Hello im 21 and im going to buy my first f 150 super excited i just wanted to know if anyone had any recommendations on what to get. its not for work just for me since i dont have a family yet im looking for a black supercab and my budget is around 18, 500 $. i found some nice 2005 - 2006 XLTs in that price range. any suggestions before purchasing a used truck ?

 

Use carfax, can tell you about minor fender benders, etc. Remember Katrina late in 05. Watch anything from the gulf coast.

Look for service records for oil and tranny.

You can get better deals from individuals. Autotrader or your local paper. Be patient, know what options you MUST have.
Come to the table prefinanced. If you dont have a credit union, may want to look into one. They tend to give good loans.

Be prepared for gas, maintenance and insurance costs. Gotta figure those into the cost of ownership.

Drive over rough, smooth, city and hwy roads. Turn the radio off and windows up and down. Listen for anything strange.

 

^^^^^^ Great advice above ^^^^^^

Only thing I would add, if it has a lift kit, I would get all the information on the lift, the shop that did it, etc.


Enjoy!

 

That is some very good advice, that is almost exactly what I did when I was looking for a truck. I ended up getting my loan through the dealership they where .5% better than either of the banks or credit unions that I deal with, so if you do buy your truck at a dealer find out what the lowest rate they can get you it really shocked me with the rate I got, 5.75% if I remember right. The banks wanted 6.75 and the CU was 6.25%.

 

I would also take it to a shop somewhere durring the test drive and have a brake inspection as well as everything under the truck that you can't see or get a good look at when its on the ground.

 

my only advice is don't buy an 04 like me anything else and you should be fine!

 

If you could go up a few grand, you could have my 06' F-150, supercab, black, 4x4, spray in bedliner, 17" chrome wheels, 5.4 motor, 3.73 gears, towing package, sliding rear window, CD, etc...... It has 19,000 miles on it and it is in excellent shape. I got it last February on a lease. I paid the lease off, and I am suppose to turn it in next February.. I drive too much, and purchased another vehicle. The lease buy out is right around $21,000. So you could have it for that plus sales tax. I don't want any money for myself, but it would be a good deal for someone. I have taken excellent care of it and I have every record on it. Plus you would still have a factory warranty. Let me stress, that is the price set in stone by Ford and it can't be negotiated... I would not be getting any money for it, but hate to see the dealer make a bunch of money off of it since it is basically new still.

Here are some pictures... (The seat covers and catback have been removed. I will leave on the tonneau for a little money otherwise it is coming off as well.)

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v4...%20%20%20F150/

 

also if its a 4x4 check 4x4 high and low range make sure everything is smooth you dont want a messed up 4x4 thats for sure. also give it a good look over for big scratches and dents etc. check all power things, mirrors, windows, seats etc. also look at tread life....if it needs tires youre gonna have to factor that into your budget. as stated above def use carfax....but remember carfax only shows crashes that have been claimed through an insurance company....if someone paid out of pocket it wont show up so look at the truck well to make sure everything it good...get a good straight on look at it and make sure the bed isnt racked from the cab and everything is nice and straight like it should be. and again as stated make sure you get what you want. dont settle or you will end up not being happy. good luck oh and one last thing dont forget to factor in state tax....thats usually a pretty hefty added bonus.

 

Get the vin number and take it to a Ford dealer. request an OASIS report,
this is a printout of all maintenance and waranty work acomplished at any Ford dealer.

 

x2 !