I need some help on deciding to buy a new F150. Decided to post this hear 'cause this board is highly read.

I dont own a truck now, and never have. I REALLY like the F150, looking to get a XLT supercab with 4x4 5.4L shortbox and the usual trimmings. I love the looks and the comfort and the performance. So does my wife.

I own two jeeps, a cherokee (my rig) and a grand cherokee (my wifes ride). We really like the jeeps, but they are really too small for me. I am 6'2" and 260lbs. I like the comfort and visibility in the truck. I dont really need a truck, per se, I dont tow or haul anything but my wife and dog and camping gear. If I was back in Idaho Falls I'd take up snowmobiling, but...

I like to drive out in remote places using the 4x4. Not wild and crazy but just to explore. And we like to take long trips to go to neat places.

So, here is the problem: We may be moving to a big city that you all have heard of (it's "By the Bay") for a job change. I would be working downtown and parking in a typical parking garage. I would be going out onto job sites like construction sites and such some of the time. I am REALLY concerned about manuvering a big truck around in that kind of environment. Esp parking. I have driven the F150 sc/shortbox some around town here, and it isnt that bad. But, in a tight parking area, I can see where it would be a problem.

I have an option to get an explorer, at a real good price. I like the explorer and nearly bought one earlier this year, but I REALLY like the truck. The expedition is too big, too heavy, too expensive and too costly to operate for me.

I want your input esp those that live in big cities about how your rig handles in a big city environment. How do you cope with parking gargaes, shopping malls and other tight places?? Would I be better off with the explorer, independent of cost??

--karl

 

If you check my sig, you'll see that I currently have one of each. Prior to the Explorer, I had a 97 F-150 x-cab, 4x4 ORP... basically the same truck I have now sans the leather. Having driven both for at least 2 years each, I got a pretty good feel for what I like and don't like about both. Here's my 2 cents...

The F-150 was big and bad, rough and tough... people used to move out of the way when barreling down on them on the freeway at night a 90+. It had the attitude (and so did I back then). I don't do any major towing either, and being single and living in a condo, I think I hauled even less than you would. But it was great having a commanding view of the road. Now, it wasn't all peaches and cream... like you said, there were issues... I always wanted to duck in a parking garage (it'll clear 7 foot with room to spare, so don't worry about it unless you have some very small garages there...) and yes, there were times where I just didn't want to maneuver into a tight spot with it, so I walked a little further. Parallel parking was a breeze... just curb the front wheel pulling into the spot nose-first, and as soon as the wheel drops back into the street, you're there. While I had it, I very seldom wished i had gotten a smaller vehicle.

Now, when I got the Explorer, I immediately noticed a difference... First of all, it liked to run... It was like driving a sports-car compared to the dog of a truck I had. The 4.0 SOHC is a great engine now that they've got the kinks worked out of it. Unfortunately, right after I got the Explorer, I also bought a boat... the boat tips the scales at 4600 lbs... almost 600 lbs over the towing cap for that model, that year. Of course, then I found myself wishing I had gotten a truck. I only pull the boat maybe a dozen times a year, but every time I found myself wishing I had a truck. I couldn't haul anything bigger than the tailgate, nothing very long either... Granted Parking was never an issue, and it turns on a dime, but still there were many a time on the freeway when I found myself screaming at the mega-ute in front of me, feeling like a pesky fly on his bumper. I'll miss the sportiness of the Explorer, but I think I missed the utility of the truck more. (Don't plan on bringing home that new big-screen in the back of your Explorer!)

Well, there you have it... my .02 on the matter. The ultimate decision comes down to a couple of things... dollars and cents being one, and personal wishes the other... never an easy decision when the two are at odds. I think in the end, for me anyhow, it's, "get the friggin' truck!" (Besides, you never wanted to play with your "sport ute" in the sandbox, right?) :-)

Incidentally, if you're looking for more info on Explorers... go here: www.4x4central.com
It's an explorer board similar to this one, with many members (like myself) caught perusing both of these boards daily.

