Here's a hypothetical situation.

You have $12,000 to put towards a new truck. Do you put the 12G towards a loaded FX4 knowing full well you don't really have a use for a 4 wheel drive but you really dig the interior and are jazzed about certain options available on the truck, but the catch is that's all the money you have to put into it and you're dismayed at not having an option of putting a serious lift and nicer wheels and tires on it.

OR, do you take 9G, step down to an XLT and miss out on say, console shift, Audiophile, black interior and use the remaining 3G on a lift and nicer wheels? One of the caveats about these choices is that the Lariat does not come in the color you want. In both situations the monthly financing payments are roughly the same give or take $10.

What would you do? Go for the interior and a better grille or put a nice aggressive looking lift and tires and go for beefier exterior appearance and forsake a few interior aesthetics?

Thoughts, please.

 

Buy as much as you can afford. You can aways add the extras later.

 

Get what you will be happy with

 

I would take the FX4

 

Step "down" to an XLT? Millions would die to step "down" to an XLT! Granted the XLT doesn't have the floor shifter (damn) or the audiophile (yawn...the standard system is great, contrary to some standard GM systems). From your post, it appears the XLT color you want is available and, as to the grill, if that's really important to you, swap it out for whatever '04 grill you want. They are REALLY EASY TO EXCHANGE...take out, put in! It's just the $$ that makes your decision difficult.

 

FX4 without a doubt, nobody should be deprived of a floor shifter, and black leather captains chairs. You will be a very happy man if you get the FX4...I know I am.

 

I think you misunderstood the mention of the Lariat. It has basically the same interior and options as the FX4 but the reason it's not an option instead of the XLT is that it's not offered in a color that's available on both the FX4 and XLT. The XLT would be a 4X2, btw.

I'm reading this post, so keep those opinions coming. I'm curious.

 

Have you (or anyone else) attempted to change grills? Wondering how expensive it is - I wouldnt mind having the FX4 grill on my Lariat?!?!?!

 

If it were me, I'd put the 12 large down on a leftover '03 Lightning. Can get one for around 28 with some negotiating. But then again, thats just me, the horsepower freak that I am.

 

What about a 2WD Lariet with the cool stuff you like?

 

I can see the answer in your question, get the FX4. The 18" wheels will serve you until you save enough for what you realy want to do.

 

I think people spend to much money and stuff they don't really need. if your not going to really use the 4x4 part of the fx4 then why spend the money on it. Do you really need the extra stuff that comes with the fx4 then the xlt? I would get the xlt and fix it up with what ever you want: grill, tires, stuff like that. i wish I had the extra money for a lift kit and wheels but soon I will. Oh ya not to controdict myself about buying stuff I don't need but I do need tires and the lift kit

OMC

ps... why would you want to put the fx4 grill on the lariat. if your going to switch it out then get a nice billet one or something like that

pss. and do what zacky said get what makes you happy

 

I was in the same boat as you going with a XLT or a FX4. I went with the XLT cause I wouldn't do much off roading with it. I went with the 4.6L instead of the 5.4L cause I won't be towing anything or mash on the gas. I have no regrets so far with the 4.6L. I get still a lot of compliments on my XLT Screw. Everytime I drive it I am still amazed on how smooooooth it rides.

 

I'd say it pretty much depends on WHO you are. I am an all or nothing kind of guy who will enjoys refinement. I love the center console and the audiofile is AWESOME! I can't imagine not having either.

 

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I'd say it pretty much depends on WHO you are. I am an all or nothing kind of guy who will enjoys refinement. I love the center console and the audiofile is AWESOME! I can't imagine not having either.

Same goes for me. Every couple years I buy a new F-150. Each truck is optioned out more than the previous one. I'm freakin' out of control. If they offered more cool options, I'd buy those too. Last time I checked, Life is short and I work hard for my money. I choose to be as comfortable as I can afford to be. My house needs painting and I could use to buy new underwear, but my truck and boat are decked out. Everyones priorities are different. (This may explain why I'm single!)