May finally step up and be a full member soon if price is right on an 03.

Been lurking a couple years now, posting occasionally though Im only a Ranger owner. IVe drooled over the F series since about 2000, but, well, at the time I was a college kid who barely could scrounge the quarters required to do laundry every week so it was pretty much out of the question. So for the last 5 years my completely stripped, manual, regular cab, no air, manual windows/manual locks 95 Ranger has had to suffice.

But Im now out of school, gainfully employed, and even though my 95 ranger has been reliable and faithful, the lack of comfort on long trips and the lack of interior space is getting a little old. So Im thinking with all the incentives and rebates and good deals on the 2003's it's time to step up. I will be visiting a couple Ford dealers tomorrow to see what's still available.

Anybody know of decent, honest Ford Dealerships in the Philadelphia/Delaware County area that are serious about their trucks? I have a beat up, 'college kid' trade but 5K to put down in addition. I was hoping after the trade and incentives were factored in I wouldn't be paying much more than about 24K including down payment and montly payments. Is this even within the realm of being realistic? Should I give up now and set my sites a little lower on maybe one of the crew cab compacts? Don't need anything too fancy like a lariat, heck, I consider air a creature comfort. I guess driving a vehicle with no options for 5 years can make you pretty flexible when it comes to vehicle options.


Im looking for a moderately equipped extended cab, 4x4, V8(small or big), 60/40 split bench, air, power windows/locks, either stick or auto, short bed, styleside. Don't need ORP, trip computer, or even cruise. Tape deck is fine... it probably wouldn't stay in there too long anyway. Would take XLT or heavily optioned XL.

Any input is appreciated. And sorry for the long post.

Last edited by eharri3 on 10-31-2003 at 01:10 AM