Which F-150 Should I Buy?
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Which F-150 Should I Buy?
Hey guys, as some of you may know, I had a Expedition up until today. Its rod bearing was going and so was the axle, so we let it go to a dealer. Well I'm looking at a replacement, and have two good candidates. Both are F-150 LXT 4WD Extended Cabs. One is a 2003, the other a 2006. Both are around $10k. The 03 has 126k miles, and the 06 has 171k miles. The 03 is a 4.6 V8 and the 06 is a 5.4. The only difference I can see is the miles, 171,xxx is pretty high. What do you guys think of them?
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From: New Braunfels, TX
In my experience with the 4.6L 04 Heritage I own (97-03 body style), 4x4 gas mileage is awful, terrible, and worse. But the other thing is the 03 does have less mileage. one thing with these tritons is the can run run run, i have seen them rack up some miles like around 300XXX.
Another thing I would way is where you are and where the trucks are from; in the south (where I call home) more miles on the engine means alot more dry dust particles, which can destroy a engine at fewer miles. on the other hand in the north (where I am currently stationed) you would want to look at how much winter road time and if salt is used in the area (similar to if you are located near one of the coast) you dont want the body or frame rotting out from under you.
Best of luck, and lets see pictures when you do make the buy. Also anymore questions, shoot.
Boomer
Another thing I would way is where you are and where the trucks are from; in the south (where I call home) more miles on the engine means alot more dry dust particles, which can destroy a engine at fewer miles. on the other hand in the north (where I am currently stationed) you would want to look at how much winter road time and if salt is used in the area (similar to if you are located near one of the coast) you dont want the body or frame rotting out from under you.
Best of luck, and lets see pictures when you do make the buy. Also anymore questions, shoot.
Boomer
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What signs would you say I should look for to determine if its had proper maintenance done on it? Its a dealer car so I'm not sure if they'll have records of that? I'm in Minnesota, so its about as much winter-driving as you can get lol. What signs should I look for for issues from that? Just get on my hands and knees and look for extensive rust under it?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Stanton DE
Wow, tough choice between them two. lol
The 03 has less miles but the 06 has the better motor.
Yeah,for rust,just look under it is the best way to tell. And look for any lower body repair done on it too.
Good luck.
The 03 has less miles but the 06 has the better motor.
Yeah,for rust,just look under it is the best way to tell. And look for any lower body repair done on it too.
Good luck.
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The 06, appearance-wise, is in mint condition, that's the ****ty part. The interior looks amazing, and no problem with the exterior. I got the reports yesterday, and they put in like $900 when they bought the truck. I'm not sure if that's good, because there's $900 worth of work done on it, or bad, because if it needed that much, what else will it need in the near future? They flushed all fluids, replaced some hoses, as well as the hydraulic steering line, replaced/fixed something called a BJS? BJ S? And machined down both rotors. Oil change obviously, and I'm probably forgetting one or two other minor things. That make a difference at all?
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From: New Braunfels, TX
I have come to a point on my truck where I need to change plug and I just bought the truck about 10k miles ago, Either one you do end up buying make that part of the deal that they change them no extra cost before you even buy it (IMO).
As far as up and coming maintenace everything you drive will always need it just as long as you stay up on it you should be good to go. Obviously you test drove them, see if you could take em for a bit longer trip 50 milesish. This will help you get a feel of how it is going to be as a normal use vehicle and youll be able to test diff traffic conditions. Most of all get an idea of actual MPG, that could really influence your decision.
Boomer
As far as up and coming maintenace everything you drive will always need it just as long as you stay up on it you should be good to go. Obviously you test drove them, see if you could take em for a bit longer trip 50 milesish. This will help you get a feel of how it is going to be as a normal use vehicle and youll be able to test diff traffic conditions. Most of all get an idea of actual MPG, that could really influence your decision.
Boomer
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I've got an 01 with the 4.6 and it just turned 200k and is running strong. I get about 18-20 mpg but it is a 2wd so I think the previous comment about 4wd is worth noting if you are interested in fuel mileage. Also it might depend on how you are using it - mine does great on the highway but the mpg's fall when you get above 68-69mph or 2000 rpm. The wifes 5.4 will run all day at 75 and not see a dropoff in fuel mileage. Good luck with your purchase.
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Elder User
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From: New Braunfels, TX
[quote=19fifty4;10627084]I get about 18-20 mpg but it is a 2wd so I think the previous comment about 4wd is worth noting if you are interested in fuel mileage. quote]
If you reread his initail post both trucks he is looking at are 4wd, so in regards to 4wd mileage it's relavent. And yes the 5.4 can move the extra 4wd weight, but you get decent 18-20 in you 2WD and I can't get more the 14.5 in my 4.6L 4wd.
Boomer
If you reread his initail post both trucks he is looking at are 4wd, so in regards to 4wd mileage it's relavent. And yes the 5.4 can move the extra 4wd weight, but you get decent 18-20 in you 2WD and I can't get more the 14.5 in my 4.6L 4wd.
Boomer
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