Hello all.


My parents are looking for a 2004 or newer F150. Most have between 98,000 to 135,000 miles. They range in price from 8,000 to 13,000 dollars. Most have the 5.4 motor.


They had one they really liked, but it had a miss. They took it to a shop that they have dealt with before and asked their opinion. The owner checked it out and said they should pass on it. He explained that he could fix it for about 400 bucks, but that it would be a temporary fix. A real fix would be replace the motor for five grand.


My father and I have been lurking in this forum and notice almost all threads are about 5.4 issues.


Are they dependable trucks once they have over 150,000 miles?


Are we just reading to much into these motors?


Is the 4.6 a better choice?


They just bought a 19 foot trailer and want to do some traveling in their retired lives. I just want to make sure they will have safe trouble free trips for the most part. We realize buying secondhand is always bound to have some issues.


Thanks for any help or advice any of you have to offer.


Kyle

 

I'm sure there is. I have an 05 with 79K miles that I bought brand new and would have no hesitation driving it anywhere. I have always used Motorcraft oil filters and Motorcraft 5w-20. Engine sounds good and the truck runs smooth.

The right truck is out there it's just a matter of where.

 

Ditto all the above! I'm at 193K and feel the same. I'm the original owner though.

 

My .02 here: If you don't need the extra power, the 4.6 will be more than capable of handling everyday needs. The 5.4s from 2004 and up have VCT which are known for lots of problems. I would be "iffy" kind of on buying one, unless it literally had service records all the way up to the time it was new.

I got my 2007 5.4 with 42,994 miles on it. Had all service records from day one. Currently has 130,000 on it and no issues. Motorcraft oil and filters every 3 months or 3,000 miles, religiously. So far, so good *KNOCK ON WOOD*. It can either be a hit or a miss, which goes for anything though.

The 4.6 will be more of a chance of being a hit though. And in my opinion, that's what I would go with if I bought another one. Good luck on the search.

 

I bought mine with 120+ on it. At 165k now and no major problems. Get the motor nice and hot before even considering buying it. The 5.4 needs maintenance, that's all.

 

I'd be looking for one that has had all the timing components replaced already. I bought mine with 90k ticking like crazy(but the price reflected that). Replaced all timing components at 112k when a tensioner seal finally failed. Has been good and quiet since then(145k now).
I have not used Motorcraft oil since that repair. It's just a brand, not magic in a bottle. Use a quality oil and filter. There are many available.

 

2004 fx f150? Run away....

 

Yes. Generally those that have been cared for well, show it.

I think the 4.6 is a better choice although you give up power.

 

Thanks guys for all the help.

My parents took possesion of a one owner truck.

It is a 2007 f150 supercab, stx with cruise and foglights. It has 130,000 miles with a 4.6.

They are very happy.

 

Very good choice! I think they will be more than happy with the 4.6L. Dependable, long lasting engine without all the cam phaser problems with the 5.4L.

 

I have a 2007 5.4 with 106k, Ive had to replace the cam shaft, cam shaft phasers, and variable valve timing sensors at 100k. Other then that its been a great truck. It now runs like the day I bought it off the lot. But that's the issue, I know its a great truck so I wouldn't sell it unless I got in a horrible financial bind. I just went through the same thing buying a used diesel. Anyone that has a used diesel thats good, will not let it go because its worth more to them then what they'll get out of it. Even with 106k miles on mine I wouldnt let mine go for less than 25k. Because I know what it can do, and how reliable of a truck it is. That being said, good deals are out there with people who honestly need the money. Do a carfax on it, and bing it to a shop thatll do a pre purchase inspection on it, and tell u if theres anything wrong with it. Thats what I do when I buy vehicles. Cost me $60s and its well worth it.

 

My 2004 F150 with the 5.4 just passed 482,000 miles yesterday.

 

WOW! Haha are you sure u dont mean you passed, a 7.3L on the highway with 482k, with your 5.4?

 

Is that on the original engine? And what about the transmission?

 

It's the original engine. I change the oil (conventional 5w-30) every 5k miles. It's throwing a code now about the catalytic converters so I've got to figure out which one (hopefully just 1 of the 4) and get that taken care of.

I had the transmission overhauled at 150k miles (330k miles ago). According to the OH shop, it had a broken clip that kept it from going into OD. I check the transmission fluid level every now and then but have done nothing to it.