Hello,
I am looking at buying a 1997 Ford F150 with 105,000 miles. However I am concerned about all the engine problems I have read on this message board. The dealer is offering a warranty for $695, that covers engine, transmission and transfer case.
My question is for anyone that would be willing to respond, should I buy the truck with the warranty, or should I just keep looking and avoid the hassle of possibly replacing the engine.
I take on it is, only $695 for possibly a new engine would be a great deal.
Thanks,
Mike

 

Hi, Mike!!! Are you a gambling man???

With what I know now, I wouldn't buy a 4.2L and I most certainly wouldn't drive more than 100 miles from home in my '97 4.2L unless I knew that all of the coolant was staying inside the cooling system and out of the engine.

My reason for not wanting another 4.2L is simply that it doesn't have all of the up front power that the V8's get right from the factory. It's a good engine after '97. It just doesn't feel as strong as a V8 does.

If I needed a truck, and this was the only one available, then go for it. I wouldn't pay too much for it though. Not only do you have to worry about the engine, but you're at the milage when many of the suspension and steering parts are wearing out and need to be replaced. Check the maintenance records.

Even with the warranty, which you had better read thoroughly and understand, read this before you decide: 4.2V6 bent connecting rod.

 

Mike H -

I would agree with AjRagno about not picking up a 97 year model truck, especially with the V6. In fact as a general rule it's not a good idea to ever buy a first year model vehicle because there are usually still some kinks - minor or major - that the manufacturer will discover and repair in the year model or two after it's debut. (Ford especially as of late hasn't had good luck with it's first model vehicles, except for the Expedition which they were extra careful about... I think ford is tired of first-year blunders)

The V6 after 97 - namely 99+ seems to be a very reliable engine. I think a 97-98 v8 f-150 isn't a bad buy, although these engines won't have the power improved heads.

Like AjRagno said, look into the maintenance records and see if the timing cover recall has been performed. If it's a 5-speed be sure the transmission shifts well (namely 2-3 upshift) and without grinding when warm (another common problem). If after all of that you still feel good about the truck, and the price is reasonable, buy it AND the warranty.

P.S. Check for door cracks! If it has em, negotiate a fix or a reduction in the price of the vehicle.

 

All the heads from all years are the same, and they are the same heads as the 3.8 mustang and 3.8 windstar. there are no power improved heads on the 4.2L V6's. Only on the 5.4 V8 from 99+ and the 4.6 V8's from 2001+!!!!!!

 

Huh? Okay...now it makes since talley.

 

Thanks for the replies. Since I am not a gambling man I won't be buying the truck. The dealer was selling it for $6995 which is a great price but not worth the headaches that come with it.
Thanks again,
Mike

 

Talley what I meant was 97-98 *V8* f-150's won't have power improved heads

hades281

 

So my 97' F-150 with 82,200 miles on it I just bought when it was at 80,700 miles is going to quit on me (insert sarcasm). I have been having good luck with it and so did the owner before me. I will admit it doesn’t have the power I would like but what are the little rice rockets going to do honking their horns while I’m starting off slow from lights. My theory is I have more metal than they do plastic so ram on we'll see who wins.

 

I bought an 98 XL LWBw/ 100k back in Nov 01. It was a moving company's work truck. I had it detailed, put on brand new 2001 Expo wheels and tires ($575) and it looks great..oh I paid $5700. I have 108k now and am having no problems at all..nothing!

 

First of all if it has over 100K on it, if it was going to have a gasket failure, it would have by now. Secondly if Ford is going to offer an engine warranty for $695, you are right that is dirt cheap for a new engine if the time comes. Third. Yes the V-6s had some problems in 97 and 98. I own one and have helped so far 6 others in getting new engines put in thiers. I have torn them down. I know all about every nut and bolt involved in them.

The percentage of failure is not high, but it is signifigant enough for Ford to treat the customer better of the ones that are failing. Which they will but it is hell to go through to get them to. But we are talking a small percentage overall in the scheme of things.

If you like the truck, don't let the engine bother you. Get the warranty. It is money well spent, particularly since you like the price of the truck. Ford is willing to gamble on it for that cheap a price.

It is fine to do research and be informed about the failures. I can tell you that the V-8s have head gasket leak issues. Is it bad, no, but it is if you are one the ones that owns the minority. Does that mean you won't buy a V-8 equipped truck?

Don't get me wrong I'm not defending Ford at all. I think is stinks what they are doing to sweep this under the rug. But I still own one and still like it better than most of what else is out there.


You'll like the mileage over the V-8s. But it won't ever be a speed demon....unless of course you are owned by Jon Talley....

 

i have a 97 and it,s just got 78000 on it and i worry about putting to many miles on it. havent had any problems besides bad plugs and wires plus that frecking door crack

 

TexfordD,

Just keep an eye on your coolant level and make sure there's no mysterious loss. If you're not loosing coolant, it should be fine.

 

I say save the money for the warenty to do some mods as the engine has anther good 150k miles left in it before a rebuild is needed.

 

flush and fill yearly with lube added,no problems there,thanks though