Well, its actually a classic '78 GMC Sierra 25. I couldn't find a pre-catalytic converter Ford with AC, automatic, 4x4, and a long bed despite about 3 months of looking. The few I found were either way out on the coasts or were restored $10k+ trucks, too much for what I wanted it for.

03 SVT Vert:

All of the motors make plenty of power for me, that's not a concern. I sold my Super Duty because I no longer pull anything that requires that level of towing capacity. Dimensional lumber, fire wood, a riding mower, a tiller, those are about the only things I will haul with any regularity. The simple truth of it is I could probably buy a v6 Escape and a small utility trailer and it'd do everything I want it to at this point.

Fuel economy is nice, of course, but again not much of a concern for me. I just don't drive enough for 10-20% to matter, plus I've got an '08 Taurus for road trips and a Victory motorcycle for day trips. My truck is seeing about 4,000 miles a year, tops. Mostly because I haven't figured out a good way to strap a chainsaw and gas can to my bike...

My major concern is reliability and longevity. I hate the idea of spending $25k on a truck and then its broken and requiring expensive repairs, and likely repairs that I can't do myself. My wife says I'll drive old junk until I die, and that's probably right.

 

Longevity/dependability isn't really the easiest thing to predict. Sometimes stuff just breaks, and it usually does it at a bad time. Doesn't matter if it's something old or something brand new.

With that in mind, you have to consider what will end up being more of a head-ache in the long run. Keeping an old truck running or buying a new(ish) truck and hoping it isn't a complete lemon. It isn't always an easy decision.

I usually side with the 'newish' vehicle for the simple reason that I can get newer vehicles with a warranty. I even get the extended warranty. Then I've got piece of mind that, if something major does happen, I've got something I can usually fall back on (that isn't my own wallet).

My exception to that, is if a vehicle has certain features I really like that I just can't get anymore. As an example, I've got a diesel Suburban and two F350 dump trucks, both with a 5-speed stick. Can't get a Suburban with a diesel anymore, can't get an F350 with a stick.....so I'll end up driving those trucks into the ground, regardless of what it costs me, just because I really really like 'em.

 

im in the same boat im looking to buy a newer truck i have a 99 f150 withe a 5.4 thats hit 382 000 kms. Im uncertain about the newer 5.4s and i havent seen any high mileage 5.0s yet. But i know the later 5.4s had alot of problems due to spark plugs and cam phasers? Was the cam phaser problem ever fixed? i know in 08 the spark plug issue was addressed. some say 5 w20 is the answer for cam phasers and others are saying thicker like 10 w30 which is true?

 

ive seen you throw out that 25k as a price point a couple of times.

might be hard to find a 5.0 equipped truck for 25k for at least another year. Maybe more, depending on your market.

around here, the only 1-2 year old trucks are all upper trim levels, as the people who buy the upper trim levels are the only ones who can afford to trade every couple years. so because of that, the new ones are often the same price or less, until you get into the 3-5year old market, and sometimes those have a ton of miles.

just something to think about.

 

The cam phaser issues were 2004- early 2005. The right exhaust manifold can leak at the head on some later 5.4's, I come to find out because of where the left and right exhaust pipes meet before the cat, causing more pressure on the right manifold, and making it warp. Combine that with the rusting studs as well. I learned this from a muffler shop tech, and it makes sense. My 2005 started doing it before I traded it. But overall, the later 5.4's are pretty tough.

 

5.0............................................... .......

 

we have 6 5.4 's on E-450's duallys 2008 and 2009 and have had 0 issues. We switched from Ford diesel's and it was the best decision we made. The late issue 5.4's are truly bulletproof and the 2008 now has 590 000 km on, it also on original 4 speed transmission

 

Yeah, that's why I said 5.4 now or WAIT for a 5.0. It'll be a bit before they are in the range I'm willing to pay for a truck. Really, $25k strikes me as ridiculous but people pay more for a truck these days then I paid for my first house.

 

My 2011 was the same price as my first house.

 

I bought my 06 EC XLT in 08 for $500 more than the $18500 I paid to have my first house built. Yeah, I know I'm getting old. My 06 was a lease return. It has the 5.4L and it is a great engine so far. It pulls my 20' enclosed car trailer as well as the 05 SD diesel I had and gets within 1 mpg of doing it. Without trailer it gets 1 mpg better than the diesel did. The lower cost of fuel and maintenance make the 5.4L a good choice for me. If I had to do it again, I would love to have the same engine with the 6 speed tranny. I would probably go EcoBoost if I went with an 11 or newer. I really don't need more than what the 5.4L gives as I have yet to rev it above 4000 rpm. So the power band is all good for me.

 

I just bought a used 2011 5.0. I Traded my 2005 5.4. I won't go back I love the 5.0. I tow a 24 ft Trailer 7000 to 8000k Loaded and it does great . I looked for a Used EcoBoost I couldnt find one so I thought I'd try the 5.0. I am very happy with this motor. It will do all I ever want it to. I just went down this path wait if you have to. Go for it!!! Look for a 6 speed with the Manual Shift its well worth it.

 

There was an ad for a dealer around St. Louis, MO offering $12,500 off of MSRP for remaining 2011's brand new. The three they had on their web site listed in the $38k range, were 5.0 XLT 4wd. So in theory, you could get a new truck at or very near your price point.

I have tried finding decent used trucks on the market & honestly,(post cash for clunkers a couple years back) it is tough finding used that isn't completely used up. Maybe if fuel hovers around the $4 mark that may change?

 

If legit, that's a pretty good. I found a 2012 on autotrader, but again not sure if legit. A lot of times when you call about the price you have to be an active duty air force smoke jumper shriner living in Montana who's a member of the cattle rancher's association and currently leases a 2004 Cadillac STX, metallic blue, with less than 15k miles to get all the discounts they've applied to that price.

Cars for Sale: 2012 Ford F150 STX in Nashville, IL 62263: Truck Details - 314943805 - AutoTrader.com

 

& you have to be wearing a blue T-shirt. Yeah, I know what you are saying about stipulations. There was another truck I found awhile back that was showing $15k off of sticker for a left over 2011. By the time they got done qualifying the discounts, I think they were asking more than MSRP.

Not sure if you are a member or not, but did see there is a $500 discount for IL Farm Bureau through this calendar year. http://www.ccfarmbureau.com/ccfiles/...nefit_List.pdf