Good luck, and keep us posted. (I hope I didn't muddy the waters too much...)
-Joe-


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98 Explorer (Lemon Law Case in Progress)

'00 F-150, X-cab, 4x4, Lariat, Off-road, Trailer Tow, Holandia Sunroof, built 11/99 picked up 10/00!
List of planned mods: Clear corners and tails, CB wiring, Stainless brush guard, at least 1 set of KCs (probably more!), custom radar detector mount, color matched trailer hitch with stainless steel ball, torsion bar tweak, bug deflector, spray in liner, and a tonneau of some sort...

 

I live in San Juan, Puerto Rico with a population of a million in a very small area. Very easy to move around with small cars, but I rather have my truck.

Basically we have a routine in which I know all the underground parkings with enough altitude. If there is not space I am willing to park farther away and walk.

When we bought it we were expecting a baby and now he is 21 month old and he's been well protected in that truck.

My wife drove for many years a Toyota Corolla and when she took the truck for a test drive, it was a breeze for her. That's how comfortable to drive it is, and if you feel is not fast (it is) there's a lot of aftermarket mods out there to make a rocket out of the rig.

I personally love the engine and the shape of that baby. I feel very "comfy" with the interiors. For me is like a luxury car (with a sport and more agressive look)in the inside with 4x4, great ground clearance, power, altitude, looks.... Sometimes it's a matter of attitude and there's a lot of choices out there.

Generally speaking I feel my family is well protected and safety is number one. Good luck in your gathering.

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My Ride: 1998 F150 4x4 Lariat Supercab Flareside 5.4L in Oxford White/gold, ORP, Tow Package, 3.55 Gears.

Modifications: K&N FIPK, Stepshield door sill protectors, Performance Accesories 3" body lift, Lift Lips, Gabriel Gas Ryder LT VST Shocks and Daystar front anti-sway bar polyurethane bushings.

Photos at: http://www.communicomgroup.com/jmtruck

 

Karl,

I too never owned a truck before this one. Although I do not access big city traffic much at all I do from time to time. I don't have a problem with the size at all although there was a transition period of course. You learn where you can go and park and where you can't. They aren't that big. Others do this type of driving all the time and get used to it. They will fit into any normal parking garage too.

I didn't really need a truck either but it has suited my needs perfectly with the family grown. I just liked how they looked, the visibility, and versatility. I don't tow anything or help to "move" people anymore either.

Why don't you wait until you move to see what your environment will be? One item I have learned from experience over the years: there is nothing worse than spending all that money or leasing a vehicle that you really didn't want or are not happy with. It only brings one heartaches and causes you to second guess yourself for the life of the vehicle. Get what you want and be happy with it and make the according adjustments. I did and never looked back or second guessed myself on my F150!

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Dunbarton "The Middle Aged Kid" '99 XLT SC SB 4x2 4.6 auto 3.55 ls The occasional Z-71 Eater! Wedgewood & Denim, SuperChipped, Airaid FIPK, HD electrical and cooling, power seat, Rhino Liner, Extang Classic tonneau cover, Mobil 1. Man, I got it all! (New Jersey)

 

I had my truck for a year now its a reg cab before this truck I had 3 mustangs in a row and was going to get a 4th one but decided on this truck instead and at first it was hard doing parking since this truck is biger than mustangs are but now it no problem and a SC with small box isn't much longer than the reg cab small box so you should have no problems parking it.

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2000 F150 XLT Reg. cab
4.6 Triton Engine
4x2 3.55 rear end gear
sliding rear window
automatic keyless entry
white styleside short box

 

If you pick up an F-150, invest in a pair of ss step bars from Smittybilt. It makes it almost impossible for some moron to put a dent in the side of your truck. I've parked my F-150 (off-road package) in a parking garage that claimed to have 6'-2" headroom... very spooky I tell you but it fit. If you're going to park in those kinds of places you might want to consider a retractable antenna (my antenna hits just about everything possible). As for comfort and room, my Ranger (same interior as the Explorer) is way smaller. I can't imagine squeezing into that cab wearing any kind of jacket. It gets fairly cold in SF so you'll probably be wearing a jacket most of the time.

