Looking at Lightnings, have some questions.
Thread Starter
|
Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, Florida
Looking at Lightnings, have some questions.
Hey fellas and ladies,
I'm looking at Lightnings now as possibly a second vehicle for myself. My other car is a (soon to be) 450hp+ Audi S4. I blew the stock turbos a few weeks ago, so bigger ones are going in.
My Audi is awesome and tons of fun, but the damn thing just isn't reliable enough for me and has stranded me with stupid problems too many times now, hence the need for another vehicle. It would be really nice to have a truck and be able to haul stuff if I ever need too, plus I want something somewhat bigger and safer than another 4 door sedan. I have a few questions and concerns though.
What is the warranty like on used trucks? Are there extended factory warranties available for the lightning, and if so, what are the conditions surrounding those (mileage/years/price/etc...)?
If left in stock form or close to stock with only minor mods (I already have one vehicle that's a money pit
) how reliable can I expect this truck to be? I can tolerate little things going wrong, I realize it's never going to be perfect, but I can't have things going so wrong with the truck that it's going to be stranding on me on the side of the road (happens too much in the audi, again, hence the reason I'm in need of a 2nd vehicle).
What are these trucks like when they become high-mileage? Am I going to have to worry about expensive repairs or maintenince once I'm up there in the mileage?
The truck will manily be used for just around the town type of driving (Orlando, FL) and the occasional highway trip to the Keys or Miami. Of course there will be a burnout here and there, considering I don't get to do many of those in the audi (damn that traction!).
Thanks for any input you guys may have and I appreciate everyone's responses.
I'm looking at Lightnings now as possibly a second vehicle for myself. My other car is a (soon to be) 450hp+ Audi S4. I blew the stock turbos a few weeks ago, so bigger ones are going in.
My Audi is awesome and tons of fun, but the damn thing just isn't reliable enough for me and has stranded me with stupid problems too many times now, hence the need for another vehicle. It would be really nice to have a truck and be able to haul stuff if I ever need too, plus I want something somewhat bigger and safer than another 4 door sedan. I have a few questions and concerns though.
What is the warranty like on used trucks? Are there extended factory warranties available for the lightning, and if so, what are the conditions surrounding those (mileage/years/price/etc...)?
If left in stock form or close to stock with only minor mods (I already have one vehicle that's a money pit
) how reliable can I expect this truck to be? I can tolerate little things going wrong, I realize it's never going to be perfect, but I can't have things going so wrong with the truck that it's going to be stranding on me on the side of the road (happens too much in the audi, again, hence the reason I'm in need of a 2nd vehicle).What are these trucks like when they become high-mileage? Am I going to have to worry about expensive repairs or maintenince once I'm up there in the mileage?
The truck will manily be used for just around the town type of driving (Orlando, FL) and the occasional highway trip to the Keys or Miami. Of course there will be a burnout here and there, considering I don't get to do many of those in the audi (damn that traction!).
Thanks for any input you guys may have and I appreciate everyone's responses.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,456
Likes: 1
From: SE Mich
Hey Audi-boy,
I'd recommend getting one. And if your gonna leave it stock you'll not have any problems. Shoot even mildly modding one (like mine) won't give you any problems.
As with any particular car/truck there certian things that need to be addressed. But once those are taken care of you'll most likely not have to worry at all.
In my experience this truck in 24k miles has been 99% trouble free.
I'd suggest getting a 01+ model and first thing I'd do is make sure none of the plugs are loose. Then get a oil seperator and clean the throttle body.
http://www.nloc.net/forum/showthread...threadid=45611
Other than those two issues on a 01+ just do the regular maintence and smile.
WOT
I'd recommend getting one. And if your gonna leave it stock you'll not have any problems. Shoot even mildly modding one (like mine) won't give you any problems.
As with any particular car/truck there certian things that need to be addressed. But once those are taken care of you'll most likely not have to worry at all.
In my experience this truck in 24k miles has been 99% trouble free.
I'd suggest getting a 01+ model and first thing I'd do is make sure none of the plugs are loose. Then get a oil seperator and clean the throttle body.
http://www.nloc.net/forum/showthread...threadid=45611
Other than those two issues on a 01+ just do the regular maintence and smile.
