Okay after living with my 84 f150 300 i6 for more than three years. (I saved up and bought it for my first vehicle, parents didnt help at all) Its been very good to me, hardly any problems, except for the occasional not wanting to start.big deal I am going to be getting myself a new(to me anyway) truck. Im looking to get a 97-2002 f150. Since i live in texas there a plenty to find.Now on to the questions

Are there problems associated with certain model years if any? What should i be looking out for when buying the new beast? Best engine to go for? And i plan on keeping it for a while, so how many miles do you guys have on your trucks? If i find something over 100k is it going to last me another 50-80k?

Let me thank you guys in advance.Hopefully ill be able to now use this forum as well as the 80-86 board.

 

Just bought a 2000 F-150 XLT with 106,xxx miles. Lot of highway miles so I wasn't afraid of that. Was always told stopping and going city miles were harder than highway miles. Decided on my truck after reading a few threads on this web site. If i recall the 97-98 4.6L was known for internal coolant leaks. This is why I looked for the 5.4L. It all boils down to whether or not the regular mataince was done and if the truck was built at the begining of the month or end. Seems to me the E4OD tranny is the better choice also.

 

I've seen a lot of posts dealing with problems on the 97 thru 99 F-150, particularly with the 4.2 and 4.6 engine. they seem to have many tranny and engine problems, that's just my observation.

 

Try to get one w/ the 5.4L...You're right we have good choices here in TX.. Good Luck..

 

I bought my '02 S'crew "used" w/ 25000 miles on it, last Feb. I've put another 27000, plus I've towed it behind my motorhome for another 7000 miles. No problems! I have the 5.4 & avg 16 to 17 mpg city/highway driving. If buying used, get a "Carfax" report on it. That will tell you the "history" of the truck. If you have never read that report, it is very through. I found mine had been a "lease vehicle", but you would never have known it. Good luck!