Hey, folks. Yep, it's another "need recommendations on which F-150 to buy" thread. I posted here in the V6 thread, since I'm looking at a 6-cyl right now.

I'm looking for an F-150 that is extremely reliable, but is also accessible for a beginning mechanic with a standard set of tools in the garage, typical loadout of wrenches and screwdrivers in a Craftsman rolling tool cart -- nothing really fancy just yet. This will be my first truck and also the first vehicle upon which I'd be doing hands-on maintenance. I am inexperienced in the art and science of vehicle maintenance, but am ready and willing to learn!

Looking for short cab, 2WD (4WD is ok, but seems overkill for a work truck), automatic tranny. Fuel economy is irrelevant, as my other car is a compact that gets good MPGs -- but requires a PhD in computer science to service.

Currently I'm eyeballing the 1996 F-150 with the 4.9L i6, but those are hard to find locally.

Can you recommend a model year and engine that I should be focusing on? Or do I have the right vehicle pegged already?

 

I can only comment on the 4.2L V6 (97 - 08). I know 97's and early 98's had their share of hydrolocking issues so try to stay away from those. Consumer Reports stated that the 2005 - 2008 4.2L V6 F150 was the most reliable engine ever produced for a pick up. Personally, I like the look of the 2004 - 2008's best. Check my signature pic, I have a 2008 2wd reg cab short box V6 with a 5 speed. I love my truck. It's had a few issues, nothing that ever left me stranded and was all covered under warranty. If you can afford it, I'd say go with a 2007 or 2008 XL.

 

Thanks for the quick feedback!

Yes, I had read that about the reliability of the 4.2L V6.

How easy is that engine to work on? Do I have to be a contortionist to access the various components that are typically serviced (spark plugs, oil change, etc)?

 

Not a problem. Oil changes take 5 minutes. The filter and drain plug are easily accessible from underneath. I only have 27k miles so I have not done plugs. However, I've heard they're easy. Nothing complicated at all.

 

My 2007 reg cab, short box, 5 speed 4.2 is now at 82k miles, and absolutely nothing has broken or warn off on it yet. (knock on wood) The only thing that broke was an exhaust hangar from the custom bent dual exhaust i have, can't blame Ford for that one. My truck isn't stock either, i have quite a few bolt-ons.

I change my oil every 7500 miles, takes me 10 min, everything is easily accessible. I've changed my plugs once, which was fairly easy to do. A small engine in a large truck gives you a lot of room to play with. At 100k miles, I plan on changing ALL (and i mean ALL) the fluids in my truck. And with the amount of mileage i do, that should be within the next year. Heck, In Janurary 2010, I was at 52,000 miles.



2007 F-150 Reg Cab 4.2 5spd - MBRP SI/DO Split Side - AMSOIL 5w20 XL w/ WIX filter - 1 16" eBay fan w/ hayden controller - K&N Intake - P&P Throttle Body - 3.73 w/ Detroit Truetrac - Screamin Demon coil + Livewires.

 

The 4.2l V6 in the old and new body style trucks offers the easiest engine to work on. As said, stay away from the '97 and '98 model year trucks and you'll be golden.

These engines are notorious for lasting well beyond 250k+ miles -- if taken care of. Heck, my '99 f150 had 310k+ miles on it last I checked and that was about a year ago.

The 97-'04 are the easiest to work on, because there is slighly less electronics than the '05-'08 model years.

 

Man, 6 cylinders in 87-08 trucks are very reliable motors. They suck gas, but over all are very good motors. Power is lacking, but so is my 4.6. They are simple and easy to work one. Recently my fuel pump, IAC, and TPS went out but my 4.2 has 106k miles. I hope you find what your looking for.

If your concerned about gas look at cab style and motor. My Extended Cab 4.2 V6 got 16 MPG's, my 2004 4.6 SingleCab gets 21 MPG driving the same places in the same manner.

 

Exactly. The 97-98 models can be reliable if the gaskets are caught in time.

The 4.6 v8 can get some excellent mpgs... my 4.7 v8 in my Dakota reg cab can get 21-23 mpg all day long verus my 16-18 mpg v6. Why? Excellent power to weight ratio to get good fuel economy.

Longetivity... well, it depends on the care. Most any engine will last if it's taken care of.

 

Yeah 150 RWHp and 4463 LBS, vs 210 RWHP and 3900lbs. I love my 4.6 although the motor is more complicated.

 

Only thing other than the 97-98 H-lock issue I found was changing the plug on the pass. side closest to the firewall was a PITA. If you have a lift or socket extentions with elbows you should be fine. Otherwise easiest way to get at that plug is to take the pass front wheel off and come at it thru the wheel well.

If you are looking at a 97-98 look on the drivers side valve cover for a sticker with the build date on it. Anything after 01-15-98 and you should be fine.

 

I have an 03 F-150 thats a 6 cylinder with a manual transmission. I drive that thing all over god's creation and its been great. 150k miles and still no oil leaks or any other big problems. The only thing I can say against it is in my opinion the intake is its weak point. It has a plastic upper plenum so when the cold comes, it can go through some intake gaskets. They now have new isolator bolts for the plenum though that help prevent this. Anyway like I said, overall very good truck

 

Thank you all for the excellent replies! I will keep them in mind when I am checking on the F150s in my area.

While the '96 offers slim pickings in my area, there are plenty of used / "certified pre-owned" newer models ('05 - '08). I think I will focus on these.

(on a side note: my father, when he found out I was looking to get a work truck, asked me to keep him in the loop, as he may get one for himself. Spreading the 150 joy!)

Cheers!

 

yea as said before the 97-98 had issues and mine did but was rebuilt and not its running great and getting good mileage for a v6 in a truck with big tires.

i did however want a 4.9I when i was initially looking but the trans was grinding gears and the dealer wouldnt fix it.

what area are you?

 

My 03 has 135k on it now, and the only engine work has been plenum gaskets and isolator bolts. It goes through a quart of oil about every 6k.

 

Front passenger side, closest to the bumper, you can slide under your car and reach it. The other five are easy to get to through the wheel wells. Or a tall guy with long arms can reach all of them by leaning in over the fenders. My buddy came up with the idea of setting up a Little Giant ladder like a scaffold, laying a plank of wood over the top, then leaning in from the side.