Im looking at buying a used 04-05 f150, preferably a fx4. The mileage will probably be around the 80-90,000 miles area. What should I look for as far as known problems before I buy one?

 

ask if the plugs have been changed yet.
if not, I wouldn't buy it.
It is that big a deal, or at least it was for me.

 

make sure the plugs have been changed

 

And any injector problems.

 

i would try to get an 05 if possible. how much you looking to spend? i' sure most guys would agree with my next statement...figure out what you want and don't settle for anything less. i settled for less when i bought my truck new and it still pisses me off...it will save you $$$ in the long run.

 

Spark plugs on the 5.4 3V motor. Make sure they have been changed or have them changed before you buy. They have a tendency to break off....some do and some don't but I wouldn’t want to take the chance on headache in the future. 05's have an extended warranty on the injectors something around 120k miles or 11 years. Some of them have problems with sticking open and flooding the cylinder.

Those 2 items seem to be the only major problems except for the rear end or steering wheel shimmy. Which is usually resolved by roadforce balancing the tires. This body style seems to be pretty picky about tire balance.

 

check to see if the steering wheel shudders at all. you should be able to get a good price. I just bought an 05 screw fx4 w/ 50k miles for 14k. so far no defects and drove it from AZ to WA

 

What do you mean by roadforce balancing?

I just bought my truck two weeks ago and the dealer had brand new tires put on and the steering wheel shakes at 60+ mph.

I was going to take it back to the dealer but I just bought new wheels tonight so Ive gotta get the new tires switched to the new wheels anyway.

 

I would base my decision on condition. I would be wary of one that has been modified or chipped. I would look very carefully for abuse.

 

Definately make them change the plugs. I just bought an 04 with 98,000m. and didn't find out about the plug problem until it was too late. Now I'm staying puckered up trying to find a dealer that won't screw me if they break off.