I haven't owned a truck in over 10 years, but find myself in need of one. Mainly need it for hauling lumber/house projects, and towing a 5,000lb camper trailer. I need to get a 4-door since my wife and 3 kids car seats need to fit in it when we're camping.


I've looked at quite a few in the northern Utah area, and they seem to be going from $10-15k with 90-150k miles. What do I need to be worrying about or checking for the higher mileage trucks? I see the two most common problems seem to be the spark plug change and cam phasers. I also see some with transmission rebuilds or problems. What else is there?


What do you guys think of this one? http://www.beutlerautosales.net/2004..._UT_863696.veh. I checked it out, and it's in really good condition, very good paint (besides the one dent in the tailgate), great leather interior. It also has a new set of 35" tires, lift kit, and the edge chip. I know its priced a couple grand over blue book, but was hoping to get him down into the 13k range. It seems to have a lot of money in parts. What's the main concerns with the lift kit and bigger tires? Do they wear a lot faster and get horrible mileage? Is the edge chip good, can it help get better mileage? This will be my daily driver, at 30 miles a day, so would like to get decent 18-20 mpg highway if possible. Please give me your honest inputs, thanks a lot!

 

Personally, I feel $14,500 is way too much for an almost 12 year old vehicle. If I were going to buy a used truck, I'd get a newer one with the 5.0. I wouldn't buy a used 5.4 ever. I know they can be great and run for a long time, but without knowing the maintenance, who knows.

If I had to stick with 04-08, I'd get the 4.6.

 

A 12 year old truck with tons of after market toys..... Not for me. Even for $5000.

 

Okay, I'll probably stray from this one then. Are the 5.4l motors not dependable enough past 100k miles? I don't think the 4.6l will be enough power to tow the trailer. I can't afford the newer 5.0l motors, $15k is my top limit.

 

I suspect they only way you would touch 20 mpg in a lifted 4x4 with the 5.4 is if you're rolling down hill. I think 13-15 mpg would probably be a more realistic range.

For me, a modified truck with a chip or custom tune throws up red flags regarding how much "fun" the previous owner might have had with the vehicle. If I were buying used, I'd be more interested in a bone stock rig unless I knew the owner of the modified truck and was comfortable with the use and maintenance history of the vehicle.

Buying a used vehicle is always a bit of a crap shoot, so good luck with your search.....

 

A 4.6 would tow a 5000# trailer just fine. Yes, the 5.4 would do better, but when buying a used truck with that engine (especially one from early on in the generation), you never know what you'll end up with. Could be fine for a long time, could end up dropping a ton of cash for a new motor.

I agree with ddellwo and would buy a stock truck over one that modded that much. There's always a reason why the person is selling it.

For $15000, you should be able to find a stock 2008 with the options you want. Probably even lower mileage too. Preferably one that's already had the plugs changed and doesn't tick.

 

What do you guys think of these two? Its hard to find lower mileage ones for a decent price.

http://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/2508689

http://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/2442571

 

The 05 looks nice because it has such has low miles (but it's only 2wd) But with the injector and cam phaser issues these engines can have, giving a yes or no is really impossible. Test drive them, listen for a diesel like tick, ask if the plugs have been changed, etc.

 

The said spark plugs and cam phasers are the biggest issue. The other issues that all seem to have are crappy OEM calipers ( probably all replaced by now, at least the ones with 100k+ miles ), fuel modules above spare tire corroding and causing trucks to cut out/not start, 4wd actuators on '04/'06 due to a poorly designed IWE solenoid below the wiper cowl ( A+ Ford lol ). Leaking exhaust manifolds ( issue with 2v 5.4s also nothing new here ), Shocks/struts crapping out with age/mileage, coil springs up front breaking due to worn out struts. Leaking pinion seals on axle pumpkins, window regulators on most '04/'06, Indash CD changers failing, and the common wheel bearing failure.

All are very fixable problems, but often cost some good coin. I have replaced my suspension with Moog and Rancho pieces and it rides fantastically. I need to change my plugs, service coil packs, fix a CD changer issue, and an exhaust manifold leak. Then I plan to sell mine so I can get into a 2012 or so truck.

As folks have said, a ownership history makes the truck a good buy. Buying from a dealer who will push for a sale isn't going to do you any good but unfortunately is the best way to get a truck locally and quickly. Ask them to pull a spark plug out and try to watch. If they refuse, perhaps they don't believe in what they are selling.

 

That 05 truck looks really nice but has a salvage title. I don't know if that is a problem where you live but you need to know before buying.

 

Do NOT buy 4.6 if you're pulling a travel trailer. I have a 07' F150 with the 5.4 and 3:73 gears. I pull a 27' 6000# TT with no issue but you definitely know it's back there. Can't imagine having the 4.6 and hitting some hills...��
I bought my 07' back in June from the original owners for $11,200 It had 150k and is super clean for a Michigan truck.

If you're mechanically inclined and can do the repairs yourself and save $$ on labor I wouldn't hesitate to buy a 3v 5.4. If not you're looking at thousands to fix the issues from a dealer. With the lisle tool the plugs are not that bad just time consuming. I broke 7 of 8 plugs and the total job took me 12hrs. This weekend I'm tackling the passenger side exhaust manifold. Next on the list is the phasers and timing set. Just need to find time for that project. I bought the entire timing set all Ford oem off eBay for $700. This I'm doing only as a precautionary so I don't have issues down the road. My phasers have a slight tick between 900-1100k rpm but nothing serious. Ford calls this normal but not in my book.

 

Ah dang, I missed that it was a 2wd, never mind in that. Seems like the 04-08 models were not good...that's a big list of common problems. That's not building my confidence at all! Maybe I'll go for a similar year gmc or Silverado. I haven't heard of any common problems with those trucks!

 

I will admit I had buyers remorse the day after I bought mine. I promised myself I will never by another F150 after I sold my 01'screw (mistake) because the F150s power train is becoming less reliable every single year. I'm a Ford man through and through but honestly I wont buy another one. I too was looking at Silverados and Sierras but couldn't find the right one that was clean. Then this 07' popped up on Craigslist so I impulse bought.😔 Long story short I'm going to fix the issues and just drive the damn thing.

 

Saying they're not good isn't true. There are plenty of great trucks out there. Buying a 10+ year old used truck is the issue. I love mine, not that it's what you're looking for. But it's an 08 and I've personally put 100k issue free miles on it.

Those 07+ new body style GM's are now all starting to rot out in the rear wheel wells. Can't say anything about the powertrain, but I'd be embarrassed to have a truck that looked like that.

 

Can you find some more $$$$$? Look for a 2011 with a 5.0. Solid engine that makes a 5.4 look like crap. I'd avoid high mileage Ecoboosts though.