Ok, I have had my Lariat (also my first Ford vehicle) since Monday and nearly 600 miles later I am still smiling. So much so I am wondering why this truck does not have a surgeon warning for perpepual satisfaction attached to it.

First, let me stress to order the Audiophile. I was on the fence with this but it is worth the extra cost and then some. The sound is overwhelming, extrememly loud and clear.

Second, I love the combined option of sunroof and power sliding window. I can easily see how this will lead to an OPEN feeling during those hot summer months as the flow downward from the top unto the back is vigorous and leaves a fresh feeling.

I was pleasantly surprised by the fit, finish and detail of this rig. My neighbor has a Benz 600 and is the money type so when he comes over just to tell me that he was "checking out my truck last night and this is what all trucks should be" I knew he was as impressed and I am. On the inside, the leather/vinyl interior is superb in its fit and finish detail and is shown by the consistent gap between the dash and trim pieces. All are perfect.

Lastly let me add that the QUIET interior of the truck is flat astounding. I work reducing noise levels in factories and know the difficulty it is to reduce noise and vibration-yes vibration as noise is simply that. What really impressed me was cranking the stereo and then shutting the doors to hear only a whisper of sound transmission to the outside. Someone really did homework here as sound and vibration can carry to any gap or leak in or out.

So to all you would be purchasers-buy on! This truck is all that it says it is and more!

 

Brother Ski,

Sorry to get off topic here my man, but have you got pics of my trucks twin yet?

You've got 600 miles already? You have left me in the dust. I've had mine since 11/21 and I only have 390! I usually rack up lots of miles, but work has been keeping me from gettin' out. Now it's snowing and I'll only fall further behind. Luckily I have a 2500 mile trip planned for the holiday. I'll be pulling my 21' bass boat, so we'll find out what she's made of.......

I Love my truck too and agree with you on all counts. As a car audio snob from way back, I was pretty skeptical about paying for a factory stereo "upgrade". Turns out I was wrong, thankfully. I added the XM Commander and now I find myself either totally rockin' out or turning it all the way down to marvel at how quiet this truck is. There is no middle ground for me.

Note: When I ordered my truck, the Audiophile upgrade was $475 List and $404 invoice. When I took delivery, the upgrade was only $250/$202. Cool!! When was the last time something cost less than expected?

My only problem so far is the dash light behind the right side gauges (above the message center). I goes on and off intermittently.

 

Clem(son)-- my brother, how ya doin. Sorry about not having pics posted yet I will work on that this Sunday. Sorry too about the light problem you have but glad to hear the paint worked out.

I love this truck! Dont forget to get 500+ miles on it before you tow like the Owners Manual says. Also who put your side steps on? I had to cancel mine as they were delaying the order. What I have seen since is that some pieces are tucked half under the door seam. Yours look perfect, are they dealer installed?

 

My cab steps look perfect because I installed them! My salesman assured me that his guys were idiots and I'd be better off doing it myself. "Nuff said! Very simple stuff - they bolt to existing holes with threaded inserts. They are feather light and at first I thought they were plastic. I almost didn't buy them but after looking closer, I saw that they were aluminum. Very sturdy, I highly recommmend them.

Don't worry, no towing yet. I've been too busy with work and the weather blows.

What's your MPG so far? I'm still on my first tank and the computer say I'm only getting 12.6 so far. Lots of short trips are killing my mileage.

 

My cab steps look perfect because I installed them! My salesman assured me that his guys were idiots and I'd be better off doing it myself. "Nuff said! Very simple stuff - they bolt to existing holes with threaded inserts. They are feather light and at first I thought they were plastic. I almost didn't buy them but after looking closer, I saw that they were aluminum. Very sturdy, I highly recommmend them.

Don't worry, no towing yet. I've been too busy with work and the weather blows.

What's your MPG so far? I'm still on my first tank and the computer say I'm only getting 12.6 so far. All those short trips are killing my mileage.

 

For some reason, you can order the audiophile a couple different ways. On one dealer invoice I was going over, the audiophile was listed at like $404 (which included the 6-disc changer) and on the one I'm purchasing, it's two separate line items $202 for the audiophile and like $243 for the 6-disc changer. Weird.

E

 

Sorry I'm getting even further off topic but.........

I was only charged $202 for the Audiophile and was not charged extra for the 6 CD changer. I stuffed 6 CD's in there, so I must have it!

 

That's even better, Clem! It's just weird how Ford codes some stuff and how you can put together the orders.

I wish I could get the Audiophile for $202 too!

Sorry to the author that this was off-topic.

E

 

No apologies.

Clem, our mileage is about the same; 13.6 for the first 37 gallons. Maybe 60-70 % highway though.

Was I right about your steps NOT being partially under the cab? They are fully useable, correct? they look it. I have seen so many installed with an inch or three under the door seem. Please let me know and post a close top side pick or too. Also, what was the part number?

 

Hey Clem,
I also will be towing a 20plus foot bass boat with my New FX4 when it comes in.

Skeeter ZX225........what is your fishing platform ?

-S-

 

Brother Ski,

The inside edge of my steps are about flush vertically with the sill when the door is open, maybe just a little under. Just about right IMO, as I don't want them to stick out to far. I'll get you some good pics.......Just as soon as this damn snow stops.
Part # is 4L3Z16450LAD. I paid $302.99.



Skooter,

My obsession (other than my truck) is a 2003 Ranger 521 DVX w/ Merc 225 EFI. Ironically, I'm the president of a B.A.S.S. Federation Chapter known as the Skeeter Owners Club! How's that for an injustice? And speaking of injustice, mine hasn't seen the water in two weeks. Winter is here early this year. December usually rocks on the Potomac.............

 

Clem isn't this snow ridiculous? I did take my truck up to McLean yesterday and had some fun on the slushy roads. Even with a LS diff, it still donuts like the best of them

 

Nothin' like a posi in the snow!

Hmmm.......Donuts......

 

Hey Clem,
Oh man, I'd love to fish the Potomac. Up here in Mass, the smallmouth stack up in the Ct. River this time of year and we have some great days with the bronzebacks.

I am also a fellow federation member, Baystate Bass Anglers. I've been Pres. of the club for 7 years, but finally let them know at the last meeting I'm stepping down. Just feel like it's someone elses turn to do the paperwork. I had the good fortune of qualifying for the Mass State team in 2002 and fished against some of your Maryland boys at the Eastern Divisional held on the Conn. River Hartford.

My favorite body of water up here is Lake Champlain, which is about 3 hours away.

Nice to meet a fellow BassFed member here on the F-150 board.

-S-