Hey guys, I am in the process of buying a 04 f-150, 5.4 from a local dealer. I actually got to see the vehicle before they had put it through their reconditioning process and went ahead and agreed tentatively on a price with the dealer. The biggest issue to me was a shake at idle which they have now diagnosed and tell me the engine mounts need to be replaced at a cost of $850 which they will split with me, since I already have such a great price and they cannot loose anymore money. Now besides the fact that I am not going to pay any extra money for this truck, (especially considering it isn't going to cost them anything but the parts) is this a normal price for engine mount replacement? Thanks a lot!

 

Hi, not too sure about the price, but I could see that being somewhat normal. That includes the labor, correct? Keep in mind the mounts are not typical steel mounts, but are those "liquid filled" mounts to reduced engine vibrations, so I could see them costing more than a regular mount from a pre-04 truck.

 

They're a complete and total bitch to replace with the engine in the truck. I got my *** kicked seven ways from Sunday replacing the engine mounts in mine. So yeah, that kinda money sounds fair, whether that's labor alone or parts and labor. Whoever's replacing those mounts for you is in for a fun time.

 

So, your going to pay $425 more than the original deal? I would walk, and never buy anything from that dealer.

 

my question is how do you know you're getting such a good deal

 

Are bad motor mounts common on these trucks?

 

thats the same question that I had also???

 

So you found a truck you liked, and it turned out through inspection to need repairing.....and instead of offering to repair the truck for you if you wanted it they said they'd like you to fork over hundreds of dollars to repair someone else's problem????

I've got a bridge I'm selling if anyone's interested.?

 

like I said I am not gonna pay anymore to have this done, they are just trying to get money out of me. This is a ford dealer by the way. Thanks for all the input and as to whether I am getting a good deal, I would say 12,200 including all taxes and fees for a 04 f-150 xlt with 68,000 miles is a pretty good deal.

 

Is it a Screw, Scab?? 4wd, 2wd? according to kbb 11,800 is about trade in value where i live in los angeles on an Scab with that many miles graded in "good" conditon. with average stuff equipment

 

Regardless of if you pay for half of the mount repair or not. Be sure you're deal is contingent on a post motor mount evaluation. You may find the vibrations are still there. Personally, I would go find another truck. There's tons of good F150s out there.

 

it is a ext. cab 2 wheel drive. KBB gives the retail value at 16.5. Don't worry the deal is def contingent upon whether the shake is gone or not. Not to negate the issue, but has anyone with the idle shake actually had a serious problem arise because of it? As for finding a good f-150 it is harder than you think when you want to spend less than 12k and not travel too far to get it. Most trucks I have found have lots of miles or are in bad shape or don't have the options I want (power windows, locks, v8, ext. cab). Thanks again for allt he help

 

$12,200 may sound ok, but consider this: my '08 Scab XLT 4x4 5.4L fully loaded had an MSRP of just south of $36,000. I was able to go through a company that would get me factory invoice which was something like $29,000. I further bargained and brought it to $28,000. I'm very happy I was able to go brand new for less than factory, not dealer invoice. Those prices may not be in your budget, however if I can knock off about 8 grand on brand new, not some left over '07, then I would hope you could bargain and get well below kbb on an '04. You gotta figure they couldn't have paid that much from the previous owner for the truck, and in reality, it is just an older vehicle taking up space for newer models. They should want to get it off their lot. It may sound drastic, but if you can front a good part of the cash, I would offer $10k, no more. Tell them take it or leave it. If they say no, tell them good luck selling the truck, especially with '09s on the way, and with the things it needs fixed. Then go out and look some more. My guess is if you walk away they will be calling. If not, oh well, find yourself something better!

 

ryan, that is exactly what I just did. I am actually offering all cash no financing and I told them I am not paying a dime over what we agreed for the truck and if they want to sell it before the end of the month I'll be there with a check this afternoon. Trade in for this truck is about 9k and you know they never give you full price so I know they are making money.