Hi,

We are 700 miles away from home picking up a 2008 F150 FX4 super crew. We paid a down payment last week and flew a one way flight to pick it up. The dealer kept telling us this past week the truck was excellent and would get us home. Well we got here yesterday and took it for a test drive. It drove great before the engine got warm. Once the engine got warm, it started to shake at 1000 rpm We have not completely bought it yet thank goodness. We took it to a mechanic and they said it is about a $2000 fix. The problem is that I have work tomorrow morning and the mechanic won't have it done until Wednesday.
My big question to you all, is it possible to drive this truck back home 700 miles with the condition it is in if the dealer compensates us for the repair costs back at home? Remember, once you get above 2000 rpm, it drives like a beauty. Also we extensively looked at it and there are no other problems. Your immediate reply is greatly appreciated.

Thank you and I still hope to be a F150 owner!

 

What codes were found to confirm that it was the cam phasers?

 

if u havent bought it yet....go rent a car and move on....lots of other f-150's out there for sale....

 

That's crazy! What's the vehicle report say ? It's an 08, there may be more problems than just that. The phasers may have already been replaced under warranty. I wouldn't touch it, specially since they won't give you the $2000 off the price up front. Do they have any other 150's on that lot, that you like ?

Yea, who knows what's going to happen on the trip back. (?)

 

I cannot remember the specific codes but they were cyllinder misfire. Also analyzer showed spark was retarded therefore causing engine to have a upper end knock and shake. Sounded like a diesel engine. Any suggestions?
Thanks!

 

Vehicle report was great! Only one owner, no accidents, no major problems reported. The mechanic thinks they are the same Phasers factory installed. Take in mind that the book is 27000 and we agreed on 16500 before these problems. Dealer claims they had no idea of these problems. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

Not at this price. The truck interior is in excellent condition, no rust, body is straight, no leaks. We agreed on 16500 before these problems and the book is 27000. We thought about renting a car back but it is $200 because it is a oneway.

 

If we keep it in third gear and not in overdrive to keep the rpms up and away from the 1000 to 1500 range where the problem seems to be, could this be an option or will this problem continue to get worse affecting 1500+ rpm range. We know we can walk away from this deal but the silver lining is that a frequent problem with the 5.4 engine would be taken care of. Buying another f150 with a 5.4 could wind up having the same problem without dealer participation in the repair. At least we know what we have with this one.

 

walk away

 

That's an easy choice, walk the heck away

 

Walk away unless you are prepared to replace the engine at your expense. You probably won't have to, but you have to plan for worst case.

 

First of all, a $200 rental is better than thousands of engine repairs. Second, there might be a reason why you're getting such a great deal. Dealers don't stay in business long by selling $27k cars for $16k.

I'd pay the $200 and drive home to look for another. Consider yourself lucky you didn't get screwed.

 

So what was the final decision Soggyaugie?

 

Run away, do not walk, and remember to collect your $200 when you pass go.......Sounds like it may have jumped time, possibly.....

 

Aggreed do not purchase it!!
...my Son-in-Law fell in love with a truck and I thought it had way to much rust on the frame & suspension ...car reports all came back good...he bought it anyway....about a year later he traded it off because the frame and fuel and brake lines were rusting through....& here's the kicker... when he traded, suddenly the car reports list a accident from before he bought it.

follow your gut....that 1st instinct that something isn't right...probably is going to save you from more than you realize.