Hi All,

Thanks in advance for any help. It is greatly appreciated.

I am going to buy a 2nd vehicle and I have found an 04 F-150 Crew Cab 4X4. It has 91K miles and seems to be in good shape. I am wondering if there any common problems I should look for (transmission, engine, noises, etc). This question has probably been answered a few times. If so could someone please point me in the right direction.

Thanks for the time.

-n

 

You need to provide some more info: engine size very important as the 5.4 did have some potential issues. Listen to it carefully after up to full operating temperature.
Where the truck is from also very important. If from the northeast, look closely at the undercarraige for damage from rust.
How much is the asking price?
What options?

 

Joe,

Thanks for the quick response. I apologize for not including more detail previously.

Engine: 5.4L
Price: 13,500 (but I feel I could get 11,500 or 12 cash)
Vehicle Origination: Says local trade...however not sure until I pull the carfax.
Options: Adjustable Pedals, Air Con, Alarm, Leather, CD, Cruise, Power Driver Seat, Fog Lights, Steering Wheel mounted controls. Power Window, Power lock, Trip Computer, wood grain.

By looking at the vehicle it looks to be a pretty nice vehicle in terms of options....definitely not a base model.

Other things: Has after market exhaust and a gooseneck ball. The gooseneck ball makes me a little nervous about the transmission. Of course I don't know how many times a goose neck trailer was behind it....so I feel I must assume everyday.

I hope this is enough information.

I will definitely listen to engine for ticks, knocks, idle, etc and most definitely take a look for rust possibilities (bed, fenders, frame, under carriage).

Thanks so much for the assistance and valuable advice.

Thanks,

-n

 

Check for rust etc... of course. But other specific issues are...

Vibration. Get the thing up to speed, and hold it if you can, vibrations are known to show up between 65-75 mph or so.

Power window regulators. Any odd scraping, clicking, screeching noises are not good, a sign the regulators are about to fail.

Excessive brake dust as this can be a sign of the calipers hanging.

Ball joints, tie rod ends etc... These trucks are built with "lifetime lubricated" suspension components, which often means at about the age you are running those components life times are about up...

Hard shifting, especially on a kick down. It shouldn't bang into gear...

Interior fabrics are known to stain easily, and wear somewhat easily...