Buying a Lightning F150

Buying a Lightning F150

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Discussion

Rich25

Original Poster:

282 posts

249 months

Thursday 9th June 2005
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Hi Guys, I am in the process of looking at new cars. I currently drive a TVR Cerbera and have a Pug 106 as a second car. Am selling the TVR as much as love it, I am getting back problems from it (a la Giggs) and it is not practical as I am doing a lot of property stuff and need a boot.

I have also been thinking about an BMW M5, so am quite open-minded, but have been drawn to an F150 since my mates boss got one.

I dont know much about them though and wondered if anyone knew what common faults they had, reliability or things to look out for.

Obviously economy is not top of my list having owned a TVR although reliability would be a bonus.

Any feedback appreciated cheers.

mikef

5,247 posts

258 months

Thursday 9th June 2005
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Rich25

The '99 and '00s had a problem with intercooler leaks, unless you can be sure that has been fixed I would look at '01s onwards. Apart from that reliability is excellent and build quality good. It's not a luxury vehicle, though - in the US the L sells/sold for £18k, the plastics reflect that, although leather aircon, auto and CD-changer are standard. No options other than a bed cover. If you're buying used then I would buy stock and apply any performance mods yourself unless you're really, really confident in whoever modded the truck

Performance is good for a truck, 5.2 0-60, top speed over 145, however over 125 you'll notice that it has the aerodynamics of a housebrick

Expect 15mpg (UK gallons), less if you're always in town

Final bit of advice would be - an L isn't really practical as an only vehicle in the UK, you're best bringing it out to play as you would with the TVR, and only going where you know you'll have a decent sized parking space and don't have to negotiate narrow lanes or medieval streets

To sum up, if you need to shift a load of timber at 140mph, the Lightning is a good option

Also, check out www.f150online.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=50

petros

2,441 posts

236 months

Thursday 9th June 2005
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I suffer with back probs. prolapsed disc, called into the local motability shop and bought a cigar shaped back support. Brilliant, keep it on the shelf behind me and just place it in the lumbar area when driving.