Considering a '97 F150
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From: somewhere in PA
Considering a '97 F150
Hello all, I am in the market for a "new" vehicle. I've been searching around the locar used car lots and come across a 1997 F150. It has the 4.2L V6, 5-speed manual and 4wd. There are 110,000 miles on it. It's a regular cab with the 6-foot bed. I do not know the differential ratio. Overall, the body is in fairly good condition. The sale price is $3500. Based on this info, I want to know a couple of things.
-Does the 4.2L feel lethargic?
-How well does the standard transmission hold up under normal conditions?
-Is the fuel mileage ok?
-Can the 4.2L pull anything?
-Are there any recalls/things to watch for?
-Is this a good choice for a daily driver who is a high schooler who drives on coutry roads and a small town?
-Can I expect a long life out of this truck, assuming everything is as it should be?
I am only looking.I am more interested in a car, but if this truck can acheive decent fuel mileage, I may buy this instead. If anyone can tell me anything about this truck, it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks
-Does the 4.2L feel lethargic?
-How well does the standard transmission hold up under normal conditions?
-Is the fuel mileage ok?
-Can the 4.2L pull anything?
-Are there any recalls/things to watch for?
-Is this a good choice for a daily driver who is a high schooler who drives on coutry roads and a small town?
-Can I expect a long life out of this truck, assuming everything is as it should be?
I am only looking.I am more interested in a car, but if this truck can acheive decent fuel mileage, I may buy this instead. If anyone can tell me anything about this truck, it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Hernando Ms
I can only advise by my experience with my 97 4.2 lwb automatic....Im showing 158,000 miles,and all is original. Fuel mileage averages around 18 mpg when driven like an old fart
.I recently had a tonneau cover put on,and the mileage seems to be a little better.
Considering load issues,ive personally hauled over 2 tons of sand in one trip,and it did fine.Needless to say the power steering was quite "responsive".
Road trips are fairly good mileage wise,and averages around 19/20 when held at a steady speed...however once you turn on the Air conditioning,the mileage goes to crap.
I had briefly considered getting a NEW F-150,but since we dont have any vehicle notes,and the truck is fine,I elected to just to some fixing up,and let it bump.
The 4.2 is NOT a powerhouse,but in my opinion its a tough engine. If you elect to get the truck,keep it stock,change the oil every 3000 miles or so,and enjoy...
.I recently had a tonneau cover put on,and the mileage seems to be a little better.Considering load issues,ive personally hauled over 2 tons of sand in one trip,and it did fine.Needless to say the power steering was quite "responsive".
Road trips are fairly good mileage wise,and averages around 19/20 when held at a steady speed...however once you turn on the Air conditioning,the mileage goes to crap.
I had briefly considered getting a NEW F-150,but since we dont have any vehicle notes,and the truck is fine,I elected to just to some fixing up,and let it bump.
The 4.2 is NOT a powerhouse,but in my opinion its a tough engine. If you elect to get the truck,keep it stock,change the oil every 3000 miles or so,and enjoy...
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I have a 97 Automatic with a 4.2 with 115,000 miles on it. I bought this truck around 4 years ago and I do like it. I hauled 38 80lb bags of concrete in one shot (3,140 lbs) in one shot. I didnt drive far but the truck drove straight as an arrow with no swaying and stopped just fine (However" it is not reccomended to overload your vehicle like this when its only a 1/2 ton).
If your looking for a 97 with a 4.2 be sure to have it checked over . I know that these motors have had issue (Such as mine) with a faulty intake manifold gasket that will leak coolant into the cylanders and the cost to fix is not cheap. As for gas milage I would say around 18-20 .
Do a search on 1997 f150 4.2 problems
I also wouldnt pay over 2,500
If your looking for a 97 with a 4.2 be sure to have it checked over . I know that these motors have had issue (Such as mine) with a faulty intake manifold gasket that will leak coolant into the cylanders and the cost to fix is not cheap. As for gas milage I would say around 18-20 .
Do a search on 1997 f150 4.2 problems
I also wouldnt pay over 2,500
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What is the "high schooler" interested in?
IMHO no F150 4wd "can acheive decent fuel mileage".
IMHO no F150 4wd "can acheive decent fuel mileage".
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From: somewhere in PA
Yeah, I didn't think that the fuel mileage would be great. However, having 4WD is very useful, especially at this time of the year. I could always go with a Ford Focus or something, but I'd rather have a truck. Thanks for the input thus far!
