Hello all. Im about to purchase a truck (1997-2001) and I had some questions. Sorry if this is in the wrong forum. I know there are no correct answers but any help would be appreciated.

1. I will definalty be getting a V8. I have read the pros and cons of the 4.6 and 5.4. What mileage should I try and stay under? With my limited budget I have seen 80-150k in my price range. I am a little hesitant on anything over 100k even with schedulded maintence. Should I be worried at all?

2. Have you have to replace your tranny? If so at what mileage?

3. Have you had any problems with the 4x4? If so, what?

Thank you for your help and I look forward to contributing to these forums.

 

77,

Welcome to F150online.

My dad bought a 2000 about this time last year and paid about 12K for it. Had 65K on it...mint condition.

He wanted a regular cab, short bed and looked for one with a 5.4 for over three months...finally gave up when he found the one he bought. It has a 4.6 in it.

The vast majority of 5.4s were in supercabs. I wouldn't trade my towing ability for his gas mileage for anything. He only gets about 1-2mpg better than me.

My 5.4 just turned 80K and I truly beleive it runs better now than when I bought it (had 32K on it then).

Keep in mind, that as it approaches 100K, you will need to do a good tune-up...not cheap at the dealer.

Good luck in your search and let us know how it goes.

Sidewinder

 

i traded my old truck for a 2003 supercab 4.6 auto with 89,000 on the odometer. The V8 gets better gas mileage than the 4.2 did. The truck runs absoloutly great, I'm coming up on 100k so i replaced the spark plugs and really dident need to. they looked good. The car dealership was asking $12k for it.

 

my truck now has 132,* miles on it. its a 4.6L ext cab. and is in great shape and runs good. even with all of the aftermarket mods i have. i prefer the 4.6L has less problems better fuel milage and have always held up to abuse and milage better then the 4.6l also the idle quality is much greater. and u dont get the notorious timing chain rattle at over 100,000 miles on the 4.6L as u do on the 5.4

 

I say you test drive a few different configuration F-150s, and see what you like. The most popular and easiest to find would probably be a ext cab short bed 4.6 auto. Hardest to find will be a reg cab 5.4 auto short bed, or a 5.4 stick, and yes I know they never made that truck.

 

I bought my 1999 F-150 Supercab shortbox 5.4l 4x4 about 1 year 7 months ago for $12,000. The truck had 74,000k on it when I bought and it now has 101,800k on it. I have had no tranny problems and no 4x4 problems to speak of and the motor runs great. Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

If you are searching online publications remember to include the F250.
They made an F250 (not talking about the super duty) in 1998 and 1999 and maybe 1997.

It's really an F150 with some heavy duty stuff on it, springs, 7 lug nuts, etc...

 

we almost bought a 99 model that had a 5.4l and a 5 speed. it was an ext cab f250 though

 

Bought my 2000 in Sept. of 04 with 49,000 miles on it.
5.4L with Light Duty auto trans.
Now has 75,000 miles and no problems with anything.

I pull/haul alot and often overload it. Transmission is still strong, motor pulls just as hard as the day I brought it home.

I wouldn't give up my 5.4 for a 4.6 for any less than a $2K difference, then I still wouldn't be happy till I got a 5.4 again.

No problems with the 4x4 either.... Of course I have a 2wd so I'm sure that makes a difference on that.

 

I have a 2000 F-150 Supercab 4x4 with 85,000 miles on it. It's the sport edition. I bought it new in April of 2000. I have only had two things replaced on the truck other than general maintenance (shocks, brakes, ect..) One was a COP and a plug and the other was an emergency brake kit. That's it. It has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. If you are looking at the 99 and early 2000 models make sure you check out the window frames at the lower right corner of the glass (on the front doors). The metal sometimes cracked just under the weather stripping. I've been lucky. I also have the 4.6. It's ok on power. I love the truck but it's time for something new.

TC

 

how about you bump it up to $15k and you can buy mine!

 

thanks Ill keep you all posted.