Maybe time for a fullsize?

[2fast55]

I've been seeing this F150 along the road a couple miles from my house for a while, but was always going too fast to read anything off the for sale sign. I finally stopped to check it out. It's a 99 F150 XLT, 4.6L, 5 speed, 4wd, with about 94,000 miles, the A/C even still blows cold. Dual exhaust, body lifted on 315/75-16s (35s?). It has a salvage title, and the seller was right up front with that info. He says he bought it that way a year ago, and doesn't know the details of damage. Wants $5000.

I've been looking at fullsizes for a while now, as a fullsize 4wd is just more practical for my uses than my ranger is right now. I don't like getting stuck in the sand every trip, and my quad doesn't fit very nicely in the bed. I measured this one, and it will fit without having to fight it. I'm wondering what kind of mileage I can expect from it, and if it would even be worth it. I'll have to put the ranger up for sale to be able to make the switch to another rig.

 

[wahlstrom1]

Looks like a decent rig, and my 97 F150 excab w/ 4.6 got 18mpg no matter how hard I drove it. My ranger gets that on the hwy, and 14 in town.

 

[baxtej44]

remember that if you ever want to put some extra audio (subs/amps/speakers/anything in the back) you will be extremely limited on space.

it looks nice on the outside (is there streaking on the paint?), but how's the interior? cracked dash? any rust anywhere? what about the bedliner? plastic or spray in (looks like a spray in)? includes a spare tire?


get under the hood and check out some things for yourself.

 

[Jay FX4]

If the only advantage of a full size you need is a bigger box, them maybe it's worth considering. Being regular cab, simply having a passenger means you'll need that extra box space if you intend to carry anything. You might want to make sure the box will hold not only your quad, but have space to spare for anything and everything you may potentially carry. I never liked stepside trucks. It's just a waste of box space.
This is just my opinion, but I'd be more comfortable saving some money by buying a truck that's never been offroad and building it up, rather than buying a truck that may have already been wheeled a lot and could have problems from wheeling.

 

[koda6966]

Does it run? Figure out what's wrong with it to give it the salvage title, then make the decision.

 

[That Baker Guy]

remember that if you ever want to put some extra audio (subs/amps/speakers/anything in the back) you will be extremely limited on space.

you would say something about that

and it does look like a nice rig, just make sure if you test drive it, listen very well anything rattling, hows it idling, and check under the hood, the water pump and timing belt are always the first to go on used cars. and how are the tires holding up, off road tires always wear faster than regular tires. that maybee another 500 you have to dish out so you dont wreck in a slippery situation.

my belt went last week

 

[Ranger97XL]

looks nice, i would get a report on the vin to see why exactly it was salvaged

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

My brother gets about 18mpg with his '97 4.6 with the automatic. His is a std cab longbox.

It has tons more room in the in the cab for gear and people than my standard cab Ranger.

 

[Lee_533]

Make sure that the frame isn't tweaked or once you get up to speed it will start vibrating or wobbling depending on the extent of the damage. Looks nice though.

 

[baxtej44]

you would say something about that

can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not... it's something i wish i would have thought about when i bought my single cab, so i simply put it out there.