Looking at selling my '95 F150 XLT 5.8 and getting something a bit more modern. Currently thinking about a 250 but it's probably overkill as this is just a spare vehicle for bad weather, hauling mulch once a season and as a backup. I want to run it to the airport every week so that I can keep my car garaged so that's why I am also considering upgrading.

What are the years and engine config I should be targeting? I am planning on a max of $10K. I don't need the Quad Cab as my kids are gone but I do like the extra cab.

Thanks

 

Having some expensive education on the issues with the 2004 5.4 triton I would avoid that engine. Otherwise the later years had some of these issues rectified. Cam phaser rattling, some issues with vacuum actuated four wheel drive, rear end, to name a few. I fixed most of these, (the rear end still sings at 50 MPH, I ignore it) but previously I owned a 91 with the venerable 300 six. It had zero issues. Other than no power and much rust. Good luck!

 

Thanks. I think I am going to steer towards the '01-'03 range and look around the South to get one that is relatively rust free. I saw an ad for one (might have been an early '04) that tipped me off as it mentioned specifically being a 2V engine without the notorious cam phasers. I want to get something reliable and I am almost thinking that I am going to have to look for a Tundra instead. Have had incredible experience with Lexus SUV's. I really don't want to do that but if the end game is reliability, I might have to.

 

For that price range you are likely looking at a 2010 SCAB XLT 2WD with 4.6L motor. Which sounds like it is right up your alley.

 

With one exception, gotta have the 4WD. it's my winter vehicle and while snow isn't a constant, I travel a lot and if I need to get to the airport, or it snows while I am away, my car is useless in 2" of snow.

With 4WD, I am not seeing anything newer than '06 or so under $10K.

 

Playing the 4WD card, eh? Well, what I thought was a stroke of genius apparently turned out to be just a stroke...

 

What are the thoughts on the 5.4 motor found in the early (2001ish) trucks?

 

They are darn good motors.

I have had several of these gen 1 motors and they are excellent choices. They do have the occasional spark plug blow out (some report it, I have never had it over hundreds of thousands of miles on my Modular motors)

Good luck in your search.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

 

Looking at an '08 with the trusty 4.6. Strongly considering it.

 

I got an 07 with a 4.6 and it has 160k miles on it, haven't had no problem with it. It's a lil sluggish but i have the edge tuner in it and it helped a lot !