I'm looking to buy a 2004-2008 F-150, and I was wondering if there is anything I need to lookout for. I'm planning on a V-8, and I am getting some seat covers, lol. I don't plan on using the truck for towing anything, although I'd like to be able to, if I need to. It would mostly be used for carrying things around, and although a V-6 could do that, I'd like the extra power. I'm aiming for a larger sized F-150. I'd just like some opinions to help me, and maybe some things to go with. I'd also like an extended cab. I'm new to trucks(although not new to Ford), so if anyone could point me in the right direction, I'd appreciate it. I'd be driving it on mostly flat land, at an elevation of less than 1000 feet. There wouldn't be much start and stop traffic. I live in South Georgia, so lots of dirt roads, but none of them are too bad. I'd probably go mud bogging every once in a while, but I never get too out of control, so that wouldn't really be a problem.

 

Where do you live? Do you need 4x4? What are your must have options?

 

I'd want 4x4, and like I said, an extended cab, quite a bit of power. Maybe a 5.4 V-8, if I could get it. I'd like a bit of acceleration, but I don't think I can get that, with these years.

 

Get the full 4 doors and try to find the longer bed. The 6 foot bed not the 8 foot. I have a 5.5 and it's kind of small.

Be prepared to get crappy gas mileage on a stock V8 engine.

 

How crappy of gas mileage, are you talking about?

 

I get around 11.5 in the city, and I'm 2wd... Sub 14 for the majority of people.

 

What years would you guys suggest?
I don't feel like getting a truck, and then having to replace everything, when it falls apart. In the forums, people are having a lot of problems, such as: no acceleration, sucky brakes, and spark plugs. Anything I could do about this?

 

Would it be much of a speed difference, or acceleration difference to get a 4.6 V8, instead of a 5.4? Would it be worth the gas I'd be saving?

 

05+ IMO 04 was the first year with the new body style. Also, Fog lights, save yourself hassle do you want square or not? Square get 04-05, circular get 06-08. Also do you want 2 cats, or 2 cats and 2 pre cats. 04-some 05 have pre cats, most 05s-08s have 2..

Overall just less power pushing the same weight, depends. Could you afford to get 12mpg at 4 dollars a gallon? I mean the 4.6 you'll get 1-2mpg better(from what I've seen) Do you do mostly city?

 

I rarely drive in the city. I think I'll go for the 5.4 V8.
I have no idea what you mean about the 2 cats, or pre cats?
I'd probably want circular fog lights, although I don't think it matters.

 

Ah, do it man. The exhaust, catalytic converters.

It doesn't matter as far as use really, just what you like more.

 

Get an '08 or newer. The 04-07 have this spark plug problem everyone is dealing with. You may be able to find one that has already had the factory plugs replaced. Also, i'd get the 5.4. There's not really any difference in gas mileage between the two V8's. My 5.4 actually get 2-3 mpg more than my 4.6 did.

 

Thanks for all the help.
Is the engine loud?
We have a lot of F-150's here,
but my family owns all Mustangs, so I'm not really around trucks that much.

 

Not compared to a Chevy. It can be loud with the right exhaust setup, but generally not really.

 

Also,
About seat comfortability, I'm not too tall, but I'm still about 6'2.
Would that cause the seats to be uncomfortable?
On the forums, people say that the seats cause hunching.
What is your opinion on that?
I would be getting seat covers, with padding.