Hello everyone! I am looking for some advice. I am trying to decide if I should buy a 2002 limited with the V10 and 59k miles. I have a large family and we tow a travel trailer. We can't afford the newer $60k to $90k trucks so here I am contemplating buying a 22 yr old truck. I have basic mechanical skills and knowledge. With this info, would any if you have any reservations about buying an 02 v10 with 59k miles for $23k? It appears to be in great shape, with no rust on the body, glossy paint, non-cracked leather seats, and all lights and doodads supposedly work. They say the frame is solid, but I haven't seen it in person yet. It's at a dealer that has a very good rating and sells a lot of older vehicles in good shape. They already said they would change out all the spark plugs for me. So, what say you, is it worth it? Should I do it? Anything else I should look for? Thanks in advance for all your advice!

 

I think it’s a fantastic choice. stay on top of maintenance and by quality parts and you will see years of faithful service. My v10 truck that I use to tow a 8k travel trailer or an enclosed car hauler around 10-11k with no real issues. Nearly 250k on its clock and I just replaced it with a 7.3 diesel truck to take over the responsibility. They are fantastic well built trucks.

 

Worth it ONLY if :
No rust anywhere
Engine sound (have it checked)
Good history

My similar 2001 V10 is annoyingly rusty but with 120K and drivetrain running like new I cannot justify getting rid of it, have had it since 2005 and would not want to be without it.

 

As stated above, these are great trucks that keep on going. Remember it’s a 20+ year old truck so if you don’t do a lot of your own work it can become expensive. The V10 is a strong engine that can run hundreds of thousands of miles with proper maintenance, at 50k+ miles it’s just getting broken in. The key is rust, what state has she lived most of her life in? That is what the real factor in your decision is.

 

Welcome to the EX forum!


What you decide to spend on a 22 year old truck is entirely up to you once you have had the chance to inspect it. In my mind it would have to be COMPLETELY rust free for that kind of money, but I also understand the current crazy used truck market.
Personally, I would rather change the plugs out myself vs having the dealer do it. That way I KNOW that the correct plugs are used with the proper gap, the proper over spec torque was applied to the plugs to keep them well seated in the heads for the long haul and that new rubber plug boots and springs were also installed. It’s an ‘02, so most likely has the earlier design heads with only a few threads for the plugs. Based on owners experiences seating new plugs to 26/28 ft/lbs vs the factory spec of 11/17 ft/lbs vastly reduces the possibility of a plug blowout.

It looks like a nice wagon, good luck with it!

 

Thanks, everyone for the replys. So they sent me some pictures of the undercarriage. The vehicle has spent its whole life in Northern NJ. I live in Northern PA. According to Carfax it has driven 400 miles in the last 4 years. What is your thoughts on these pictures?

 

Once you buy it, start replacing rubber parts. They are all over 22 years old and are due! You're gonna love your new-to-you truck!

 

I agree with all of the above, Especially about the Spark Plugs! Do it yourself and you'll know it's done right. The back 2 plugs are a PITA but, do want some flunky dude screwing around with your, hard to reach, Aluminum heads!?! Sorry, I don't trust mechanics, and not one bit at any dealership!!! I just had a plug blow out (in Snowflake Az) in our '05 EX (200k miles I've owned for just over 2 months) on our move to Texas, 4 days before thanksgiving. I thought we were screwed and would be there for weeks trying to get it repaired (I did 3 time-certs on my F150 15+ yrs ago). I was talking with one of my sons and he said "try to screw it back in" ! I had nothing to loose so I did - IT WORKED! I backed it back and counted the revolutions, there were 7 1/2 ! I don't know when Ford changed the number of threads in the Modular heads, but my '02 Screw only had 3 threads(as I recall). I'm still driving that truck today - now, with no other issues (200k+miles) than you. bought a new plug put it back in with a drop of blue Loctite and finished the trip pulling our 25' boat
Getting back to the Topic; to me that's a lot of rust (but I'm from Vegas) but maybe everyone is concerned about body rust. If it's really only 59k miles (at least try to verify that odometer), that's about $$$ what they go for. I'm still glad I bought my V10. I looked at a lot of EX's, some were good, some better, some just crap, with mileage everywhere as well. I Had less than 10k to spend, and was looking for a 5.4 or 6.8 (no diesel no 4x4). I'm old now and don't feel like bullet proofing another diesel, and I'm a street guy, not an off roader. The mpg was great on my '04 6.0 F250 but tired of the diesel downsides, and I just wanted to try the V10.
Pay yer money and take yer chances, is what I've always told my kids, and keep up on the maintenance!