So i found me a Lightning finally at a local dealer.It's a 00 has 46,000 some miles on it and its going for 20,000 grand.I've checked the the kbb and the price seems fair.The trucks looks well taken care of and i am really exited about getting it.Since i have never owned one before i have no clue what problems to look for.For example like the s/c etd.I would higly appriciate any suggestions and comments.thanks a lot guys

 

Is the engine stock? If so, unless it was not maintained well, then you will probably get a troublefree driveline.

If it has a pulley or chip, it could be fine, or it could be one stomp from blown (or a broken tranny).

Not much you can tell visually.

 

Welcome

If you want to dive in and start turning wrenches I highly suggest cleaning out the intercooler. Do a search there are a few how-to's and its pretty easy...I'm 17 and did it with relative ease a couple days ago. Might want to change fuel filter and put in breathers but none of this is really necessary.

Enjoy the new truck and let the modding begin

 

Check for a chip in the under side of the passenger-side dash. Check the lower crank pulley to see if it's stock. Look in the rear wheel wells for rubber. Check if the spare tire and tow hitch are attached. Check that all of the coil packs are bolted down and on tight. Stock airbox? Check the sill plates for any signs of damage or rust.

20K sound a bit high.

You can try a metro search on autotrader.com and search within a distance that you're comfortable travelling to. That'll give you some to compare to pricewise.

Good luck. There's no way you'll catch everything but these are some obvious things to look for.

Dan

 

20K is way high!! I just picked up a stock 00 with 80K for 13,300. You can find them for 15,500 all day on NLOC.net and svtperformance.com. Things to look for, 99 and 00 had a intercooler recall you'll need the dealership to run an oasis report, drips and leaks, check tranny oil for debris and smell. Run a car fax, if the truck looks good and hasn't had a repaint or coverup then more than likely it was well taken car of. Now as Tim pointed out, if it was heavily moded then returned to stock form you really don't know what kind of shape the tranny/motor is in. I would try and go as far as a compression/leak down test. Check the rearend that both tires still pull. Some of the guys that drag alot burn up the LS. This may be a sign of abuse. As was said rubber in the fender well.

 

I think 20k is high also...Im selling a 01 with 44k on it for alot less then that and its bone stock with no mods

 

$20k is wat too high. I sold my perfect condition 00 in 2004 for $20k and that came with a Snuglid bed cover.

 

Now is the time to buy. With no L's in the future, and the limited number of high performance rides in Ford's (other's to follow) stable, these will become more sought after. As said, at this point though, you should be able to find a better deal. Don't be afraid to buy anywhere in the country, fly there, and drive back a good deal. Good luck and happy future tire purchases

BD

 

I bought a 04' with 15000 miles for about 23500 so i know you can get a better deal than that.

 

agreed, i sold my 00 with JLP airbox, eclipse/pioneer sound system and innovation hard tonneau for 17k with 30k miles...so there are way better deals out there than that. personally i wouldn't pay a dime over 16,5 for that one

 

Got my 03' w/ 3,000 miles and 3 grand in mods for 24,700. I know you can find a better deal.

 

Way too high a price. Tell the salesman to go pound sand. Browse the SVTPerformance website for some good deals.

 

I just bought an 02 L for 22K w/39K mi. Book Value 24K+ trade in 22K+w/apprx.500 worth of add ons. Not a scratch on it (that was'nt painted over) very clean. Look around you will find welcome. Good Luck.

Tim

 

I would say $20,000 is WAAAAY high. Our local Ford dealer had an '02 model back a year ago (Dec. of 2004) for $20,000. It was pristine, had bed rug, 27,000 miles, and extra set of two tires. I would say the '00 you are looking at should be priced at no more than $15,000.

CW

 

I'm sure you can a much better deal than that. I'd look for a good low mile 2003 or 2004 to start with, as they have the last improvements to the L series. Good Luck!