All I will say is go test drive one, if that doesn't convince you nothing will.

 

Two Word's


HIGH TECH !!




https://www.f150online.com/galleries...w.cfm?num=5118

 

Frankly, I am a Ford person too. But, I am also a realistic person and Ford's latest and newest products seem to involve lots of start-up recalls and "silent" recalls. I don't think I would order one of these new trucks as that is a throw of the dice approach. I would try to select one from the dealer's inventory. Check for vibrations (the rack and pinion steering seems to be rather touchy and possibly not up to proper quality standards), if you are looking at the 18" tire package beware, they may be suspect - be sure the truck you drive rides right all the way up to 80 mph or better. Vibration problems from either the steering or tires or wheels can drive you nuts and never be resolved properly. For sure, if you are looking at the FX4 package and intend to upgrade to 18 inch mud tires any time soon - that is most likely cost prohibitive until more manufacturers come on line with these larger tires. Probably most important, be sure the engine in the truck you are test-driving does not make a lot of extra noise. This valve clatter or whatever is causing it will most likely turn into a major problem at some point and seems to vary a lot between vehicles. That 3/36,000 mile warranty is really not very good and you should probably be looking at spending $1,000 more or less for something that will insure you for five years at least against major problems. By the way, another thought might be to wait a while longer. Strangely enough, Ford put out new incentives on their new F-150 the same week that the Nissan started selling the new Titan. It's a very real war out there and all of these new trucks are likely to sell for less in the near future. Good luck with your purchase decision.

 

Good point cheri/ck. It's always best to take any vehicle purchase for a complete test drive and check it over from bumper to bumper before purchasing. If you find any issues (or potential issues) then, it's the dealer's problem. Once you buy it, any problems are your headache.
This forum details some problem that you should watch out for, but I think that the overwhelming majority of the '04 buyers have been problem free.

John

 

Get an 04! They rule. It's a new vehicle, if something's wrong with it, they'll Fix it. That's why you buy a new vehicle. I've got a 7 year warranty. Haven't had a SINGLE problem yet.

 

I test drove Dodge 1500, Chevy Silverado, and my FX4...

Needless - to - say: you know which one I chose. The '04 F150 is hands above its competition in many areas. I am a Finance Manager at a GM Auto Dealership and I still went with my FX4. I didn't feel that the savings I would have received from GM as an employee could justify the choice I would have had to live with.

I will remain with a Ford F150 as long as the quality remains where it is at.