Test driving an F150 tomorrow. 2007 crew cab. 2WD. What should I be checking for? During the drive and under the hood. I'm in no way a mechanic or have much knowledge of cars. Thanks.
Before you check anything, see what engine that F-150 has. If it has the 5.4L tri-valve V8, don't even think about buying it. Those engines have so many issues with oil sludge buildup (among other things) that the only real fix on it is to put in a new motor.
4.6L V8
It could be a good truck with that engine. The 4.6L V8s were much better, but they had some issues with the spark plugs blowing out. I would have a trusted mechanic thoroughly check the entire truck before you make an offer, as they will know what to look for.
Have a mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection on it before buying it.
The list of things to check is long. I'm not going to type it all out, but here's a few:
Take it somewhere that you can open up the throttle. A steep hill, a highway, whatever. If it bogs down the walk away. Make sure the steering is tight, and listen for unusual sounds. Try the A/C.
Look underneath and look for anything unusual. Bashed up or rusty frame, loose components etc.
Look at the tires for uneven wear.
Pop the hood and look at the fluids. If the engine is a dirty ball of grease then it hasn't been taken care of.
Ultimately, you should have a mechanic look at it. It may cost $100 but he could save your thousands.
