I have a chance to buy a 04 f-150 red xlt with 5.4, 3.55L auto. It has 29,000 miles on it6. What should i be looking for when i test drive it on monday??. I can get it for just over 12 k with my 97 as a trade. What do you guys think.

 

I'd do it, but just be aware 29k means the warranty is up in 7k miles.. Drive it like you would drive it if it was your truck, see how it handles compared to your truck, if you can get 12k for your truck I'd def. do it!

 

I'd say definately check the brakes... see if they vibrate when you're slowing down from say 65 or so... if they vibrate they may need that TSB done..

Also see if you can feel the dreaded "steering wheel nibble" as it was called. It's been flogged to death here in the path. Basically it's where the steering wheel vibrates at highway speeds.

Might want to check the corner of the cab where the 3rd brake light is also, there's a TSB out for that guy leaking also. I'd just see if there was anything noticeable with the headliner or evidence of a leak where it would drip down the window behind the seat.

That's just about all I could think of off the top of my head... find out of the guy has had the PCM reflashed or anything like that...

Good luck

Casey

 

Look for vibes in the front and rear, steering wheel nibble, leaking 3rd brake light, harsh downshifting on the tranny.

 

GET ON AIM COOL!

 

If the 04 doesn't have any of the problems mentioned already I would say go for it.It sounds like they are giving you a decent price on your trade in.A couple weeks ago I got $6500 in trade for my 97 F150 4x4 Off Road Scab w/ 158k miles.The next day they sold it wholesale for $2800. If I wasn't broke from buying my new truck I would have bought it back for that price.

 

I've had nothing but good service out of my '04 XLT.

That being said you need to do your homework before buying any pre-owned autos.

Check to see if the buytl pad TSB has been done. (carfax may help you out here)
Check for leaky seals around 3rd brake light.
Check for a rough idle. After letting the engine warm up it should idle around 750rpms. Anything lower may cause very sluggish response and even stalling.
Check to see if after you have put the truck thourgh the paces if the engine "ticks" . You should be able to hear this from the drivers seat if it is present. Some people think its is the fuel injector rail or a cam phaser on the new 3valve design and other people think it might be piston slap.
Check the tires for irregular wear and/or cupping.
Check to see if the a/c cools the cab adaquately. Some F150ers have found that the system was not completely filled with refridgerant.
Check to see if the lights for the power windows switch on on the drivers console function properly. Some have found that these lights have failed to work correctly.
If it has a motorized sliding rear window make sure it functions.

An '04 with only 29,000 miles for $12,000 after trade in sounds to be a good deal.

I now have 43,000 miles on my truck and it still runs and drives like it was brand new. I have no rattles, squeaks, leaks, vibes, wobbles, or major electical problems (just those lights on the window switches). You could purchase a ESP (extended service plan) through Ford that could cover you all the way up to 7 years /100,000 miles.

Later,
Ox

 

Hell I don't even need another F150 but I would have bought it for that price too.