So I have narrowed my choices between two 2007 Lariats. Both are in very good condition.

Truck A: Bronze, 5.4 flex fuel, 3.73, 18 inch wheels, 4x4, supercab, original owner with records, drivers window a little slow to come back up at the bottom half, but does come up, cd player doesn't work. Options of note: heated mirrors, power pedals, has roof track console in cab, 102K miles. I think I can get it for $13,900

Truck A: Black , 5.4-don't believe it's flex fuel., 3.73 or 3.55 not known, , 2x4, super crewcab, cd player works. Options of note: sliding sunroof, has bed liner, 121K miles. I think I can get it for $12,300

So my thoughts are
a. I will be living in Atlanta-do I care about flex fuel? Can't see an advantage to it really. I heard cheaper fuel costs more because the mpg is less.

b. I really like the extra room of the supercrew cab with 4 doors on truck B

c. I do like truck A as it has the original owner with records

d. Truck B has a sunroof which is kind of nice and a bedliner which I want so Truck A would cost me another $400 to get a bedliner.

e. Truck B the cd player works whereas Truck A would need repair Maybe $250?

f. I really don't like Truck B's color black as it gets dirty fast and shows scratches whereas the bronze color on Truck A is a nice color and will appear to stay cleaner

g. Truck B doesn't have any running boards or bar whereas Truck A does. Maybe $250?

I think the big factors or questions are:

1. When talking about a truck with 121K miles versus 102K miles and costing $1600 less, is this a factor?

2. This is my first full size truck. I have never gone off roading or camping and probably won't be driving in really bad weather or conditions. I am towing a 20 foot cargo trailer from Ca to Ga. once and will probably drive the truck as a regular vehicle about 6,000 miles a year with some trips to move furniture or stuff from home depot. Is 4 wheel drive remotely useful to me or is it something that causes more gas to be used and higher maintanence and insurance costs?

3. Driving Truck A (the 4wd one) around town n 2wd the truck seemed noisier and not as smooth of a ride. Is this because of extra parts and weight?

I think I'm leaning towards the higher milage truck B for less $$, but would be happy to hear other thoughts.
Thanks for you patience on all my questions. Hoping to get one of them on Monday.

 

Since no one has responded I feel I can add something. Maintenance is key in any vehicle and especially so on the 5.4. If A has been maintained per the owners manual that would be important to me. 4wd definitely adds weight and does affect fuel economy I believe. I wouldn't be concerned about the CD player since both probably have a auxiliary input on the dash. Super crew is nice if you haul much inside the cab. I wouldn't like the black either I don't think. I hope this is somewhat helpful.

 

Thanks, I appreciate it!

 

Here's my 2 cents. If you don't need 4wd stay away from it. It can become a maintenance pig. Especially if not used regularly. I live in Chicago and have a 2wd and don't have any problems. 2wd sits lower so you may not need running boards except for asthetics. Color, well thats a matter of personal taste. I like both colors and a 2wd can be taken through the local automated car wash. Maintenance history is certainly something to look at. Price, well I just bought an '06 F-150 XLT Supercab Toreador Red 61,000 miles with bedliner and matching fiberglass cap back in June, I haggled them down to 10,000 out the door (taxes, title fees , licence plates and vehicle cost) they started at 17,000. Those look like dealer blue book prices for those 2 trucks so you should be able to get them cheaper with a little haggling and don't be afraid to walk away.

 

wow you got a great price there! I wound up getting the black screw for $11,700. Might get the shell from the seller. I think the shell is about $1000 and he wants $500. Not a huge fan of the shell, but wouldn't mind one if I can get it for $350-or is that too much?
I figure he got a limited market to sell as it's black and 6.5 ft.

 

Well if your not a fan of the shell and want some kind of cover there are also fiberglass bed covers or the fabric/vinyl style tonneau covers available. A quick google search found this 2007 Ford F150 Tonneau Covers - RealTruck
I think 350.00 is too much for something you don't want. I think it should have been part of the purchase price. Think of it this way, he special ordered the paint to match the truck when he bought the cap, it's part of the original purchase price and the sun probably faded it at about the same rate as the trucks paint so he's just trying to get more cash out of you. If you really want it, start at about 200.00 and don't go above your 350.00 price limit, better to walk away and have him come to you. Also check out all your options because a vinyl cover runs about 300.00 and might suit your needs and likes better.

 

You don't need the topper on a CC. Groceries and such can go in the back seat. You'll end up having to pull the topper off in order to carry that furniture, bicycles, or refrigerator.
For a regular cab with no inside room, a topper is almost a must, but for you, more of a PIA.