today i found a 2004 f150 with a 5.4L. It has 180K miles. i need to know how many miles the truck is expected to last? and what is the value of it? I know there are lots of factors but lets assume the best for the situation, because if its worth more than they are selling it for i can fix it.

 

My '00 E250 with the 5.4 gasser has lasted 256K miles, I bought it with 203K miles. It gets regular oil changes and other maintenance as needed because is my daily driver work truck. Engine-wise I've had no issues that would prevent me from buying another or even shy away from this engine type at all.

I have no idea what price you should pay of what's fair due many reasons so can't help there. Seller wants as much as they can get, you want to pay no more than necessary---the magic is arriving at the same number!

 

the bluebook is 9500 or so but he is only asking 5900, so im kinda worried there. how much would a mechanic generally charge to do a quick but thorough inspection?

 

There is no such thing as "quick but thorough inspection" but they'll charge a few hours labor, depending how deeply you want it inspected. Even the most comprehensive and thorough inspections don't guarantee anything past what's seen or detected at the moment.

As for this KBB stuff----its more useful to dealers or those looking to insure or resell something. In the real world where you're most likely buying something to drive and keep something's eventually value or cost to you is measured more by what its worth to you. Driving it should tell you a lot, crawling underneather and looking around tells a bit more but the overall condition and appearance of what's visible tells even more. Maybe ask the guy why that price but I'd downplay the KBB stuff---it would bother me someone bringing that up if they thought it was some sort of negotiating ploy.

Signs its recently been detailed or cleaned up compared to regular maintenance on appearance things like paint, tires, interior would interest me. Looking underneath for signs of cobbled-up attempts at repairs or anything leaking---all things I'd look for my own self.

Its always a crap shoot buying any used vehicle because we tend to have to rely on the seller to be honest and forthcoming. Sadly not everyone is!!

 

thank you, ill be looking into it real deep. i dont want to get screwed but this same dealer sold me my last car that hasnt had problems yet... doesnt mean the problems arent hiding. if there is anything i need to know about driving a ford thanks, ive only had cars so im not sure how different it will be.

 

i took the truck to be inspected turned out there was a new engine put in and only has 55k miles. there are a few things actually wrong with it: squeaking in the front bearings, exhaust leak, and the rear differential needs serviced. the dealer is paying for the all but the bearings and the oil over temp. sensor. do u know what that would cost?

 

Bearings are not that expensive even if they need to be replaced ($50 a side SWAG) but there could be spindle damage.......add $150+ a side.

 

All in all this sounds like a good deal---too early and too far away for me to say "great deal" but its looking that way. Could be the price is so low since the engine was changed-----not that that would bother me. Since your past dealings with this dealership were positive that's also encouraging. Naturally they don't know much more than you or what the PO has revealed or concealed. They're willing to cover some of the issues discovered which is another good sign to me.

Check with whoever did the pre-sale inspection about cost of the other issues---they might cut you a bit of a break since already having diagnosed them.

Hope this turns out to be a great deal!

 

I've got 305K on my 5.4L if that helps.