Looking at buying used lightning, help?
Thread Starter
|
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Looking at buying used lightning, help?
So,
I have read many of your posts on this forum and have found some helpful information, I even did a search for used Lightning but I only found the KB vs Works 140 blower controversy. (ouch!)
On to the point: I am looking at buying a pickup, and as a former Mustang owner and Ford-natic, road racer type guy, I have been drooling over Lightnings since Ford started to Force-Feed them. I currently have an //M3 (BMW) see the webpage for Mustang and M3 info
So, being that this will be a second vehicle, I need to buy used to keep the cost down. Given that, any recommended years to look for or avoid. Any common failure items to be mindful of? I have done all my own work on my Mustangs and my BMW as well as working for 2 years in a general mechanics garage, so there is no need to give lengthy "dumbed down" explanations to the knubee (this makes it easier for you, right?)
Also, I've read in the forum here about a "plan X" but couldn't find any information other than it existed. Can someone elaborate? This may keep me from going used if it is "the land of milk and honey" like it seems from the cryptic information I have read.
Help me convince my wife that a Lightning is better than an F150 Supercrew!
Thanks in Advance
Mel
BTW, I live in Houston
I have read many of your posts on this forum and have found some helpful information, I even did a search for used Lightning but I only found the KB vs Works 140 blower controversy. (ouch!)On to the point: I am looking at buying a pickup, and as a former Mustang owner and Ford-natic, road racer type guy, I have been drooling over Lightnings since Ford started to Force-Feed them. I currently have an //M3 (BMW) see the webpage for Mustang and M3 info So, being that this will be a second vehicle, I need to buy used to keep the cost down. Given that, any recommended years to look for or avoid. Any common failure items to be mindful of? I have done all my own work on my Mustangs and my BMW as well as working for 2 years in a general mechanics garage, so there is no need to give lengthy "dumbed down" explanations to the knubee (this makes it easier for you, right?)
Also, I've read in the forum here about a "plan X" but couldn't find any information other than it existed. Can someone elaborate? This may keep me from going used if it is "the land of milk and honey" like it seems from the cryptic information I have read.
Help me convince my wife that a Lightning is better than an F150 Supercrew!
Thanks in Advance
Mel
BTW, I live in Houston
Get a 2001 or newer.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
From: York,Pa
yea a 2001 or 2002 would be your best bet. The major problem with the 99&00 they had intercooler recalls and since the recall ended not to long ago to get that fixed would be $$$. other than that i think their all good. But the 01 and up years just look better IMO with the wheels, tailights and plus more Hp and more torque.
So what ever you choose good luck and you will not regret buying a Lightning.
So what ever you choose good luck and you will not regret buying a Lightning.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 0
From: Shelton, Connecticut
Trending Topics
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 0
From: Colorado,
Racermel we have some things in common. I just joined the forum tonight but will share what I have learned about my 99 Black L.
I happend to run across her used at a Ford dealer. They had just gotten it in and it hadn't been detailed but they let me take her for a spin and she swept off my feet. Love at first Fright!
I didn't buy it on the spot but did some research and got it the following day. 1/03
I got Herbs washers and fixed the Clunk.
Installed Cam Bolts while I was at it.
Changed tranny fluid.
Engine oil to full synthetic.
Tonight I replaced the leaky intercooler heat exchanger. $750 out of my pocket. Only took 4 hours and is a upgraded unit from original.
The 99 and 00 seem to have better connecting rods.
The 99 and 00 have 3:73 RP so I am getting about 16 MPG
Mine had a two position superchip.
Bottom line is I would do it again. With a little time and out of pocket expense I am happy with it. The plates are cheaper the insurance is less also.
As far as warranty goes. If something were to go bad it would have done it by now and most of the folks around here complain about dealer and warranty service most of the time.
It isn't a super cab but is very versital and fun to drive. I planning on towing with it also. Handles like a sports car to. Don't let your wife drive it she my just trade you for it
Greg
I happend to run across her used at a Ford dealer. They had just gotten it in and it hadn't been detailed but they let me take her for a spin and she swept off my feet. Love at first Fright!
I didn't buy it on the spot but did some research and got it the following day. 1/03
I got Herbs washers and fixed the Clunk.
Installed Cam Bolts while I was at it.
Changed tranny fluid.
Engine oil to full synthetic.
Tonight I replaced the leaky intercooler heat exchanger. $750 out of my pocket. Only took 4 hours and is a upgraded unit from original.
The 99 and 00 seem to have better connecting rods.
The 99 and 00 have 3:73 RP so I am getting about 16 MPG
Mine had a two position superchip.
Bottom line is I would do it again. With a little time and out of pocket expense I am happy with it. The plates are cheaper the insurance is less also.
As far as warranty goes. If something were to go bad it would have done it by now and most of the folks around here complain about dealer and warranty service most of the time.
It isn't a super cab but is very versital and fun to drive. I planning on towing with it also. Handles like a sports car to. Don't let your wife drive it she my just trade you for it
Greg
