Hey all, I need some advice on buying a used F-150. I am in some financial trouble, and need to get a truck under $10K in the next few days. I had an 05 F-150 and I regret ever trading it in.

What I'm currently looking at is either a 2002 with 100K for around $7,000 or a 2000 with 150K for the same price.

Both models are X-Cab, 4x4, 5.4L, auto.

The '02 is an XLT, has a bed cover, and billet grille. Other than that, no other upgrades that I can tell and it is good condition.

The '00 is a Lariat, has about a 6" lift on 35's, and other than the driver seat being a little torn up, is in good condition.

Obviously I want the '00 but the mileage scares me. Along with the lift kit as I have no idea how long it has been on there.

So, I need some advice on both trucks. Things to look out for, potential problems, things to look out for, any advice. Not that I want to have to spend the money in maintenance, but with this price range I should have some money to repair either truck if something should happen.

Thanks in advance for any info!!!!!

 

Get the 2002.

As an "off-roader" I would not buy a truck, Jeep, whatever that already has been lifted. If they lifted it means they probably wheeled her off road.

Also this sounds as if this is going to be your daily driver, no? If so the 2002 will have much better on road driving characteristics (Disclaimer: I have never driven a F150 with a 6" lift - I am just assuming from past experience on lifted Jeeps)

Besides the 02 is two years "newer" than the 00 - look ma' I can do math!

Just my advice here pal. Although I would love to go stomping around in the 2000!

I am sure others will voice their thoughts as well here. In the end it is up to you...

Good luck with either f150!

Cheers!

-johnnie

 

If you have a Mechanic id take the trucks to him and take a look at both and see how either one is Mechanically.. dont think just cuz its lifted its been offroad.. i have seen MANY Pavement princesses.. but the same goes for a stock one .. ive seen people take stock ones past there limits.. its really a gamble cuz you dont know how the person before you drove it ... but If your Mechanically Inclined id take a good look at the front bearings, make sure the CV Boots arent cracked.. look for leaks and whatnot.. there are alot of tell tell signs that someone went offroadin in it too .. look for mud clumped up in the frame or hard to reach places includin the engine comp.. you cant wash out all the mud trust me .. and also look for scratchs and **** on the frame / skid plates.. but in the end id go for the one you really want but dont let the looks make you jump on it cuz it could be a POS so take a look

Oyea if youd like to check out the Rear end you can you can pull the plug without any fluid comin out.. the bolt is magnetic and if it has a **** load of metal shavings on it.. its prob a good sign of the gears are gunna be ****ed up... id at least def check that on the Lifted one vs the stock one.. Let us know which one you got

 

I would say simply because your in financial trouble to go with the 02' for the gas. Plus it has a tonneau cover so theres some extra mileage. I would take it because it's cheaper to drive, and plus it has less miles on it. And down the road when you get more money you can put your own lift on it. I wouldn't trust other peoples lifts. But thats just me.

 

A couple of questions. If you are in financial trouble why get the truck with the biggest motor offered and a 4wd to boot? You can get a 2wd with a 4.6 that will get better milage cheaper. Are you out of transportation right now? Do you HAVE to have a truck?

 

first off, if you need help money wise, buying a 4x4 5.4 f150 is not the way to go. if it is only going to be used as a daily driver then buy a focus or something. know if i had to choose between the two trucks i would go with the 2002 b/c it has less miles and b/c its newer. and by the way they are badly over priced for both trucks. my oo' 2wd 5.4 lariat i got at a ford dealer for 9k. it only had 53k on it with already had true duals, spray in bedliner, tonneau cover. you might be able to do better or get the price dropped more.

 

Thanks for everyone's advice so far. I will be going to check out both trucks tonight and will definately take some tools to check the rear diff. plug.

My current car has been inconvenient and I could really use a truck. Luckily, I only have a 2 mile drive (each way) to work everyday, so gas is not going to be a huge issue since I don't commute too far (hell my Audi only gets 14mpg as it is).

 

Depending on your situation a new base, xl, may be the way to go. I priced a base X cab about a year ago at 16500 during a good sale, 15250 for reg cab and I think all the trucks are going for less now. You may end up with the same payment financing new for 5 or 6 years, a lot of banks charge higher rates for used and wont let you spread it out for as long. It's something to think about, at least with a new truck you don't have the risk of having to come up with the cash to replace a motor or trans for a long time. Best of luck what ever you decide, just my 2 cents you know your needs and situation better than I do. Hopefully welcome back to Ford.

 

Given your two choices - leaning towards the 2002. However, given today's market and many people's panic over gas prices - suggest there should be a great selection of trucks in the under $10K range. Look around, keep a level head to differentiate what you really 'need' versus what you 'want'.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

 

i am inclined to agree with bcmontgomery. I have pretty rough credit and got a deal with citi auto finance and got 4.5 percent on my 08. Nothing like having a warranty in my situation.