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'00 5.4L 4X4 Lariat (Black/Silver)
'99 Ranger 4.0L 4X4 XLT



[This message has been edited by gah (edited 11-13-2000).]

 

Well,I've driven my scF150 across the country almost twice now,and I wouldn't want to drive anything else. It's a little tight in parking garages but I just usually
back in. Makes getting out easier,anyway.
I bought a backup sensor for parallel parking,and the aforementioned backing.
I'ts been the best thing I've bought for this truck since I've owned it!
I can't really say I drove other vehicles before buying it, though. We needed a truck,and it had to be a supercab,and a Ford was the only one that would do.
My fiance and I both came from Ford families,so that took care of the descision
making part of the deal. I do not regret getting this truck at all!! I was working at
a Pennsylvania dealer when the 97's began ariving,never knowing that two years later I'd be driving one. It still feels like I stole it sometimes,esp. when it's all detailed out and turning heads up and down the road.. LOVE this Truck!!!,,,,,98

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98 F-150 4.6 Litre XLT2wd Ext. cab
prarie tan/tan int.
K/N gen.II fipk
custom dual exh/gibson rectangle tips/rear exiting.
color matched snuglid
Superchip!!!
Westin nerfs blk .powdercoat
Clear front corners
Clear Euro tails(Altezza style)
Cobra 75WXST cb w/weather alert
Kenwood cd w/Radio Shack speakers,don't laugh it sounds pretty good
Viper 500HF Security system
On the way/wheels,tires,air dam, etc..etc.......
doin the monochromatic boogie
on the front end.Billet grilles on order www.my-f150.com .still want to lift it,YES!
Fender Guitars,ROCK!!!
http://www.bigsandy.net
officialtomwaits.com
reverendhortonheat.com




[This message has been edited by 98SCREAMER (edited 11-12-2000).]

 

Always been a truck man. Owned two cars for my personal use in my lifetime (not including the cars I have bought for my wife) The first one was my first car at 16, the other was because I was dirt poor and commuting to college (beater celica).

I have never had a problem parking in the garages or in tight spaces with my F150. If something is in the way.....just drive over it! ha ha!

I do too much hunting to ever own a suv. Can you imaging carrying around a deer carcass in the back of an suv? I seen a few people with suv's and vans that had the gadgets that attach to the tow hitch that they strapped their deer to, but I could never bring myself to do that. Kinda petty and small thinking but I just couldn't do it.

Get the truck. Any tight turning or space limitations can be "compensated" for. ha ha! If you have an suv, you can't compensate for the utility a truck would bring if you really needed one. With both costing about the same money, it would be an easy decision for me.

Of course, this is just my preference. My wife would argue for the suv! However, it never has gotten her anywhere! ha ha!

 

Wow...to all, thank you very much for your informative posts!

The two rigs (sticker) about the same, but the explorer is a '99 demo with 5200 miles on it and I think I can get it at wholesale. But, I dont think I would be totally happy with it. It isnt that much more of an upgrade size or comfort or performance-wise over what I have now. I'd keep eyeing the F150's going by and going, "gee, I wished...." And the 4.0 sohc gets about the same gas mileage as the 5.4L, believe it or not!!!

To GIJoecam, I see you are from Detroit!!! I grew up on the west side. All of my family is ford legacy..I worked there, my brother is a head wrench at a ford contract prototype shop! He sees all the new rides before even the magazines spy cams! My mom and dad met while working at the Dearborn Engine Plant!! In fact, my current generation is the first in the 20th century that isnt now working directly for Ford!!!

