Buying advice needed

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Nov 8, 2007 | 07:54 PM

88f150*300

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Buying advice needed

I may go look at a '97 F150 XLT Reg Cab long bed 4x4 4.6 auto. It has 208,000 miles. I am being told that the miles are mostly highway. The truck seems to be in excellent condition and has been well cared for according to the owner.

Is it worth looking at? Should I look for something with lower mileage? How long do the 4.6's last?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Nov 8, 2007 | 08:49 PM

montanafordman

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From: Meridian, ID

If the price is right I"m sure it would be worth the look. The thing about getting used is you never know how the previous owner maintained it unless he has records but I'd ask if he's changed the tras fluid at regular intervals ~30-40K (at least I do) and the obvious is oil. Also ask if/when the plugs/wires have been changed (probably have by this point). As for the longevity I know a guy who had his motor go at 140k (had this truck in Alaska for a while and no idea how he cared for it) yet I've heard MANY reports of these engines going to the 300K+ range too. I guess my advice is go into it knowing full well you MIGHT have to drop 4 figures into maint/repair in the next few years for something but there is potential to have plenty of trouble free miles at a great price too. If the truck looks good, straight and clean go compare that to payments for a new truck that costs 25K or so. Look in your area for some middle ground too but I wouldn't shy away just because of the 200k. 10 years isn't THAT old so theres plenty of life left for the truck if its been reasonably cared for.

Nov 8, 2007 | 11:11 PM

Dustin1690

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From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan

I agree with montanafordman depends how the owner treated it if it was treated good the 4.6 will go for ever but if it was abused no

Nov 9, 2007 | 02:31 AM

Half Breed

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Joined: Mar 2007

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From: SouthWest Ga.

Double post sorry

Last edited by Half Breed; Nov 9, 2007 at 02:35 AM.

Nov 9, 2007 | 02:33 AM

Half Breed

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Joined: Mar 2007

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From: SouthWest Ga.

I bought my 97SCAB-2wd 4.6 with 221k on it and have never regretted it. The person I got from had Service records on from even before he owned it. I now have over 233k on it and it uses about 1/2 quart of oil between changes. Runs good drives good. I did have to do a few things like change out the upper and lower ball joints which I knew were bad when I got it. I also did a complete service including Tranny which is something I do when ever I buy a used vehicle truck or car. The thing is the price was right $3500. I haven't regretted a day since I got it. Look it over real well and know what kinda repairs it will need it's ten years old and it'd probably going to need some.

Nov 9, 2007 | 09:36 AM

skilife17

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From: Cottage Grove, Minnesota

I bought my 97 scab 4x4 4.6 auto with 170k on it and never regretted it. I took a gamble because I didn't know the service history. I took a gamble changing the filter on the tranny because it was still the factory filter when I dropped the pan. I did another service on it about 10k miles ago. I have pulled 6000# with the truck and never a hickup. All I've done on mine is maintenance items. Had a bad hub at 185k but it's expected with that kind of milage. Only uses about 1-1.5 qts in 3000 miles.

Nov 9, 2007 | 09:57 AM

ajbeiler

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Joined: Dec 2006

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From: Lima Ohio for college

well i have one to, i also know the records but it has been abuse alittle just high rpm's. never seen mud and never off roaded. at 183.000 miles and she still running strong. has anyone ever figured out why a 4.6 spark knocks????????? anyway on cold mornings she makes some noise but i just let her warm up and shes good. about 1/2 quart every 3000 miles. never any motor work i just change fluids when recomended and oil every 2500 to 3000 mile. from day one always ran shell motor oil in it and a touch of lucus. just put an AFE cold air on her i love it really sounds and runs better hoping to see alittle more mpg going home in two weeks. i am getting about 19-20 last time want to see 22 this trip 350 mile to wv from lima ohio yee haa hunting seson is here..