Will be looking for a F150 in NJ soon, need advice
 

My wife and I purchased a house recently and I need to get a truck to transport all the materials for the home improvements SHE has added to my list :-D .

I am looking to spend around $12k plus or minus, so I anticipate somewhere between a 97-00, and it needs to be a 4x4. The 5.4 would be nice, but is not a must. I only drive 15 miles each way to work, so the 5.4 shouldn't be bad.

I have never owned an F150, or a truck for that matter. Are there any things I should look out for in the 97-2000+ models? I assume the milage will be a little high for my price range, but I have some time to hunt out a good sale since my current car lease is up in September.

Thanks.

Have you thought about leasing a 2004 - 5 F-150? Just wondering, I'm leasing my 2004 F-150 and am now considering doing the buyoff on it. I leased it mainly because I wasnt sure if i was going to like driving a big truck or not so figured leasing was way to go so that way I could try it out first, and if not, go back to driving the ranger. I like the F-150 so Im buying it when lease is up. Just food for thought for ya. Good luck on your search.

I have thought about leasing, but I am trying to get rid of at least one car payment. I figure the wife can have the newer car that I pay a monthly payment on, but I would own a truck that if I couldn't pay for it in full, I could at least put down enough $$$ to have a very low payment, or be able to pay it off in 1-2 years.

I have to admit though, the new F150s are pretty nice. But I think I will start with something a little older and cheaper.

Welcome to FTE & the NJ chapter!!!

Sounds like you have a good plan, you could also try asking in out F-150 forum.

i bought an 04 f-150 back in july of 04 and the price you are looking to put down on a used f-150 would ber enough to put down on a new one and only have a 216 dollar a month payment and your best bet to find a good price on a new f-150 would be to go to oasis auto center on route 9 in old bridge i know because i bought two trucks from them i bought a 2001 ford ranger that was brand new at the time and i know have an 04 f-150 that regularly list for 33 grand i bought from them for 24 might want ot check them out here is the website for oasis www.oasisautocenter.com