I'm considering buying a 1997 4x4 extended cab Lariat edition, automatic, V8. The truck has 110,000 miles on it and is in extremely good cosmetic condition - you'd guess about 75K to look at it. A brief examination did not yield any obvious rust or leaks, though there was a bit of crud collecting on where the two halves of the front transaxle casing (?) met. No puddle on the ground underneath. The present (second) owner is stepping up to something newer; the story is that he's been regularly doing the necessary maintenance, as though he was planning to keep it; brakes were done less than a year ago, and he mentioned several other typical wear items I can't remember at present. If I go ahead with this, I'm planning to have my mechanic look at it before buying. I'm buying it more as a toy than a working truck, I won't be beating on it either in terms of workload or putting lots of miles on. Can anyone help me with these questions:

What sort of specific problems should I be looking for before deciding this is the one?

Given the vintage and mileage, what sort of big-ticket repairs will I be looking forward to if they weren't done already?

What sort of mileage can I expect to get, assuming no modifications? What octane will I need to burn?

What's a reasonable price to pay? The owner wants $6800. When I look at the various "book value" web sites, I see prices ranging from about $4000 to about $8000.

Thanks in advance,

Larry

 

If the front ball joints havent been done...then they are probably due. These trucks were notorious for that.

You also said it has a V8. Is it the 5.4 or the 4.6? I get around 17-18 on the highway with my 4.6L and 33" tires. I also run mid-grade in my truck...it pings and knocks on 87, but your's will probably be fine on 87.

As far as the price...I think its a good price if it's in the condition you say it is. I paid $8800 for my '97 XLT a little over a year ago with 80K miles on it.

 

If it's in good shape, I would pay $6,800. In my area, they're selling for $8,000 and up.



Rob

 

Yeah if it is in excellent shape and its a good price id go for it

 

not a bad deal, as long as the tires/brakes/ball joints are decent. I bought my 97 F150 4.6L extended cab 137K miles new brakes front/rear, new ball joints and newer tires for $4200 but I had to put $400 into fixing some rust on the hood, bottom of the doors, and tailgate.