I'm new here, and am thinking of buying a 2004 Lightning. I have never owned a truck in my life, but now need one to tow a small motorcycle trailer, as my Mercedes can't accept a trailer hitch. What are some of the things that are problematic with these trucks? What should I look out for when buying a used one?? Any "special" service requirements? What kind of mileage can I expect, no towing a trailer?? I hear sonic blue is the fastest color, is this true?

 

I've had a '99 I owned for 5 years and an '04 I've now owned for over 2. Neither truck has given me a lick of trouble. Keeping the front end aligned on a regular basis will be wise in order to get the best tire wear. It will have no issue towing your motorcycle. I used to tow a 3300lb car on a 1600lb trailer with my '99 without issue. You will see anywhere from 11mpg to 16+mpg depending on your driving habits. When I'm doing 80mph on the highway, I only get ~14.5mpg. But even hammering on it in the city I will see no worse than 11-12.

Look for signs of rubber (from melted tires) in the rear fenderwells. That is a good sign its been abused, but is also easily cleaned up by the owner/dealer. Drive it and make sure it shifts well on upshifts. The stock Ford shift program isn't the greatest, but its not horrible, either.

Demand to see maintenance records. I would do this when buying any used vehicle. If you can't verify its service records (I'm talking engine oil, trans fluid, fuel fiter changes), then I wouldn't touch it. But that's just me.

"Problem areas" would include spark plugs that get blown out of the heads which typically requires R&R of the cylinder head. I wouldn't worry too much about this... not on a stock truck. If you get an '04 it should be under warranty, too.

Choose your favorite color. It will be fast enough.

 

Thanks for the help

 

The spark plug problem was fixed for the 03-04 year models.

 

Do you really need all 8 sparkplugs??? I heard Ford just put 8 in to attract buyers, but that it was faster with 7.

 

This guys jerkn' our chains. 7 cylinders. I think he's running on 2.