Ok guys, I was going to purchase a 2004 Lightning, but I've come across a used 2002 with 2800 miles on it in perfect condition. I keep hearing about the possibility of blowing a plug in the 99 to 02 models and the 03-04 blocks are better, but you know that mods are inevitable and the 02 already has the following:
Never raced or been in rain. Garaged from day one. Has bolt on mods but all original parts saved exc. grilles. truck has ftvb,accufab tb,lakewoods,diablo chip,jdm cold air,6pound lower,lakewood bars,gatorback belt,tr-6 plugs,4x4 pan,billet specialties slx-37 wheels (billet) and flowmaster mufflers for 24K.
I've been reading the forum for 2 years and recently sold my GT after a heated divorce. So now is the time to get started over, and I can think of no better way than a new performance vehicle.

Thanks for the opinions.

 

Sounds like a good deal. What color is it?

 

With that low of miles it couldn't hve been abused too bad.

 

Sounds like an excellent deal and you could always buy a set of 03/04 heads and put them on if you were real worried. Not sure the price for a set of heads but I would imagine even with the cost it would still be much less then the price of a new 03/04 L.

 

True Blue

 

 

Never been raced??

 

This is just one opinion, but the price difference isn't enough to keep me from buying the new one. I don't know what "raced" means for everyone, but NOBODY does those mods and drives like a granny. Also, I would guess there is no warranty on a modified 2002. Good luck with your fresh start, but I would start fresh with the 2004 truck.

 

It depends on your budget and how long you plan on keeping the truck. I bought mine brand new via D-Plan purchase (Ford Dealership Employee). My price was $28,500 (about $1,000 below invoice). My mods to date have run me an additional $3,700 and that's not including any labor cost because everything was installed by friends (thanks to Larry and Dennis).
So I'm in my L almost $37,000 with the tax and license. If you can buy a truck in great shape for $24,000 and you don't have to buy the mods..... As long as you like what's been done, sounds like a really good deal and you'd save better than $10,000.

True blue is also a pretty rare color in the big picture of L's.

JMHO

 

I have been through wicked divorce too and I know for a fact you should get exactly what you want...(Truck, engine, color, etc.) because you are never going to be truly happy if you settle for anything less.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. This truck will definitely be a keeper for a long time. I know that anyone who puts that many mods on a truck is going to race it. Being naive is something I left behind many years ago. My question is to what extent and how well did he have it tuned. As for price, it's nice knowing that you can pay it off quicker and have all your mods, saves money to get it dyno tuned and dialed in. Possibly saves money for a KB in the future.
But if everything dosen't work out, then I'll just look for a good deal on an 03 or 04. I just missed a new 03 for 26k in Tennessee. The bottom line on cost can simply be stated one way. Having the freedom to do what I want after raising 2 kids and 20 yrs of marriage: Priceless.

 

CarolinaL,
Just FYI, a local Ford dealer has 2 brand new white 03's left over that they are trying to move. The name of the dealership is Cole Ford and their number is 1800-507-2653, if you are interested in white.

 

Bad Blue 03,

You have any idea what they are asking for them? When you call from out of state it's not always the same. I appreciate the help. White has a clean look, but if I start a search for a new 03 it would be Dark Shadow Grey. My GT was mineral grey.

 

Lots of mods, not to have been run hard? A few things to do before buying: get a CarFax, Use VIN to go into dealer computer to see if mods have voided warranty, what warranty work done, and what regular maintainance? If all that looks good, check consumer Reports used car price service to get various wholesale, loan, and retail values appropriate for your area. Negiotiate from wholesale because dealer either gave "ACV- Actual Cash Value, much less than wholesale, if traded or bought at auction for much less than wholesale.

Get a list of SVT dealers and contact all within a few hundred miles to see if they have any leftover 03's. Isn't ford offering $1000 or more to consumers on leftovers? Plus, ford is giving even more back to dealer because it's a leftover! Should be able to buy 3k under Xplan for 03's.

Good Luck! Gwinett Place Ford usually has leftovers. Try using car buying services like Cars Direct. com, but use 4-5 to let them locate and provide bids from dealers

 

Jake,

If things don't seem good from every angle I check, I'm going to give the car buying services a shot and see what kind of replies that I get. My girlfriend is from Gainsville Georgia and some of her family is in Mt. Airy, so I have her to show me the area. I know someone around still has some 03's sitting around at a good price. Thanks for the advice, it's always appreciated, especially when the purchase is a long term keeper.