Does anybody know what the expected mileage life of recent model F-150s is? I am trying to decide between buying a new or a used truck. So, for example, I am wondering if I should spend $13K on a 2001 with 66K miles versus spending $22K on a new truck. In other words, is the $9k price difference worth the additional mileage life? At that rate, I am paying $7/mile for those 66K miles (if I buy new).

I know it is not that simple. I am just curious what folks think about buying used versus new.

 

There are a couple of people on this fourm with more than 250000 miles on thier 150's with original equipment.

I wouldnt be scared of the '01, but on the other hand the warranty from a new truck is nice to have.

 

I've got a 1997 F150 4.6 4OD with 151000 on it with no signs of failure. Just one mis-diagnosed loose spark plug wire.

It uses a quart of oil in about 2-3000 miles depending on the weight oil I use in it. If I start it run it for a minute and let it sit for an hour I might get a puff of smoke on startup.

Its had two oxygen sensors, one IAC and the ball joints replaced on the front end. Brakes every 40k give or take. New rotors at 140k. Plugs and wires at 120k. It needs new shocks.

It still rides tight, no rattles and I still trust it to go cross country.

If I lose an engine or tranny I will replace it with Factory Rebuilds and keep driving it. I can replace both for around 8-9k.

One other thing, make sure they have changed the transmission fluid at least once possibly twice since new. If they haven't I wouldn't buy it unless they knocked 1-2k off the price because the chance exists for future transmission problems.

kw

 

My 97 has 233k on it right now and it still can leave two skid marks without missing a beat, and it still rides as smooth as it probably did new...taking care of it is key to getting your investment to last a while...

 

the 4.6 motor is a tank. It is probably the best motor ford ever built. And I say that with total confidence.

Going by oil analysis, if you keep up on oil changes the motor shows very little wear. It will run forever.

I would estimate 300k before needing an overhaul.

 

Can you elaborate ? What is oil analysis.


Also I've got 150 on mine, I use about a quart every 2000 miles if I run 5W30 as recommended, If I run 10w40 I use a quart in 3000 miles (about evey oil change).

Will running 10W40 hurt it in the long run, I know it affects gas mileage. Have the tolerences in the engine changed to the point that 10w40 will not lubricate as well.

I live in an area where it does not drop below 10 but maybe once ever 5 years so the winter oil weight isn't a big deal.

kw

 

10w40 should not be used in an overhead cam engine period! Tolerances are too tight for such an oil, and it takes time to get oil pressure to the heads to lubricate the cams. May seem trivial, but, thats the way it is. Oil analysis is, taking a sample of your oil at an oil change and having it tested. They check for metal and antifreeze contamination too see if it exceeds the standard. If it does, you may have a problem. Usually these are fairly accurate from the ones I have seen.

 

Who would do such an oil analysis and about what would it cost ?

Just curious

 

I agree the 10w40 is too thick for a daily driver 4.6 engine not a race engine.

I use blackstone labs to do my oil analysis, and its 30 bucks, you get a report emailed to you in pdf format, it breaks down all the elements and metal in your oil sample.

Just for the record, I run 7,000 mile intervals in my 98 f150 4.6 with castrol SLX(german) 0w30 oil.

The analysis shows almost no wear.

In the tbird racecar, I change it once a year, which is about 1500 miles a year, so I use mobil1 10w30 mixed with mobil1 15w50.

JH

 

I have a 1997 4x4 F-150 with a 5.4, it has 235,000 miles and still going strong. I share my truck daily with the construction company I work for, they pay me to use it. In the past I have used four wheel drive everyday for weeks at a time. This truck takes all the abuse we can through at it!! Im determined to put 350,000 on it before it gets retired.

 

I just bought my '01 f150 SuperCrew with 55,300 miles and I plan on driving that think till I die (I'm 24) No but seriously, I have complete confidence in what I was sold, I am very happy with my SCrew and have been buying Fords all my life.

If you are willing to pay the extra for a new one that means it will last you 66K miles longer!

 

Nice reading all these high-mileage stories. Once I buy my 2005 F-150/Supercab/XLT/4.6/auto next spring/summer sometime, I hope it lasts 250/300K miles.
What's the highest mileage anyones driven/heard of on a 4.6 engine?