I'm definitely purchasing a truck this spring and have the following problem. I'm also looking to purchase a house this year and want to limit my loans. If I could cut 10k or more off the cost of new it would help a lot.

What year other than 2004 makes sense to purchase? I started with 2001 thinking depreciation would be down, but miles would still be reasonable. 2003 prices still seem high--they were just selling those new a few months ago.

What are the differences between 2000-2003 super crews? Aside from the fact that I'm not getting the latest and greatest, is this still a good move? Am I getting a good truck for the money?

Thanks in advance,
Carl

 

The first year for the supercrew was 2001. In 2001 there were actually 3 Generations (Do a search and you'll get a ton of info)....I think I have a Gen III and have had no problems at all with my truck.....The "Gen 1" had their problems (as would any new vehicle style). I would say it's probably best to go with a 2001 Gen 3 or a 2002 model year........ I think you can find a good truck....I decided to keep mine because there are only 3 years of this body style running around....I figure the new body style will be around for awhile and the 2001-03 supercrews will be different.

 

Thanks for the reply. I've been doing searches and have scanned most of the forum, but wasn't hitting on good keywords to find the bulk of my concern. I'll keep looking. If you can point me to a couple of threads I would appreciated it. Sometimes it's hard to come up with the right search term for a pretty basic search.

Regards,
Carl

 

well I bought my Screw in Oct 2000, and haven't had any serious issues with it yet. I have just under 50k on it now, and still nothing too serious. (maybe I'm just not noticing them or something)

the 02s or 03s have better seats I think, and there are headrests on the rear seats. The 01s don't have them (safety issue that Ford overlooked)

01s came with 3.55 gears, and either 02 or 03 and an optional 3.73.

I can't think of any of the mechanical differences off the top of my head.

Good luck in your hunt

 

Here is a thread that tells you the difference in the 2001 Generations. The head rest / seat changed happened in the Gen III version.....

2001 Generations


BuckFU, I have a 2001 with the 3.73 gears........Maybe this also changed during the course of the production year....

I hope this helps...

 

My 01 screw has headrests on the rear seats

 

I'm selling my 2001 Supercrew XLT loaded with options for $18K email me at mike5krnr@yahoo. It has a Fabtech lift with 35" tires, 4.56 gears, Weld Wheels, Super chip and more. Let me know if you are interested, I'm in N. California. I'm the original owner and ordered from the factory in October of 2000

 

I have the '01 Gen 1 or 2, not sure but think it's a Gen 1 , I am the original owner and by no means do I baby it. Just regular maintenance with 60,000 miles I had replaced 2 sets of brakes , A/c compressor for leaking (warranty) , Altenator (warranty) mostly because of all of the mud I drive thru . Oh yeah and also a left rear tailight bulb.

I was tempted to get the '04 but this truck is still great and paid off.

Good Luck

 

You Know I have a Gen 1 2001 and I have not had any problems of a major concern. The truck has served my family well. The fact that it is paid for is giong to keep it around for quite some time
Doug.

 

No problems on my Gen1 01. Love it!

 

I ordered mine in March of 2000 and got it in May. Aside from replacing shocks I have had no problems. 60,000K so far. Very nice truck.

 

Got a Gen III 2001 4x4. Love it.

Went to trade it in for a 2004 recently but changed my mind after looking around. A lot of things I really like about the 04' but then there are a lot of dis-likes also. More so, I decided to keep my truck.

Just because a new style comes out does not mean the old ones are old news.

Try some dealer lots to see if the have any NEW 2003 models still hanging around. You could get a smoking deal. Maybe 1-2k BELOW dealer invoice since FORD and most dealers offer DEALER (not customer) cash to get rid of old models. (99% dealers will not tell you this)

Good Luck

 

Carl,

Let me offer my $.02. First, buy your new house. Getting qualified for a mortgage loan is much more difficult than getting qualified to buy a new truck (even if the truck is used!).

I would maybe re-think the "I'm definitely purchasing a truck this spring" idea as it could cause you more grief in the long run. If you are looking to buy both items this year, I would strongly encourage you to talk with a mortgage lender before taking another test drive.

As far as what year truck to buy, heck, who cares as long as your buying a FORD!! And if you get into that new mortgage first, I'll bet you $10 that the finance manager at the Ford dealership could get you into a 2004 Lariat FX4 if you find one you like!

Good Luck!

 

Thanks for all of the good info and advice!
I'm feeling much better about the early models than I did after talking with some '04 or die folks! ;->

In my original post I meant-I'd rather not have a lot of loans...not that I can't afford them. All said and done, if I can be happy in a <$20,000 truck I don't want to shell out $30,000+ considering my other goals. Even if I purchased the house first, I don't think I'd rush out and get the '04 unless I was convinced that it was that much better.

We'll see where this leads.

 

01BlkLariat,

What are the particulars on your truck? Do you have a 5.4 with a towing package?

I'm VERY curious what the factory says your towing capacity is? And what about your mileage?

Thanks for your help.
sooze