Hi ATP. I did expand my search. Found another one that is interesting. But I need to negotiate on the price. Let me ask you something. How much would be the average cost I should expect to pay to have the bed liner sprayed and to buy a new set of tires?

What would you prefer a lower mileage vehicle with some things to be fixed or a higher mileage vehicle that has nothing wrong?

Ok another big question...we live in New England so all cars have rust on the bottom. (not referring to body rust, thats another story)
What should I look for as signs of bad rust? what parts should I check for signs of heavy rust under the trucks that would tell me to stay away?

 

Spray in bedliner is $350-450. New tires are $500-1200 installed. Really depends on what size/model you want. Most good quality tires are in the $700-800/set range.

The cost and type of things that need to be fixed would play a role in your comparison. I would not have a problem with either depending on those things that need to need addressed.

As for the rust (Michigan ain't much better), take a rubber mallet to the frame to be sure it is solid. Check the brake lines too, but no hitting them! My truck has lots of surface rust underneath, but the body is fantastic. Keep in mind the 01-03 Supercrew bed is not metal and will not rust. The tailgate could.

 

That goes only for the '01 and '03 models?
What about 2002?
Other years is metal?
I have noticed that if a truck is Aug. 02 sometimes they advertise it as 03...
why is that?

 

2001 through 2003, so 2001, 2002, and 2003 models. The 2004 and later years are metal. The 2001, 2003, and 2003 regular cab and supercab truck beds are metal.

Most vehicle manufacturers change model years for their vehicle in July. So, anything that is built after June is usually called the following calendar year model year. So, built Aug 2003 means it hit the dealer in Sept 2003 as a 2004 model. For the F-150, 2004 model year was a different design than the 2001-2003 models which were built something like April 2000 through May 20003.

 

ATP I just wanted to let you know that I got my F150 registered today.
I did not buy a screw in the end...I found a nice 2004 F150 XLT Heritage and loved it...good overall conditions...even if it needs some fixes and for that I will try to post questions in the designated forum channels...
thanks for your help...hope I can get more now that I really need it!
talk to you soon!

 

Congrats on your new truck and welcome to F-150 ownership! So you got a Supercab then with the rear suicide doors? I had a 99 Supercab before my Screw. Loved that truck more than this one, but I was planning for future family needs. Anyway,

 

I am going to take care of it and place a picture as soon as possible.
thank you!