I am in the market for an 04-05 Lariat and I have been trying to decide on all of the options that I want. I was dead set on 4 wheel drive, but I have found that most supercab 4x4's with low mileage are out of my price range. The truck will be my daily driver and will be taken on plenty of camping trips. I do alot of camping in the desert, but the off roading would probably not get too serious. I am trying to decide whether or not I even need a 4 wheel drive truck. How well does a late model 2 wheel drive F150 do off-road?

 

It's reallly gonna be about how you drive more than anything else. What price range were you looking? I've found some good deals lately......especially with gas heading to $3.

 

I've driven on the beach, but our beaches are packed sand. Haven't been stuck yet.

 

I am hoping to spend right around 20k

 

get an old style.... 12K gets you a nice ext cab or cc 4x4 w/ 80
k miles.... 2wd 2005 will work for 20K.

 

I'd get 4wd, but that's just me...I was pulling my boat up a muddy boat ramp this morning and was glad I had it.

But even still, a good 2wd can do fine in most cases. When the roads are snow covered, it sure is nice to flip that switch and have a little more control though. It has a tendency to be the "dumbass switch" for some guys who think that 4wd means you can run 85 in the snow, but if you drive like you've got sense it's a nice thing to have.

I'd try to find a nice used 4x4...can you swing an regular cab or do you have to have an extended cab? There is nothing wrong with a nice extended cab old school F150 either. A guy I work with has a really nice one...looks great.

 

2WD will probably do fine for most camping sites. I got 4WD on mine. I don't use it much, but it's nice to know it's there if I do need it. And it has better resale value.

 

Extended Cab is definitely a must for me

 

I bought mine in 2004 with 80k miles for $13,000. I know for a fact you can find an '02-'03 Lariat FX4 with around 65k miles for $18,000-$20,000.

But if you have your heart set on the new body style, then I guess you would have to get either an XLT 4x4 or Lariat 4x2. Most likely a 2004. It depends on if you'd rather have luxury or four-wheel drive.

Personally, I'd get the Lariat. I drive on the beach and pull a boat with 2WD and no problems. If you really want the 4x4, you can get ann XLT with all the options... the new XLTs have basically everything available except leather (and other details like fender flares, etc.).

Good luck in making your decision.

 

January of 2006 I bought my 04 F150 FX4, 30XXX miles, with power seat, power pedals, leather, flo-thru console, ect. for $199XX. The same dealer just had an 05 F150 FX4 ext cab 19000miles, with just the standard equipment, cloth seats, PW, PL, ect priced at $18700.

Another dealer has basically the same truck as the 05 but with 22,000miles listed at $23000. So the deals are out there, you just have to find them.

 

I bought a new loaded XLT 4X4 standard cab ($22,549.00-invoice less $5,000 rebate) in October 04. The only thing I couldn't get and miss is automatic temperature control. The one thing I like about the XLT that you can't get on the Lariet is the manual 4X4 (so it can be towed with the wheels on the ground if it is ever needed).

I don't see any need for 4X4 if you don't live in snow country in the mountains.

 

I have a 05 xlt 4x2 and it does fine in the snow we get in the Nahsville area I don't know how well it would do on sand but a 4x2 should do well in minor off roading.

 

A couple things to consider. 4x4's will give you a better resale value when that day comes. So extra money up front might yield a little better return.

If you do select a 4x2 instead, and there's nothing wrong with them. 2 wheel drive pickups are great for teaching you to drive with your head. Snow isn't a problem. Just put good tires on and a few hunderd pounds of ballast in the back. (I've got 4 wheel and I still put weight in, it just makes things easier).

Good luck on your quest for a truck.

 

Go with the 4x4... even if you only really need it a dozen times in its lifetime you will be glad its there each time.

 

I live in SoCal and I camp in Death Valley, Owens Valley Anza Borego etc..

Most of the roads are OK but some can have those soft sandy spots that sneak up on you. 2 wd would be stuck and 4wd would roll over these spots. Plus the 4wd will give you more options of camp sites.

Personally, I would hate to get stuck in the desert. (been there, done that)

Good Luck.