Well I'm going to try to trade my truck and car in for an 04 or 05 F150. I'm going to call about this one tomorrow and see if they still have it. My question is with 107,000 miles do you think it has a lot of life left in it? I haven't seen too many people on here with over 100,000 on the 3V 5.4. Another thing that has me kind of weary is the cam phaser issue and the spark plug problems. I don't want to get it and in 10,000 miles have to spend $1500 to get the cam phasers replaced and have to worry about the plugs (if not already replaced.) Other than that anything else that is a big issue with these 04's? Do they have the injector problems like the 05's do? I'm just kind of nervous because I really don't want to get rid of my truck and end up with a bigger headache than I have now.

Here it is.
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/ctd/2014154855.html

 

Looks like it was a kids truck. I'd say he did some off-roading with it.

 

Too high for the price, I paid less than that and mine only had 70,000 on it. I'd say it would be worth it if you can get them down to 11,000-12,000 range.

 

I have an 04 SCrew. I wouldn't touch another 04. Not sure if I would even buy another F150 at all after having this truck. My Rangers that I have had and my Expedition are great. My 04 has had more issues than all of those other vehicles combined. Maybe it was just the year, but I would really research before buying another one. I think the newer models have had a lot of the problems worked out. Just my 2 cents, maybe I got a lemon.

 

If your set on a F-150, spend a little more money and get one of the later years. The '04s have a ton of problems. First year models are usually like this, not all of them, but most are. Mine has 150,000 miles, had the timing chain, along with quides and tensioners replaced at 136,000 miles, along with the spark plug issue( I was lucky none of mine broke) also torque converter replaced somewhere between 90,000. Also replaced both cam phasers. I've put more in repairs on this truck then any vehicle I've ever owned. So far after all repairs were made, my truck runs like a new one. And I plan on keeping it another 100,000 if it holds up. Why? you may ask? Because its paid for!!!! LOL!!

 

I wouldn't say to give up on an 04. I have one and love it. I hVe never had a problem with it at all. Just be sure it's had all it's regular maintenance done and get the spark plugs thrown in on the deal..

 

I picked up used 04 5.4 3v 4x4 lariat screw this year with 130,000 miles. The carfax and orion report came back clean as a whistle. I purchased it for $10,000.

I have had two issues with it. One was clogged catalytic converter and the other was a problem with the torque converter which was solved by dropping the tansmission oil pan and switching a solenoid. When I dropped the tranny pan, the dipstick plug was not in there, so that tells me someone has at least serviced the tranny fluid one time. I'm pretty sure the previous owner maintained it well because when I went in to switch the plugs, they all came out easy.

I need to change the inner tie rod, and I replaced the brake pads all the way around, but these are all wear and tear issues.

The truck is solid as a rock.

 

Is an OBS out of the question? The 03's are the most reliable year of any F-150 since 96.

 

X2

I could have gotten an 04 for the same price as my 03, in some cases, cheaper, but I decided to go with the much more reliable 03. Sure there are guys out there with 04's that have never had an issue, but the percentage of ones with issues is much higher for them.

I can understand if you want the 04 for the new exterior/interior look and I was kinda thinking i wanted that too, but I managed to talk myself out of it.

 

I called the place today and scheduled an appoitment to go look at it at 2 tomorrow. The guy told me it's been serviced there since it was new and has all the records. Then he said there's an instant $2,500 off to try and get the old stuff off of the lot plus my trade ins. I'm going to try and figure out if the plugs have been changed and if there was any issue with the cam phasers.

As far as 03's go I wouldn't mind having one at all. If it comes down to it I'll get one but I'd prefer to have the 04 body style with the FX4 interior.

 

Heres a few more FX4's in your area. I like the regular cab step-side.

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/2016965524.html
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/ctd/2012318905.html
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/2010616198.html
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/ctd/2028320092.html
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/ctd/1970709719.html

 

I think the problems with the 04s are a little exagerated on this forum. That being said, i did have to recently replace my cam phasers and cats. I can think of three 04 5.4s though off the top of my head that are over 150,000 and run fine. I would definately try to get a new body style 04 or newer. Im not saying the 03 and earlier are bad trucks because i had one and loved it but the 04 and newer are DRASTICALLY improved over them.

 

Xtreme, thanks! My only problem is I'm kind of on a tight budget and can only spend about 10-13,000.

Austin I agree with you. Just my first impression of the 04 wasn't too great when my dad got his brand new. Ford put 3 rear ends in it before 25,000 miles. Although I'm thinking with 107,000 on this one it should be fine. As long as it's not making any noises or anything and runs good I'll prolly be getting it tomorrow. I've been in A LOT of trucks the last 2 weeks and this one fits the description perfect so far.

 

Leavin in about in hour to look at it. Wish me luck!

 

Good Luck!!!