advice - purchase of 2003 Reg Cab 4.2V6

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sceptimus_smith@yahoo.com - 24 Jan 2006 00:41 GMT

I just finished a test drive of a 2003 F-150 regular cab 4.2 V6 5-speed
w/39K on it at the local Ford dealer....basically a bone stock truck
except for upgraded seats (captain chair style with flip down center
console) near as I can tell. Truck appears strong, no obvious
issues....anyone with prior/current experience with similar truck got
anything good or bad to say about this model?

I can't seem to find much positive or negative about the 4.2 V6 as far
as reliability is concerned...I noticed consumer reports rates the
2000-2003 F-150 trucks as having above average reliability, which I
suppose is some comfort. Consumers Affairs.com had several complaints
about some other Ford engines (not the 4.2), which isn't so comforting.
I plan to have a mechanic check the truck out further, but in the
meantime, any advice or suggestions on this truck would be appreciated.

SWS

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Ed - 24 Jan 2006 01:35 GMT

My daughter drives a 99 F150 with the V6 Auto, it has been a good engine,
just over 100,000 miles. If you want some other opinions, check out
http://fordtruckworld.tenmagazines.com/,
http://www.f150online.com/index.cfm.
or www.ford f150net.com.

These along with several others on the WWW have some pretty good technical
forums.

Good luck.

>I just finished a test drive of a 2003 F-150 regular cab 4.2 V6 5-speed
> w/39K on it at the local Ford dealer....basically a bone stock truck
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
> SWS

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JohanB - 24 Jan 2006 02:51 GMT

Keep the coolant in good condition and replaced it on time

I've seen a lot of corroded and leaking timing covers and lower intakes on
3.8/4.2 engines because people thought it was not necessary to replace the
coolant on time.

> I just finished a test drive of a 2003 F-150 regular cab 4.2 V6 5-speed
> w/39K on it at the local Ford dealer....basically a bone stock truck
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
> SWS

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