I thought I was ready to buy an L within the next year, but I'm starting to have 2nd thoughts. It sounds like there are some reliability issues (the tranny really makes me nervous), and as a long time Ford owner (never owned anything else), I've always thought that Ford is really poor about standing behind its products.

For example, if a guy with a '99 model has an intercooler leak, and he is out of warranty, they should fix it. It's a known problem.

If I give up on the L, I guess I'll be driving an Escort!

 

Go ahead, drive an escort. I'll wave as I fly by in my lightning!

Seriously, though - there are a few problems with these trucks, but in my opinion they in no way overshadow the fun you have owning one of these. And I don't just mean driving one, I mean owning one. The local constables have stopped to talk to me about the truck while I was washing it in the driveway. Our local lightning club holds it's own (2nd place in points right now) against mustangs and f-bodies in the local internet racers' car club bash. People are always looking at and talking about these trucks.

Get the Lightning, just make the dealer throw in an extended service plan with the deal!

I hope this helps...

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Whoops, I forgot to answer your question - Yes, I'm satisfied with the reliability of my L, when weighed against the other factors of being a L owner.

 

yet except a cracked fog light lens and excessive tire wear.........oh yeaaaah! Dan

 

What Rod said...

 

In 61,000 miles I've had a few problems; 'the clunk', header leak, 2 intercoolers (and this one may be leaking!), but it has never had 'reliability issues'. Ford replaced my last intercooler WAY out of warranty and said they will replace this one if it has failed again.

'The tranny really makes me nervous' I've heard of few transmission problems outside of those that race hard and/or run NO2.

Stay away from Escorts, get the new SVT Focus.

I'd buy another Lightning in a minute!

 

I appreciate the comments, keep 'em coming.

The escort comment was a joke.

I just noticed that I've been a member of this board for a really long time, lol.

 

48K miles, two intercoolers, and the clunk, and front spring slipped out of saddle. This is one fine truck and I race at the track every Friday night.
noelvm

 

I was at a Street rod club meet or just a get together, I don't know, but there were lots of 'em. It was at Cllaway's A&W-went there to meet 2KL, another member. Well, even tho' I tried to park out of their way so they could keep the rods together it couldn't be done 'cause there were so many cars. Some of the rodders actually were looking my L over like it belonged there. I went over and asked if they would like me to move for other street rods and they said no, and wanted to know more about it, even told me to pop the hood and leave it open 'cause of the blower. I have the feeling that one of these days in the future these trucks are going to be worth some bucks. Everybody that sees it likes it.
So BUY IT. The 01 should have the intercooler problem straight. The clunk bolt is easy to fix. It's a Shelby Cobra with a bed.

 

What is the Clunk? Havn't heard of this one.

 

The left lower control arm bolt/hole has enough slop to allow movement (the clunk) at large steering angles with these WIDE tires. Ford just tightens the bolt (as they did on mine), but someone here is making custom washers/bushings that solve the problem for ~$50. To that you'll have to add upper cam bolts and an alignment. Not too bad, really. I don't know if the 2001's are 'clunking'.

 

Mine's still too new for a verdict but so far so good. I do know that Ford is better than GM or Chrysler about fixing problems outside of warranty.

 

Only have 1700 miles on my 01 but have not had any problems. Runs great, fun to drive and as many others have indicated, it's amazing how many people have stopped to ask about it. My wife say's I'm obsessed with this truck. I tell her 'That is correct!' I know I'll pay for that but I must say that I've never been happier with a vehicle than this.

 

I have a 2000 and so far no problems at all, 14,000 miles.

 

You should go back then and have them look for the TSB on it. Ford will replace the washer assembly with a knurled/serrated washer that bites into the frame mount. They won't charge you a thing. The kits you are talking about may be the concentric washer kits used to make the lower arm more adjustable. Do a search, there should be a tsb posted, I think its called "the fix" or something.

 

I have had the usual problems, but it in no way detracts from the sheer pleasure of owning and driving this vehicle.

The bizarre combination of practicality and outrageous performance that this vehicle has, makes it completely unique.

If anything happened to mine, I would buy another one in an instant.