I'm seriously contemplating buying a new 2003 in May or June for two reasons 1) the new 2004 will not be available with a V-8 manual for some time maybe years, 2) every new model has it's quirks and mechanical issues that aren't discovered until the first generation goes through them, and 3) even though I've seen pictures I may not like it as much as the 2003 trucks which I can see now (which I love).

Anyone else thining the same thing? The thing that frightens me is because I'm a manual die-hard that there may be a period of 2-3 or more years in which I cannot buy a new Ford if I wanted to simply because the manual tranny may not be available. I'm also afraid that maybe the new model comes out and like I said I don't really like it, but now I can't get an old looking model custom built, or I have to go with that "Classic" edition I've heard mentioned here which I think comes with a V-6 instead of a V-8.

 

Towards the end of February I ordered a 2003 Ford F150. I like the style, size, weight and handling of this model. I wanted this truck to be more car like than truck like. There were 75 NHV improvements made for this year and the V8’s have been upgraded substantially. The 2003’s are a matured product and well groomed. The $2,500 rebate is a nice item.

As far as bugs with the 2004, who knows! They may get it right the first time and there may be a few issues they have to work out. It will be a nice truck in any case. I studied the 2004, in comparison to the 2003, and I feel it comes down to preference.

Last night I heard a Ford commercial and so today I went out to the dealership to confirm, after I initially wrote this post, that in addition, there is another $500 on Regular Cabs and Super Cabs for March Ford Truck month, for a total of $3,000.

Good luck with your decision!

 

Personally, I would prefer the automatic, but you are right, I do think that Ford should offere the choice as soon as possible, there are a lot of people who will want the manual, and a lot of people will probably not buy the new fords for the lack thereof. I think the looks will grow on the people as tme goes along, most people didn't like the current body style as well, but it caught on as time went by. As for waiting on the bugs to be worked out, I have a 97, and it was the first year, too, and we didn't have any huge major problems out of them (not saying none of them did, just saying none because they were first year production). I think Ford's R&D has put a lot more work into the new ones due to recent year blunders by a lot of the major automakers.

 

I was thinking the same thing when I got my '03. It is a mature product line and I did not want to wait for availability of the '04, lack of rebates, new model bugs etc. I like the look of the '03 as much as the '04 and I do not need the latest and greatest. the rebates are a nice bonus. The 75 NVH improvements are noticable, my truck is extremely quiet and smooth on the highway. I also got the V8-manual - love it. My advice is get the truck you want (sounds like it is the '03), don't wait, and save thousands.

 

There maybe bugs in the new 04, there might not. Thats what a warranty is for. I have an 00 F-150 right now and I have had no major problems...knock on wood. Ive been waiting for a couple of years now for a new body style and cant wait to get one. Automatic is the way to go for me, better I think for hunting. Im thinking of getting the extended warranty right away for my 04, just in case.

 

There maybe bugs in the new 04, there might not. Thats what a warranty is for. I have an 00 F-150 right now and I have had no major problems...knock on wood. Ive been waiting for a couple of years now for a new body style and cant wait to get one. Automatic is the way to go for me, better I think for hunting. Im thinking of getting the extended warranty right away for my 04, just in case.

 

anyone afraid of the 2004?

Yeah!! Chevy, Dodge, and Toyota

 

I'm not afraid of the 04 I just wont be able to buy one because I ain't got the extra funds to buy one when they come out so my 2000 modle F150 will be mine for a couple more years yet.

 

I , like alot of others here on the site had a early '97 F150 (mine had a build date of 5-96) it had some minor engineering problems that Ford repair'd per TSB's. such as the tailpipe relocated. steering knock,heater blower mrt. ect. , but it still was a pretty reliable Truck.The early 2004 models are bound to have some problems, but as long as Ford takes care of them, & I know they probally will just like they have on the previous models I see no reason not to buy one if it's what you want. For me-----well, maybe a few years down the road!

 

If ya really want the manual tranny sounds like you will still be able to get the "F150 classic" in 2004, which is the same as the 2003. They're making them side-by-side until they get all their factories tooled up for the new style.

 

I don't think you can get that with a V-8, I thought the Classic was available only with a V-6 for the manual...

 

my opinion, since I am looking at an 03/04 screw is that the 04 may have a few small problems, but nothing major. I know an engineer who works on the 04 f-150 project and he has told me that they are dead serious about this truck and getting it launched as smootly as possible. I trust him and his opinions since he has been testing and working with this truck for a couple years.

 

Like someone else here said, there will likely be small problemswith the truck. By the time that the truck is released, they will bave been working on the truck for at least a year. I am sure that Ford does not want what happened to the 97 4.2L again.

I have read that the manual will not be available for the 2004 for year only, and after that they will be available. I can't remember where I saw this at, so don't quote me on it. I saw the regular cab model at our auto show this past weekend and I thought that it was a sweet truck, even the reg. cab. After seeing it, I don't know where people think that it looks like a superduty, just instead of rounded like on the current body style it is a little more squared off.