i'm looking into buying a 97+ f150 and i'm looking at a 97 right now, and i was just wondering if the 97 had any problems being that it was the first year for the new body and such. the truck has 125k also.

 

SEARCH "hydrolock"

Steve

 

WTF? I have a 1997, haven't had any problems and have never heard of such a problem

 

We all hear about "hydrolock", and "losing (launching) spark plugs", and cracks in doors, but I have a '97 F150 with 202K miles on a 4.6 auto, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another 1997 up F150 if it were priced appropriately.

I WISH I had bought a Supercab rather than a reg cab, but other than that, even if I did buy a newer truck I would likely keep this one as it has been such a GREAT truck! By far the best truck I have ever owned...

Before you decide to buy a V6 4.2 I suggest you at least drive a 4.6 and maybe even a 5.4 so you know what you are getting, and that you don't regret getting the V6 later.

I like driving my 4.6 even better than the 1997 5.4 I had, something about the driveability and power curve or something. My 4.6 has plenty of power and torque for what I need it to do - BUT that '04 and newer 5.4 is pretty impressive.

Also, please make sure to get a qualified mechanic (maybe one who KNOWS F150's and what potential problems are with them) to look it over for signs of problems like it having launched a plug in the past (and if it was repaired properly). You also don't want one that got drowned in the Southern Hurricanes from years past. It would be WELL WORTH what it costs to have it checked if you are serious about the truck.

You might also want to run it through Carfax, and at some point check to see how current it is with factory recalls and TSB's.

125K on a 1997 is relatiively low mileage considering the age of the truck.

Once you have a price range in mind, if it is a fair price, there will be PLENTY of trucks to choose from. so you should easily be able to find what you want and need. Also remember that prices for each year model might drop soon as the 07's come out in a couple months or so, and may be aided by the low prices that Ford is selling '06's for right now.

Good luck - please keep us posted about what you do buy!

 

My '97 SCab with 4.6L is still going strong. Never had any major mechanical problems. In the first 30K miles, I blew several OEM plugs in half, but haven't had that problem after changing out the plugs with $2 Bosch's. Had to replace the DPFE sensor at 60K miles.

You'll get better gas mileage and power with the 4.6L than the 4.2L. The old 5.4L is a decent engine I wish my Scab was equiped with.