aoessand

not sure if this is the right section

I'm looking to buy a truck and ive just found a 04 lariat 140k miles for 7500 i havent went and drove it, but ive seen plenty of very detailed pictures, the paint and interior look almost new. Assuming there is no cam phaser knock and it drives ok is there anything else i should look out for?

I've never owned a truck before, however i have drove quite a few though older 1997 body style f150s. so i kind of know what it should feel like at least in that year range.

Basically just asking for any advise on if thats a good price for such high miles and if its worth the 40 minute drive to check it out in person and also if there are any other little gremlins i should look out for. Also i dont drive very often so what could i expect to get out of this engine assuming of course its been properly maintained and it drives correctly now, again from the pictures the paint/interior look VERY VERY well taken care of so i could only assume at this point the regular maintenance was taken care of as well.

Thanks in advance of any input and sorry for the long post...

lunatech

What engine is in it and is it 4wd or 2wd? My 04 Lariat 4X4 crew runs like a scalded dog with 144k miles on the 5.4 and most of the advice I have is on that engine. No cam tick on mine but I did just replace the drivers side manifold and stud due to an exhaust leak. If you hear a valve type tick while under load (driving) it probably has an exhaust leak. I can hear the injectors tick on mine BTW. If the plugs have never been changed, at 140k look for some to break (could be big $$$ if they do). If the owner says they have been change ask for proof of when and get all the service history you can. Get a carfax and autocheck.

aoessand

5.4 4x2 going to see it on Tuesday unless he sells before then I'll be able to see the engine.

Rteas48134

I bought my 2004 F-150 extended cab 4X4 5.4 Lariat for 7500.00 about 3 months ago with 138K miles. I felt that it was a good deal. Mine was off of the original owner with extended service records. Mine blue books for 10K. So far since ive owned it ive had to replace a rear caliper after it froze up, put new rear pads on it while I was there. Then I had a vibration on the freeway ended up having to replace the driveshaft due to it having Non-serviceable U-joints, a pinion seal, yoke seal and had the rear differential serviced. Now needs a bushing in the transfer case because its still leaking. I do have a slight tick, but the motor runs strong and does get 18+ MPG on the freeway. All that being said, If I had to do it again I probably wouldn't have bought it. Its a nice truck but I have a lot of money in it already, and still more things to do. You have to live with the decisions you make. I would sell it for 7500.00 in a heartbeat to be out of it.