Hello

I currently have a 1999 5.4 XLT 4x4 V8 that has about 225k. It's been a great truck, but it's just about time to look for another. I haven't had very many problems, aside from what I have directly caused. I have beat the living hell out of it and it kept going.

I'm pretty set on getting another F-150, mainly because of the luck I have had with this one. I was thinking of getting one that is 2-4 years old, and maybe around $20k. But then I started thinking that I might be hesitant to have fun like I did in this one if I get a more recent one. Thus, I started thinking about maybe a 2001-2003 model, which I can find for about $10-12k, most of them with at least 90k miles. I definitely want another 5.4 V8.

I have a few questions...

1. How many miles would you say is too many for a 5.4 V8 when it comes to buying a used F-150?

2. A friend of mine told me something about "cam followers" on 2003-2004 F-150's that were problematic. Can anybody verify this? Are there any specific years/models/engines to avoid?

3. What are the main differences between the King Ranch and XLT, mainly when it comes to suspension/towing, etc?

Thanks!

 

well mine has over 200000

 

Keep driving the one you have now, and bank the 10 grand for when you need to replace or rebuild the engine and trans at some date..

That's my plan with my rig.. It's got 218,000 on the clock and the only things it's had done to it is an alternator, a couple of starters, a couple of batteries, ONE cop, replaced the IAC.

I figure if I have to replace the entire engine and trans, it'll still be cheaper then buying another used rig, even with 50,000 miles on it...

I haven't had a payment for over 6 years, so it's all profit at this point! I only pay about $200 a month in gas, so it's all good!

But, if you just have to have the 'new' to you rig, then go for it.. It's all a crap shoot in what you get, even if you buy brand new..

But, that's just me...

Mitch

 

I don't think I would find myself buying one from 04-08. If I had the option to buy something in the 10k range, I would honestly buy another 99-03. Lately have seen some absolutely pristine all original condition F150's around my neighborhood with old men behind the wheel. Look like they just came off the showroom. Mine has scratches, dings and one good sized weird crease/dent, bumper has some scuffs but other than that, its rust free underneath and overall pretty clean. I would just love to get my hands on one of the trucks I've seen around. I personally don't buy anything with over 125k. It really depends on the owner though as I have seen some with 175 plus that looked and ran better than some with 75k.

 

x2. At this point I'd rather buy new and have everything problem free than ditch 10 grand into for what you know could be a problematic truck. Or just keep the one you have

 

The 97-03 f150's are really good trucks first of all. So you can't go wrong with those years but im wondering, unless you want a different cab size, why buy a new truck that's same bodystyle? For cheaper than 10-12 grand you can pay to have a lightning motor swapped in and then it would be a totally different truck with way more power. Like someone else hinted, i don't think i would suggest getting a 04-08 f150. I mean they're good, nice trucks and they're beautiful trucks but they have alot of little nit picky problems. not sure about the 09+ f150's. They look really nice tho..I think the 97-03 5.4's supposedly have a less common plug problem but thats the 04-08's that have that problem alot worse i believe

 

It's all very subjective. Meaning that it just depends. When you're ready to buy just start looking and driving. When the right one comes along you'll know it. It'll just feel right. There are gems out there, you just gotta find one, and looking can be half the fun! To my knowlege the susp. and tow ratings will be the same in the models you mentioned. Unless of course one has a tow package, and the other doesn't. Good luck.

 

From the trucks I have seen, the only difference between a King Ranch and an XLT (which I have) is the interior. The King Ranch sports a nice leather interior where as the XLT most likely will be cloth

 

Thanks for all the comments. I suppose I could take the money I would spend on another used one and just put it into this one. When I say that this one is beat to hell, that is really an understatement. Here's a few of the things going on...

1. Body dented in quite a few places, front bumper dented, valence held on by wire, tailgate dented, grill smashed.

2. The engine is running bad and I have done everything I know how to do. I have had exhaust leaks on both sides, so i'm thinking it may be a burned valve. It may also have plugged cats.

3. The tranny shifts kind of hard.

4. The tires are bald.

5. Body scratched big time.

I have done all of these things with the way I drive. The truck has been great. I would also like to go with the crew cab, instead of the extended cab. I have maintained it for years, but am at the point where I just think it's time for another.

 

I say get another truck just like the one you have but crew cab, something nice but not to expensive. and keep your other truck for a play truck. I feel like if you only have one truck then your at least one truck short. that gives you the comfort of a nice reliable truck and also the fun and care free driving of a beat up old truck.