Gentlemen, I solicit your opinion on this vehicle. My concerns are fuel economy and reliability. It is a 2 wheel drive short box with the 4.2 V-6 engine and a 5 speed manual transmission. 3.55 rear gears with 255/70R/16" tires. Has 62,000 miles. Is a very clean, straight little truck. Looking for a 2nd work truck and fuel economy is a very real concern for me. I drive conservatively.
2003 F-150
- Thread starter HM12460
- Start date
- Status
Nice truck, except for the short bed, IMHO if it can't fit a full sheet of plywood and close the tailgate its no good as a work truck. I'd look for one with an 8ft bed.
Figure 16-17 around town, maybe a bit better if you live in a rural area.
Figure 16-17 around town, maybe a bit better if you live in a rural area.
Plan on doing any towing? The manual is the weak point for towing. With the 3.55 gearing, the max tow rating is 3500 lbs for a regular cab, 3300 for a supercab. (2003 Ford Fleet guides anyways). Not real great for a full size truck.
Otherwise, the truck itself is a good truck. Look for rust at the bottom of the doors at the seams as well as at the bottom of the tailgate at the seams.
The 4.2 is not a powerhouse at all, and in fleet usage at work, they get the same fuel mileage as the 4.6l V8 trucks. We stopped ordering the 4.2 and went all 4.6l V8 after finding that out.
Otherwise, the truck itself is a good truck. Look for rust at the bottom of the doors at the seams as well as at the bottom of the tailgate at the seams.
The 4.2 is not a powerhouse at all, and in fleet usage at work, they get the same fuel mileage as the 4.6l V8 trucks. We stopped ordering the 4.2 and went all 4.6l V8 after finding that out.
- Status