JMTruck, your rig sounds beautiful--white with gold accent!!! I saw one just like that with the ORP--wow, it was Really Sharp!! Too bad the wife hates white...8-(
Too bad no one around here has one, I'd like to show it to her, its Really Sharp! Can you post a picture of your rig???

gah, I will check out the ss bars, does smitty built have a web site? Finding truck access here--a big farming area-is tough. "If we dont have it you dont need it". Ok...

the wife and I went for a test drive in the explorer and an F150 last nite. yes, the explorer is nice, a good buy...but the truck! OOOHHHHHHH...she liked it, she grew up on a farm in oklahoma, and loved the pep from the 5.4! I have a light foot, but hers..8-0

She's short so I am looking for one with the power adj pedals. Tough to find in an XLT with the right color and package.

98sCreamer, that backup sensor sounds like a great idea, I will check them out! Is it a ford accessory??? Did you get your rig back???

Your comments given me the confidence about running around a big town in a truck. Yes I will get used to it--I went from a honda to my jeep, and that was an adjustment. I would be and am much more comfortable esp with the two of us (and the dog) on a long trip in the truck. Plus being able to pull/haul is advantageous, as is the good resale. Cant say that about the explorer.

Thanks much--any more comments appreciated!

--karl

 

Karl,
Here's the URL for Smittybilt. http://www.smittybiltinc.com/
I drive around with my dog (100lb Rottweiler) behind the front seats all the time. She has plenty of room to turn around etc. When you raise the rear bench seat up there's an almost completely flat floor there...unlike that imitation of a fullsize truck from Toyota. That was important to me because of my dog.

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'00 5.4L 4X4 Lariat (Black/Silver)
'99 Ranger 4.0L 4X4 XLT

 

karl,
Go for the F-150. I just bought mine 2 months ago (See signature). A friend of mine has a 97 4.6 Lariat. His wife just got a new EB Explorer V8. His truck gets better gas mileage than the Explorer. The Explorers are very nice trucks though. I all depends on what you are looking to do with the vehicle. I am getting a boat, so I wanted the power, and hauling capabilities of the F-series. I was in the same spot you were, until I started pricing the Explorers. My truck was cheaper than an...equivilant...Explorer...If there is such a thing... Visit my web site to see my truck and one more thing...there are many more mods for F-series truck, than Explorers...also, make sure you don't get Firestones HAHAHA Good luck.

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2000 Ford F-150 Extended Cab Flare Side 4x4 Lariat
5.4L;auto;3.55LS;Black/Silver;Off-Road;remote keyless entry;floor shift 4wd;Class III

Installed accessories so far:

• Lund X-Terminator bug shield
• Vent Shade Vent Visors
• GTS headlight blackouts
• Westin Black nerf bars
• Pendaliner bedliner

Pending

• Genuine Steel Products (Longtek Engineering) black Grille/Brush Guard
• Crank torsion bars to level truck
• Trail Blazer II Slotted taillight covers
• Clear corner lenses

Wish list:

• Roll bar
• Lots of lights
• Flowmaster 40 or 50 Series single to dual exhaust
• Aluminum dash kit
• White gauges
• Optima red top battery
• Hidden winch
• Custom backup lights
• Kenwood TV/CD/AM/FM/DVD system
• Viper alarm w/ remote start
• Rancho RS9000s
• PIAA front air dam
• Super charger
• Lightning emblems (after super charger)
• Custom tonneu cover to fit around roll bar
• Custom backup lights
• A 18' - 25' boat to tag along behind

Please visit My Web Site (Just Updated)
or e-mail me lariat4wd@yahoo.com

 

