nrivera04

The 04s have no more problems than the rest of the trucks in this gen. An 08 with the updated heads would be what to look for. The spark plug issue is fixed but the phaser/timing tensioner issue is still there. Looking for a truck with the 4.6 isn't a bad suggestion but as stated, don't plan to win any races with it lol.

SCORGE

Congrats! First child is a great feeling. A lot of good advice here. My 07 has 180k on it right now. Only had a few issues with it (all were easily solved) and currently the only problem is that it has developed an exhaust manifold tick on drivers side. Other than that, darn good truck. It really is just a gamble. Maybe find someone who owns one and is mechanically inclined, to come with you to check it out. Someone who is used to the sounds and quirks of these trucks.

RandomActs13x

Thank you! I'm excited!

And thank you for all the advice, I decided that I'll bump up my price range to get a lower mileage truck for 12-15k.

Also, I know the obvious answer is a crew cab, but anyone with kids have any problems with the extended cab where they'd prefer a crew cab?

RandomActs13x

Reason I ask is because I found a nice yellow 2006 FX4 flareside supercab for sale. 13k, with 99k miles.

FerdinandF150

The doors can be annoying in a parking lot with someone on each side. That's just my opinion from having to load groceries so I can't imagine trying to load a baby / toddler.

RandomActs13x

See that's what I wasn't sure of. I kept looking at it and thinking with both the doors open it'd give you more space to maneuver a car seat and whatnot.

I mean either one I buy will be easier and safer than screwing around with one in an old Wrangler.

WIF-150

Don't go extended cab, go crew for sure. I had a quad cab RAM also which is four door but smaller rear doors than crew and that wasn't enough room. Kids get big quick and anytime adults have to ride in the back it sucks.

RandomActs13x

Good point, seems fair.

FerdinandF150

It would be if the doors opened fully, all the way back, but they don't. So open front door, open back door and you're stuck in a nice box

RandomActs13x

Riiiight, when you put it like that, i can see the issue. Mainly when parked next to something.

Ok, we'll even though I like the LOOK of the extended cabs, crew cab would definitely be the more practical choice. Still good looking truck regardless. I think I'll set my sights on an FX4 either way.

Any opinion of shifter? I like the look and feel of console shifters over column shifter, and I can't see any difference in reliability but even after a near decade working on cars, experienced owners know the quirks of their vehicles better than any mechanic.