speaking from my experience, the challenge to buying a used vehicle is always trying to figure out why the previous owner is moving on.

in my case, i typically buy them about 7 years old with about 100k on the clock. one must be careful and take note of what you see. in the case of my explorer, it was a family commuter, never pull anything and had some service records available. when asked, the owner said that he went against his wife's advice and bought a pickup before selling the explorer, thus they were motivated to move it, and i got a heck of a deal. i noticed a few things that needed attention and the explanations i got from the owner were logical and seemed genuine.

buying from a dealer sometimes you give up the opportunity to ask the owner "why"

all of that being said, sometimes it is not hard to figure out. if you have a 2-3 year old truck with 40k on the clock, it could be a problem child or it could be the owner just wanted something new. Lariat and higher packages generally fall into the later category, XLT's and lower could easily fall into the former.

guys who buy lariat, platinum, and limited don't mind taking the hit every couple years, where guys buying STX or XL, generally can't afford to unless they "need" to for one reason or another.

i guess what i'm saying is: if you inherited a problem child it is very likely that you would know by now and you probably have a truck that someone bought on lease or they are the type that gets tired of what they are driving ever 2-3 years.

JMHO

 

I traded my 2009 in for a 2012 because I just wanted to. The 2009 was pushin 100k but without any issues. Still ran and drove like the day I bought it. So your right. Not ALL used trucks have problems. Some people just want the change. I doubt ill be getting rid of my 2012 anytime soon because I have a lot more money involved in it but when I do it will hit the lot free of problems.

 

"..........they are the type that gets tired of what they are driving ever 2-3 years."

That was "me" up til this purchase.

I agree that if I was going to see any issues, I'd see them already. This truck will be fine, as far as MY "experienced" eye can tell. Just figured I'd open up the discussion for the sake of talking out what was on my mind.

Currently, as we begin the planning process for our upcoming trip, I'm thinking about the luggage in the bed with the canvas cover. I noted the other day (I realize the canvas tops are not "water tight") that there was water moisture in the tracks on the bed. Not a problem in that the luggage will sit on TOP of those tracks, but I wonder about water that leaks in that ends UP in the tracks.

It comes in from the top, so I'm thinking "garbage bags" around the luggage, but that's a pain!!!

Can't put the luggage into the back seat, because the wife needs it for sleeping, on the trip.........and "no" I don't wanna buy a Thule Luggage carrier.....lol.

-Soupy1957

 

I think you will be fine. Take the trip and don't worry about it. You should still be covered under the "5/60" powertrain warranty should something "catastrophic" occur Will you be able to give us updates during your trip? Not while driving of course, but when you stop for the night, when you get to the "destination" etc? Safe travels buddy!
EDIT: IIRC you got the 6/100 Ford Certified warranty b/c you bought it preowned didn't you?

 

Consider some type of a sealable tote for your luggage. Yes, awkward and not real appealing but effective.

 

I know it's too late to say this, but you need a van. I had a pickup truck in 1978-86, then switched to full size vans in 1986 and have owned once since then. Pickup trucks make no sense unless you need to carry big dirty stuff that does not need to be secured. Certainly a cap can help, but there is no temperature control. I carry bicycles, musical instruments, and people...locked up and temperature controlled. And can fit a queen sized mattress or big couch inside the van...handy if it's raining.

George

 

Yes, I'm bringing the IPad, and will update as we go, since most hotels have WiFi.

Years ago I had a new Ford Ranger with a cap. Our kids were very young then. I put bucket seats in the back, with hardened bolts fastening them to the frame, and even installed seat belts. The cap had a sliding window and I had a rubber boot between the cab and the cap.

The kids stayed warm back ther, we're very safe, and LOVED to be back there!

Couldn't get away with that THESE days!!

-soupy1957

 

I took my 2003 f150 with 220,000 on it on a 1800mi trip, well maintained and not a doubt in my mind it would make it .. and sold it after 6 months here cuz i wanted a 12 lol