My 2003 F-150 STX pickup is on order, due around the beginning of January.

I noticed that the XL does not come with a remote keyless entry, or the door buttons to type in a code to unlock it.

I have read posts about retrofitting older trucks with it, but was wondering if this is usually a hard proposition. I'm considering seeing if the dealer can install these options for me. However, I am very competent in doing car work (I have restored a 1974 Chevy Nova from the ground up), so I feel confident in doing the work.

From what I can tell, there is a decent chance that all the connectors are sitting there already, and I might be able to just plug the connectors in, once I buy the requisite components. Is this a fair assessment of the situation?

If I could install the remote keyless entry myself, cheaply, I'd certainly go that route. The door buttons are not that important to me, but, if I'm in the door already it might not be a load of extra effort.

If I would need to run a new harness, and connect up a whole bunch of new stuff, I might lean towards having the dealer or a 3rd party install them. Even though I technically can do it, I don't really have the time at the moment.

Suggestions are welcome as to what routes are available and what is involved. Thanks!

 

If the truck is an XL trim level, stuff isn't going to be there. Consider upgrading to the XLT trim package if you plan on adding all that stuff. By the time you gather all the parts to add that stuff, you are half way to XLT.

In addition to all the goodies (power everything), the XLT is prewired for most other options found on the Lariat models. The XL doesn't generally have all that wiring and stuff.

When you consider the power goodies, keyless remotes, and carpet, etc. the XLT is a much better choice.

 

I've had the truck on order for about a week and a half, and doubt I could change the order at this point. I do not have a VIN # or anything, but I'm sure they must have something in the system by now.

I didn't realize that a lot of the options I see on many of the trucks is due to the XLT option versus XL, and the salesman wasn't particularly helpful, I don't believe he was particularly interested in doing a special order.

What options do you get that are worthwhile from the XLT package over the XL package that justify the near $3000 change in price?

 

XLT's generally come with almost everything power. Power windows and locks, power seats, full instrument cluster just to name a few. There are also some other advantage to an XLT, but just too many to list here. I have an XL and wish that I had an XLT for these options. Most XL's have hand roll down windows and manual locks. I think that you have to have at least power locks to be able to use the keyless entry. It will cost a lot more to add these options later on than it will be to pay extra and get the XLT that alreadyu have the options. The best advice is to take a look at both models and see which one you would rather go with. If you just put in the order, talk to your dealer and see if they can change it. Talk to a manager if the salesman won't help you.

 

They said they could reorder, but frankly, its not a big enough deal for me to spend the extra money and time/effort to do it.

Basically, when I put the truck together, I came up with a list of the options that I wanted/needed and put them on a priority/cost chart and figured out what I needed and what extras I could get.

I originally was going to go with a regular cab XLT but decided to swap the XLT for the extended cab to keep the price down. I still consider that a better option. Basically, this is the first vehicle I've bought, and while I'm in a good financial situation, I did not want to go 'all out' because of the price tag involved, heh.

I did not realize at the time that I wouldn't have power windows and locks, however, there is one benefit of this. All my parents' cars with power windows have eventually conked out, while all the cars w/manual windows have not.

So, while I see these options and say "yeah that would be neat", but if I were to do every option like that, I'd quickly be to a point where I am living beyond my means. The current setup I have is within my budget and I have a modicum of niceties where I felt I would like them, and skimped in areas where it doesn't kill me.

If I REALLY wanted to in the future, I don't doubt that I could install power windows, but I don't suspect I really would ever go down this route, as it has never been a factor before.

Thanks for the advice!

 

They said they could reorder, but frankly, its not a big enough deal for me to spend the extra money and time/effort to do it.

Basically, when I put the truck together, I came up with a list of the options that I wanted/needed and put them on a priority/cost chart and figured out what I needed and what extras I could get.

I originally was going to go with a regular cab XLT but decided to swap the XLT for the extended cab to keep the price down. I still consider that a better option. Basically, this is the first vehicle I've bought, and while I'm in a good financial situation, I did not want to go 'all out' because of the price tag involved, heh.

I did not realize at the time that I wouldn't have power windows and locks, however, there is one benefit of this. All my parents' cars with power windows have eventually conked out, while all the cars w/manual windows have not.

So, while I see these options and say "yeah that would be neat", but if I were to do every option like that, I'd quickly be to a point where I am living beyond my means. The current setup I have is within my budget and I have a modicum of niceties where I felt I would like them, and skimped in areas where it doesn't kill me.

If I REALLY wanted to in the future, I don't doubt that I could install power windows, but I don't suspect I really would ever go down this route, as it has never been a factor before.

Thanks for the advice!

 

Sounds like, unlike many, you thought it out.

For me, the XLT had the following advantages over the XL:

Carpet not rubber floor
Power Windows and locks instead of manual
Keyless entry
Tinted Glass
Better dash cluster (gages and tachometer)
cruise control (some XL's don't have this)

In all, it was worth the extra money. In my case the dealership only had one XL on the lot and said they rarely sell them when people find out it has rubber floors and manual everything with no option to upgrade. (I think carpet is an option, but not power.)

If I had it to do over again, I would have spent another $5,000 for the SuperCrew. In your situation, I would have gone with the Std Cab XLT. As much as its nice to have once in a while, the back seat of the Super Cab is pretty useless.

 

Yes, I went over and over the extended cab option.

For me, having rubber floors is a plus because I tend to get things dirty and frankly I feel more comfortable with it like that. Otherwise I'd feel that getting in the car would be a sin. Like in my restored Nova, I don't get in it while I'm all dirty ...

I actually got cruise control in I think the convenience package. If I hadn't been able to get it through there, I would definitely have gotten the XLT.. Would have had to skimp elsewhere though. Tinted glass is not something I care one way or the other. Power windows and locks are nice, but not a deal kicker (never owned a vehicle with power windows, myself). Dash cluster ranks pretty high though.

And I'm even more glad that I didn't go overboard because I just learned that my office is cutting most people's hours to 30/week, which would have been BAD if I had much more of a monthly payment! As it is, definitely going to have to cut back on any sort of extras.