Hey all
I am looking to get a Lightning, I am aware of the potential intercooler problem, and the changes for 2001. I went to see what the 2001 would cost, and while I was there I saw and drove a Silver 2000 with only 2100 miles on it. I could probebly save $5000 if I got the 2000 over the 2001.
What would you all do wait for the 2001 or go for the 2000. I am a little bit concerned why is a lightning with only 2100 miles allready traded in? If I were to get it I would have it checked out at a different dealer or a independant place first. I took a quick look under the truck, and every thing looked ok, but I would really want some else to take a hard look at it first.
Should I just order a new one, and wait till march to get it, or pounce on the 2000 if it checks out?
Thanks
Don

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1999 F150 4x4 4.6V8 regcab/shortbed
Oxford White with Wedgewood Blue two tone, with Blue Captains chairs
Bullet Cat Back, Superchip, K&N FIPK Intake.
Centerline Saber rims 17x8" with Firestone GTA 275/60hr-17 tires.
Alpine CDA-7845, ADS P640 Amp, Focal Poly Kevlar seperates.


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[This message has been edited by Don C (edited 11-23-2000).]

 

This is a decision that only you should make. I know what I have to do. This will be my first new vehicle ever. All the dealers want to sell the ones on the lot before the '01's come out.

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Rick

 

It's a rough question...I'm going through it myself. I've always made fun of people that spend 30+k on a brand new vehicle. I'm not a wealthy person by any means and saving a few grand is VERY appealing, but figure if I'm going to take the plunge -I want the absolute best. I've decided that as long as I'm going buy a Lightning -I would rather have an unmolested, brand spankin' new bad boy. Plus, I honestly believe there should be recall on 99'-00' L's due to the intercooler fiasco, and until there is, the only thing a "used" L does for you -is bring you closer to warranty expiration where you foot the bill for their design error. So I say as long as you're willing to pay 25k why not go the distance?

 

That my man is a question that ONLY you can answer. I bought my 99 cuz I wanted one of the first ones. BTW I am planning on getting a 2003 Lightning (new body style) to go with my 99. Speed costs--How fast do you want to go?

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99 Black#1940, Modified Airaid box, Pro-M 80, Swanson Chip, Wet Okole's, Loud Clunk, Bedrug, Clear corners, 2" Aim drop, 2nd set well worn F-1's, 135 W Xenon Fog Lamps, Red Line Water Wetter, That's all folks!

 

Thanks guys
Looks like I will be waiting for the 2001, unless the dealer who has the 2000 calls me back with a much better deal.You guys all make good points.I am a little concerned about the intercooler.I do love speed, and the improvements on the 2001 should make for a faster, and better truck,plus bye the time I get the 2001 winter will be allmost over, and my 4x4 will be much better in the snow.
Will keep you posted on my final decision.
Don

 

Well Guys, and Girls
I am back in the club I still miss the 93 Lightning, but won't be for much longer.I just put a deposit on a silver 2001 at Framingham Ford. I am paying $30,172 thay had allready been ordered it, so maybee it will shorten my wait.
I was planning on white, that way some of my friends would not realize it was a different truck till I scared the hell out of them. Oh well I torn between white and silver and I think Mark Martin will be in a silver car next year anyway.

 

Don C,
Congrats on the purchase! I too am waiting on a Silver 2001! I will also have my Roush racing sticker on it. As I do with all my toys.

Mark has been my driver since the early 90's. Didn't take long to get the NASCAR bug after I starting working for Roush!! If he goes silver, that will be on more collectors car to buy!




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2001 L. (Silver Frost)
Order#1148

 

I wouldn't care which year I got but it would be a new one.

 

I hate to keep bringing this up, but all you 2001 holdouts are not guaranteed an intercooler any better than the one on the '99 or '00's. I haven't read anywhere that Ford would have this or the clunk fixed. Have I missed something? I doubt it. A couple months ago I myself wrestled with this very dilemma and after weighing everything out, I decided that a 2000 was the better choice only because there was no guarantee of any fix for 2001 and I had more leverage buying toward the end of a model year. Your decision, but don't just assume the intercooler will be AOK.

 

ILL_SVT, it may not be a better one but it will be a different one. Some(or all?)of the extra HP comes from a better flowing and more efficient type of intercooler.

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Red '00 Lightning,
Power Surge Performance enhanced,
Sound effects provided by Flowmaster,
375 RWHP,
445 RWTQ,
13.227@103.55
Track Videos

 

ILL_SVT,
The 2001 Intercooler has been re-designed! As for the durability on it "Don't know" It will also be the fix for 99.5-2000 Lightnings from what I've been told.

I too, had a Black 2000 in my sights and opted to wait for the 2001. I called the Development Supervisor of the Lightning truck and asked what the changes were for 2001.

We spoke and I had a better feeling about the truck and what Ford was doing to improve it for 2001. The clunk is another issue.

It requires the new toothed washers and from what I hear, may be late in getting to the line. It's not just a matter of having a box of them on the line.

They are trying to get the toothed washer pressed on the bolt where the existing washer is now. This is to ensure the washer doesn't get installed backwards during assembly.

This takes time and may be a running change after the builds have started. It still might be in the air. Finance always has to approve the cost increase to the truck. Even if it's just a bolt,nut & a few washers!!



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2001 L. (Silver Frost)
Order#1148