Considering 1997 F150
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Considering 1997 F150
Friend giving me option to purchase his truck for same price as dealer offers him for real trade-in value (figure approx. $6,500). Truck is one owner, F150, 5.4L, automatic, all the bells and whistles, 45,000 miles, garage kept, extra clean, all scheduled PMs. Friend is in late sixties and used the truck mainly as grocery getter. He had recent hip problem and needs something easier to get in/out of.
Question - are there any known serious ($) problems with the 1997 5.4L? I currently have a 1987 F150, 302, with 193,000 miles (bought new) and use it as transport to/from work. My 1987 is starting to show it's age, so thinking of getting something newer. Was initially thinking of getting something a little more economical (toyota, nissan) - then this offer came up.
I really love my F150 and like the thought of staying with a F150 but I am a little leary about buying used (9 yrs).
Any opinions will be appreciated.
Question - are there any known serious ($) problems with the 1997 5.4L? I currently have a 1987 F150, 302, with 193,000 miles (bought new) and use it as transport to/from work. My 1987 is starting to show it's age, so thinking of getting something newer. Was initially thinking of getting something a little more economical (toyota, nissan) - then this offer came up.
I really love my F150 and like the thought of staying with a F150 but I am a little leary about buying used (9 yrs).
Any opinions will be appreciated.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
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From: BC, Canada
Hi and welcome to the forum 
That sounds like a nice truck.
I wouldn't be afraid of buying it.
The earlier 5.4 sometimes suffered from spark plugs blowing out. Reading on here you'd think that it was almost every truck but in reality it's not. On here we just hear about the problem ones and not all the others with no problems.
You should also check for oil leaks above the starter. The head gaskets on these would leak sometimes. Usually it just leaks out oil above the starter.
Other than those 2 issues most 5.4's never have any problems.
Is it 4x2 or 4x4?
That sounds like a nice truck.
I wouldn't be afraid of buying it.
The earlier 5.4 sometimes suffered from spark plugs blowing out. Reading on here you'd think that it was almost every truck but in reality it's not. On here we just hear about the problem ones and not all the others with no problems.
You should also check for oil leaks above the starter. The head gaskets on these would leak sometimes. Usually it just leaks out oil above the starter.
Other than those 2 issues most 5.4's never have any problems.
Is it 4x2 or 4x4?
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Thanks for the good and quick feed back. The truck is a 4X2. Sounds like it may be a good deal to consider. I am really not so concerned about MPG as my driving is mainly rural florida w/no to minumal bed load (no trailer haul); however, about what MPG can I expect. I like the idea of keeping with the F150 - they have been good for me. Again thanks for the feed-back.
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