Government Teat-sucker
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Virginia Beach
I have an 88 I6 5 speed. It has hauled everything I have put into it without any problems. As far as hauling, you should be just fine with the 4.2. A little TLC and (assuming it doesn't have the problems illustrated before) it should last you for a very long time. Also, KBB suggested private party value for a similar truck is $2600.
1997 Ford F150 - Private Party Pricing Report - Official Kelley Blue Book Site=
This is in my zip code, but it should be similar where you are, and you can find any number of good, used trucks in the paper or online (check craigslist) from a private party.
Stu
1997 Ford F150 - Private Party Pricing Report - Official Kelley Blue Book Site=
This is in my zip code, but it should be similar where you are, and you can find any number of good, used trucks in the paper or online (check craigslist) from a private party.
Stu
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IMO "having 4WD is very useful" for getting out of a ditch. However its often almost useless preventing you from going off the road.
Pickups have miserable traction & agility. 4WD can't be used on mostly dry pavement that is littered w/spots of ice that's so often encountered in snow country. For instance, driving over bridges that freeze before the rest of the pavement leaves you in 2WD & taking your chances. The 4WD can only be used on continuously icy/snow covered roads.
IMO a "high schooler" would be much safer "with a Ford Focus...at this time of the year" in PA. FWD & nimble handling is very good on icy surfaces & is in operation all the time. A Focus should deliver mid 30's MPG consistantly, easily twice the MPG of an F150. If you want something that "is very useful, especially at this time of the year" I'd suggest you look at something like an AWD Subaru.
IMO a "high schooler" would be much safer "with a Ford Focus...at this time of the year" in PA. FWD & nimble handling is very good on icy surfaces & is in operation all the time. A Focus should deliver mid 30's MPG consistantly, easily twice the MPG of an F150. If you want something that "is very useful, especially at this time of the year" I'd suggest you look at something like an AWD Subaru.
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Government Teat-sucker
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From: Virginia Beach
IMO "having 4WD is very useful" for getting out of a ditch. However its often almost useless preventing you from going off the road.
Pickups have miserable traction & agility. 4WD can't be used on mostly dry pavement that is littered w/spots of ice that's so often encountered in snow country. For instance, driving over bridges that freeze before the rest of the pavement leaves you in 2WD & taking your chances. The 4WD can only be used on continuously icy/snow covered roads.
IMO a "high schooler" would be much safer "with a Ford Focus...at this time of the year" in PA. FWD & nimble handling is very good on icy surfaces & is in operation all the time. A Focus should deliver mid 30's MPG consistantly, easily twice the MPG of an F150. If you want something that "is very useful, especially at this time of the year" I'd suggest you look at something like an AWD Subaru.
Pickups have miserable traction & agility. 4WD can't be used on mostly dry pavement that is littered w/spots of ice that's so often encountered in snow country. For instance, driving over bridges that freeze before the rest of the pavement leaves you in 2WD & taking your chances. The 4WD can only be used on continuously icy/snow covered roads.
IMO a "high schooler" would be much safer "with a Ford Focus...at this time of the year" in PA. FWD & nimble handling is very good on icy surfaces & is in operation all the time. A Focus should deliver mid 30's MPG consistantly, easily twice the MPG of an F150. If you want something that "is very useful, especially at this time of the year" I'd suggest you look at something like an AWD Subaru.
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From: N. Mississippi
My oldest son was 18 when he bought his 2000 F150 XL with a 4.2, 5 speed, 2wd!
He now has over 120K miles and just replaced the original tires about 2 months ago. His truck has the infamous crack in the driver's door where as my 97 Lariat doesn't. The only problems he has had is with the multifunction switch and that turned out to be a wiring connector problem where they plugged into the switch connector. The wires would pull out of the main connetor easily and no doubt his constant use of tilting his steering wheel everytime he got in and out of the truck contributed to this. He fixed the problem with a little dab of silicone on each wire where they plugged into the main connector.
He's happy with his truck and states that when the wheels fall off, he'll buy another Ford truck. Same as me with my truck!
He now has over 120K miles and just replaced the original tires about 2 months ago. His truck has the infamous crack in the driver's door where as my 97 Lariat doesn't. The only problems he has had is with the multifunction switch and that turned out to be a wiring connector problem where they plugged into the switch connector. The wires would pull out of the main connetor easily and no doubt his constant use of tilting his steering wheel everytime he got in and out of the truck contributed to this. He fixed the problem with a little dab of silicone on each wire where they plugged into the main connector.
