Buying help for 2003 F-150XLT

[mambo5]

Looking seriously at buying a 2003 F-150 XLT 4x4 - it's a 4.6L V8 a/c, cruise, auto w/OD - good underneath, reasonable tires - and just wondering what pitfalls or annoyances to expect / look for. Has a towing package, but not planning to use it. I'm concerned, is the smaller engine under powered or has anyone had any specific issues with this model. Also with gas gowing up & up what kind of mileage to realistically expect. To be honest, we're not putting on 1000's miles a year here but it's a fair chunk of change and anything obvious to double check / hints & tips would be great.

[triton_2002]

If your not gonna tow, the 4.6 is fine. As far as MPG, there isn't a big difference between the 4.6 and the 5.4. Expect about 15MPG for mixed driving, you might get close to 20 MPG on the hiway, if you're easy on the gas pedal. The known problems would be the sparkplug blow out, and the cruise control. Check to see if the cruise control recall has been done. If not, the dealer should take care of it. The sparkplug problem is not really that common, but it can happen. Stick to the OEM sparkplugs and torque them properly and it should be fine. I would be more interested in the maintaince records if they are available, that should give you a better idea of the condition. You can alway do a carfax to check for any hidden accident damage.

[B's FX4]

i would also check the door seams, tailgate seams, and rain channel on the roof for peeling paint and rust, seems to be common around here.....the other thing is the ball joints on theese trucks are dry fitted so check them out cuz that is expensive to repair if you dont have the know how or the time to do them....and check the manifold studs as those seem to rot out on trucks here and there....lastly the motors in theese trucks go forever so plan on keeping it a long time!!