I know this can be an open ended question but I've been out of the truck market for awhile and honestly don't know what a clean, low mileage (70,000mi) 1997 F150 XLT 4x4 would go for. KBB value is $7155, private sale, but book value on older vehicles can vary a lot. Most of what I'm finding for sale/sold have mileage 2x what mine has.

Basically I'd like to know if there any demand for these older (will soon have to ask this in the Older/antique section! ) trucks other than low ball offers for cheap transportation. ???

When I sold my 95 F150 4x4, which was equally as clean, I was fortunate to find someone local looking for a nice clean truck but I had lots of people just wanting it for next to nothing. I can understand that too since it is an older truck but will just keep it and enjoy it if that's the case.

I'm considering something newer I can use to tow an enclosed trailer and if I sell my '97 I'd like to see it go to an enthusiast not just someone who would trash it.

I'll probably get a better idea this summer when I hit some shows/swap meets but thought I'd ask here for starters.

Thanks in advance!

 

It's only worth as much as the next guy is will to pay for it.

What motor?
Long bed or short bed?
Single cab or super-cab?
Any mods like lift , big tiers?

 

I look up a regular cab long bed on KBB and it's only 3500. to $4000.
A supercab short bed is 5100 to $5700.

 

I knew that was coming!

XLT, 4x4, super cab, Green/silver, short bed, 4.6L, A/C, running boards, bedliner, matching cap, Multi-CD changer, PS, PB, PDL, PW, cloth interior, rear sliding window, 99% original. (New starter, steering box) No mods.

I've noticed on some sites there's a lot of interest in mods, lift kits, etc so maybe original is less desirable??

I'll keep watching the market and see what I can find that is comparable.

 

Actually if I was going to buy one, I would want one like you have with no mods.All stock.

When resealing the mods aren't worth but about 20% if that of what you paid for them. And are usually a good sign of a truck that has been abused or used off road a lot.

 

Agreed, for that truck I think $7K is in the ball park. A dealer would give $2K-$3K and
promptly put it out on the lot for $10K or more. All assuming no rust and a good to excellent condition.

 

i would expect mor than that out of a dealer for a tuck that sounds as nice as that. i had a couple offer me 2500 on trade for my trusty rusty ol girl

 

They might show you a bigger number on paper but in real world dollars you wouldn't get more than what I listed for the trade.

 

Thanks for the input, sounds like we're on the same page. I agree on your estimate for real world dollars for trade in too which is why I normally sell privately instead of trading in.

I know I'd be hard pressed to find a nicer '97 for that price so maybe I'll just hang on to it!

 

I just picked up a 1997 4x4 extended cab 5.4 auto w/111,000 on her for $2500.00. Basic work type truck, bench seat, rubber floor, manual transfer case, crank windows, manual locks, but she's got air that blows cold!

Now, it does need some tinkering...she's got the manifold leak on right side and needs an O2 sensor and a temp sending unit.

But on the plus side, and another reason I bought it, came up from Fla. 3 years ago, and was given a rustproofing oil spray every year since to avoid the dreaded NY state body cancer....most trucks of that vintage around here are swiss cheese by now!

 

I bought a 1997 F150 XLT 4.6L V8 4X2 3-door with 98,000 miles three years ago. She now has 200,000 miles on her. I paid $9,000 for her. I've only had to fix a few items that just went out with age, and wear and tear. Alternator, battery, starter, thermostat, top radiator hose, head lights, and now trying to figure out how to do a heater core hose. She's been well worth every cent I've put into her.
Not sure if that helps you with your decision or not, but thought I would at least share my thoughts with you.

 

Hey, thanks for the info. Sounds like you got a good one and glad to hear these trucks can go to 200,000+ miles.

It doesn't sound like your truck owes you a penny!

Good luck with your heater core repair.

I'm impressed with how good my '97 drives and rides which makes me want to hang on to it but know I should think about moving up especially if I want to do some towing. I've towed with the 4.6L before and it will get the job done but it can be a struggle.

When warm weather get here I'll go over it and decide what I want to do then.

Thanks again for all the input...

 

If your trucks in good shape, you like it and it's paid for.
You could just drop a PI 5.4 in there for better towing.

 

It is, it is and it is.

I've given it some thought but what about the trans and rear and the suspension and.....

Maybe I'd rather just behind the seat of something newer....hmmmmm

 

Hey,if you don't mind having a truck payment.Then a new one is definitely the way to go.