Okay, I need some opinions.

As you can see in my sig, my truck is a 2000 F-150 Lariat(fully loaded) 4x2 with the 5.4L V8. It currently has 113,000 miles on it. It is in excellent condition. The Kelley Blue Book value is $10,500.
In the Classifieds today I saw a 1996 F-150 Eddie Bauer(fully loaded) 4x4 with the 5.8L V8 with only 31,000 miles on it. It is listed as excellent condition. They are asking $9,500.

My question is, should I sell my truck and buy this one?

Positive:
Bigger engine
4WD
WAY less mileage
I might be able to talk them down to $9000 and have enough money for a lift and tires

Negative:
4 years older
Although it's an Eddie Bauer, there are still not as many features (leather, full 4-doors ex. cab, autolamps, etc.)
It's green (not exactly my favorite, no offense to those with green)
I really LOVE my truck now (leveling kit, All-terrains).

Is this an upgrade or a downgrade? Please help I need honest answers. Thanks.

 

The 92-96 body style ranks high on my list. I really liked the green on the EB trucks. Those scabs don't have the rear opening doors. You think the 5.4 sucks gas, drive the 351. It's also 11 years old. It's going to take a little more up keep. I never thought the 97-03 trucks were the best looking. If you like it go for it, just make sure the price is right.

 

I call it a major downgrade. Those trucks are not nearly are 'refined' as your 2000. It definitely will be harder on gas, and I'm guessing if you went to trade that thing in you'd never get that kind of money back out of it because of its age and bodystyle.

Keep your truck I say, or find something in your current age range with fewer miles and maybe 4 wheel drive if you really want that - you'll probably not have to spend a lot more that what you think yours is worth right now.

 

Even though KBB says your truck is worth X, you can plan on getting far less for it. You can blame the 2WD for it.

Every truck I've owned thus far has been 2WD. That came back to bite me every time I sold them. I can't help you as to why but an overwhelming majority seem to feel the need to own something they will never, ever use or need. So I say don't sell the truck.

KC-10 FE out...

 

I'd keep or go newer.

 

No way in he!! would I do it...


x2 on what KC-10 said too, 2wd will kill you on trade in. Im experiencing the same thing with my 2wd. Heck the reason I got it so cheap in the first place is because it was a 2wd and the dealer just wanted to get rid of it for that reason. Everyone thinks they need a 4x4.

 

I like the 97 up style much better. Plus who knows if those miles are right. As for 2wd resale it depends on the truck.
A nice standard cab flareside will have a decent resale value and great if its dropped and on 20 or 22s even if its not a Lightning.

The KBB can be way off. Check the Autotrader for what people are asking or better yet Ebay and see what they have sold for under completed auctions.

 

I think the 96 style is much better looking than the 2000 look. I hate the rounded curved appearance.

That said I think I'd hold off until you could get a newer truck. I wouldn't go older unless you like the style.

 

having had a 95 xlt 4x4 w/351 and 2000xlt sport 4x4 5.4L, I'll compare the two (check my sig for pics of each)

-the 95 was a great truck for doing truck things, but it was a truck in every sense of the word, it didn't handle very well, noisy on the highway (air leaks and such), cruising @ 75mph on the highway was a chore, it just wasn't a highway cruiser, everything rattled etc. My 95 was not an extended cab, IMO the extended cabs w/o a quad or even a third door are fairly useless, and the rear seat is no good for sitting on, it folds flat into a bed though, you just can't access it very easy

-the 2000 is a huge step forward in refinement over the previous gen, way more so than stepping up from a 2000 to the current gen, way quieter and more car like on the highway with the same capabity.


Both had good power IMO, but my 95 also had headers and exhaust, I am sure the 2000 would tow more though.

This is a downgrade IMO, a huge downgrade, especially if it will be a daily driver. On the other hand if you were looking for a 4x4 to have some fun with, then you will love the 96. If its got a 302 or even a 351, there are a ton of go fast parts that can be had cheap (in common with the stangs), and these trucks look mean lifted IMO

 

Don't do it JohnBoy, don't do it.

 

Well I have made my decision. I'm gonna keep my truck, for many reasons:

1) It's newer and has more features.
2) I agree with everyone who says that it is more refined and advanced.
3) I absolutely don't need 4WD, and that's really the only thing it had that mine lacks....

I think I just love my truck too much anyway. Thanks for all the input.