WOT
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 579
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga.
other than a fuel pump replacement (wich was a facory problem w/ 99/00L) and intercooler recall my 99 is 100percent.. I just turned 88K miles on it.. I've got the CAI, 4lber, and chip and still idles decently and runs great.. I'd say go for the 01+ like he said
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: USA
As long as you get one that is still under factory warranty you can go ahead and get an extended service plan. If you do this though dont let the dealer pressure you into buying the plan from him, shop around at different dealers because the ford service plans can be found for cheaper. I bought a 2001 about 3 months ago with 11000 miles on it and plan to get the extended plan before this runs out. Good luck and you will not regret this truck.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,565
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Re: Looking at Lightnings, have some questions.
Originally posted by Audi-boy
...What is the warranty like on used trucks? Are there extended factory warranties available for the lightning, and if so, what are the conditions surrounding those (mileage/years/price/etc...)?
Well if the truck still has a warrenty, then it would be the same as a used truck. But if you're buying used and you're concerned about that, make sure the trucks warrenty hasn't been voided. Talk to your local dealership to find out specifics on adding an extended warrenty to the truck.
If left in stock form or close to stock with only minor mods (I already have one vehicle that's a money pit ) how reliable can I expect this truck to be?
Make sure the spark plugs are tight and not loose. Listen for detonation. If it's an 99'-00' make sure it had the intercooler recall done. Aside from that it will fine.
My daily driver is a modded GTi. I have had more problems with that thing then with my L, and my L is more heavily modded. German cars have a tendancy to overengineer things, which isn't always better or easier to fix. But damn their turbo engines can lay down some impressive numbers
What are these trucks like when they become high-mileage? Am I going to have to worry about expensive repairs or maintenince once I'm up there in the mileage?
Depends, like most cars if beat on it will require more maintenance. If taken care of less. Remember though, it is a high performance vehicle like your audi.
The truck will manily be used for just around the town type of driving (Orlando, FL) and the occasional highway trip to the Keys or Miami. Of course there will be a burnout here and there, considering I don't get to do many of those in the audi (damn that traction!).
Gas mileage will get traded in for fun factor.
...What is the warranty like on used trucks? Are there extended factory warranties available for the lightning, and if so, what are the conditions surrounding those (mileage/years/price/etc...)?
Well if the truck still has a warrenty, then it would be the same as a used truck. But if you're buying used and you're concerned about that, make sure the trucks warrenty hasn't been voided. Talk to your local dealership to find out specifics on adding an extended warrenty to the truck.
If left in stock form or close to stock with only minor mods (I already have one vehicle that's a money pit
) how reliable can I expect this truck to be? Make sure the spark plugs are tight and not loose. Listen for detonation. If it's an 99'-00' make sure it had the intercooler recall done. Aside from that it will fine.
My daily driver is a modded GTi. I have had more problems with that thing then with my L, and my L is more heavily modded. German cars have a tendancy to overengineer things, which isn't always better or easier to fix. But damn their turbo engines can lay down some impressive numbers
What are these trucks like when they become high-mileage? Am I going to have to worry about expensive repairs or maintenince once I'm up there in the mileage?
Depends, like most cars if beat on it will require more maintenance. If taken care of less. Remember though, it is a high performance vehicle like your audi.
The truck will manily be used for just around the town type of driving (Orlando, FL) and the occasional highway trip to the Keys or Miami. Of course there will be a burnout here and there, considering I don't get to do many of those in the audi (damn that traction!).
Gas mileage will get traded in for fun factor.
Last edited by captainoblivious; Nov 3, 2003 at 12:33 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,438
Likes: 0
the only reason i might recommend against it is because it is probably a money pit. You say your gonna keep it stock, but from my understanding of it, a lightning is one of the most mod responsive vehicles out there. Makes it hard to say no.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,501
Likes: 0
From: Plainfield, Illinois
Originally posted by grinomyte
the only reason i might recommend against it is because it is probably a money pit. You say your gonna keep it stock, but from my understanding of it, a lightning is one of the most mod responsive vehicles out there. Makes it hard to say no.
the only reason i might recommend against it is because it is probably a money pit. You say your gonna keep it stock, but from my understanding of it, a lightning is one of the most mod responsive vehicles out there. Makes it hard to say no.
Shane