im looking to buy a f150 97-2000 and just wondering whats the best year and what to look out for when buying a used f150. mainly to be used as a work truck,but what year is the best made... thanks

 

Keep in mind you're asking for opinions not facts.

Me I like the 97 and 98, no PATS system to give you head aches. But some of the 99s and all of the 2000s have the P.I. (power imprived) heads and intakes so more umph. Also be aware when Ford first released the P.I. engines lot's of head gaskets were replaced and the head gasket material was updated so the problem was taken care of by 2001. If you can swing it and have no problem withe the PATS system the 2003s have fully threaded spark plug holes reducing the chance of blowing a plug out. On the other hand the plug blow out problem doesn't seem to happen if the plugs are removed and replaced correctl, anti-seize, torque specs etc.

Any time you buy used it's a gamble, maintenance is the key.

 

go with the 99 and up for the pi heads. if the old owner has 2 keys you can program a 3rd or 4th your self, if they only have one i think the dealer need to program it.

 

Not all 99s are P.I., would need the engine code off of the drivers side valve cover to confirm P.I. or not.

 

I'd buy the newest or lowest mileage truck that fits your needs and budget.
I needed a supercab or supercrew, because I haul kids more than cargo, so payed a little more, for a 2002 truck, versus getting a newer reg. cab long bed truck for the same price.
It all depends on what you need and your budget. You can get a basic work truck pretty cheap. If you need 4x4, then you'll pay a little more. If you need a 4x4 and an extended cab to haul a work crew, you'll pay more yet. Whe I wa looking, it seemed the extened cab added $2000 to the price of an equivelent truck, and 4x4 added yet another $2000. Nobody here can really tell you what you should buy though.