I'm looking to buy a new car and I think a F150 is on my list. I'm only looking into it right now, but I've been drooling over them for awhile now. I know I'm a brand new member, but I'm gonna ask a lot of questions and hope someone's board enough to help out. I've decided that if I get one:
I want the 97-03 body style (I think I got the years right)
I want extended cab (I think it's supercrew -- right)? Do they have a version that isn't 4Dr? If so, what years.
Haven't decded AT or MT. I love driving a manual, but I'm not sure about on a truck. Do I want a MT ?
Can someone link me to a comparison on the different engines? I don't know if the 5.6 is worth the extra or not. Are there certain years that are better?
2wd and 4wd. Are there problems with 4wd? I know I won't ever take it off road so I'll probably try to stick to 2wd.
What do options like XL and XLT mean?
And lastly, what are the common problems and break downs of the truck?

I'd love to get a Lightning, but I know I can't afford one. My price range is loosely 15k, no trade in. I'll most likely try to buy from a dealer

Thanks guys, this forums huge and I doubt I could find all of this information without a lil assistance

Brandon

 

ok, every year (97-03) comes in an extended cab version, Although I woud get the supercrew if you were going to have more than 2 passengers all the time. If you just need the extra space on occasion the supercab is fine though.

The AT or MT is tough to call. The MT in my 99 reg cab had problems with the sync gears and was pretty much shot at 140K miles, but im not sure if it was a wide spread problem or not.
From what ive read though the AT seems to hold up very well especialy with the 5.4, those seem to be a very tough combination.

XL is basicaly a work truck trim. no power windows or locks and generaly cloth bench seat. XLT usualy has power windows and locks, a 60/40 front seat (capitains chairs optional I think), cd player most likely, and leather is optional too I think.


Great trucks though whichever version you get

 

Extended cab and supercrew are 2 different things. An extended cab has a back seat but the seat is smaller and it does not have 4 regular doors. It has 3 or 4 doors depending on the year but the back doors are "suicide doors". They are smaller and open only when the front door is open. The supercrew has an actual back seat with 4 doors opening like a 4 door sedan. They also make a standard cab version that is just a front seat and 2 doors.

4wd is usually the more costly way to go. I have 4wd not because I do a lot of off-roading but because I live in an area where winter driving is much easier if I have 4wd to help me out. If you don't do any off-roading or winter driving then 2wd will be a cheaper option for you.

I also have the AT. I love it and haven't had any problems with it. A lot of people prefer standard especially when going off-road but I like the ease of the AT.

Good luck with your F150 if that is what you eventually buy. You'll love it they are fantastic trucks!! And welcome to F150 online!!

 

Keep in mind a manual tranny is not available with the 5.4. If you get an extended or supercrew I would recommend the 5.4 since you will be buying used. The 4.6 just isnt enough engine IMO in anything but a regular cab. The 5.4 also doesnt use anymore fuel than the 4.6.