Hi,
I've just recently started looking for a used truck because I just purchased my first home and those of you who own a house know that an Accord just won't cut it for yard work, house remodeling, dump runs, etc. I started my search thinking about a compact pickup, i.e. Toyota, Nissan or Mazda...I've since reconsidered because I'm 6'4" and I just haven't really felt any of them. Toyota's are rediculously overpriced, couldn't see myself in a Nissan and as for the Mazda, I don't want to drive a Ranger because I test drove one and it seemed to lack in build quality.

So I took my search to either a Dodge Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, or an F-150. The Chevrolet's are out because of the price just more than I want to spend unless I get a junker, I test drove a Dodge and it was nice but something about it just wasn't there for me.

Sorry for the long post guys, but I'm finally on to my question, I've narrowed my search to either the 4.9L, 4.2L, or 4.6L. Trim's don't really concern me because I'm still only 22 and if it doesn't have an auto or power window's it's not a big deal, and it's actually better because they're less expensive without that stuff anyways.

What I would like some help with is how do F-150's do with over 80-100k, because I think that's what will be in my price range. Are there any common problems, things that fall apart, exploding gas tanks, bad trannies, or things like that I should consider?

Again I'm sorry for the super long post but any info you guys can give me would be awesome and help me out a whole lot.
Thanks,
R.J.

 

In my opinion, I would look for a later model F-150 with a 4.9, straight six. They're bullet-proof, and have lots of torque and very few problems.

 

mine is a '97 4.6L and i'm about to push over 175,000 miles. bought the truck with 91,000 on it and put 80,000 miles in a year and a half. i have replaced the alternator, plugs, wires, brakes, battery, and tires. these are all things that can be expected to replace at such high mileage. i'm currently experiencing a problem with acceleration, but i think that relates to a fouled plug or wire. and will find out first thing in the morning. i think i use a little oil, as it seems to be low everytime i have the oil changed (which i do frequently), but no leaks. other than that i have had no complaints with my F150 and would definately buy another one. aside from the current problems it just purrs and does everything i ask of it - even at 175,000 miles!!!

 

Definitely go with the 4.9. Mine is a '91, 4.9 I6, 236,000 miles, no smoke/knocking. Lots of little things replaced, but that's to be expected with 200,000 of those miles were put on towing a 16' trailer.

 

Well I have a contractor I know that has a 1998 150...standred and the 4.2L motor..He hauls a tool/job stock trailer...Has great gas mileage and very few problems...Changes oil every 4000K...He is buying a new truck this year,a ford but He is keeping this truck as its been so good to him...Oh Its reg cab with the 8'-0" box...

My friend just bought a 1996 150 XLT with 20,000k and new tires...5.0L and had a topper and box liner...Reg cab and 8' box ...A fisherman used it...Was in very good shape...Cost 4700.00 Canadian funds...Good luck but remember if you are used to a Honda Accord you will want some features close to what that rig had...

 

Thanks for your replies guys, seems like a good site and your replies help out, A LOT. Believe it or not I test drove a '95 F-150 with the 4.9L, only F-150 I've driven so far, it was 4x4 with graphite blue paint and a topper with the extra tank, I really liked it, but the dealer would only go down to $4,377, a little more than I wanted to pay with something with that many miles. I'm still not where I wanna be as far as having my car ready to sell and paying that off, because It was the first car I ever baught and the dealer tore me a new one as far as price goes. Hopefully within a couple months that'll all be settled though.

Does anyone know how capable the 2x4 F-150's are off road, I'm down to either getting the 4.9L or 4.2L thanks to your guys advice, but still not sure as to whether I'll need a 4x4, the only times I would ever use 4 wheel drive is when I go camping, dirtbiking, or snowboarding and I'm not sure I'd even have to use it then, but, if you guys could let me know your experience with the 2 wheel and 4 wheel models I would really appreciate it. Thanks again for your responses and patience with a noob,
R.J.

 

Four wheel drive is always good to have if you can afford that option. You can always drive in 2 wheel drive w/ a four-by, but you can't drive in 4 wheel drive with a 2-by. Also, I see you're from Oregon. You'll probably use the 4X for winter driving.

If you do get the 4X4 and rarely use it, make sure you put it in 4WD at least once a month for a few miles to keep the system from sticking. Never had it happen to me (in any of my fords), but I've read about those kinds of experiences here. Good luck.

 

Thanks for the input, I'm really looking into this '95 F-150 with four wheel drive and a 4.9L, but it has 120k and they want $4,300 for it. We'll see if I pick it up or not but it sure seems like a nice pickup.

 

120K on a 4.9? Man, that's not even broken in yet! But seriously, I know, you do have to think about other things going. I have the exact same year, short bed, regular cab, and bought it for the same price two years ago. I would try to talk the seller down a little--mine didn't have that many miles on it. Look around for the same year and model, and if you can find a better price, lay it on the seller. "I found another one for $4,050. I'd really like to buy yours though, if you could come down a little..." It's a buyers market, so look around some more if it's not in your price range. $4,400 really isn't bad, though. A thousand of it is for the 4 wheel drive. For whatever reason, that option never seems to depreciate! If you do get it, change ALL the fluids--oil, water, tranny, brake fluid, xfer case, rear end. These aren't cars. There are morons who put their boats in the water every weekend and don't change their rear end fluid. Or haul too much weight and don't change tranny fluid regularly.
As far as things going, the entire engine, with the exception of those goddamn fan clutches, is cake to work on. The 95 engine compartment is a bit cramped, but there isn't much to them. Okay, enough babbling. Good luck.

 

Hi. I highly recommend the 4.2L - if you can find one. You are on a budget and the gas savingings will be worth it. I have a 1999 4.2L 117k miles. Like you were told before, it's just getting broken in. And I towed a full trailer and had a full box (mine is 6') 3k miles in 4 days and did not have a single problem - but it lacked power on steep inclines. Still the regular hauling I do around town doesn't slow my truck down. For your height, I also recommend the Supercab. My dad has a single cab and is 6'5". He now wishes he had the super - more room all around. He said his third F150 will be Supercab, but that's another 10 years away!

I became a F150 owner because my dad raised me right. He sold his first F150 with 275k miles - and it was still humming. He's on his second F150 (about 28 years total as an F150 owner) and it just past 200k.

Good luck!