there is someone asking to trade his 99 f150 supercab for a smaller truck (tacoma, ranger, s-10) that Ive offered my ranger for consideration.
Ive contacted him and am trying to get more info (and a pic or two) of his truck before deciding, but Id like some opinions.
his truck has the 4.6l v8, 2wd @ 122k, black ext.
that is about all the info I have at the moment.

so if he agrees, should I do it ?

also, please give a reason for your choices.
thanks

 

also, if anyone has any detailed info on how reliable the 4.6l engine is, and things I should look for if/when I see the truck in person ?
thanks

 

I'd have to see pictures of both.

 

Pics help greatly. And specs on your truck

 

I have pics in the gallery section :)
but here is the most recent, when I installed the fender flares a couple weeks ago

my truck is the 3.0l @ 165k
2wd auto
no engine mods other than straight pipe intake.
fluid changes on time and up to date (including trans flush within the past 5k miles)
not sure what else.

the only reason Im even considering it is because my son is nearing 4 yrs old and I could use the extra room in the rear of the full size truck. plus I feel he would be a tad safer.

 

your year? his pics?

i'm leaning towards yes

 

mine is a 99 as well, Im still waiting on pics from him.
Im also leaning towards it, but there is someone else asking for a trade for a 2001 escape.

again, the main reason Id even consider these trades is for my sons safety, I honestly dont wish to part with my ranger, but if it is going to be safer for him, then Id do it, as long as its for something as reliable as my truck is.

 

financially, from the information given, it's a smart choice

150's are worth more than rangers, he's got a better motor, which is probably better on gas than yours, you have higher mileage than him, same years... unless the 150 has significant body damage or is beaten to ****... why wouldn't you?

 

that is all that has me concerned is the condition of his truck, and the fact he didnt post pictures immediately.
I thought the 3.0 was a "bullet proof" engine ? the 4.6 is better ? that is good to know.
how sure of you on the mpg ?
the things Ive read point to it getting at best 21mpg hwy, which is less than the ranger is rated at ?
(again, this is going by things Ive read online, not real world experience)

 

the 4.6 is a great motor, it came out in96 i think it was, they used it in a tonne of vehicles, the mustang, the explorer, 150's... it's the motor that replaced the 5L and is very versitile... good power, good fuel mileage

as for better mileage than the ranger? i'm not too sure...

 

i thought the 4.6L was the spark plug spitting machine put in the 01+ Explorers. Correct me if I am wrong.

2002 Ford Explorer spark plug spit out | CarComplaints.com

 

maybe... but they still use the 4.6 in the brand new f-150's so it can't be all that bad...

 

i'm sure they improved it and i haven't heard about any spark plug spitting in any 150's or in mustang gt's. It's probably just an Explorer thing. Poor Explorer. Eats up engines, transmissions, tires, wheel bearings, hubs, paint, and anything else Ford throws into it. Like the Rangers handicapped cousins.

 

lol at handicapped cousin

 

well, still waiting for pics.

thanks for the info, I may steer more towards the escape since it has the same engine as my ranger and is supposed to get about 26 mpg hwy.
I like the idea of having a full size truck, but with his reluctance to show me any pics Im thinking there may be a reason why

 

just ask him to meet you in person some day so you can check it out...

 

Exactly. People don't normally buy new or used vehicles that they haven't driven or checked out in person. If the guy is expecting a verbal or email deal to purchase and you'll see the vehicle upon picking it up, tell him to go fly a kite.

 

i havent heard of the 4.6 spitting plugs but i have heard of the 5.4 spitting plugs...the 5.4 is MUCH worse with spitting plugs

 

4.6 in a f 150 seems to me alittle under powered

 

it is a little underpowered...my one buddy has a 4.6 150 and it is adequate but doesnt run like the 5.4 does

 

my durango has a 4.6 i think and its way under powerd and they way bought the same

 

I guess it all depends on the use you will give to it. If it is going to be your DD, and since you are looking for some extra space for your son, then go for it. A cousin had that same truck and it was a great truck. We used it just to haul shirts. We actually stuffed the bed with shirts. But if you plan to haul/tow stuff in the future, then it might not be your best option...

 

I plan to meet him before anything is decided, but he lives 3 1/2 hrs away and Id like to see at least a pic before I take that step. but as he still wont send me a pic it seems there must be something wrong with the truck. he also wont give me a straight answer on how it runs and if it needs anything. Im thinking his truck is a PoS.
Im just getting cold feet, I really like my truck and am not sure I want to get into someone elses mess that I would have to put back together. (already did that with my Ranger when I bought it...)

 

Before I bought my truck I got in the same situation. I called this guy about a truck and he never gave me a straight answer about its general conditions, it just kept saying 'come take a look'. I had to drive for an hour to get to his place. Truck looked ok. Despite a few leaks, I started the truck and it died a couple of times, black smoke came out of the exhaust right before it died... he said it was because of the old battery... truck was an 07. Needless to say, Ieft the place asap. Next truck I went to look at, was the one I currently own.

I guess, what i'm saying is if you're getting cold feet, don't bother anymore and wait for a better deal on a full size.

 

thanks, that is kind of how I feel, my instincts must be telling me something