Well, I got my new 4x4 truck yesterday. Even though I was mostly looking for GMC/Chevy, you Ford guys may be happy to know that I ended up with a 2003 Ford F-150. Thanks to all who made suggestions, and provided useful info. It was a big help.
I must have looked at over 1000 online ads over the last couple of weeks. I spent hours last weekend looking at ads for clean trucks with under 80k miles. I almost flew out of town for several that didn’t work out because they either got sold right before I called, or we couldn’t agree on price, etc. I was getting a little frustrated. So out of the blue I spontaneously stopped by a local Ford dealer 4 miles away as I was driving by. They wholesale out most of their used vehicles and mostly just have new ones on the lot, but I thought I’d stop by to let them know what I was looking for, just in case. The salesman said that he just got a one owner trade in from a local guy who bought another new Ford, and that he thought it may be what I was looking for.
It was hard to believe. It’s a really nice and clean garage kept 100 year anniversary 1903-2003 Heritage Edition. 71000 miles, 5.4L V8, extended cab, 6.5 ft. bed, nice looking alloy wheels, nice Goodyear tires, manual shift transfer case, immaculate interior – pretty much everything I wanted. Got it for about 3 to 4 grand less than what I was about to spend on some of the others. It pays to be patient and relentless, and I'm fortunate to have a 2nd vehicle to drive while I looked so that I didn't have to be in a huge hurry to get something else after selling my old 2wd.
Here are a few pics for those who participated and may be interested. Thanks again.
JT
