04 or 05, same problems?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 185
From: Dedham, MA
04 or 05, same problems?
I'm SOOOOOOOOOO glad i found this site, it's awesome.
Thanks to the F150, it looks like i'm getting back into a Ford after being in volvo's for the last 7 years. Do the 05's have the same problems with rear-end vibration and the front tire "nibble" as the 04's? If i go with an 04 i can swing a Lariat or an FX4, but an O5 may limit me to an XLT, unless they work some magic with their sales figures.
This site has been an invaluable tool in my decision process. Kind of scary that despite the possibly significant rear end troubles, I cannot wait to get into this truck!!
Tony
Thanks to the F150, it looks like i'm getting back into a Ford after being in volvo's for the last 7 years. Do the 05's have the same problems with rear-end vibration and the front tire "nibble" as the 04's? If i go with an 04 i can swing a Lariat or an FX4, but an O5 may limit me to an XLT, unless they work some magic with their sales figures.
This site has been an invaluable tool in my decision process. Kind of scary that despite the possibly significant rear end troubles, I cannot wait to get into this truck!!
Tony
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Alabama/Florida
Here are the problems I have had with my 04. The gas filler door spring broke but was replaced. The black trim behind the drivers side window dented and I replaced ($40.00). One recall on a butyl pad on the inner fender had to be performed. One free alignment was performed for uneven tire wear. Other than that and myself disabling the key chime it runs great.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2005
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As a general rule the first year has more problems than subsequent years. I recently bought a 2005 and it has no vibration whatsoever; actually has no problems at all. My personal opinion is that it makes more sense to buy new. You'll get a full warranty; a new truck, and new car financing. And the cost savings of buying used are not that great. I got a deal on my new truck that I still can't believe. Shop around and crunch the numbers. If you were shopping for a car then it would be a better value buying used but trucks hold their value so well that the reverse is true in my opinion.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
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I had all kinds of problems with my 04. It was returned to Ford via the DSB.
Having said that, the # of problem trucks out there is very small. Your chances of getting one with a problem is equally small and even less likely since you have done the research and are aware of what to look for on a test drive. If I had found this site prior to my purchase I would have had different results I'm sure.
If you find an 04 you like take it for a long test drive. Not the around the block like most salesman want you to do. See if they will let you take it overnight or for at least an hour. Drive on rough roads, smooth roads, dirt roads and the roads you will drive it on every day. Take a passenger with you and ask them to point out everything negitive they see, hear or feel. Your brain will be lost in the new car haze (just like everybody else
) so have someone impartial with you.
If it's all good-then go for it.
Having said that, the # of problem trucks out there is very small. Your chances of getting one with a problem is equally small and even less likely since you have done the research and are aware of what to look for on a test drive. If I had found this site prior to my purchase I would have had different results I'm sure.
If you find an 04 you like take it for a long test drive. Not the around the block like most salesman want you to do. See if they will let you take it overnight or for at least an hour. Drive on rough roads, smooth roads, dirt roads and the roads you will drive it on every day. Take a passenger with you and ask them to point out everything negitive they see, hear or feel. Your brain will be lost in the new car haze (just like everybody else
) so have someone impartial with you.If it's all good-then go for it.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Ohio
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I haven't had any vibration problems in my 04 Supercrew. Buy the XLT, So many aftermarket toys you can buy at better prices. I have an XLT, 5.4 triton, its awesome. It's the engine that matters anyway, in my opinion. The Lariats are nice if you need Leather w/ heated seats. I had them, I prefer being able to seat a third person in the front if need be. The FX4, Wouldn't do it. Good Luck.
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Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,462
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From: Dedham, MA
why not the FX4? I would assume it rides a little rougher due to the offroad tuned suspension, if it even has that. But the interior is gorgeous, with the center console and aluminum accent trim. I like the XLT per say, but the smaller wheels, the lack of the good stereo, and the "option" of the 5.4 is leaning me towards the FX4 or Lariat.
Thanks for the input guys. I know exactly what to look for on a test drive. The dealers around here (Boston area) are very reluctant to allow test drives unless you intend to talk numbers and buy that same day. It's a pain in the a$$, I want to evaluate the vehicle for possible purchase, not take it home that same day.
Thanks for the input guys. I know exactly what to look for on a test drive. The dealers around here (Boston area) are very reluctant to allow test drives unless you intend to talk numbers and buy that same day. It's a pain in the a$$, I want to evaluate the vehicle for possible purchase, not take it home that same day.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2005
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Originally Posted by ReForder
why not the FX4? I would assume it rides a little rougher due to the offroad tuned suspension, if it even has that. But the interior is gorgeous, with the center console and aluminum accent trim. I like the XLT per say, but the smaller wheels, the lack of the good stereo, and the "option" of the 5.4 is leaning me towards the FX4 or Lariat.
Thanks for the input guys. I know exactly what to look for on a test drive. The dealers around here (Boston area) are very reluctant to allow test drives unless you intend to talk numbers and buy that same day. It's a pain in the a$$, I want to evaluate the vehicle for possible purchase, not take it home that same day.
Thanks for the input guys. I know exactly what to look for on a test drive. The dealers around here (Boston area) are very reluctant to allow test drives unless you intend to talk numbers and buy that same day. It's a pain in the a$$, I want to evaluate the vehicle for possible purchase, not take it home that same day.
New User
Joined: Feb 2005
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I like the option of not have a center console myself, I can fit my son in the front with my wife and three guests in the back seat, Can't do that with a center console. I installed aftermarket wood dash kit to my XLT, I still cannot find a interior truck that looks nicer, More Complete, and more upgraded, $260.00
The Stereo also works great. I mean if you are young and need a stereo to blast you out of the vehicle or the vehicle next to you like when we were teenagers or early twenties fine, but the stock CD, AM/FM radio is fine with me.
You can also upgrade tires on and XLT, its an option, Rims also. Unless you are going to go four-wheeling night after night, shocks are not an option either. If you are, you are going to need a lift kit and bigger tires on either the FX4 and the XLT.
Like I was saying, Unless you like the leather of the Lariat, why pay 4,000.00 more for $1500.00 of aftermarket upgrades, unless you have the money to throw around. I also heard it was the FX4 that was having the vibration problems in the rear??
The Stereo also works great. I mean if you are young and need a stereo to blast you out of the vehicle or the vehicle next to you like when we were teenagers or early twenties fine, but the stock CD, AM/FM radio is fine with me.
You can also upgrade tires on and XLT, its an option, Rims also. Unless you are going to go four-wheeling night after night, shocks are not an option either. If you are, you are going to need a lift kit and bigger tires on either the FX4 and the XLT.
Like I was saying, Unless you like the leather of the Lariat, why pay 4,000.00 more for $1500.00 of aftermarket upgrades, unless you have the money to throw around. I also heard it was the FX4 that was having the vibration problems in the rear??
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 345
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From: Hickory Tavern, SC
My '04 FX4 is awesome. Just had the butyl pad recall done. It rides stiffer than the XLT. But remember it is designed for offroad use. Mine ride fine to me. No vibrations what so ever. Road up to the mountains of NC and played in the snow this weekend. Did great in the snow. and also I got 16.8 MPG doing all that.
