F150 - Any common issues?
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F150 - Any common issues?
Hey Folks,
Looking to buy a used truck a couple of years old to avoid the depreciation hit, and just wondered if there is anything common to watch for on the new style F150's. I have read that the previous generation were rock solid (and my father had one for about 50,000 miles and had no problems), but that the new body style has more issues. True?
I've searched and read about brake problems, vibrations, and tire wear problems with the 2004 model year. Have all these been addressed by the 2006 model year? Any complaints of driveline clunks and such on the '05 & '06's?
I was going to go diesel, but I don't really need it and I wouldn't want to have to pay for repairs after the warranty runs out on one of those bad boys.
Any input would be appreciated.
Looking to buy a used truck a couple of years old to avoid the depreciation hit, and just wondered if there is anything common to watch for on the new style F150's. I have read that the previous generation were rock solid (and my father had one for about 50,000 miles and had no problems), but that the new body style has more issues. True?
I've searched and read about brake problems, vibrations, and tire wear problems with the 2004 model year. Have all these been addressed by the 2006 model year? Any complaints of driveline clunks and such on the '05 & '06's?
I was going to go diesel, but I don't really need it and I wouldn't want to have to pay for repairs after the warranty runs out on one of those bad boys.
Any input would be appreciated.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
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Just keep in mind thay while these problems exist, the rate is exaggerated here because that's partly what this forum is for; identifying and addressing issues. Also, most people will take the time to complain about problems but not do the same for non-issues or compliments (human nature). Overall these are very solid trucks. Maybe get a VIN of one you're looking at and there may be some good info here on that particular one someone can offer. Mine is an 06 FX$ s/crew and it's got no problems, btw.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Over Yonder, MN
Originally Posted by GNR
I have read that the previous generation were rock solid (and my father had one for about 50,000 miles and had no problems), but that the new body style has more issues. True?
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Thanks guys.
That's what i am looking for screwy - a nice grocery getter about 2 years old so the big depreciation hit is gone that still have some warranty left. Plan to drive it for 3 years and do it all over again. Seems like the most cost effective way to drive a nice, relatively new truck all the time. Also, if you pick up a lemon that way you still have warranty and you will lose less on an immediate trade than if it were close to brand new.
I read on the Canadian Driver site that the previous gen F150's were more reliable than Chev (and quite a bit more than Dodge), and were a match for the Tundra (they weren't without problems themselves in the early days). They pick the F150 as the best used half ton.
Keep the responses coming guys.
Thanks.
That's what i am looking for screwy - a nice grocery getter about 2 years old so the big depreciation hit is gone that still have some warranty left. Plan to drive it for 3 years and do it all over again. Seems like the most cost effective way to drive a nice, relatively new truck all the time. Also, if you pick up a lemon that way you still have warranty and you will lose less on an immediate trade than if it were close to brand new.
I read on the Canadian Driver site that the previous gen F150's were more reliable than Chev (and quite a bit more than Dodge), and were a match for the Tundra (they weren't without problems themselves in the early days). They pick the F150 as the best used half ton.
Keep the responses coming guys.
Thanks.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Roanoke
I looked for a long time for a used truck. I eventually gave in to get a new truck so that I could have exactly what I wanted. There are some very nice used trucks out there, just be patient and one will turn up. If you are looking for a Screw and would like to have the 6.5' bed, you will have to get an 06 or 07. The 6.5' bed wasn't offered until then. When I started looking really hard the 06's had huge discounts but I couldn't find one that suited me. I figure if I'm going to pay that much then get what you want and with any luck and not much trouble I will keep it for a long time. I am more than satisfied with my truck so far. I think you made a good choice with Ford. Good luck on your search.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Marion, VA
I went looking for exactly what you describe. However, I was able to buy new for less money at the end of the model year and rebates.
When you try our your "new" used truck, just pay attention to differential whine and smoothness in the brakes and steering. These problems were present in a few trucks but as was said, this forum tends to make mountains out of molehills.
When you try our your "new" used truck, just pay attention to differential whine and smoothness in the brakes and steering. These problems were present in a few trucks but as was said, this forum tends to make mountains out of molehills.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Copperas Cove, TX
I have a 2004 Lariat Supercrew I bought new; today, it has 46000 miles on it. It's my first truck, and it's rock solid. I also drive a 2005 Regular Cab company vehicle that I've put 100000 miles on in 2 years. Also rock solid. I keep up with all the maintenance on both vehicles. My personal truck also has several mods and has taken them in stride.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,595
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From: Lawton, Oklahoma
I just got a 2004 Scab with the 4.6. It had just turned 11000 miles, had 9 months left on factory warranty and I purchased a 60 month Premium Care policy with it. I purchased the truck for 12,900 and I find that to be quite a decent compromise over a brand new one just like it. It has zero vibration problems and I got new front rotors, calipers and pads for the front as part of a TSB update and new rear pads due to a seeping rear axle seal so the brakes are all new. The interior is spotless as well as the exterior. Find a comparable vehicle and I think you will be very pleased.
OH and it came with new tires too.
OH and it came with new tires too.
Last edited by HomerWinzlow; Mar 14, 2007 at 09:18 PM.
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Keep in mind of the total number of trucks produced and the source.Many people just like to complain. My 05 screw has 48K and the only problem was the front end needed to be replaced at 18K. Ford took care of it but not the tires because they said I didn't rotate them often enough. Other then that speedbump I haven't had anything go wrong. Good luck.
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Originally Posted by gcozmo
I looked for a long time for a used truck. I eventually gave in to get a new truck so that I could have exactly what I wanted. There are some very nice used trucks out there, just be patient and one will turn up. If you are looking for a Screw and would like to have the 6.5' bed, you will have to get an 06 or 07. The 6.5' bed wasn't offered until then. When I started looking really hard the 06's had huge discounts but I couldn't find one that suited me. I figure if I'm going to pay that much then get what you want and with any luck and not much trouble I will keep it for a long time. I am more than satisfied with my truck so far. I think you made a good choice with Ford. Good luck on your search.
Used F150's are plentiful where I am at. If I go new due to incentives I would probably consider GM as well.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2000
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From: USA
Originally Posted by K.O-T.O
Keep in mind of the total number of trucks produced and the source.Many people just like to complain. My 05 screw has 48K and the only problem was the front end needed to be replaced at 18K. Ford took care of it but not the tires because they said I didn't rotate them often enough. Other then that speedbump I haven't had anything go wrong. Good luck.
I have 15K on my 2006 an so far so good.... I am quite happy with my Purchase
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Originally Posted by GNR
Excellent point. I will of course consider current incentives on new vehicles when I decide to buy and adjust what I will pay for used accordingly. If new is a better deal that's the way I'll go.
Used F150's are plentiful where I am at. If I go new due to incentives I would probably consider GM as well.
Used F150's are plentiful where I am at. If I go new due to incentives I would probably consider GM as well.
