comets113

Hello everyone I am looking to buy my first truck and I need some help. I have decided between two different used trucks for sale the one is a 2006 F150 XLT 4WD 5.4L V8 122,000 miles for $9000 and the other is a 2007 XL 4WD 4.6L V8 40,000 miles for $11,500. The 07 is a minimal console setup with no cd player no defroster etc. The 06 has the normal console setup with a rip in the driver seat that can easily be sown back up and a dent in the tailgate with 2 holes in it the size of quarters. Other than that they both look in good conditions and I was wondering is the 80,000 less miles, minimal console, and one year newer worth the $2500. I heard the the 05 f150 had an issue with the cam phasers and some knocking noise and I was wondering if the was still the same with 06 and 07s. I am mainly going to be using the truck for hunting, ice fishing, towing my smaller boat, and a small trailer for atv so no major towing jobs just need 4WD. I would like to hear the pros and cons of both models and which one you guys think is good. Please put in input of anything I might be missing for information on both of these. Here are the links and thanks for the help everyone.

http://www.hwy13motors.com/2006_Ford_F1 ... 986909.veh

http://www.millenniumauto.us/2007-Ford- ... 41/5378412

DrGriffin

After all the research and reading these forums, it is my opinion you would be better off with 4.6 with lower miles and year newer. If none of the maintenance has been done to fix all the issues the 5.4 has, then you will be spending way more than you would if you just bought the 4.6 for a little more money. From what I've seen and heard, the 4.6 is pretty bullet proof. I'm not biased because I own the 4.6, I'm just going off my experience and that of others. The 4.6 is a little doggy, but tows pretty well. I towed an enclosed 5x8 trailer fully loaded with motorcycle and bunch of camping gear over the mountains from Oregon to South Dakota and still maintained a decent speed over the hills.

jkenprice1

I vote for the 07

ColdinCanada

Before you buy I would do more research into the common issues with these trucks. I bought my 05 fx4 5.4 for $7700 CANADIAN dollars with similar mileage and it was mint. So no, I would consider any of those trucks to be a good deal.

Regarding common issues, you need to listen to the truck after it has sat for a while (usually overnight). If you hear a slapping noise for 2-5 seconds after start up you likely have chain tensioners that are cooked. There is lots of information online for this but long story short, it's a $1500-$2000 repair in my neck on the woods.
Take it for a test drive. Test the overdrive (on/off), steering pump quiet?. In a parking lot, roll down the windows and do a tight turn and listen for any grinding, rubbing or whirring. Particularly from the rear diff. Besides that just listen and feel for smooth shifts and performance. When you are done leave the engine running and pop the hood. There will be some audible ticking (injectors) but any knocking or if it sounds like a diesel that would be the phasers. I have heard this on every model year of the 5.4 3V. Place your hand on the engine as it is running and feel for smoothness.

Also, make sure the spark plugs have been changed.
They have a nasty habit of snapping in half resulting in an expensive bill for what should be a mundane job.

I have lots to say here but if you need any help with specific vehicles feel free to PM me. I would pass on both of the ones you mentioned.