I have a chance to buy a 2001 f-150 5.4 4x4 with 260k on it. I know the majority of the miles are highway. I also know the owner and he is meticulous about maintenance. He's selling for $4k. Truck is also in excellent shape.

Any thoughts from the group on longevity and if you think it's a good buy? I sold f 250 last year and would use this as a weekend/third vehicle.

Thanks
Ryan

 

With that many miles, I assume it didn't spend much time in the shop, so it might be a good backup rig. I wouldn't buy it without performing a compression test on the engine. You'll want to sniff test the transmission and other gear box fluids. Then test drive to see if it runs and drives right.


Does the owner have maintenance/repair records?


My '02 has over 160,000 miles and generally runs and drives the same as when it was new. Uses about 1 quart of oil every 3000 or so miles (same as always). I usually change the oil at 5000 miles, and have only changed the AT oil twice - once when I installed a deeper pan and temperature gauge. I should change all the other gear boxes. I only had one problem with the driver's side window switches several years ago, I recently had to replace a coil, and now I am in the middle of replacing the heater core (6 hours to get it out). Other than many sets of tires, that's about all I've had to do to this rig.

 

i know of a lot of guys with high miles a friend of mine has a 98 with 480,000 original motor on its 2nd tranny. motor is about to give up now tho but it made it 480,000 mostly highway driving. i know of a lot of guys in the 250,000 to 300,000 mile range that daily drive their trucks still and have little problems. my guess is with 260,000 miles on it you'll be fine.

 

My '01 with 285k on the clock used about a quart of oil between 5k changes, lost less than 2mpg since new from 18 down to just above 16.
other than tires, brakes and oil only repair was fuel pump at 210k.
5.4, 4wd, trailer/tow package, off road package, supercrew
two coworkers(heavy equip. mechanics) offered to buy, 1 got nixed by wifey because of mileage, other 1 wanted for daughter but got beat by $1000 dealer trade in.

think you're safe if you know-trust owner

 

Yes to the compression check. good way to tell is pull a spark plug, and see if it's fouled. And of course does it drive good.

 

A little high in price for the mileage IMO, but if it is in good shape and you feel it is fair, then go for it, especially as a 3rd vehicle.

250,000 miles is the point when these motors, even with good maintanace, can start to have issues.

 

I agree with blu. too much money for that truck IMO, I would be comfortable at 2000.00 for that truck. can buy them all day up here in MT.