old beater
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 83
From: N. Texas
old beater
Hey guys, Not sure where to put this so if it needs to be moved, please do so. Because of financial reasons I am thinking about getting rid of the '15 F150 and purchasing an older 'beater' as my daily driver. I'm looking at the $3000 - $3500 range. My question is what do I stay away from? Any particular engine/tranny combo that has been known to be problematic, etc. Would prefer an automatic but not afraid of a manual.
All suggestions are welcome.
All suggestions are welcome.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 152
Likes: 1
From: Truth or Consequences, NM
For that kind of money, you can buy a pretty good truck. I would look for the '97 to '05 range. If you can get by with a two wheel drive, you can get something with 100K miles or less, that gives you a lot of miles to drive with minimal problems. The 5.4 is pretty bullet proof (with some exceptions). XLT and or Lariat are nice trucks. (I have had 5 new ones since the first in '97.)
Take your time, lots to choose from out there.
JMHO
Take your time, lots to choose from out there.
JMHO
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 354
Likes: 5
From: Katy, Republic of Texas
Yup, the 2v 5.4 ('97-'03(or '04 Heritage, old body style)) is fine, the '04-'06(and early '07) 5.4 has issues with the cam phasers, timing chain, oil pump and 2 piece spark plugs breaking when changing.
The 4.6 is not an issue (except for plugs shooting out if not torqued correctly, 28 ft lbs dry).
Stay away from the 4.2. Underpowered, poor gas mileage, and and known for intake manifold leaks.
The 4.6 is not an issue (except for plugs shooting out if not torqued correctly, 28 ft lbs dry).
Stay away from the 4.2. Underpowered, poor gas mileage, and and known for intake manifold leaks.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Big Block Man 2
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
3
Feb 4, 2004 10:33 PM
