I have a 2003 F-150 supercab with the Fx4 offroad package (5.4L). I love this truck, but with the new 0% for 72 months deals on the 2005 trucks, I'm looking at getting a 2005 Lariat Super Cab. My truck is 57,000 miles already, so it will need new tires soon, so I hate to do that and then dump it.

What I want to know is:
1. Is the gas mileage similar (I get 16-17 mpg)
2. Any problems with the 2005's I should be aware of?
3. Is the dealership ripping me off offering $14,500 trade-in?


Any advice or information on this would be great, I really like the 2005 Lariat's, but am having trouble convincing myself to get it.

Thanks!

 

Gas mileage is pretty close
There is no really wide spread problems with the 05's you should worry about
And if you thinkg the dealer is ripping you off try and sell it outright

 

1.There are butt loads if threads on Mpg, search and you will find. Depending on which model, Scab, Screw, etc, and which gearing you get will vary your fuel economy. Most Screw are getting 12.5-15.0 MPG city.

2.There were some problems with with some of the 04's, which is to be expected with a new model introduction. Ford has addressed most of them in the 05 model year. Alto, some still have complained about the throttle lag, which there is a TSB for, and others have complained about a drive line vibration. Search and you will find more on that.

3. Depending on the sale price of your new truck, you may be able to negotiate more for your 03. KBB list 15000 as person to person value. Which is what I would push for.

4. Don't let the negative opinions of a few, which have had problems, sway you. Ford builds 900,000 trucks a year, most of which never have any problems. They are awesome trucks.....

 

1. Are you getting 4wd or 2wd? My 4x4 Lariat Scab gets 13.5-15 but I drive like a maniac. If you're more conservative you can get what you're looking for. Of course 2wd will be better.

2. Just do a good test drive and don't buy anything that already has problems. 99% of these trucks are flawless, your test drive will confirm that yours is too.

3. If KBB person to person list is 15K like erick e said, 14.5K is a good trade in.

Good Luck on your purchase.

 

Thanks for the quick responses already....

It is a 2005 4x4 Supercab Lariat that I'm looking at.

I searched and saw all the mpg threads, lots of them don't mention the type of truck and they range from 8-21 mpg which makes it hard to tell.

I've heard about the TSB for throttle lag, guess I need to ask my dealer about that too so I can start with it being right.

Does anyone have a good reason not to go from an '03 to the '05 ???

 

Make sure to test drive an 06, see if there is a difference between throttle response, then bring it up IF there is an issue. It might already have the latest calibration, depending on build date.

Having not owned a 03, I can't tell you whether or not it would be worth it. Some people keep vehicles for 10+ years, and others for only 2 years. I don't know if it is the wisest decision, financially. But I can tell you this, I love my truck, as do many others on this forum. They are simply awesome.

 

DAMN that's a good trade-in price! I wish they would give me 20 PERCENT of that for mine. Of course I do have the 4.2V6 4x2. Yes, I realize I shot myself in the foot on the day I got it in regards to resale. The dealership only wants to give me just less than $3,000 for a non-problematic F150 with 67,000 miles on it.

I'd take that trade-in anyday. If you can get 8K off the Lariat, you'll be financing that Lariat for about $400/month which ain't bad at all....of course, that's assuming you have no negative equity in the 03.

 

I had an 03 FX4 Super Crew and went to an 05 FX4 Super Crew, haven't looked back once since. This new truck is head and shoulders above as far as I am concerned. There are obviously small little things I liked better about the 03, such as gas pedal location, but nothing big at all. You will notice for awhile until you get used to it just how much bigger these new ones feel compared to your 03, which I like.

 

[QUOTE=thereisnospoon]DAMN that's a good trade-in price! I wish they would give me 20 PERCENT of that for mine. Of course I do have the 4.2V6 4x2. Yes, I realize I shot myself in the foot on the day I got it in regards to resale. The dealership only wants to give me just less than $3,000 for a non-problematic F150 with 67,000 miles on it.



Sell that bad boy person to person. I got $4900 for my 98 XL 4.2 automatic, reg cab with 130k on it. It was still a nice truck, but the dealer offered me $3k for mine too, and I said no thanks.

 

Sounds like a great move, the '05 Scab has a lot more rear seat room than the '03 and you should be able to get a smokin' deal on leftover '05s right about now.

 

If you drive a lot, and it looks like you do, be sure to test drive it and see if the seat is comfortable for you. That is my biggest complaint about this truck is the uncomfortable seating for the long ride. I hate it.

 

Are you saying they offered less than 3,000 for the truck? or 3000.00 more than you owe on it? Is it a stick or auto? have A/C?
Chris

 

Are you sure they are giving 0% on the F-Series? I just checked Fords website and it only shows 0% for 72 months on the Exploder and Expedition. You can get 0% for 36 months on the F150 however.

 

What? Anyone else feel this way? My 02 Scab XLT F150 with cloth was pretty good for the long ride IN THE FRONT SEAT. But just curious, why do you feel this way and what parts of the seat make it uncomfortable.

 

I think my seats are very comfortable. I have the cloth. I don't know what you consider a long ride, the most I've driven is about 200 miles one way.