Ford 4.2 V6

[Joleat]

I'm tired of having to arrange to borrow a truck every time we decide to build something or do landscaping around the house. Having just sold our current home, I'd like to buy a used truck before we start any projects on a new home. With that being said, I'm not looking for one that has all the bells and whistles. In fact, I would prefer a base model so I won't be tempted to spend money on modifications.

Earlier this week, I found a black 2000 F-150 XLT 4x4 regular cab SWB with the 4.2 V6 and an automatic transmission locally for $2950. The car lot was closed and the truck was behind a fence, but it appears to be in excellent condition. I called about it yesterday and it does have a pile of miles at 170k, but the salesman assured me the truck was in need of nothing. According to what I've read, it looks like the early 4.2 V6 had some gasket issues, but it was resolved for the 2000 model year. I couldn't find much else that was bad about these trucks. I did a quick AutoTrader search for similar trucks and found the price to be fair. I printed a few ads to use as a tool in the haggling process. I'm thinking I might be able to get it down to $2500. I wouldn't think the truck would appeal to most buyers as it is on the plain side and just has the 4.2. I hope to use that to my advantage.

[shoman04]

I hope others can help you I didn't know Ford made a 4.2 V6 WOW.!

[Lanson]

I personally dislike the 4.2L, but I also dislike its breathren the 3.8L as well. 

There is nothing particularly wrong with it, but it is just a lump of an engine.  Still, better than a sparkplug-spewing 5.4L

[Joleat]

I'll be honest, I'm not too keen on the idea of having an underpowered V6 in a full-size pickup either, but just as you mentioned, the 5.4 has its share of spark plug issues, as does the 4.6. I guess I'll still have the MKS when I want to go fast. The truck will be purely for in-town trips to Lowe's, Home Depot, etc. I must say that I do like the idea of just writing a check for the truck rather than financing it. At $2950 it already seems like a good value... at $2500 it would be a steal. I just need to get behind the wheel to ensure that everything is mechanically sound.

[ONLYA6]

Nothing wrong with the 3.8/4.2. Mine in my Mustang with a mild cam and a 62 mm turbo is making 474 rwhp / 431 rwtq at 13.5 psi. Normal driving around I turn it down to 11ish and it makes 426.


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[Joleat]

If the 3.8's durability is any sort of indicator for the 4.2, then I just got a whole lot more comfortable. My grandmother had a 1988 and a 1989 Thunderbird and both cars were driven beyond 300k miles. Neither engine was ever opened and the cars ran great when they were sold.

[mjhpadi]

The later 5.4's were better then the early versions, I had a two valve and although it was a good engine it didn't have near the power of the 3 valve 5.4 I had in the Lincoln.  But I would buy another in a heartbeat.  Got good mileage, always averaged around 15mpg with the Crewcab 4x4.

[Joleat]

I checked out the truck today, but decided to pass until the owner has a chance to take a look at the transfer case shift linkage. It's a fairly common problem for the linkage to be seized up if the 4WD isn't used much, but I want to make sure that's the only problem.