I’m looking at some 2004-2005 F150 4X4 trucks with the 5.4L engine. I need one that will last a few more years while I finish college. My budget is a bit limited because I had to pay extra costs after a recent accident.
How many miles can I expect to get from one of these trucks if I take good care of it?
200,000 miles should be fine, as long as you drive it carefully and take good care of it.
As many as you want. Just keep it well maintained
You should be able to get 250,000 miles out of it if you keep up with maintenance and don’t drive it harshly all the time.
Except for my 5.4L Triton, which mostly had highway miles and was well-maintained with regular oil changes, I had to replace the engine when it hit 102,000 miles. I expected it to last over 200,000 miles, but it didn’t.
Sometimes, despite good care, a few trucks just won’t last. It’s just a matter of chance.
My dad had a 1999 F250 with a 5.4 engine, 5-speed, and 4x2 drive. He drove it to 200,000 miles, mostly on highways but also towing a lot—like a 3,600 lb boat, a 2,400 lb flatbed with an 8,000 lb tractor, and a 28 ft gooseneck trailer with cattle. He sold it at 200,000 miles. The person who bought it drove it to 315,000 miles before trading it in, with just basic maintenance.
Now, my dad has a similar 2001 truck with an automatic transmission. It’s over 200,000 miles (maybe around 230,000), with basic maintenance and one transmission replacement. Hope that helps!
I just got my brother’s old 1997 F-150 Lariat with 315,000 miles. It needs a new engine mount, an oil change badly, and the transmission is probably on its way out. But it can still pull around GMC, Chevy, or Dodge trucks in town. 5.4 for life, brother!
I have an 04 with 214,000 kilometers on it, and it runs perfectly.