Part 1:
Hello All, I have been wanting to get an F150 for about a year now, but now that I have finally graduated college and am making steady money, I think I can afford one (used!). I am looking into getting an '04-'08, preferably '04 or '05 because of price. I have been looking at them on autotrader, but I just cant seem to understand the trim packages. Is there a website, or guide, out there somewhere that will explain what the differences in trim packages, and available options in each were?

Part 2:
If I were to build one, these would be my needs, but obviously I am buying used: (would love to find this truck!)
- '04 to '08 F150 SuperCrew Cab
- 4x4
- >75,000 miles
- Bucket Seats
- Power Windows & Locks
- Chrome Bumpers, Grill Surround, and Running Boards
- Tow Package/Hitch (small 16' boat)

(Things that would be nice, but not a necessity to me)
- 6.5ft Bed
- Leather
- Heated & Power Seats
- Full Console with Console Shifter
- Back-Up Aid
- Bedliner and/or Tonneau Cover
- Upgraded Wheels
>50,000 miles

I would like to spend less than $15,000 on this truck. Think I am wishing for too much? Thanks for reading and for any/all the help you can offer. Once I get my truck you will be seeing me alot more around these parts!

 

ask around and work your dealerships! I got my 05' STX for $15,000 with only 13,000 miles on it. Granted it doens't have all the power windows and locks and all but I can deal with it. After all, its one less thing to go wrong down the road. Good luck!!

 

I purchased my 2005 Lariat Supercab 5.4 with leather, rear park assist, the works (2wd, but hey) with only 36k for about what you are wanting to spend from a Dodge dealership.
If you look for an 04-05 XLT 4wd S'crew you will get the chrome bumpers, power windows/locks, probably a bench seat but with the fold down console (my truck has this and it is perfectly fine by me), most will have a towing package and running boards. You could find one for $15-$17 without looking too hard if you are ok with roughly 75k miles. Probably find one with 75k for less than that.

 

Found some for you.

2004 XLT 4WD
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...e&rdpage=thumb

2004 Lariat 4WD (leather, etc.)
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...e&rdpage=thumb

2005 XLT 4WD
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...e&rdpage=thumb


I am at work until 8am so I could go on all night. Autotrader lists 164 that match your criteria pretty much to a tee. Although some are not the crew cab but extended cab with 4 doors.

 

The lariat sounds like what you want, other than chrome, and since it is from an individual and not a dealer it seems to be the best deal to me (out of these three). If I were going to buy used I would look to buy from an individual since the dealer is going to make as much off the truck as possible. If you can find someone that has attempted to trade their truck in and were not too impressed with the offer the dealer made them you can offer them a little more than the dealer and get an awsome deal.

 

I agree with boiler up.The thing you would want is a good gear ratio on the rear.Im happy with the 3.55 limited slip diff.In case you dont know what limited slip is,all it is is the rear gives priority from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip.All the 3.55 means is the rear shaft makes 3.55 rotations to one rotation of the rear wheels.There are lots of gearheads on this thing that say 3.73 is good 4.10 is good....all a matter of preference.You will find a wealth of good info here.Have fun.I got my truck online..Pete

05 Ford F150 STX Supercab
3.55 limited slip rear
4.6 liter engine
17"wheels