Hello, I would like to know what if anything should I be concerned about when I go to buy my truck. I have read A LOT about the vibration thing, and now I am hearing something about the rear doors buckling and the engine using oil, not to mention the **** poor gas milage until break-in. I REALLY like these new trucks, and since my uncle works for ford, I dont have much of a choice in buying(read:affording) a new truck. So what should I look aout for and what should I take with me to discuss with the dealer? I am looking at possibly a supercab STX with the 4.6 and 3.55. I just wish the engine had more power. I mean, the engine is the same size as the GT!

 

This is such a tough question to answer, and I usually don't answer them because I'm a Ford salesperson ("...oh, sure he doesn't have any problems, he SELLS them, for crying out loud..."). I do have a 2004 STX 4x4 Supercab with the 4.6 and 3.55s. Yes, I wish too I had the 5.4, the power of the 4.6 is just adequate. The only problem I've had has been a minor vibration for the first 1-2 miles when the truck is cold; after that, the vibration disappears. It can only be one thing: the tires develop flat spots when they're cold, and they disappear once the tires warm up. Big deal, I can live with it. If this is the dreaded "vibration problem" that everyone else is complaining about, then they need to be reminded that this is a pickup truck, not a Lexus. Some tires develop flat spots, and I don't know what can be done about it.

As for the rest of it, I've had no problems with the doors, the mileage has always been 15-16 mpg, regardless of how I drive it, and it hasn't used any oil. Have other people had problems? Of course. Is there posting here an ACCURATE representation of the total problems in the marketplace? Absolutely not. Happy owners just drive their trucks and don't go looking for websites to air their grievances. Unhappy customers get on the Internet to see if they can find a resolution to their problems. Therefore, the number of people complaining here is in no way a reflection of bad quality on the part of Ford.

 

My '97 gets flat spots on the tires every night. I have Pirelli Scorpions on it and as Jeff said it goes away after a mile or two. I thought it was wierd, but glad to hear I'm not the only one!

Taz

 

This flat spotting is happening more and more. My wife has a Miata and it will beat you to death the first couple of miles.

Mike

 

well, Im have 32" off road tires on my truck now, and the whole dang thing is a big flat spot! anyway, I plan on upgrading my rims and tires to something more shall we say sporting. I figured that the 4.6 would get better milage than 16 mpg no matter what. I guess thats the price you pay for a truck, though.