Hello! Ive been looking at a truck for sale online recently and was looking for a little help before deciding if its the right one for me. Im wanting a reliable truck to start college in that hopefully won't be dying anytime soon. The truck im interested in is a 1999 ford f150 XLT with 203445 miles on it. From the description, its been kept pretty well and has no major problems. How many more miles would you think the engine can take before starting to have large problems?

Thank you!
Allison

 

You didn't identify the engine, but all engines offered in 1999 are excellent engines, the 4.2L V6, the 4.6L and 5.4L V8s. 203k miles are a lot and there is no telling how long it will last. Some have lasted many more miles but some haven't. If it has been driven easy and has been serviced properly it could last a lot longer.
Google million mile van for an extreme case of longevity.

 

Whoops! Online the description given for the engine was " 4L NA V6 overhead valves (OHV) 12V". Im trying to learn all about Ford trucks and am starting to understand the mechanics, but this description confused me a little. Im guessing its the 4.2L V6.
Thank you though for the reply!
Allison

 

Very good year for the 4.2l. Has the gasket issue fixed and metal intake (at least my '99 did).

I remember the last time I looked my old '99, it had something like 428k+ on it.

 

Thank you! If I were to purchased it, I wouldn't be putting tons of stress on it, just driving dirt roads and through town when needed. Seems like this engine can take a lot more before becoming fussy.

Again thank you for helping me!
-Allison

 

There are lots of things that could need repair with those miles, such as ball joints, tie rod ends, idler arm, pitman arm, u-joints, wheel bearings, etc. If you get serious about buying it, I suggest you get a good mechanic to inspect it thoroughly so that you will know more about what you are buying.

 

Roadie is correct. I wouldn't be concerned with the engine as much as the suspension parts.