I have 2002 F150 Supercrew with 177K miles. It burns a little oil but I stay on top of that.
Replaced the transmission and oil cooler in 2018 ($3500)
Replaced 2 fuel pumps in the last few years.
Replaced a leaking master cylinder last year.
The heater stopped working and I smell coolant in the air from the vents. Which means I have a clogged and leaking heater core. I live in texas so I was just going to bypass the heater core but I am worried that I will continue to breath what coolant has leaked and that can't be healthy. I was about to just have the heater core and blend door replaced when, I noticed a rhythmic grinding sound from passenger side of engine. I have not isolated it yet, but I assume its either the alternator bearings or the water pump bearings preparing to go out.
I looked at new f250 trucks and they are 50K plus for the gas versions. yikes.
So I am trying to decide whether to keep fixing my old f150 and see if I can get a few more years out of it, or bite the bullet and look for a 1-2 year old f250 gasser.
My main question is fix it or get a newish one.
If fix it, what can I expect to have to replace on it in the coming years. Is it worth replacing those parts expected to fail or wait for them to go out one at a time.
This was my first new vehicle so I am somewhat attached to it. And I am not eager to be buying something new and having a 1K a month truck payment for the next 4 years.
The frame is rust free, and otherwise works just fine.
Advice?
Simeon
The way I think: Is this tax deductible? In other words, is it on a Schedule F or E or a work truck? That way you expense the repairs. I just made that decision on my '96 Silverado farm truck, which needs its 3rd transmission at 120k miles. But it is deductible for me so it offsets income.
unfortunately, I am a working stiff, and don't get to deduct anything like that. I have land with a wildlife valuation at the moment. if and when I am living on the land I may switch back to ag value. then I will have some independent income coming in that I can offset any equipment costs against.
Most people that I know of had to get their transmissions rebuilt or replaced right around 190,000 to 200,000 miles. As Scotty would say, the transmissions were/are the weakest part of the F150's. But, if you would be willing to spend the money to get the transmission rebuilt or replaced, the truck can most definitely last quite a long time. Ford makes very reliable v8 engines which can last a very long time so maybe to you it might be worth putting the money into if it means you can drive it another 100,000 or 200,000 miles. As far as the heater core goes, I would just bypass it like you had said. The smell might be awful if there's still some coolant in the heater core, but as long as it's not getting heated up it shouldn't really affect you. If you find it that big of a deal that there might still be some coolant in the heater core after you bypass it, I would take an air compressor to the ends of the heater core in the engine bay and try your hardest to blow out all the excess coolant
the transmission got replaced 3.5 years ago. so that's already a sunk cost, and is the main reason I would like to see how long this ride will likely last. As the number of things on the truck start to go out increases, the realization that I will be having to invest a regular stream of money into the truck has set in. Ultimately, I want to get something that can tow more so I can get a travel trailer to take my son on some cross country camping trips. I dont feel confident with this truck at this point enough to take it on long trips. Also, want something 4x4 in next truck so I can go to the more remote camping spots.
Get a general inspection at an independent shop that routinely services these models. They'll give you both general information about what they see, and specific information about your individual vehicle.
good advice. I will take the truck in to get estimate on replacing the heater core, blend door, and whatever is making the grinding sound and to get a list of what else is wrong that I have not noticed yet. At what cost, is too much though. that's the part I am struggling with. With newish f250's at 50K, I figure there is a lot of room for repair budget on my old one before it gets to be too much to invest in a 20 year old f150.