I've been looking at buying a vehicle to replave my van. I need a fuel efficiant truck..... I thought about the ranger but it's just to small. I would like to get a v6 full size as I don't haul anything anymore. I need to know if it is a reliable engine, I mean can I put 200k miles on it with no major problems???

 

I just bought a 2003 F150 with the V6. It's got plenty of power for a 6, and it's reliable so far. It ultimately depends on how your drive. If you rag it out all the time, yea, you'll have problems. If you just drive it normal with the occasional lead foot, you should be fine. It gets around 16 to 20 MPG. 202 hp. Looks very nice...umm, what else...

As far as lasting 200K miles with no major problems...not gonna say it will and I'm not gonna say it won't. Like I said, it really depends on the driver.

 

I'd stay away from anything '98 and earlier. 2003 is the last year for the 4.2 V6 so if that's what you want, better buy now.
I believe the 4.2 is as likely to go 200K miles as is a 4.6 or a 5.4.
I have 102,000 miles on my 2000 model and plan to get 102,000 more out of it.
One good thing about the 4.2 is it is pretty easy to service. Example: I installed new plugs and plug wires in about an hour.
Try doing that on a 5.4.
Personal preference, but I am perfectly happy with the 4.2. I'd buy another without a second thought/

 

I drive 40 miles a day to work, and roughly 70 miles round trip to school 3 days a week on top of the 40 miles a day. Will I have any issues to worry about?

 

Issues to worry about? In my opinion: None.
Gas mileage is not great so don't expect 22 mpg just because it is a 6 cylinder.
Expect 15-17 city and 18-20 hiway, depending on heavy your foot is. F150 4.2 XL trucks can be bought at a very economical price. They just don't have the "value" of an XLT V8. That worked to my benefit when I bought new 3 1/2 years ago. My truck continues to serve me well and would expect a simliar one to do the same for you. Drive before you buy and know what you are getting.
If you are satisfied with the 4.2 in an F150, I'd say buy it.
To me, a truck is an expense, not an investment. For what I paid ($16,500 new) I'm glad I don't have another $8-10,000 tied up in it. ESPECIALLY since I've rolled up such high mileage.
Let us know what you decide!

 

I'm averaging 16 mpg with my 03. I haven't heard of many problems of the newer V6s, so I don't think you would have a problem with one.

Normally I've found reliability is more of a problem with the owner, not the truck. If you buy a used truck, you run a risk of it not being taken care of, and that could be expensive, so I recommend if at all possible buy from someone you know.

 

Well it's official, when my current ride gets paid off in feb, I will be buyin an 02 or 03 F150 V6 5spd...... I drove one today, I was impressed with the punch off the line.