After writing this entire post, I realized how long it was. Sorry about that, I just have a lot of questions.

I'm a young guy (a month shy of 20) and I need a reliable truck for work. But I'm on a budget. I've found two that I think are good deals. One is older with low miles, one is newer with high miles Which should I choose?

My biggest concern is reliability. I need the truck to last me at least 3-5 years with minimal replacements. I can do fluid changes, Rotate tires, I've taken off a throttle body and cleaned it, helped a buddy drop a gas tank once, but that's about the extent of my mechanical knowledge.

FIRST TRUCK

2007 F-150 XLT
Ext. Cab, 2wd, 5.4l, leather seats (not that it matters), not sure about the bed length, towing package.

Has some decent looking all terrains with good tread, AC, radio, everything works. 156k miles. I Haven't driven it yet, but seems to run good. I can get it for $6,700

SECOND TRUCK

1998 F-150
Ext. Cab, 2wd, 4.6l, cloth seats, stock everything. Here's the thing: Only 67k miles. MINT CONDITION. Absolutely perfect truck. Old man bought it brand new from the dealership. Drove it lightly, never hauled anything. Because of medical condition, he's getting rid of it. Has $10k in dealership service maintenance receipts. He's firm $6,000 for it.

Are there things on the older truck that will have problems because of age or perhaps sitting idle for a week or so at a time? Should I get the newer truck because a truck that's 10 years newer will probably hold up longer than the 1998? Or am I fool, and I should buy the older one because It'll last for years.

Also, what are some things to look out for when looking at each truck?

Any and all help appreciated. Thanks.

 

I'd vote for the 1998 unless you're more concerned with a newer looking truck. Although I love my 2007 it has been exceptionally maintained and has many miles left in it. The 2007 you refer to us an unknown commodity. I prefer one owner vehicles if possible. Just my thoughts. Btw as you can see in my signature I had a 1998 also. Was a great vehicle.

 

The '98 model would be my choice. These trucks are just as good as any other truck that Ford has built.

 

Get the '98 before somebody else does. Caution; if the tires are over 5 years old, you should be thinking of replacing them. Some tires will not be bothered by age but others can fail on you. I found this out recently on my '07 with original tires, 18K miles. One of them split the sidewall one day - glad it was on the rear.