Hi all. New to the site and I need help already.

I am looking to get out of the diesel world and back into a 1/2 ton gasser. I have narrowed down my search to the Ford supercrew and Chevy 1500 crew. I found a nice 2004 Lariat 4x4 with 5.4 and 35k miles, certified w/warranty for $16.3k. Might be able to get them down some more on that price. I need a family truck that my wife can drive and my 4 door dually manual transmission diesel ain't cuttin' it!

The truck looks great and has a matching fiberglass cap with frameless glass.

I was a little concerned about the '04 and '05 5.4 engines with the cam phaser talk, etc... Is this a big concern or not? I don't really tow anymore so the truck will basically be my daily driver. Hoping to keep it for 10 years 100k miles.

Were there many changes with the '06 and up trucks? I can afford a newer one but at the same time, I'd rather save a couple thousand if I can.

The same dealer has an '07 supercrew 4x4 with cloth and a 4.6 with 14k miles on it. They want $17.4k for that one which is also certified so the warranty will go a little longer. I don't need all the bells and whistles. I think I could live with the 4.6L (I have driven one) because I run unloaded most of the time.

So there is my dilemma, newer with the 4.6 or older (more risk??) with the 5.4 and more options.

I was also looking at Chevy 1500 crew cabs but they seem to be a little more rare and are also listed for a couple thousand more.

Thanks for any help!
Jason

 

I have an 08 SCAB, and I love it.
There has been a Ford PU in my family (Dad & me) since I was 13, I'm 48 now.
I've driven others, GM & DC, but nothing beats a Ford IMO.
If I were in your shoes, I most likely would get the newer Ford, avoiding the 1st year problems and possible plug issues.

Have Fun in the Ford.

 

The '04 models tend to have a few more issues because they were the first year of the redesign. For the most part the trucks remained the same from year to year with the exception of a few changes to standard features and option availability. You can check the differences at Edmunds.com or the like.

One of the biggest issues I'm aware of if the spark plug issue on the 5.4L which wasn't fixed unit the late '07/early 08 models. If you plan on keeping it a long time do you homework on this issues because it can really ruin your day. Another common issue has to do with the 4x4 system engaging. Do a search for IWE and/or vacuum solenoid and you'll find plenty of info on the issue.

As far the 5.4 vs the 4.6...they both get around the same gas mileage. I think most on here would agree that the 5.4 is the way to go (outside of the spark plug issue). I've read lots of post from 4.6 owners who wished they'd gone with the 5.4.

Given the flooded used market these days you probably won't have to wait too long to find the exact truck you want option/price-wise. Good luck!

 

ive driven both my new ford f150 (obviously), and a brand new chevy with identical options and the only differencr i noticed was the fact that the chevy was substantially more expensive! they are both nice trucks tho... and if u can get the 5.4 in the ford go for it over the 4.6 for sure, same gas mileage with more power.

 

Given the flooded used market these days you probably won't have to wait too long to find the exact truck you want option/price-wise. Good luck!


that isnt true i was looking for a f-150 ext cab, v-8, 4x4 with a 5 speed, and after a year and a half i setteled for a auto because the 5-speed is a rare item any more.

any how go with the 5.4 you wont regret it

 

Thanks for the info everyone. I'll keep digging and doing my homework.

Jarma, I'll be in your area next week. I have to go to Surrey for some high voltage testing.

Bridge,
I'll look into the IWE issues. I have been reading about the plugs as well but I'll have to dig deeper.

I'm sure the Chevrolets aren't without thier issues as well. I know of 2 that had ABS issues that went as far as lemon law suits. But the 5.3 auto is a nice combo.

Maybe I'll try to hold out for an 06 or 07 set up the way I want.

Thanks again!
Jason

 

Definately check out all the used sites in the lower mainland, there is alot of trucks ther and good prices cuz dealers a willing to sell for a lower price so they can sell more!

 

don't know where you are located, but I've seen 06 F-150s go for under $18k with roughly 30,000 miles or less.

a 04 model for $16k is way overpriced and they are looking to dupe somebody. $12-14k is a better price...2 reasons. also, as mentioned, the 04/05's had some issues. If they were fixed, then the truck is golden. If not, you could have a headache from hell. Especially as it will be out of the OEM warranty. I suggest you wait for a 06+ truck



I did a quick Autotrader.Com search. With a 200 mile radius search of my hometown in Texas. Specifically looked for 2006+, 4 door, 4x4, under $20k and under 45k miles. Found 42 trucks

Autotrader Texas Results



exact same search, but in the Seattle area where I lived before I moved to Hawaii in November. Found 38 trucks there. Even some 07's in there with low low mileage.

Autorader Washington Results


I think you should shop around some more, or have that dealership knock at least $2-3k off the price. Especially if show them that you can get a 06+ for only $1,500 more bucks

 

Thanks Tylus.

I have been all over autotrader around here (200 mile radius) and I may have to travel a little to get a better price. I bough my current truck 6 states away so no big deal.

Texas has some killer deals, might have to buy one there!

And, I do have a family friend that buys at auctions. He offered to pick one up for me anytime. If the auction prices are that low, it might be worth the risk and pick one up for 10k!

Thanks again for the help and I'll hold out for an '06 or '07

Jason

 

there is another thread here in the forum. he lives in Maryland and was basically asking about prices like you are. I did a Autotrader search like the ones I posted for you and found 380+ trucks with the same requirements in his area.

the best part, most of them were $15-17k. You might want to look into Maryland and that general area also...especially if you're willing to travel to buy

 

Tylus,
Funny you mention that. I had found a dealer in Annapolis with some great deals on '06 and '07 trucks, low miles, as low as 15,900. They always seem to have 10 or so used supercrews on the lot so it might be worth the trip. They do sell them. I don't see them listed for very long.

Thanks,
Jason