I'm considering a '99 F150 that we found traded in to a local dealer last night. I've got a few questions about it. One is price. Let me give you some of the major options.

1. XLT trim
2. Supercab
3. Shortbed, Flareside
4. 5.4
5. CD
6. 4x4
7. 13,990 miles
8. Off-road package
9. Cloth interior
10. No split window
11. Chrome wheels (might be 17", forgot to look)
12. No tow package

The dealership wants $22,500 for it. It's one of these no-hassle places where they won't budge on price until the vehicle has sat on their lot for a few weeks. (This truck was traded in last night.) How is this price?

We've got a 19' boat that we pull maybe 4 months out of the year. Will this truck do okay without the tranny cooler (that comes with the tow package) pulling this boat? Should I add an aftermarket cooler?

The truck was doing 70 mph at 2k rpm on the freeway. Does this mean it has the 3.55 gears? (Dealership didn't know anything about it hardly.) Will I be kicking myself for not getting the 3.73 gears to pull this boat?

A new, similarly equipped 2000 was on the lot for $27,500. Is it worth $5k to have the 2000 model with no miles? Or pay $22,500 with 14k miles?

Thanks in advance for any opinions and advice.

Matt
mchild@neticus.com

 

Ask the dealer for the previous owner's telephone number and go from there.

 

I can do a VIN check for you if you like. I have an account with Carfax.com. Also, if you get the VIN; you'll be able to tell what options are on the truck. Shoot me an email at jupiterak@excite.com


[This message has been edited by Jupiterak (edited 09-10-2000).]

 

Will dealers actually give out the prior owner's information? It might be useful to know what he traded it in on too.

 

You can also try the service dept. and ask what the service/repair history is on the truck.

 

I had a similar decision when I bought my truck last fall. There was a '99 equipped just like mine for $5,000 less it had 10,000 miles and looked new. Take into consideration with the 2000 you get lower interest rates, full 3 yr 36,000 mile warranty, supposedly less chance of piston slap and cracked doors? new tires, and you still maybe able to shop around for a bettter deal on a 2000. You will not have to worry if the pervious owner abused it. With the lower interest rate and extra year of warranty and new tires that $5,000 difference isn't quite that much especially when you trade it in it will be 1 yr newer

------------------
2000 F-150, XLT, SC, 5.4, 4X4, 355 LS, ORP, Black/Silver, class III, single CD, sliding glass, med. gray, keyless, elect. shift, engine date 8-18-99, Superchip. '93 Harley Fatboy Black & tons of chrome