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Mattirs · 10-18-2016, 09:40 PM

We have been looking at buying a truck and saw a 2012 F150 XLT with tow package, back up camera, all kinds of goodies and the 3.5L V6 Ecoboost engine 4X2 for only 30K. This sounds too good to be true. What could be wrong with the truck? The first owner bought it new then passed away. The truck has been in probate since. I checked Carmax and it shows there was an annual check up done on it. Drove it home tonight and it drives very well. Plenty of power, AC heater works, I can't find anything wrong with it. Can anybody think of any surprises that might pop up?

Thank you,

Matti

ijustlee · 10-18-2016, 09:51 PM

Did you ever see that movie "Christine"? Hey, you asked...

Mattirs · 10-18-2016, 10:31 PM

LOL, now I had not thought of that point of view. Hmm

slowmover · 10-18-2016, 10:52 PM

Mine (a different model and brand) sat on a trade in lot for months. Had features others didn't want, primarily 2WD & man trans & 8' bed. A steal, for me.

Could be they couldn't wait to get rid of it. Negative incentive to bargain.

A man I know practically gave away a truck similar to yours. His grandson really loved it. Cute little boy. Then the boy died.

1990 35' Silver Streak
2004 555 Cummins

Mattirs · 10-18-2016, 11:53 PM

From what the dealer tells me that is much the same thing that happened here. I just worry there is something about a truck that was not used very much for 4 years, especially with turbo chargers. Could the oil have sat and gummed up the system? What about the ethanol CA is so famous for, could it have eaten seals up or gummed up the injectors? Does anybody know?

Thanks again
Matti

Naper · 10-19-2016, 04:02 AM

If its a good deal, go for it.

paiceman · 10-19-2016, 04:22 AM

Mattris:

Actually unless you left something out of your post the price is actually a little high, at least for our area here in PA. The sale value is listed at about $28,000 and the trade value is about $24,000.

At least around here there is not much value in a two wheel drive pick up that is five years old, regardless of mileage. So, if you like it I'd go for it.

Good luck

Bud

Bruce B · 10-19-2016, 05:12 AM

2 wheel drive!
I know that in some parts of the country and for that matter for some use, 2wd is fine but it would be a deal breaker for me!
I wouldn't worry about the turbo's sitting.
You might consider a Ford ESP warranty on the truck if you are concerned about things. Things like heater blend modules are expensive to replace and are known to fail. You should take a look at the manufacturers load rating on the drivers door just so that you know what load it will carry. Better off at least knowing before you purchase. The number was low on my 2010 F-150 but that truck was loaded with tons of "options" that lowered the rating...this truck you are looking at will likely have a respectable number.
Have fun!
Bruce
Bruce

Bob662 · 10-19-2016, 05:50 AM

Sounds like no bargain to me. I know of a 2013 F-150, 4X4, 3.55 axle, crewcab, 3.5 EcoBoost, Lariat, metallic white w/gold trim, back-up camera but no navigation, 56,000 miles---$33,000.

Put the specs of your target truck into edmunds.com and see how it prices out.

No 4X4 would cause me to reject this truck.

55AS · 10-19-2016, 05:51 AM

Not a great deal around here. Bought my 2014 brand new in April of 2015 for $28k (dealer wanted it off the lot to make room for more aluminum ones). Mine is 2WD with Supercrew, Ecoboost, trailer tow package, etc.

TomKirk · 10-19-2016, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattirs

Can anybody think of any surprises that might pop up?

Best advice on earth: Take it to your mechanic for inspection.

Tom

MarkFinATX · 10-19-2016, 11:57 AM

What's the milage on the truck? I'd make them a low ball offer. Here in TX, the land of pick-up trucks (Cowboy Cadillac's), prices are a bit lower because there's always used inventory. I have a 2015 F-150 Lariat, 2-wheel drive and paid too much for it. It has the V-8 (have no idea why I bought that) but did not have an Airstream at the time.

Fortunately it has all of the tow goodies and works just fine with our Pendleton w/ the Hensley Arrow. I did buy the extended warranty and ESP for 8 years/100K miles from Ford. It's nice that everything, except bulbs is covered. All scheduled maintenance is prepaid. I don't have to worry about expensive repairs to the engine/drivetrain and will just try to drive it 15K miles/year.

Cannot see the value to 4 wheel drive for 99% of our road adventures and you do pay for it at the pump. Plus it generally lowers a truck's max tow capabilities. Again, as mentioned, look at the door sticker and maybe have a mechanic check it out. Good Luck- let us know how it turns out.

coveredwagon · 10-19-2016, 12:01 PM

Things are cheaper in probate.

christopherb · 10-19-2016, 12:03 PM

It strikes me as an "OK" deal, or perhaps I got an exceptional one on my 2014 F150.....
25K miles
Lariat w/ all the options
V6 Ecoboost
4x4
Super Crew
Max Tow pkg
still under warranty
....from a Ford dealer, for $38K

They're out there. If it were me I'd keep looking. Or offer the guy $23K

Tsmith.wp · 10-19-2016, 12:33 PM

I bought my 2012 off a lot a year ago for $30K. It has everything you mention, and the FX4 package--meaning 4WD. Pretty much every option you can get in an F150 except a sunroof. The only issue I've had is that the driver's seat heat seems to only work when it wants to. I took it to Alaska this summer, and had no issues whatsoever. Great truck.

ldireland · 10-19-2016, 02:31 PM

I am not a Ford guy so bare with me. You said it is an F150....gas...and you are sayind it has turbis...??? I may be confused but I had no idea Ford built a gas engine with twin turbos.

USAtraveler · 10-19-2016, 02:47 PM

I'm not far from you, Matti. Checking Kelly Blue Book for our area, the suggested price for this vehicle should be in the range of $25-26K, not $30K. Don't worry about the 2WD. Unless you plan to drive up to Tahoe in the Winter, you won't need it. 2WD is actually a plus because you'll get better fuel mileage, a better ride, and less stuff to break. The truck you're looking at probably has traction control which will eliminate situations where one of the back wheels loses traction and spins freely. I've driven over miles of mountainous dirt roads in 2WD towing trailers and never come close to getting stuck.

Mattirs · 10-19-2016, 11:29 PM

Yup it has two of them; owned an 88 T-bird Turbo coupe a long time ago. It was funny when I first stepped on the gas and from the way it lurched I turned to the saleslady and asked is this turbo charged? She said I don't know we will have to ask when we get back to the dealership. (found out she's been on the job 5 days)

Mattirs · 10-19-2016, 11:32 PM

Thank you, sounds like those west of the Mississippi don't worry about a truck being a 4x4 as much as those to the east. It does have the locking differential on it, so that is supposed to be of some help I am told.

Mattirs · 10-19-2016, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce B

2 wheel drive!

You might consider a Ford ESP warranty on the truck if you are concerned about things. Things like heater blend modules are expensive to replace and are known to fail. You should take a look at the manufacturers load rating on the drivers door just so that you know what load it will carry.
Bruce

Took the truck by the Airstream dealership it is about a 1/2 mile from the Ford. They looked it over and said this would have no problem pulling your 25ft and tried to upgrade me to a 30ft. LOL Looked at the Ford ESP warranty and it would only over a couple of more years. Didn't know that it starts from the date the truck is bought originally not date it is bought again and there is no price break.

Thank you Bruce