I have tried to look at most of the messages here, but have come up with more questions or basically need a summerization. I wanted to buy a 2004 Blue Lightning, but at 34k plus it was out of my ball park, then we had a bad storm in my area and the 2003 model they still had got some hail damage. They repaired it and knocked down the price to $28,995 from $33,845 plus there is a rebate and my Dodge Dakota that I would be trading in. Anyway besides looking at the truck in flouresent light to check repairs on the hail damage, are there other things I should be aware of to check. I did see one post on a 2004 fit and finish, another on bumber gap. Since this will be my daily driver in Illinois, what is the best thing to do for winter tires. The post on that was not to clear to me. Along with the 3/4 drop, what is all involved in that? That is one thing I hate about my truck and the Lightning, sitting up that high is not very sporty. To me, this will be my first muscle car, well truck since I was to young in the 70's and not born in the 60's.
zz

 

2003 is a great year. I have no concerns there. If the price is what makes the difference then go for it. You won't regret it for the experience of owning one of the most fun toys on the road.

Now the hail is a tuff call. I would look for something in writing to give you an extended warranty on the paint. Some of the early ones had issues with the paint on the little channels in the roof cracking. My 99 has it but you can't see it unless you are standing in the bed. It just depends how **** you are. Some guys just couldn't live with knowing it had a little bondo and not the origanal paint. I guess it depends on you. You said it was going to be a daily driver. It's going to get a few dings, so I wouldn't let it bother you. I new a auto painter and he always used to smile and say " Paint sticks to anything.......For A While."

Dropping the L is no prob. Lot's of guys here did it without problems. You can prolly dig more out of the archives on that.

Another thing is that they are done making the 2nd gen L's and the next gen will definitly be more $.

Good Luck

 

I picked up a set of 2000L wheels online and use 295/45/18 Toyo proxie ST's for the winter here in NY. They are far better than the F1's in snow, however no throttle is the most important in wet winter conditions!! They are also rated All Season. Hope this helps. You will love it no matter what color! Artie

 

Bet if you look around you can beat those prices...

PEacE.....................
Jim

 

You can get a 2004 for $28,500-$29,000 if you are serius when you walk in, be firm about what you are willing to pay.

 

Yeah. I got a better price than that on the 03 I got last week, and mine didn't even get hail damaged (that I know of...)

 

I paid right about that for my '03 back in May of last year. That dealer is doing himself a favor. Go to another dealer!!!!

 

Thanks for the replys first hand. Secondly, I have no idea how to haggle with the price of a new vehicle. I would rather have the 2004 Sonic Blue Lightning anyway, which is rare in this area when I shopped off the dealer locator on Ford's website. Only have bought one new vehicle in my life which is my 99 Dakota, due to a broken down car. According to the sticker on the 2004 Lightning, it is going for 34,095 before any rebates. Only option on that one is the darn tonnue cover and bed liner. Trying to not impulse buy, but I want one of these vehicles.

 

You should be able to get a 1 year old hail damaged truck for $27k and change.

I wouldn't worry too much about the repair. They can do pretty amazing things with paintless dent repair. I have seen it done. However, it is usually more expensive to do aluminum, so it is generally cheaper to replace the hood rather than pull out hundreds of hail dents.

 

I did another search for 2004 Lightnings in Sonic Blue and found 2 other locations. Amazing how there is a difference in charges for the same trucks dues to destination charges. I highly doubt I can get one for 29 to 30k though before rebates as noted in one of the replies. If I get a blue one, I need to change nickname then... also become a slick rick if I remember that term right.
zz

 

I bought my 2002 new in November of 2003 - it had been a demo vehicle and had about a hundred miles on it. They cut me a nice deal, a little less then you're being offered right now. So far no problems, and I really love my L.

Don't worry about any of the bumper issues, drops, etc, it's really small stuff. I've been back to the dealer (Hawkinson) a few times for a new fog light, and new weatherstripping for the back window, but nothing I wouldn't expect from a new car.

If you like the L, then buy it. As far as the non-sporty feel of this sports truck, just pull up next to a vette and watch how he feels after you hand it to him. These things are unique, lots of fun, but not for everyone.

PS, I drove mine all last winter with the stock tires and was OK. I'm considering picking up some winter tires this year in case we get some heavy snow, but that's a ways off still.

 

By looking @ your name, I figured you drove a mazda.

 

ILLINI-SVT

I think I saw on the internet tha Hawkinson had a Sonic Blue. Not that far away, but first gonna try online service that supposedly get's good deals by shopping online. LOL SlowSVT, no Mazda here in years, but I like to zoom zoom around in my truck though, with Lightning though, zoom zoom would be more appropritate than with a Dodge Dakota Just came back from one dealer who had 3 Sonic Blue Lightnings, with all the same equipment, yet at different prices. Someone is getting the shaft if they do not notice.
zz

 

If it's the same one, then they've had that one out there for a while. Is it sitting in the spaces in front of the showroom (as opposed to in the back lot)? I've always like the Sonic Blus. Go in there and give them hell for me. I've heard that trucks aren't moving at all due to the gas prices here.

And when you get it, let me know. You'll have to meet up at a local SVT meeting. Fun stuff.

 

The approach Ive used twice when buying new vehicles, is to basically put the ball in their court by saying "If youll sell me that truck for $XXXXX (or XXX a month) I'll sign the papers right now," with your trade in value obviously in mind as well. Be completely ready to walk out the door and give them your contact information. I have bought my last 2 trucks that way, 1 being a Lightning. The first time the salesman called me the next day with approval from the sales manager, and this last time, they ran after me as I was pulling off the lot. In your situation where they have had the truck for a LONG time, they are paying interest on it every day that it isnt sold, so it is in their best interest to sell it ASAP. I say offer them 27000 ish for it. Good luck, hope this helps.