As some of you may have read i was looking at a 01 screw with 8k miles, well i found a 03 identical truck with 38k on it. My question is which is a better deal the 01 for 20k or the 03 for 21k. both are lariats only slight diff. in options.

 

Well my first instinct would be go with the 01 with 30,000 less miles on it. But then i think about how up thru 2001 there were still alot of bugs they were working on, the F150 in general, not just the Screw which was introduced that year model.

Then i think about how the 03 has been drivin alot, mine has 26k on it and i drive a tank in two weeks, The 03 model from what ive read here was the best model and they upgraded alot of things since the 01 model, especially in the screw. One thing that comes to mind, is the floor bolts for the back seats, the 03's compared to earlier trucks, are almost double thickness and an extra half an inch longer. Its a pretty tough call man, after thinking about it myself i can understand why you created this thread.

Other things to consider:
Which motor was in the trucks, you said lariat honestly im not sure if that always includes the 5.4 or not.
If there is any warranty left on either truck
The owner (if you know who they are) and their driving habits
If the 01 was just a weekend car, or if it just sat for a long time somewhere

If it was me all things considered i would probably pick up the 03 but thats just me.

Hope this helps,
-Patrick

 

The 03 was a lease turm in, and 01 was traded in for a toyota. I cant get any info on either driver. both are super clean the 01 has a cap, and dvd system. other then that same. No warranty on either only 30 dealer warranty.
Im getting mixed opinions on the low mileage truck , that no use is worse than more use. What else are some of the differences in the 01 to 03.
Thanks MIke

 

Go for the 01. Most of the "upgrades" were minor or cosmetic.

 

The last year of a model is usually the best. I have an 03 Supercrew with 28,000 mile and have not had any problems, knock on wood. I would go with the newer truck. How many miles are going to put on each year? Do not forget that the 2001 is already 5 years old...

 

go with they '03, at least you won't be popping spark plugs out just my 2 cents

 

Tough call.

Go with the one that looks like more of a chick magnet.

 

Guy I would not trust an 01 with only 8k miles. Where the heck has it been and only has that many miles on it? That is not logical. The 03 is about right. My 03 has 43k on it so I would believe the odometer on the 03 model but not the 01. The 01 has the spark plug blow out problem the 03 probably will not. Look at the build date on the sticker in the door jamb. If it was built towards the end of 03 the it should not have the spark plug blow out problem. I think 03 was a good year for the Screw. I have had no problems with mine. The brake pads dont dust up the wheels or squeal like other year models. I'd go 03.

 

Yea the spark plugs issue, a thread i read a while back about window arm support breaking after lots of use it flexing, there was a tsb on this, something about it cracking some piece, well they fixed that problem in time for the 03 model, lets see... well thats a couple more just do your research and i think you'll go for the 03....

Maybe its a new motor in the 01 and they reset the odometer? is that a possibility? i agree it sounds fishy.... The only way i would buy the 01 is if it was on blocks for the time it was parked b.c then your looking into a 5 yr old suspension with only 8k miles on it. And no one wants to replace shocks, and tie rods at 10k....

Is there one you are digging more? maybe you should bring some chicks and have them tell you which one you look better in

Well maybe this will help you some more.
Lataz,
-Patrick

 

Th 01 looks completely unused, the leather is perfect, the under side is clean ,{no rust} the carpets it appears like a new truck.No scratches on the bed. I tried getting the price down but they wont move under $21 and change. That still seams like alot for an 01. The 03 has some wear, the leather looks used and has a small tear in pass. seat. The best i can do is $20800 on that one. Thats because i used to work at the dealer 18yrs. ago Its not even on the used car line yet. I was there when it came in. The dealer owner is holding for me. Also is it worth buying a used car warranty???

 

I don't like the lack of rear headrests in my 01.

Some of those third-party warranties seem shady. If you're getting one I'd try and get the Ford ESP one online. Last I checked they don't cover vehicles that are outside the normal warranty. You can't change the year of your truck but what miles you enter....


http://www.fordwarrantys.com/

 

just my 2 cents but if it's a 4x4 then buy the warranty with it. if nothing else it will at least give you peace of mind. good luck

 

I purchased a "off lease" '02 S'crew in Feb. 2003 and have since put 70000 miles on it w/o any major issues (one COP @ 35000 miles). Still running strong. The difference in "model years" will make a big difference, when it comes time to trade it in. Go for the '03, but that just my 2cents

 

My 01 has the head rests. It all depends if it's an '01 Generation 1, 2 or Gen 3. Mine is a Gen 3 and most changes to the Scew occured in the first year from the Gen 1 to the Gen 3. The '01 Gen 3 and the '02 are practically Identical. Very few changes from '02 to '03.

Dpostman

 

I do not have the headrests but I do have nearly 83K trouble free miles. Still have all 8 original plugs. I have only done front brakes and shocks all around so far. Great truck with no real mechanical differences from the 03. There were very few changes until the 04 new body style. Buy the 01, you will love it.