He's happy with his truck and states that when the wheels fall off, he'll buy another Ford truck. Same as me with my truck!
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Taylorsville, KY
Hey Tak. I think this would be a choice vehicle for your high schooler. Remember, its not if they're going to have an accident. But, when. I got two through high school. They both had their wrecks before they were 19 and were still living at home. They would have both been better protected in a truck.
No 4wd is going to get good mileage. Its just sort of the 11th commandment of owning one. That motor with a 5 spd is a good choice. I have the 4.2 with an automatic in my 2wd, long bed and it will scoot on down the road when I get on the skinny pedal. As for pulling things, I haul a 325 gal water tank (about 2500 lbs)in mine every weekend to haul water. And it does it just fine. We don't have flat ground around here either.
In my opinion, 4wd will help a good driver and create problems for a bad driver. Where you live, I think it would be agood idea. But, thats my opinion. Here in my area near Louisville, KY, that would be a decent price. Good luck and let us know how things come out.
No 4wd is going to get good mileage. Its just sort of the 11th commandment of owning one. That motor with a 5 spd is a good choice. I have the 4.2 with an automatic in my 2wd, long bed and it will scoot on down the road when I get on the skinny pedal. As for pulling things, I haul a 325 gal water tank (about 2500 lbs)in mine every weekend to haul water. And it does it just fine. We don't have flat ground around here either.
In my opinion, 4wd will help a good driver and create problems for a bad driver. Where you live, I think it would be agood idea. But, thats my opinion. Here in my area near Louisville, KY, that would be a decent price. Good luck and let us know how things come out.
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Sorry, I took posting in the 3rd person to suggest tak lodar might be a father shopping for "a high schooler" & also latched onto "The sale price is $3500." for a '97 F150.
While there's no Q that fullsize P/U prices have fallen, as small efficient vehicle prices climbed, the TWO alternative "vehicles listed" are plainly available in the $3500 price range IMO. A quick look at just 1 of today's local classified listings shows an '01 Focus ZX3 for $3300 & an '02 Forester for $4500, both OBO.
I'd much sooner have an 8 YO ZX3, or 7 YO Forester, than the 12 YO Gas Guzzling F150. IMO tak lodar has to decide how important the capacity to "pull anything" really is. Some folks don't seem to think the 4.2 can "pull" an unladened F150.
I'd much sooner have an 8 YO ZX3, or 7 YO Forester, than the 12 YO Gas Guzzling F150. IMO tak lodar has to decide how important the capacity to "pull anything" really is. Some folks don't seem to think the 4.2 can "pull" an unladened F150.
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From: somewhere in PA
Actually... I am the high schooler in question. I've been driving for a while and am ready to replace my crapbox S10. This truck was at a local dealership and I thought that it was a good deal. It is in pretty good condition and it seems to run ok. That's just a basic overview, though. I would rather have an eight year-old Focus too, but 4WD is pretty much a necessity. Towing capacity isn't the most important factor of this truck because we have an '03 F150 Supercrew with 4wd and the 5.4L V8, but a good payload is important. There is a good chance that I may get in a wreck sometime, and having a truck would decrease my chances of getting hurt. I am still considering the truck as my next vehicle. Thank you for your imput. 
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My advice would be to at least decide on a class of vehicles 1st.
If you're really interested in a "good deal" I'd suggest that you forget the "local dealership" & start searching classifieds for a private sale.
I wouldn't be to sure regarding "your chances of getting hurt" either. As I said: "Pickups have miserable traction & agility. 4WD can't be used on mostly dry pavement....IMO a "high schooler" would be much safer "with a Ford Focus...at this time of the year" in PA." For $3500 you could buy a decent Volvo.
I am more interested in a car
I would rather have an eight year-old Focus
4WD is pretty much a necessity
Towing capacity isn't the most important factor
a good payload is important
at a local dealership and I thought that it was a good deal
having a truck would decrease my chances of getting hurt
I would rather have an eight year-old Focus
4WD is pretty much a necessity
Towing capacity isn't the most important factor
a good payload is important
at a local dealership and I thought that it was a good deal
having a truck would decrease my chances of getting hurt
I wouldn't be to sure regarding "your chances of getting hurt" either. As I said: "Pickups have miserable traction & agility. 4WD can't be used on mostly dry pavement....IMO a "high schooler" would be much safer "with a Ford Focus...at this time of the year" in PA." For $3500 you could buy a decent Volvo.
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