I'm looking at a 2000 5.4 ext. cab 4x4 white xlt at my local dealer w/ 57,000 miles on it. They want 16,900 for it, is this a good price? Also, what should i look for when taking it on test drive or to a mechanic to get it checked out? How long should i expect this thing to run and what problems will start to show up at 57,000 miles? Don't tell me it'll run for 300,000 because i heard that on my ranger and the thing blew up at 70,000.

Thanks,
Paul

 

I have about the exact same truck except it's red. I love it! The price sounds about right. I bough mine about 14 months ago and paid 18600. It had 59000 on it and now it has 70K. I expect to keep it to at least 150K and if I can till 200K. I used to change trucks about every 2 years, but I like this one that much.

Just listen for anything that sounds out of place. If you take it to a good mechanic, he'll know what to look for. Make sure you get them to throw in as much crap as possible with it.

Mike

 

Try to get all the maintaince records. Double check the tie-rods, ball joints, moisture in the spark plug holes, and don't forget about the cruise control issue. Are they offering any kind of warranty, or as-is only?

 

Last year I purchased a 2000 F150 XLT ext. cab 4x4 offroad 5.4 3.55 LS w 36k miles for 18,900.00 I love my truck and I used to be a Chevy man.

 

Don't know of any warrenty yet, it'll probably cost extra or something, but i'm going to get that even if it is overpriced with what happened to my ranger. I'm going to test drive it tomorrow, so i'll give an update afer that.

thanks for the responses,
paul

ps-was there anything major that went wrong with these trucks.. certain build date problems or anything like that?
pss- what was the cruise control issue? i heard about it on the news and stuff, but i never really checked into it because i don't have a 150.

 

I have a 98 F150 ext. cab
The tortion bar on the left side snapped. The newer models have an updated bar.
The alternater went.
Ball joints twice. Once under warranty and once out. I think the aftermarket ball joints are superior to the factory part as I have had them quite a while now.
Put plugs in at 100,000 miles. Chickened out and let my ace wrench do it fo $80.00.
Bought the truck new 5.4 with a tow package. I do tow a 30 ft travel trailer but not a lot.
Thats it except for oil every 5000, rear brakes once, and fronts about 6 or 7 times .

 

In Pa. they have to do a safety inspection before it changes owners. That takes care of the brakes,steering etc. Check all the controls, switches, latches, and glass.

Maintenece records are a real plus. OIl changes etc. Outside of that as long as nothing is rapping, leaking, or grinding go for it.
My truck has been a rock! Knock on wood.

 

Just demand a warrenty. If anything, something like 6months/6000miles or something. Don't pay for it. Tell them you aren't going to buy it without it. You have to be just as ruthless and cut throat as they are. Just don't pay even $.01 for a warrenty. Most likely, it's just money in thier pocket.

Mike

 

what milage were you at when the ball joints and brakes had to be done peppermrj?


also, what kind of hp/trq were the 5.4's making in 2000?

 

Just a little FYI- In 99 they updated the "new style" F150. They gave it a face lift and added things like 4 doors, etc. They may have used different ball joints as I don't hear many complaining of that anymore. Even the ones running big tires. Like the torsion bars, this was the first time Ford used torsion bar IFS on a half ton. They found the bugs in the 97-98s and fixed them in 99.

2000 5.4= 260HP, 365FT/Lb.

Mike

 

Read this for more info:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=337223

 

ok, thanks guys, sorry if i'm asking questions over again, i'm new to the 150.

One more question for tonight, i've read about spark plug blowouts, is this something i should really have to worry about if i check the torque on them regularly?

 

I'd say it effects less than 1% of the total ownership. Actually, probably less than .5%. You just hear about it here because people post when things go wrong much more than when things go right.

I don't think you'd even have to torque them regularly. I never check mine. Just make sure you change them when the engine is cool to avoid damaging the aluminum threads in the head. This is another thing I hear about more with the 97-98s.

Mike

 

No mileage on the ball joints or brakes. I've heard the same as BLK94F150 on the updated parts. I've been told that ball joints are a fact of life on a 4x4 tho.
Never heard of a plug blowout. If anything I was concerned about getting them out after not being touched for a 100,000 miles. Would definitely not recommend removal on a hot engine. Maybe thats where their problems came from?
In 98 the 5.4 made 235 hp at 4250 rpm and 335 ft-lb at 3000 rpm.
The 2000 5.4 made 260 hp at 4500 rpm and 350 ft-lb at 2500 rpm according to my source. Nice improvement!

Let us know.

 

test drove today, dealer is going to give 7600 for my ranger (which i think is low.. but what can i do) on the road tax/tags all that junk they want 9400 with trade. Trying to get them down to 9000.. i'll let you know how it goes tomorrow.

thanks!
paul

ps- there was a little bit of a 'roar' coming from the front at lower speeds... i'm thinking its just the hubs, but is this normal?