Ok well I going to the dealer tomorrow alot earlier than i thought but I tried my luck at getting a loan and got pre-approved for 35k from USAA. I am looking at an FX4 but may jump on an XLT since they can be had a lil cheaper. But I hate the column shifter in my explorer which I am looking to trade in on the F150. Is the column shifter on the XLT nice and precise when it comes to moving it into gear? The one on my explorer is very finicky and doesnt always go into drive all they way unless you jiggle it. It takes like 3-4 extra seconds to get it into D. I have to look to know what gear it is in. Know I have never had that problem with a floor shifter and thats why I am leanign towards the FX4. Plus they come with alot of options for a good price. Help me out here in my decision!

 

i had the column shifter and now i have the pistol grip....i like the pistol and the buckets seats but miss putting my foot on the floor center on long drives...my feet have nowhere to go!!!

 

I almost did the same thing, but the fx4 had the black interior I liked and flow through console for the dogs in the back seat for 30 bucks more a month... Plus the 3,73 for towing and e locker plus resale value down the road.

 

You have a great opportunity to buy the truck you want (likely way more than you need). Don't settle for less or otherwise you'll be regretting it later.

Good luck with the purchase.

 

If you are looking to save some cash. Load up an STX! You can get most of the interior power options and with the decor and plus package it will have the appearance of an FX4 about 3K cheaper. 3.73 LS axle on 4x4 wih the 4.6L 3v and 6 speed can get ya 18mpg all around. Really like my new 2010. Have had XLT and FX4 in the past. This one is my favorite!
BTW column shifter is no problem

 

I drove several XLT's with shift on the column in the last three months. No problems with gear selection on any of them. They are very nice trucks.

I was going to buy an XLT with column shift...until my wife sat in a Lariat...that was a game changer.

Good luck on the purchase.

 

Only problem is the truck made my way doesnt exist at any dealers around me. So maybe I can get a dealer trade done but I head back home to key west on sunday. I am in tampa visiting family right now. Dont know how long those dealer trades take. But maybe that will help me make a deal. As I can walk easier since my exact truck isnt here. But My truck is an FX4 low on options. Most have more than i want. I also want the stock 18"s as i want to upgrade wheels and no sense in paying extra on wheels I wont be using.

 

i had the dealers search for the truck i "kind of" wanted and then they wouldn't trade...so i called the dealer personally and bought the truck site unseen....it didn't have all the options i was going for but 6 months later i MADE the truck i wanted...couldn't be any happier...i saved $1500 on the tires/runningboards and then got the added mods from the classifieds on this forum (plus hd heads/tails/chrome edition grille)...the money i saved i put back into the truck and got just what i wanted and am happy with the way it turned out!

 

Go for the FX4... You will regret it if you don't. The locker is awesome (so much better than a LS) and the interior is hot! I almost used USAA but thier rates at the time were higher than my other credit union. I also originally financed through Ford Credit to get the extra 1000 rebate then after the first payment to them, refinanced with my credit union at the lower rate... a little extra leg work but could save you some coin...

 

Bought an XL... made it what I wanted for cheaper.

 

rok, look at the dealer inventories in the FL panhandle. They normally carry F150s equipped with the goods that large city dealers won't carry. Check Panama City and Fort Walton Beach.

 

Garmy Smith Ford in Fort Walton Beach.

And I wish I were there!

Good luck with your purchase. Get every option you can - if you don't you'll kick yourself later.

 

Especially a bed extender. If you don't want it, I'll buy it from you.

 

if your in tampa your about 50min from a GIANT ford dealer, im sure they have the truck you want

http://www.bartowford.com/

 

Well thanks for all the help. I went to Brandon Ford. The #1 Ford dealer in the state. I decided to get an FX2 with the 4.6L 3V and a 3.55 LS in Tuxedo Black. I went in wanting an FX4 but I was looking to get rid of a vehicle I knew I would be upside down on. It was my wifes and she had a bankruptcy before we even met so that effected things. I just needed to get rid of it cause it was not something we wanted and hated paying for it. But Honestly I am very pleased with this truck. It looks fricken awesome and I see heads turning everywhere I go. Being in FL i dont need 4x4. And thinking about it the thing would never really do any off roading. The most I do is drive over some curbs if traffic is in the way.