I have a '97 F-150, bought used (recently). I am considering selling it and my car to buy an '00 or '01 Lightning- as my only means of transportation. Any thoughts about reliability of the truck, insurance costs, and any other concerns would be appreciated.

Dan H.
'97 F-150 Ext Cab
'97 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro

 

Do a search. There is a LOT of information here on almost any topic.

WRT 'daily driver', check out:
https://www.f150online.com/f150board...ML/002677.html

There are also old threads on insurance. I pay <$100 a year more than my '97 Lariat.

 

The performance, ride, and overall feel of the "L" would out way all other concerns. Sell them both and buy the Lightning. Nothing else will do.

 

Dan

I have a 92 Ext cab which I kept and a 2000 L. The L is a great truck. Since mine wasnt worth much in trade I kept it to be used "as a truck" if I need one to haul nasty stuff. I will also use it when I drop off my L for gear change. The insurance is about the same, The power is no comparison, the gas milage dropped a point or 2 to 12-13.

The main difference is the fun and attention this truck generates. Put aside money for good radar detector, window tint, and performance mods....
Enjoy
Doug

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Got Silver 2000 Lightning 2/28/00!!
1st run 13.9 sec 1/4 !!
Doug
Carrollton TX
drbdkb@hotmail.com
Had 87 Turbo Coupe traded for
92 F150 XLT 302, Put K&N Filter, cat back and Chip on 92 still not enough.

Silver 2000 Lightning, Valentine 1, Snuglid, Bedrug and nickel tint.
Have Sals Chip and Filter and 3.73 gears on order, cant wait.

 

Dan,

Reliability is very high on these trucks, especially if you don't go too crazy on the mods (like I have). Basic mods like the chip/filter combo won't hurt too bad (except for your wallet, but hey, it's only money!).

Mileage may a bit of a concern if gas prices go nuts again, but it's not really that bad if you keep your foot out of it (yeah right, like that's possible).

So far, insurance hasn't been much of a concern, either. It's actually less that I pay for my TBird (V8).

Hope this helps....

The Wyldman

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Chuck 'Wyldman' Shelton
wyldman@houston.rr.com
Black 99.5 Lightning Build # 1273, DOB 5-14-99, NLOC #315
Best run to date 12.857 @103.48
CD Changer; Tow Pkg.; Lojack; G-Tech/Pro; SnugLid; BedRug; Invinca-Shield, full kit; Clear and smoke Lexan fog light covers; 3M Ti Window Tint; Bel radar detector (shouldn't be an accessory); PowerStack cone filter (a.k.a. supercharger waker upper); American Auto Designs ram air hood; Cal-Tracs traction bars; Bassani headers; Mickey Thompson ET Street race tires; Ford MotorSport 3.73 gears; Muth Signal Mirrors

 

I have been told by the biggest local SVT dealer (Mulinax Ford) that the "sale price" is MSRP. Hardly seems like a "sale," but the messages on this board seem to say that everyone pays close to MSRP for this truck. True?

Dan

PS I already have a Valentine One, so I am "armed" for Lightning ownership. :-)

 

When my 00 L was delivered I was driving a 99 f-150 lariat 4 x 4 and loved it. It was a great truck. I drove it for 8 months waiting on THE TRUCK. People thought I was crazy, to trade so soon. But the fun and pleasure I have with my L proves to me that I was right to do what I did. And since I make the payments I am the one that matters. I can't imaging ever driving anything else. I have even put my name on the list at my SVT dealer to be first to have the option to get the first 02 L, in case I am ready to sell.

And yes, at least at the dealer here, there was not much play in the MSRP. I did get a little break because I have bought 4 new trucks from them in the last 6 years. So I kinda shamed them into giving me a good deal.

And I think the L will hold up just fine. As one of the other posts stated, it really depends on how much tinkering one does with his/her truck but under mainly routine daily use, I think we will be fine. After all they are made to run. The only concern I had was pulling my bass boat and have found that to be no problem. I just have to remember it is back there and not take off after somebody and string boat parts and fishing tackle all over the road.

Get one and have a blast. And a good radar detector is great advice.

 

Dan, I share some of your concerns. Sold my '92 Chev to buy the L. My L. is my daily driver, and I drive about 30K a year, so I need something that will last. Insurance isn't bad, less than $100 a year more than the Chev was. Gas is a quite a bit steeper, both from the 12-13 MPG, and from the premium fuel, but I knew that going in. Reliability so far has been fine, but I've only got 6500 miles so far (in 3 months). I went for it, and so far I'm very happy. Time will tell if this was a good decision regarding long term durability and reliability. Still debating on an extended warranty.

 

Since you mentioned pulling a boat:
I currently have a small Boston Whaler type boat (~1000 lbs total), but I am planning to upgrade to a bigger boat someday. Does anyone have experience pulling a larger boat or trailer with a Lightning?

Thanks in advance.

 

I've towed one of my boats with the L, total weight about 3300 lbs. The trailer had no brakes, but it towed great. At least compared to the 90 Full size Blazer I used in the past.

 

I tow my Challenger on an auto carrier when I need to move it more than a few miles and the Beast hardly notices it back there. Total weight is 5500 lbs.

The Wyldman

 

Hey Dan H.
Plantation Ford called me last week and they have a 2000 black (best color) for list at 31,4. A client of mine works for World Ford and he told me last night that they have one (don't know color or price) Sooo get off your duff and buy one so we can go to Moroso for some vicarious thrills....Ken

 

LOL

Well, I *was* 95% sure I was going to sell my A4 and my '97 truck and get a Lightning- then I got the A4 back last night and was reminded why I bought it in the first place. This may be kind of out of place on a truck page, but there *is* something to be said for a small, reasonably quick (0-60 <7 sec with chipped turbo four) AWD sport sedan. I may change my mind if the A4 breaks again soon or if the $500 repair I just paid for did not fix it.

If my budget allowed, I'd get the Lightning and keep the Audi too. Maybe someday...

Dan

 

Dan,

Just to let you know, the Lightning is a 0-60 <5.8 sec sport truck. If you get the chance to test drive one, you'll be signing the papers to get rid of your audi. I hope you are able to get one someday.

 

Ah Ha!! the Wyldman is also a Mopar musclehead at heart. I have a '68 Sattellite with a radical 340. Maybe we should most another topic. I am curious but don't want to get into a brand war with everyone. Honestly I'm a brand ****. I raced Chevies round-e-round, mud bogged Fords, drag raced Mopars, then drag raced Ford pikups.
Start a new topic or E-mail me. I am curious.

HIGH RISK