I am trying to decide which year to buy? I don't want something to old but not a new one? Because they are still too expensive.

I was looking in between the year of 2006-2009. Or I could wait a bit longer.

Also has anyone ever gotten into an accident in there truck? How safe are they on the highway? I own a Ford Explorer and I thought buying that one would make me feel safer. I don't! I kept seeing other F150's on either side of me. Maybe those trucks are telling me something.


Thanks!

 

00-03

 

Pays to shop around so if you are not in a hurry and careful you can find a good deal. Don't forget to save a little money though......you will need it for mods!

 

I was driving this f150 when a guy crossed in front of me while I was doing about 40 mph. So I Tboned him right in the door post of some big boat(I don't remember if it was a lasabre, or what, but it was a big old 4 door. At the time it was close to being totaled (about $9000) so I kept the truck and got $8000 from my insurance company(because he didn't have any). Any way I customized it and still drive it today with no problems. 207 k miles

 

00-03, seriously

 

I agree with the 00-03, especially a late model 02 or 03 if you can find one. They have had bad crash test ratings, but seeing actual crashes with them on this site leads me to believe they're not all that bad. Unless you hit a concrete wall doing 30+ like in the crash tests. Luckily for me, I haven't experienced any crashes in the two I've owned (knocks on wood).

 

I know that my opinion on what to buy may or may not hold much sway, but I'll give you what I have observed first hand with regard to the newer ('97 and later) F150s.

I have owned at least one each of the 4.2 V6, 4.6 V8, and 5.4 V8 powered F150s in the '97 to '03 era, and I have not liked any of them compared to my '95 F150 with the 4.9 I6. The 4.2 and 4.6 are weak compared to the 4.9, and the 5.4 comes close, but no cigar. The COP system is a PITA for plug changes, especially #4 and #8. And do not forget about the plug spitting incidents modular heads have had. I'll take the old style Windsor or 4.9 heads for doing plug changes any day versus a modular engine.

And lets not get me started on the 2004 and later's "wonderful" little Variable Cam Timing system that can (and does) fail if not treated with kid gloves, and those wonderful two piece spark plugs that seize and break in the heads, causing a major PITA. I've seen $ 3000+ for VCT repair, and near $1000 just for a plug change on a later 5.4. No thanks, I'll stick to proven technology.

For me at least, I'll keep my 1995 F150 with the "old technology" 4.9 I6 and M5OD 5 speed that I can repair myself without seeing spark plugs fly through the hood or seize in the heads. And a gear driven camshaft is certainly more reliable than long chains and a fancy variable cam timing setup. Plus, to me, those pre 1997 trucks looked like trucks. The new trucks interiors are just one donut munching focus group away from a fancy powder room. And do not get me started on those exteriors. They just don't look truck like to me.

Again, others may have a different opinion, and that is fine. However, I will stand behind my experience with the late models.

 

2003 5.4 2v or 2008 5.4 3v

 

2006 - 2008 4.2 or 4.6 for best reliability and simplest maintenance. The base model 2009 with the 4.6 2V and 4 speed auto is also very reliable and easy to maintain.

There are issues with all the 3V VCT engines, and there are issues with the 6 speed auto.

These recommendations totally ignore performance and fuel mileage.

 

I love my 97 4.6, no COP either, and I can change all the plugs myself in less than an hour. Took a while the first few times, but I got used to it.

 

Unless you just like spending money on repair bills, avoid the year models before 2004. The head designs are poor at best and spark plugs being spit out of the head is common. I'd also suggest avoiding any 5.4 3V. Multipiece spark plugs that break off in the heads and expensive repair bills to just change plugs is ridiculous. The 5.4 3V also has issues with cam phasers locking up- repairs are over $1,000.00 per side. I'd suggest a 2004 and newer model with a lowly but incredibly reliable 4.6.

 

03 or 08. end of the body style = most bugs worked out = typically more reliable.