first post with the last picture of I took of "old blue". I'll be sure and add her replacement picture when it's all said and done.

 

Even that truck is not bad at all. How was 230k treating that truck? Alot more upkeep needed?

 

Congrats on the tuck!! I felt the same sorrow when I traded in my 01...

It was worth it though

 

The '97 has been very, very reliable and never left me stranded. I guess the adage is true, regular maintenance is the key (coolant flushing, transmission flush, oil changes, etc). Here are the major repairs I've done over her lifetime:

- Transfer case rebuilt at 185K.
- Total A/C replacement at 190K.

I had a EGR insufficient flow CEL (check engine light) problem at 200K, which I diagnosed as a plugged EGR port at the back of the intake manifold (lots of elbow grease fixed it). At 220K she started throwing oxygen sensor CEL codes. That is when I started thinking about a new one - Blue won't last forever, so figured it best to sell while it's still running relatively well.

The motor runs as smooth as it did day one, very little lifter noise.

The dealership was very kind on what they gave me - they cited the decent trade value on the fact that I had complete maintenance records to give them.

 

Welcome to the boards!

It's hard parting with something you've had so long and has been as reliable as "old blue" has been. I plan on keeping my truck forever. Keeping up the regular maintenance is definitely the keep to a long life. Can't wait to see the new one.

 

Welcome to the forum!

 

Welcome to the site!

 

As I watched blue drive away and turn the bend, here is what now sits in my driveway.

As promised, here is the picture:



Ford products sure have come a long way since my '97. My first impressions are all positive. You really don't get to know a vehicle until you've taken delivery and given it it's first non-dealership detail.

For what I call a mid-range feature truck, I'm quite happy with the STX package. I'm also glad I held out for the towing "package" rather than letting a dealer "talk me down" to just letting them throw a hitch on.

I opted for no carpeting in the cab, of which I'm glad. After years of messing with dirty carpets, the full rubber on the floor is nice. I was expecting a "cheap" look, but the way Ford has textured the mats, it's far from that.

Here is a bullet list of my initial favorites (some not expected):

- Transmission fluid temprature gauge
- Ample cup holders
- Sound system quality / External Audio Input
- Roomy engine compartment
- Retracting bed box steps
- Smooth ride
- Quiet Passenger Compartment

What I'm going to update:

- X-Line bedliner
- Window tint
- Lightly smoke the tail lights and headlights

Good job Ford.