I purchased an Explorer in December 1994 (a 1994 model). I was very happy with it and decided to buy another one in 1999. I test drove a Limited with the 5.0 V-8, and felt somewhat of a vibration at Interstate speeds. The same vibration I felt with my 1994 Explorer. I thought this would have been corrected with the absence of the Twin I-Beam suspension on the 1999. Of course the Limited was somewhat expensive and I decided to try a F-150 Supercab. I made my decision as soon as I sat down in the F-150. You can't beat the room or the ride. Needless to say, I bought the F-150. It's a little more difficult to park, but I have parallel parked it downtown on a few occasions. It completely fills the length of my garage, unlike the Explorer, but it does fit. I'm 6'4" and weigh 240 myself, so I too like the extra room. I think the Explorer would be a great vehicle for my wife, and for me to drive occasionally, but I prefer the full size F-150. You would also be surprised how often you'll find uses for the pick up truck bed, once you own one. Good luck in your decision.

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1999 F150 4X2 SuperCab, 4.6 (Romeo). TuTone White/Gold, Bedliner, Prime Designs Bug Deflector, Ventvisors. No cracks, no Engine Mods, no Problems.

 

Thanks for you posts. Seeing the smittybuilt bars on line, Yeah, I have seen those on trucks around here.

One thing I did think of--I drive on remote mountain roads and trails sometimes. I've had to turn-around due to no more road, tree or slide blocking the trail, snow, etc. I've been able to turn the jeep around without too much trouble, as it is a lot shorter. But turning around a truck in a tight spot like that would be a problem. Would have to back it up to a spot where I could turn it around.

Heck, I gotta do that with the jeep sometimes anyways!

--karl

ps--I dont think I will be happy with the explorer, I'll always wished I woulda bought the truck!! Going to try to find a truck today! wish me luck...

 

Karl,

I agree with Lariat, go for the F-150. I recently got my company to agree to purchase a vehicle for me. As I was moving from an older Nissan Pathfinder, (which was a very good vehicle) I thought the Ford Explorer would be the logical choice.(We felt we needed to have an American made vehicle owned by the company as we supply many American OEM suppliers) I drove them and submitted a request for bids to several different dealers.

While at one dealer looking at the Explorers, I noticed the Sport Tracs, then next to them were the F-150 SuperCrews. Once I drove one and priced them, there was no comparision. My company also found that the truck would be more practial.

Since buying the Super Crew two months ago, we have never looked back. It is much more practical than the Explorer for our useage, drives better (the big V-8 is quieter than the V-6 running at higher RPMs) and has more room inside. It is a much more flexible use vehicle, as I can haul drums of synthetic fluids or grease, take carpool, haul mulch for the yard, firewood for home, as well as do volunteer hauling for my church. I too am a big guy (6' 235) so I appreicate the extra room, shoulder/hip/head, that the truck offers. I was not 100% sure about it, but made the decision to go with the truck. It was the smartest decision I could have made. You may get a lower price on the Explorer (you should with the problems Ford is having selling them right now) but I suspect the slight amount extra you pay for the truck will come back to you two fold when you get ready to sell it.

You'll be glad you did.

------------------
MIKEnTN

2001 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCrew 4x4
Toreador Red with Silver Two Tone, Med. Graphite Int., 5.4 V-8, 3.55 Limited Slip, Class III towing, Skid Plates, 17" Alum Wheels, Sliding Rear Window, Remote Keyless Entry, Rhino Liner.

AWESOME Truck!


[This message has been edited by MikenTennessee (edited 11-13-2000).]

 

Karl,
I went from a Ranger ext. cab to the F150 and would never go back. The F150 has been great on trips. I don't hit the dirt roads with only 2wd but I do drive on all the scenic roads I can find. I have a few pics on my web site.
I can't tell you much about the F150 in a big city. I have to drive 60 miles to get into a town of 100K people.

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1997 F150 XLT
Debut sport truck
Ext. cab short bed
4.6l 3.55ls Auto
*K&N filter
*Gibson swept side
*superchip
*rancho RS9000 http://community.webtv.net/fordpage/f150


[This message has been edited by ALLFORD (edited 11-13-2000).]