mtro2603

Check the engine compartment. If things look cobbled or rusted out then routine maintenance was not done.

Topline Mike

I'm in the same boat, growler.

I'm looking to buy a used f150, probably a 2000-2003 model. 4x4, ext cab, XLT model, w/cap, w/rust (price reduction).

I've heard the 5.4l V8's are a great motor. I haven't heard too much about the 4.6l, seems almost all the used ones I've looked at have the 5.4. If someone would chime in and give their opinion about the difference in motors, that would be great. I'm looking for better gas mileage.

Manual or Auto? I don't have a preference, but if the manual gets better mpg's, I'm all for it.

I'm from the Madison, WI area. I just test drove a 2003 f150 super crew lariat that was in Waukesha. I wasn't too keen on the size of the bed. You just can't haul much with that short little box. I test drove a 2004 f150 a few nights ago. XLT super cab. Another beautiful truck, but has the noise coming from the camlock phaser. 3 valve 5.4l engine, beware. My mechanic recommended staying away from the 2004 models.

So, to all the owners of these late model f150's, would you buy the truck you own again? Thanks for any input. growler, I'm going to beat you to the next best truck on the milwaukee craigslist!

the01kingranch

i would %100 percent purchase my 01 again.

Fordfan2006

I'd buy my 03 over again in a heartbeat. I love it

dopewaffle

iTrader: (-1)

I would buy my 01 4x4 Lariat SuperCrew again.

Topline Mike

Thanks, fellas.

I think the '03 is what I'm going to search for.

cptBudd

Hands down would definitely buy my 2003 FX4 xlt supercab

Exkal1bur3

Seems like a good price. I had a 97 Ext Cab 4x4 i sold for $4000 about a year ago. I now have a 2000 Ext Cab 4x4 i paid $2500 for but had to do shocks and an exhaust manifold on it, which I also had to do on my last F150.I will say check into the exhaust manifold on both sides from the fender liner and see if its currently leaking or if any studs are snapped off already. On the driver side check the EGR tube condition where it meets the manifold. Ive done 2 manifolds so far driver and passenger and both were a pain. My second one did go much smoother maybe because I had some experience but still took me 5 hours. It was the passenger side on my 5.4. Ended up pulling the starter, fender liner and jacking the motor up. Cutting off all 6 bolts that were remaining, extracting 5 studs with using heat (one snapped flush in the process) then drilling and tapping 3 studs out. If your not willing to do this repair yourself you might want to ask for some money off the truck, they all go bad and my local dealer wanted $1100 to replace it. That said I do notice a major performance gain from the 4.6 to the 5.4. My 4.6 didn't really seem to underpowered but the 5.4 feels much better.

270shooter

Let's see, my 2000 has a 5.4 and currently 118k on it. I bought it with 90k for 8500 bucks, rust free and very clean. 3 days after I bought it had a plug blow out fixed the stripped hole and had all plugs changed since they were originals (500 dollar fix). Soon after had to get a new idler arm and lower ball joints, 300 bucks. Starter solenoid went out but that was an easy fix once I figured it out 20 bucks. They I blew up my transmission at 115k (probably my fault) had it rebuilt in town by reputable shop, 2500 dollars. And just today I put another idler arm on it, 75 dollars. I need to change both diff fluids, transfer case fluid and antifreeze as well. Oh and I need front brakes too lol. I like the truck, I wouldn't say the 5.4 is the fastest engine out there but it gets the job done. Not sure I'd buy mine again, it probably look for an 03 fx4 or 7700, they seem to be the most reliable ones of the bunch.

wilson84

I would buy my 99 f150 again I've owned 3 of them two with a 5.4 one with 4.6 not a big fan of the 4.6