I am new to the forum, and I am looking for a good truck. I currently have an 06 VW bug...i know i know...I'm a chick though and I would really like an 04-08 F150. What is the best year as far as the year that has the least amount of problems?

Thanks guys!

 

Stay away from 04-05's. 2006's had a few issues but i would sure say atleast a 2007-2008. Or you could get the best year of the f150 and get a 03 model

 

get a 06 or newer. I think they stopped using the 4 speed auto in 05. I have a 05 and love it. The only thing I think about is that newer transmission (for some fuel economy...).

 

My vote is for a 2008. They fixed the spark plug issue in that year. I think that the 04-07's are all about the same. Yes they all use a 4 speed tranny w/OD. It wasn't until 09 that they went to the 6 speed. Just try to get a history check on it and the maintenace history on it and go from there. Any ideas on what kind of F-150 your lookin at?

 

All 04-08's used the 4spd auto tranny (excluding manual tranny of course). 07-08 is the best model year due to having most of the bugs worked out. There are many 08's that didn't get the new spark plugs as well, but I really think the spark plug thing gets blown out of proportion. If you change the plugs and follow the TSB, it's no longer a problem.

 

08 is going to be the best because they got a few of the problems taken care of like the spark plugs and cam phasers, but like Sooner said its not really as bad as it sounds. I wouldn't say stay away from 04-05s, cause you can get some good deals on them and they run great. If you can get an 07-08, then thats great too because you have a less chance of having problems. I got my 04 used about a year and a half ago and its running strong with no problems at 74k.

 

When I was getting a new truck last year I wanted to get an 07 or 08 because of all the "horror" stories I've heard about 04's and 05's. After looking around I couldn't find an 07 or 08 that I could comfortably afford. After a little more looking I found my 04 FX4 (it's an early 04 built in 03) with 106,000 miles on it. I went and took it for a 20 minutes test drive and signed the papers for it when I got back to the dealership.

It now has almost 124,000 miles on it and still runs great. Bluejay has an 05 with over 135,000 miles on it and from what he says it's still running great.

Just because it's an 04-05 doesn't mean it'll self destruct as soon as you turn the key. You'll be fine in which ever year you choose as long as you check it over well.

 

Later 08's if you're looking at the 5.4. They redesigned the heads, so that the spark plug issue is not an issue any longer. Plus the last model year of a body style is usually the most issue free (usually)

 

Or - if you aren't going to be doing heavy work, ANY year with a 4.6 is solid.

 

There are some members that have great luck with the 04-05's but there are ALOT more that has has serious problems out of them too. Especially with the injector issues on the 05's along with trannys going out.

 

if you want a 5.4L go with something 07 or newer.

if you don't mind the 4.6 or 4.2, any of the years will be just fine, but obviously, newer means more worked out bugs.

The problem is that the 3V 5.4L was new in 2004, and had some design flaws that 04-05 owners had to deal with (bad injectors, cam phasers, spark plugs, etc.)

at the end of the production cycle for 2008, alot of these issues were no longer a problem.

This is not to say, however, that if you manage to find an 04-07 which was well maintained and in really good shape, it will be a bad vehicle. Some issues really depend on how hard the truck was driven and how well maintained it was.

Also, TSBs, recalls or warranty extensions have been issued for vehicles which are likely to suffer from these issues, so at least if something does break, they'll know how to fix it.

 

i have a 06 and never had a problem

 

I want a 5.4 so I'm looking at the low mile 2008's

 

If you can afford an low miled 08. Go for it.
When I was looking for a truck, I didn't want a low-end/basic truck. I wanted the bells and whistles on mine.( Heated leather, flow-thru console, the whole package)
But I couldn't find an 08 in my comfort zone. So I settle with a 2006 and have had great luck with it!

 

If your looking for a low mile 08 why not just go with a year newer and get the new body style 09? Wont be much difference in price