Hey all,
It's been a while since I have logged in here. About three weeks ago I had a small tree jump out in front me on my way home from work. It was snowing pretty good and traction was bad. Anyway, my 1999 F-150 XL doesn't have a bumper, grill, valance, etc anymore. I was going to fix it as the motor still runs great but the rust I uncovered has me thinking it is time to retire it. I test drove this F-150 4x4 tonight but thought I would ask the experts here what they thought first. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated. I really don't want to spend more than 15k with the economy the way it is. I would love a newer truck and 4x4 but I could still fix up the XL if I get cold feet.

Thanks!

 

If I was you I would talk them down on the truck considering the economy and auto sales you should be able to get that truck for at least 14,000 out the door. Last year they were giving them away 8,000 off sticker for new trucks. Check KBB it should be around 9,000 trade in and like 12,000 private party. I would try to get as close to private party as possible. Also are you looking to trade in or sell out right?

 

I have a 2004 SCrew with a 4.6 in the same blue but with a tan bottom. While this truck looks pretty decent, I think the guy is way high. You could have bought the truck new for about $21,000 and that includes the 4x4. It's a basic XLT truck. I paid just over $20,000 for mine with 17 miles on it back in 2004. You might want to put it thru Kelly Blue book and get the "Good" value on it. I can assure you that what they gave in trade-in or less is "Good" value. I didn't notice the engine but the 5.4s have issues with the spark plugs. Considering the mileage, I doubt that they have been changed and it could get expensive. The only complaints I have about mine are the lousy radio, the rear seats that are always in the way, the fabric on the seats will stain with water, and the freakin bed is so high you can forget ever getting anything out over the side and I'm 6'4". The tires on the truck you are looking at are El Cheapo Generals and you won't like them.

 

Thanks for the replys. I haven't tried dealing for it yet. I did notice on the autotrader sight that it was first listed when it was still warm outside. And the price was over a thousand less. If I can get him down more then great. If not I will look elsewhere. My search is just beginning. The problem I have is the wife is getting made at me using the minivan for work. Lots-o-pressure here.

 

BTW, it is a 5.4L engine.

 

If I were looking at getting a used truck right now I'd look for and 03 rather then deal with the issue the 5.4 3v engines have. unless I could live with the 4.6 engine. as others said you can get a new 08 for 24k maybe less.

 

I just found this '02 Lariat when I expanded my search area at Autotrader.com. I also found a couple '05 XLTs for the same money as the '04 I looked at.

 

That 04 is overpriced by about 5 grand for the market we are in.

 

I am not going to trade in because my truck right now is pretty much worthless. I might see what a junk yard will give me or donate it for a tax write-off next year.

 

The spark plug problems the 04's have would make me go older or much newer. I have read to many horror stories about the broken plug problem during plug changes.

I just checked NADA.com, they clean retail that 04 truck (guessed 75,000 miles) @ $11,500 and I did put in 4x4

 

only get that 04 f150 4x4...if the spark plugs have been changed already..i just changed mine and now im using oil..(i had them changed by a ford dealer...)the spark plugs fall all to pieces,and some of them got in my rings i guess..you wont smoke...miss...nothing...my truck has never ran better in its life..it will pull a house..but uses some oil now..
the FMC says all of us who are gripping about this are all just upset because we dont have an extended warr. duhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
they even ask me why i didnt bring it back before 36,000 miles was up...well duhhhhh it doesnt need spark plugs at that time.the ford house that i bought mine from says...we have been trying to tell FMC this for 2 yrs now that the spark plugs are faulty in the 04s..but they refuse to admit there problem.im going today to talk to a lawyer...i have copied statements from MANY on this web site who are having the same problem.FMC says this web site isnt a REAL FORD website...its real enough!keep your fingers crossed that i can get my engine fixed..i dont want them to make me rich...just fix the engine thats messed up because the SPs were faulty.
rem....dont buy a 04 f150 4x4 5.04...unless you have had the SPs changed..already!this has been a nightmare!

 

Sorry to hear about your dilemma Brittany, but this site has alot of DIYERS on it, along with some Ford Techs. This site is intended only to help out one another get through their problems and fixes. As far as the 04 F150 purchase this guy is looking at, doesn't matter if the plugs were done because he will never know if any broke during the plug change, and if he does buy it, he needs to know the possible issue's he could run into during a plug change. Seriously, If I was goiing to buy an 04, I would drive out of state to where Bluejay lives and have his Dealer Tech. do the change. Good excuse for a Vacation anyways. I have been to alot of States Bluejay but only passed through Texas at the airports. That would be a nice vacation
Brittany, good luck with your quest of having Ford take care of your problem.
Any chance that the Dealer made a note or memo on your invoice that plugs were broken during plug change. If not, your word against theirs.
Believe me, I would be twisted mad myself, but you have to prove it.

Good Luck,
TJKinCNY

 

Thanks for the input everyone. I will certainly take into consideration the spark plug issue when making my purchase decision. Are the 2004's the only year with this problem. I also remember reading about spark plugs shooting out of the engine blocks. I hope Ford got rid of the person that specs the spark plugs for their truck engines. My 4.2 liter V-6 has been rock solid for 10 years and 150k miles. I had a Ford Windstar that had over 200k miles on it so I know Ford can make good engines. I will try to stay away from the 04's if I can. A am going to try and find the TSB for the plug change just in case.

 

If you're going to get a newer body style truck, you might as well get an 06-08. The 04's and 05's had a defective fuel injector issue as well as the plugs. You can always check out the 4.6's though. Zero plug issues what so ever, no injector problems, and no cam phaser problems.

 

Thanks for the info!