We're looking to replace the tired '89 Toyoyo, possibly with a 2003 F-150 SuperCab. It'd be my daily driver (35-40 miles/day), stuff hauler, possible day-sailer tower in the coming years.... light duty for a 1/2 ton truck I would think.

My question: Does the Ford V6 engine, with a 5-speed manual transmission, have enough gumption to get out of it's own way? The number say it's rated at 205 Hp, which sounds good. The manual tranny would save me about $1 large. I stopped at the nearby Ford place today. There were no 5-speeds available, and I was rushed, so I didn't get to test drive anything.

Are there any issues w/ these critters (motors, transmissions) I should beware of?

This'll be the first Ford I've owned in about 14 years. I still have a bit of bad taste from the '89 Mustang LX Sport that lasted about two years and started breaking in half.... a tale for another time.

Advice/opinions are appreciated.
Tommy

 

I had the 5sp V6 combo and was very pleased with its performance. It doesn't have the grunt that the v8's have, but its decent for normal use. This was in a 98 4x4 short cab short bed.

However, in all fairness there seem to be more instances of v6 failures than v8 failures. Is this in a new truck? If so I wouldn't really worry about it, but the v6's have had problems with leaky coolant in the past taking out the rods.

Chris

 

Hello aldridgec, Yes, it'd be a new truck. I'll research that a bit. Thanks for the reply!
Tommy

 

You should get the V8. It will get the same mpg, run smoother, have more power, last longer, and hold value better.

about the manual, be warned, a lot of them have trouble with hard shifting into 1st and reverse and grinding going into 3rd. mine is mostly ok and I think I still prefer it to an auto, but just so you know in advance there are a lot of complaints about the manual tranny. from what I can gather none of the major manufacturers are putting a decent manual tranny into their 1/2 ton trucks.

 

I'm pretty sure the manual trans in the F150 with the V6 is a Mazda manufactured unit, and similar to the unit in the V6 Rangers. If that's true, I'd stay away from the manual, I had the Mazda 5 speed in a 1996 Ranger, and it shifted very badly. It was hard to get into first, from a dead stop I had to place it in second, then move it to first in order to get it into gear. I bought the truck new, and it never shifted correctly, even after a "warranty repair" from the dealer. Get the V8 and auto, I did when I bought my 2003 King Ranch, and I'd never buy another Ford truck with a manual. Glenn

 

so far no problems with my 2003 v6 5 speed manual. Friends at work have similar reports. I wouldnt buy a 1997/99 ford six cylinder on a bet but the new v6's seem reliable and would have plenty of low end torque for a light sailboat. I have an auto 4.6V8 in my 97 f150 and no problems at all with 143,000 miles. If the extra cash for a higher optioned truck is no problem, by all means get the auto 4.6 or 5.4 eight cylinder. But if cash is king, the new 4.2 six with stick will serve you well IMO.