I have a 97 f150 4.6 and 191k miles. I have had several minor more problems, more annoying than anything. I have wanted a 250 all along. Out of the 3 trucks I have had I would get them knowing what I wanted then over the years would find out about small things that I wanted on them after I had them. I do not want that to happen on the next one I buy. I don't have a huge budget but...
I am pretty much decided on a V-10, the more power the better but I am not ready to venture to the dark side and look at powerstrokes.
I want 4x4, auto, Crew Cab, short bed, factory cd, automatic ac, overhead display with temp/compas, lowest gears they come with 4.1, 4.3 or whatever.
Guys please point out all the stuff that ya'll have wished you had on your trucks after you bought them.
Im the kind of person that doesn't like to do stuff aftermarket. I like the nice clean smoothe factory appearence.

What is there to know going from f-150 to f-250? What were good years With the stuff I mentioned Im wantin a truck for under $25,000. Which doesn't seem too crazy after looking at local listings I live in South C.

Thanks.

 

Good! You are in the right forum.

Looks like you might be in the market for a Lariet model. The overhead display points it there. The rest look good. Oh ya...go with the 4.30 LS.

It's all in the packages. Camper package, FX4 package, fog lights, over head marker lights, Tow package, Adjustable pedals, 6 disk CD changer, ESOF 4x4, tubular steps, bedliner, etc.

Late build date 2001-2004. It might be possible to find a SD in that price range...especially with the V10. See...the idea of the V10 and gas mileage go hand and hand when you are a buyer. Of course we know that is rumor...not fact regarding the fuel mileage debat. Mileage will play a big role too...so you might get lucky. I recommend going to eBay and searching all the SD's. Will give you a good idea if anything.

Good luck with your SD search...

biz

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2003 F250 SD SC 142" XLT FX4 V10 Auto 4x4 3.73s

 

In that price range You should be able to find an 03-04' model loaded out like you want, the 04' may be iffy but you should be able to pick up an 03' Lariat in that price range.

After owning mine there are a few things I would change, I would want the advanced security group package (more for the auto headlights than anything), the skid plate package or fx4 so it has skid plates, the stabilizer package or heavy service suspension so I would have the rear sway bar (even the camper package would due). I would also get the cab lights (I may be adding those yet) and of course the factory two mirrors, there easy to add after the fact but they cost a bundle! Inside I would have only change the fron 40/60 splt bench to captin chairs since its a rare day when I've needed the front center seat for someone to sit. This is a list of what my next truck will consist of after own this one!

 

The most important thing is the 4.30 gears, more so if it's a 4x4. Changing two sets of gears is $1500+. Camper package would also be cool as well as the cab lights. '04 models (and late '03's) will have heated signal mirrors.
What I would like to have: The heated tow mirrors, cab lights, camper package (for the rear sway bar) and the heavy service package for stiffer front springs. I've added a Gentex mirro with compess/temp and swapped to a 2001 Escape high power radio (Mach) with sub woofer pre-outs (to retain the factory look)and a Ford "Gold" Alarm/Keyless/Remote Start system.
If you get a Lariet with 4.30 gears you'll be pretty well set up with what you listed. It won't be exact but when buying/shopping for a used V10 there's usually not much to choose from. Those that have them keep them and (some of) those who don't want them. I tripped over baskets of used PSD's when looking for mine.

 

I don't know about later models, but my 2001 came with heavy-service suspension but no rear sway bar.

No matter, a quick order to Summit got me the Hellwig bar and it took less than an hour to install.

To the OP: I think everyone's got you covered

 

missed just one thing.
a v10 is hard to find on a lot new or used.

 

Yeah I have noticed that on auto trader. Yeah I defanintley want the yellow lites ontop of the cab. Do you really think I can find what an 03 lariat 4x4 v10 with all that for under 25?

 

Well...it is a buyers market. So...you might be able to. Again...if you can find a V10 to begin with.

Good luck,

biz

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2003 F250 SD SC 142" XLT FX4 V10 Auto 4x4 3.73s

 

Absolutely. Maybe closer to $20k. The key is to wait for what you want, with the correct gears (4.30's, as stated above) comes along. Expand your geographical search area to increase your odds. I drove an hour each way to score mine and was willing to go further. Don't forget to check large circulation newspapers on the "auto" day, many of which the classfieds can be searched online.

 

Sounds good, thanks guys.