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97-98's seem to have the most problems because it was the model change and there were still some bugs to work out. I would look for something a little newer, maybe 2000, it the budget allows.
98 F-150 Lariat with 4.6. I have 99k miles and it still runs good. My only complaints are is on damp days the brakes like to lock the first few times they are used. Believe I saw a TSB on it once and the rear sliding window leaks a few drips when it rains, also a fix for that. Other than that decent truck.
I have a 1998 F-150 SuperCab XL 4.6L V8 Auto that I bought in 2001 with 71K. It now has 108K and I have had no problems other than replacing a dome light switch and an oxygen sensor. Just regular maintenance otherwise.