Hey, I am really close to buying a F150. I want a 2004 or newer. I was wondering if anyone knows if there are any significant advantages or improvements in the 2005's or 2006's over the 2004. Any help or info would be greatly appreciated, Thanks - James

 

First off, Welcome.

Second, With out typing every problem and change to the model years, IMO I would get a Later 2005 and up.
'04's have tended to have a lot of the first year problems that have seemed to gotten better in 05. Use the search button to read about everything you ever wanted to know, plus a lot of stuff that you don't.
Wise choice on choosing to buy an F-150!

Good luck in your decision and truck hunting.

 

Many on this site will tell you to pass on the 04s due to early teething problems, but mine has been virtually trouble free, although it is a late 04 with an August 04 build date. If the trucks are stock there will be a little performance difference between individual trucks, but not necessarily between years. Ford did make upgrades to to computer over time, so making sure, through a dealer, that the latest update is installed is worthwhile.

Main advice is get a service history if you can, and drive the truck(s) you like at various speeds and road surfaces. If you notice strange noises or vibrations stay away from that truck. If you go through a Ford dealer, make sure the truck is certified to get their used warranty.

 

My '04 FX4 has been virtually flawless. I'd look at condition of the truck / service history, and not discount an excellent truck just because it's an '04.

 

I just bought my '04 XLT 4x4 within the past month, and like most people have already mentioned here I was initially concerned with the problems that may be associated with a "first year" change. I can't say that I would prefer an '04 over an '05 or '06, but I am very happy with my truck and the deal that I got. Mine is one of the first runs if that doesn't even make it worse (manufacture date 02/04) but it did come with a carfax report and it did not have a negative service record history. Actually my truck sat on a dealers lot for almost a year before it sold new (carfax showed it first registered in Jan. '05) and it had extremely low miles (18,000) when I bought it. This truck was a one owner and looked showroom, even underneath the chassis and hood. I got a VERY good deal on it (after two days of haggling), and since it has low miles I still have 10 months or 16,000 miles of factory warranty left!! I will tell you this though....... I probably wouldn't have bought the truck if it didn't come with the warranty or if I couldn't have purchased an extended one. It is sitting at the dealer now as I am typing this because yesterday I dropped it off with them to have about a half dozen TSB issues resolved (including major ones like the LS rearend) I am happy to report at least some dealer's are willing to do these services without any hassles (would you guys believe that the dealer who is doing my warranty work is not even the same one I purchased the truck from?!! I bought it out of state)
So long story short..... there are some good deals out there on the '04 models if you look, and don't be too afraid of the new model issues if you can obtain an extended warranty and have a good dealer in your area to do the work.
Just my .02

 

my truck was born in august of 03 and i only had two problems, a leak at the third brake light and a recall for plate that cover a taillight. only other problems were my own fault.

 

Now for the other side of the sword...mine was built 7/03, i have had alot of problems, rotors, differencial, throttlebody, buytl pad, outside temp sensor, leaky tail lights and just recently a thumping noise in the diff. area. and I have a creaking noise in the bed, you can hear it when i go up a driveway or drive over anything thats not level.
I will say Ford fixed / replaced everything to my satisfaction (except the creaking bed).

 

Mine was built in September 03 and sat on the dealer's lot almost a year before I bought it. I had a clutch pack problem early that turned into a differential assembly after the mechanic left the carrier bolts loose and ruined the housing. They turned a minor aggravation into a larger problem but that is not the fault of the truck. Other than that, it has been a good truck. My cousin has an eary production 05 with 147,000 miles on it and he has had no problems. Still has the original plugs and brakes.

I would base my decision on condition and price. The fog lights and a few other things were standard on the 04 XLT and better but were optional on newer ones.

 

My 04 was great. Should have kept it, but traded for an 05, right off the car transport - still had factory tape and seat covers it. The thing ended up having too many service issues and annoying squeaks/rattles. The 06 has been ok so far. Hope you get a good one !

 

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I wouldn't be afraid of an 04. Just test drive it real well and make sure you're getting a good one. I got one of the first 04's as well and it's been near perfect for me. Best truck out there!

 

My "04 was built in Oct. 03. It had over 25k miles on it when I bought it and I have only driven it about 2,000 miles. In that time I had a computer glitch that made it keep going into "limp mode" that had to be resolved (of course it was no longer under warranty and cost me about $80). Other than that, no problems, but it's still early in the game. My '99 was a great truck with no issues after 127,000 miles. I hope this one is as good.

 

You might want to take a look around for a new 2006 still sitting on a lot. I bought one last week. 06 Fx4 36.5k sticker for less than 24k.

 

My Dad has a 2004 4x4 with literally not one warranty visit yet. to the best of my knowledge there were no widespread, well known issues with the 2004.

 

mine was built in august 03 and have been driving it since then and i have had virtually no issues or complaints. only problem was that the lower heater//AC portion of the dash went out, just a small electrical issue. only other issue was sqeaky brakes and a terrible brake vibration, both of which were my fault. i was tardy to replace the worn pads, so the rotors warped...

oh and recently one of the overhead lights stopped working in the cab. i think its because either the bulb is out or the subwoofer rattled the bulb out of the socket...

 

my '04 was built in august and i've had virtually no problems....bought it used too.