Remember all the talk of the 2009 just being a refresh, and not a true all-new body style and design like in 1997 and in 2004?

I'm just trying to decide if I should buy an '09 or wait until they do another total body redesign. Any thoughts? I need to decrease my 401k contributions now to save up enough for '09 if I want to get one. I love my F-150's, but I have to practically go bankrupt and declare Chapter 11 to afford one.

If 2009 is just a holdover until they can afford to do a total redesign, I wonder how many years after '09 that will happen. I'd hate to spend 40k+ in '09 and then a few short years later have something totally new come out.

 

Do what you want, but here's my advice. If you are thinking about dipping into your retirement just to afford a truck, perhaps it may be a little more vehicle than you can handle.

Obviously I don't know a think about you or in your situation, but take it for what it's worth. My 401k contributions would be the last thing I'd want to touch just to drive a brand-new vehicle.

 

While I think its a refresh, its not like the refresh of lets say the 99 model where they touched up front end, door panel trim and bumped 5.4 by 25hp. Or the 06 with new fog lights etc.

The prev gen (97-03) was on sale for 7.5+ years (Jan 96 - Aug 03) before the replacment debuted. By that point it had the flimsiest frame and trailed the all new in 98 Gm and all new for 02 Dodge in many/most areas... (assuming the 09 debuts next fall) the newest gen 04-08 will have been in dealers lots for @ 5 years. Yet despite beign the 2nd "oldest" truck out there it still has stiffest frame, is built stronger(still heavier too) than all the new trucks that have debute since, the 04 Titan, 07 Gms, and the 07 Tundra. I Still will take a black FX4 interior oven any of the other newer trucks... So I would say if they fill the gaps and all it takes is a refresh to do that who cares what it is. I could go on and on how the biggest gap is powertrain, but we all know that already.

If a 6.2L 6 speed is available ,I'll find a way to buy one. With the 5.4L or a slightly updated 5.4......... I don't think I can afford one.

 

Yeah, what he said! ^

 

what he said.

you might be trading a few years of early retirement or a sunny vacation home in FL for the privilege of driving a vehicle that depreciates over time. 401K's are NOT savings plans for frivolous spending.

 

Thanks guys. Just trying to decide what to do. My truck is the only thing I ever spend money on, otherwise I'm always very frugal. Sometimes you just have to do something nice for yourself.

I currently put 33% of my pre-tax pay into my 401k, so as you can see, I force myself to save a lot. Plus I have a lot of my own stocks as well that I'm building up for home buying. Plus another Roth IRA in addition to the above. So I save like crazy and barely have any take-home to squeek by. I love seeing my savings grow. BUT, I also love my F-150.

Just trying to decide if I might treat myself in 2009, or keep my noisy '04 and wait until the next refresh. If the basic structure of the 2009 will remain intact, perhaps there won't be all the squeeks and rattles of the 2004. It might be a good thing if it doesn't change entirely - problems encountered already hopefully will have all been addressed by now. Decisions, decisions...

 

OK, I think you are doing a good job of saving...that's a VERY large % of your income to sock away into a 401k. Congrats!!

 

In my opinion the new F150 will change about as much as the 2008 Superduty, not a complete redesign but a thorough refresh.

 

It doesn't matter because Ford is changing the way they do business. They are dropping the average time since the last major refresh to 3.2 years. So get what you want in 2009 and 2010 knowing that there will be something new every few years.

 

exactly, i agree. new engine, new tranny, new gear options, and new grille and a few tiny exterior changes. thats what im predicting.

 

I have never been a fan on 1st gen vehicles. Even with the statement re Ford going to a 3.2 for fresh vehicles, I would wait myself for the 2010.

That should give pelnty of time to squirrel away a big downpayment in its own account to still grow untill you pull it all out

 

Personally, I would wait till 2010-11 before I'd pick one up! I'm glad I have a 2007 & not a 2004, let FORD work out the kinks before spending your hard earned cash, you will be happier in the long run! Heck I'm going to drive my 2007 till the wheels fall off being at only 9500mi, it will be at least 13-15yrs, before I pony up for another!..............

 

plus the twinforce engines are going to be out by 2011 hopefully...

 

Update from Dearborn Derek...

2009 Wheelbase options

Q: Isn't the 2009 just a "refreshing" of the 2007-2008's? From what I've read, the 2009 will have the three bar grille, so it should bear a strong resemblance to the Expedition. If it's just a "refreshing", then there probably won't be any changes to the wheelbases and/or cab styles.

A: Crew cabs are getting an extra 6" added to the cab (and wheelbase). There is going to be over 1600 parts changes to the 09...I don't think I'd call that a refresh. It is getting a variant of the three bar...while it might look similar to an Expy at a distance, up close it's not even close.
- Dearborn Derek