Greetings,

I'm a new truck owner. I purchased a 2005 Lariat in Aug and have been loving it. Unfortunately, it's died due to vandalism. Insurance is compensating me and I'm back into the market.

In the short time I've owned my F150 I know I didn't do near enough research the first time.

I'm specifically looking for recommendations for what year to buy between 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. Based on where I live and my settlement that's what I think I can afford to buy.

My requirements:
SuperCrew, preferably Lariat package
2WD (I don't want the higher insurance and gas $$ for the occasional need)
Tow package (tow horses couple times a year)

I'm specifically looking for the major issues that I might have to face with a given year model.

Thanks to this forum, I'm a little leery of the 2005s because of the fuel injector issues. That can lead to serious engine damage.

I appreciate any and all help as I transition from being a JEEP guy to an F150 guy.

Best,
AC

EDIT: Okay, so I really think I only need an F150. I'm driving this as my only car so MPG is an issue. Only there are a lot of F250 Lariats out there for sale. Are there any threads on the site that compare the two models against each other?

Thks...

 

Everyone will have different experiences, but I would say buy the newest you possibly can along with strong maintenance records. I would even go as far as getting an inspection from a mechanic, once you've narrowed your selection. Everything wears out over time, and I believe the older the vehicle the more you'll have to spend more on upkeep/maintanence.

 

Honest, in hindsight, I probably wouldn't have gotten an '05 due to the spark plug and cam phaser issues, and that injector issue; BUT, it was a super clean King Ranch with relatively low miles, and I got a really good deal on it.

I THINK (and others will chime in here), by the time '07's came around, that was all dealt with.

 

The 07's still have 2 piece spark plugs and cam phasers. The only way to completely avoid these issues is with a 4.6, but that wouldn't be a very good tow vehicle.

 

Of the years you are looking at, the '05 jumps out as one to be somewhat wary of because of the plug and injector issues. (The '05 model year has injectors that like to stick open and hydro-lock the engine -- Ford has issued an extended warranty for the injectors in this model year because of the problem.) That being said, I wouldn't rule out a nice, clean, well-maintained truck simply because of it's particular model year. I'd put more emphasis on condition and how the previous owner maintained the vehicle than I would on the specific model year. Good luck with your search for a new ride.....

 

My 04 was a insane steal and had extremely low mileage when I bought it 4 years ago. If I had an good budget 08 with new style plugs. There's too many issues with these early ones. Some of the issues I've had are not routine maintenance and it gets frustrating. Buy as new as you possibly can is my advice.

 

Most people will say go for an 08 if you can afford it, but I've been completely trouble free with my 04. Changed the plugs myself with no issues. I'd say get the newest/ best deal you can and roll with it. I wouldn't hesitate to buy any year 04-08 as long as it was clean, low mileage, and had the options I wanted.

 

I did this with my last truck and it paid off greatly. When my truck was vandalised I was able to prove it wasn't "normal wear and tear" that caused the engine to be filled with unused fuel, totally fry the Cats and turn the truck into a rolling hand grenade (it didn't catch on fire and for that I am forever grateful).

Because of what happened with my truck, I'm naturally wary of the 2005 Injectors. If they weren't so bloody expensive, I'd by a 2005 and get them replaced as soon as I bought it.

Thanks all.

 

Update:
Okay, so I really think I only need an F150. I'm driving this as my only car so MPG is an issue. Only there are a lot of F250 Lariats out there for sale. Are there any threads on the site that compare the two models against each other?

Thks...

 

None of the F250's get decent gas mileage. Best you will see on the highway unloaded is about 15 with a 5.4, 12 to 14 with a V-10, and considerably less than 20 with a diesel unless it's modded, desmogged, and tuned. You are also looking at high maintenance costs with a diesel.

 

Actually I Have An 06 F-150 Screw 4.6L V-8 & It Has More Better Gas Mileage Then The 5.4L & It Can Tow Pretty Much Anything I Got By My Experience But I Haven't Had Any Issues

 

Actually I Have An 06 F-150 Screw 2WD 4.6L V-8 & It Has More Better Gas Mileage Then The 5.4L & It Can Tow Pretty Much Anything I Got By My Experience But I Haven't Had Any Issues

 

I posted over in the 2009-2013 forum, but not sure if folks here read over there (still a newb to this forum).

I've got an opportunity to buy a 2009 in my price range. Downside is it has 96,000 miles already, or 30,000 miles a year. It appears to be in excellent condition and the interior is damn near factory fresh.

If you could buy a 2004 or 2007 with 96,000 miles or a 2009 with 96,000 for about 25% more, what would you?

Thanks in advance,
AC

 

I love my 04, but it'd be hard to pass on an 09 model if it was in my price range and had all the features I wanted.

 

You can negotiate a better deal on the older trucks. I was going to buy 2010 FX4 with 45,000 miles on it. However, the next day I found a 2008 FX4 with 29,000 miles. I drove it home for $7,000 less than the 2010. I got a power moon roof, 20" wheels, max-tow pkg, extended warranty, and a whole bunch of other options and features that the 2010 did not have. I do like the 04'-08' body style better also. It is your money, so you have to go with your gut.