Hi there guys, I have been looking into getting a truck for a while and I think I found the one that I want. It's a 1998 F-150 XL reg cab with 6ft box, auto. Heres the link to it http://www.canadatrader.com/result/d...2&pgno=2&srt=1

I like the look of the ford in this year better than the other ones and I know some people that had ford trucks and they never had a major issues with theirs. I just bought a 99 trans am and I need to get rid of my 94 Firebird, so I was thinking I'd trade it in and pay some extra cash for the Ford. I have no intention to ever tow anything and the hardest I will ever drive it is possibly when I go hunting, which isnt very often.

I have been reading this site for hours and hours and have found a lot of yeahs and nays on the v6. For me personally I think that the v6 will be more than enough for me as far as power is concerned. Fuel economy is a concern and the v6 gets better milage so thats a plus. Reading about the head gasket failure and the hydrolock have definately made me kinda scared about getting it now. I bought a 88 Dodge 4x4 5.2L auto, 2 years ago that was a pos and nickel and dimed me to death before I sold it at a loss of about $5000, after I only drove it for about 2500km. So after that nightmare I am worried about having problems with another truck. Another thing too was that the head gasket blew on my firebird and cost me about $2500 to fix that, so Im acutely aware of how expensive it is to fix the head gasket.

I guess I just wanted some advice from you guys about this truck. The dealer had it advertised for $9995, but after talking to the salesman in Winnipeg (I am located in Thunder Bay, ON) about the trade and whatnot he said all they wanted was $6900 and they wanted to sell it soon. I believe he said its only been there since Aug.

So, what do you guys think (especially the v6 guys). Thanks.

 

Here's some useful info from BlueOvalFitter on the gasket issue.

The price is a little steep for a 98 IMO. Is it 2wd or 4wd? If it's 4wd, the price is about right I guess. If it's a 2wd, I'd try to talk them down to close to $6,000 or a little under that.

 

Since I didn't mention specifically, the $ is all in CDN dollars. If you already knew that then I'll try getting them to lower it more, since I don't want to drain my bank account buying this. It is 2WD.

 

Lol, no I thought you meant US dollars.

 

is the engine light on?

 

Is the date of 1/15/97 correct?. I thought engines built after sometime in early '98 were OK? My 98 had an engine built near the end of '97 and it hydro-locked.

 

Some early 98 models had the problem and unfortunately got by inspection. Not all of them, but some. I just posted that as a reference to the gasket problems on those models.

 

Hey Bad Bird: I have just purchased a 98 XLT 4.2 SC 4x2 135000 km in Gimli MB for $6,000. The guy I got it off used it to haul a 22 ft boat around. Longest trip was Gimli to Winnipeg and he loved it. He bought a 32 ft and needs a 4x4 to get it in and out of the lake.

I have only had it a few days but I find the pickup and hwy driving just fine. I wanted an 8 but found this one for the right price and can't complain.

My wife used to sell Fords At Landau and anything on the lot longer than 60 days is a liability and they will go down. Play hardball with them

Type in this web site and follw the links. This is the site my wife used to take trades.

Hope this helps and good luck with your search.

www.gmcanada.com/english/financing/appraise.html

This is the Black book value I got for that truck.

Trade-In Values

Year Make Model Series Body Style
1998 Ford F150 XL Reg Cab

Based on the kilometers entered
and the options selected, your vehicle's classification
is appraised as: Below Average.

Depending on your vehicle's condition, the value may be appraised within the High and Low range. * less Reconditioning Costs

Low: $1,969.00 High: $3,469.00
Current KM Reading Price Includes

8CYAutomatic Transmission Power Steering

 

You're correct! I'm sorry,that was a type error! I was thinking of my 97 at the time I typed that! :o
The correct date is 1/15/98!
Sorry if I caused any confusion!

 

Don't be scared of the six. You know about the gasket problem already so you'd be aware of the symptoms before they'd get you anyway. I had the gasket failure, it cost me 2600 for basically a complete rebuild. New gaskets hoses water pump oil pump. That was 40,000 ago and it still runs strong. I've got 150,000 on it now with no other problems.

 

I just took a 2001 4.2L Reg Cab, long box F150 for a test drive and I must say that I was pleastantly surprised by how much power it has. Its way better than my 6 cylinder Jeep Cherokee. I am definitly getting a v6 now, unless I change my mind on getting a 4x4. I think they only come with a V8.

 

You can have a V6 4x4. I do.

 

I have a 97 F-150 V6 5 speed 4X4, with 110,000 miles. I use it to tow a trailer and a Mustang to drag race. In all I am towing about 4,500 lbs. I haven't had any issues to cry about at all. I have towed from PA to Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illionis, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. I love my truck, and I would recomend one to anyone. By the way, My truck looks almost identical to the one you linked us too. I like the color.

 

What kind of fuel consumption do you get with the V6 4x4?