I have a 99L with 41000 and was thinking of going for the newer model. I found a 03 with 220 miles for $28000... yes! and it checks out with AutoCheck.

I have no problems with my L and got it just 7 months ago... not knowing much about the L's I went with a 99. I would prefer the updated intercooler, bigger but lighter aluminum drive shaft and better shocks and 20 more horse.

Has anyone made the switch to the newer model and regret it? My point is... is it worth the 8000 more dollars? Thanks

 

If I recall right, there were new 04's that people were posting cheaper than that.

 

I read you shouldn't buy a vehicle the first or last year it was made. Obviously I didn' t listen! Thanks

 

there was no change btw 03-04. that sounds high for an 03

 

They also have a 04 with 7000 miles for $29000... should I go with that one? Thats what the sticker says I will try to talk them down.

 

As far as stock goes, the 03/04 do have a bit more aggressive turn from the factory because reading many post they typically dyno around 355 – 365 rwhp and seem to be running the ¼ mile in 13.2 – 13.5.

So there is something different from the 03/04 when compared to 01/02 stock vs. stock.

 

Thanks for the info, I love my 99 but just want more!

 

There's no proof to back this up, but I have to agree. On average, the 03/04's put down more power and run faster times.

 

You would be better off spending the money on the truck you have now. Those prices are high anyway. For less than a grand you could be in the 400/500 club.

On the topic of high prices, I remember seeing a 99 with 12,000 miles on it back in 2000 for $45,000 down in San Jose. Still can't believe that horse*****.

-Kimball

 

When I wrote this I thought finding an 03 with 220 miles on it was extremely rare, so thats what I was excited about, not the price, but it does look like it.

Kimball I thought about putting money in it but I'm worried about the intercooler issue 99's have. I tried asking my dealer if they knew if it was ever changed and all I got was" there are no recalls on your vehicle" I tried to explain to him but I felt he would have repeated himself and I wasn't in the mood to debate with a robot.

Thanks I am considering this option though.

 

Are you from taunton mass? if so, 128 ford has a new dsg 04 for sale you should be able to get for cheaper than 28k

 

Phenom
Your singing my song. I did the exact same thing. My 99 had 20k miles and the intercooler was done by me. I thought that would be the end of it but there are other issues.
The paint cracking in the roof gutters. Lots of the doors crack right behind the back of the window above the outside door handle.
here is a list I made when I was in your shoes.
Lots of changes since 99. I went with a new 04 model

20 more horses
Beefed up engine block webbing
more threads for the spark plugs
better head gasket
50% bigger intake manifold with guide runners
bigger intercooler that don't leak
premium gold engine coolant
bigger MAF
better radio
more weight carrying capacity
lower R/P gearing 3:73
aluminum driveshaft
Lighter weight wheels
larger 14MM wheel studds
new rubber compound in the F1's
Billstien shocks
better fog lights (less prone to crack)
headlights and fogs have a little SVT sig in the light itself
tinted windows
two vanity mirror's w/lts
two oh poop handles
child seat buckle clips
perferated leather rap steering wheel
deeper dash cup holders
turn signals on the mirrors + color match
better rear window seal
upgraded carpet (navigator)
LED rear 3rd brake light
Keyless entry
spare tire locking device
brushed aluminum door handles
mine came with the toneau cover ( I love it)
Overhead counsel w/outdoor temp gauge and compass

Even if you upgrade your intercooler in the 99 the later intake plenums are bigger and have guide runners that help the air flow.

I was able to get 17 1/2 MPG on my 99 a couple times because of the high RP ratio.
Best on my 04 is 16 1/2 but I can definitley feel better holeshots.

Best thought is to quit looking around. There will always be something better or faster down the road. It is hard to be content with what you have especial if you come to these boards and see what others spend there money on.

Good Luck

 

not true........my guess is you made this analysis yourself with no facts from Ford


My truck dynoed 359 and then we loaded an 03 on the dyno and it dynoed 349....I went 13.6 with 1700 miles stock 80 degrees.....

 

You are correct, I have no proof or facts from Ford to back my prior post up. However, in my post I state ”from reading many post”. I have read many post here and on NLOC where claims have been made, some backed up with dyno sheets and time slips, that the 03/04 “appear” to have a little more horsepower and a little faster then the 01/02.

Since there don’t appear to be any changes to parts used in the 01 – 04 I and others have speculated the reason must be due to the factory tune.

I apologize if my post came off as it was backed by facts, or that I believed it to be absolute, just committing on what information I had gathered from reading many different post on the subject. Just because it is written and I read it does not make it factual but there where at least, to my recollection, 6 – 8 post that had dyno and/or time slips that were used to back up the claim of the poster.

 

probie
Yup I'm from mass but 128 ford seemed to be more expensive...thanks

I went to check out the 03 w/ 220 miles...awesome! It was in the show room so I test drove a 04 w/ 6000 miles. There is a noticable difference from my stock 99. I loved it! Problem is they would only go 1000 below the $ 28000 price. Should I do it for $27,000?