I have the chance to buy a used 1998 F150 XLT with a V6 and auto, 2wd, supercab shortbed. The good news is that I can buy it for $7000....the bad news is that it has 126,000 miles on it.

It really is a clean and well cared for truck, and it runs very well, no rust and everything works perfectly.

Is this too many miles for the V6 or tranny, or is it worth taking a chance. I figure that it has to be highway miles, which is the best kind for any vehicle....but is it too many???


thanks in advance for your help!!!

 

I think its a good deal.Do you know the service history?Blue book value?Ide say go for it!

 

Run it through www.kbb.com
I did with what you listed:

Trade In Value $4900
Private sale good condition $6200
Private sale excellent condition $6700

I think KBB is penalizing the mileage on that truck.

If it's excellent condition (you can see it we can't) then another $300 doesn't matter, if you want it.

But don't go thinking it's a $10,000 truck.

 

Sounds pretty good to me. I'd take it to a trusted mechanic to get it checked first though

 

Check to see how bad the rust is on the bottom of the driver side and passenger side doors. My 98 is rusting like crazy down there, and it is well cared for.

 

Well, did you get the truck?

 

Maybe he did but, had to sell his computer?

 

I am still trying to negotiate a little off the truck. I think the price is ok, but I have read a lot of bad thngs about coolant leask on the 4.2 litre engines....Also, there is no rust on the bottom of the doors...I'll keep you posted. Thanks

 

I would be less concerned with the high miles and more optimistic of lowering the price. There are still a lot of used cars on the market right now, and those with high miles come down in price more that usual.

 

I bought my 98 XL longbed in 11/01 with 101K miles. I haven't had any problems; thought I had a leaker but it never materialized. I have 112k miles now, I ride my motorcycle a lot.

When I bought it I had it detailed, changed all fluids and bought a set of Expo wheels/tires. Installed a Kenwood stereo & keyless entry and it is all good. I paid $5700, I bought it from a moving company that coudn't depreciate it anymore. good luck

 

I think you can get an 8 for the same or less. Someone else mentioned service. What if any service has been done to the heads. I too have read alot of horror stories about leaking head gaskets.

Good luck with your decision.

If you really want it tell him 5K. Walk away if he says no.

On edit: I bought my truck used with 52K 3 years ago. I now have 112K on it. The seat is squeaking, the steering wheel is starting to show major wear on the rubber, and it's time for new front bushings.

Stop by the local dealer and see what an '03 V6 costs.

Again, good luck.

Mike

 

davidzog,

I have a 98 V6 manual tranny with almost 104K miles on it now. I am the original owner, and I have had absolutely NO problems with my truck. In the last 5 years I have owned it, I have only had to change fluids, plugs & wires, and I am getting ready to get my 3rd set of tires. Also, I had to have the tie rods and ball joints replaced at about 95K. That is it.

No signs of any leaking head gaskets or anything like that. Do a search, I think that they fixed that problem about half way through the 98 production year.

My best friend climbed in the truck a couple weeks ago, and commented that he thinks my truck feels even stronger after all these years.

Don't know if this helps, but I thought I would add my $0.02.

Ox