Faults:

First of all, I bought the car used in January 2006.

The rear brake lines had to be replaced at 146 000 kms. The cost for parts is obviously cheap since it is a north-american vehicle, approx. $35 and the whole bill itself was $ 175 and I could of done the job myself or like any of you do-it-your-selfers out there.

Yes indeed, the visors don't stay in place. Unscrew the 3 little screws and you will understand why...

I had to do bodywork on the car and kept it on primer since then.

I changed the oil...

I put air in the tires.

General Comments:

Read very carefully folks, this comment might be very revealing to most of you...

If you are to purchase a vehicle and you know what you're going to do with it, then you will know where to put your money. In all cases, motor vehicles need regular maintenance and this isn't new, but seems to be a let-down for some of you.

My F-150 has a small block Ford 302 which is indestructible and unbelievably reliable. It has a good battery and well maintained ignition parts so the truck starts first kick.

The truck is NORTH-AMERICAN, so the company built the truck according to our climate. You can count on your truck in any kind of weather, including extreme conditions.

It was made so you can repair it yourself and don't have to be NASA rocket scientist to do the job. After-market parts and resale for these vehicles is a huge business and a standard is set for small block motors, so you don't wait or have to order parts from the moon.

I don't recall buying, new or used, such roadworthy and reliable vehicle. I would recommend this pick-up to anyone. Common sense is your best option when buying a used vehicle.

Faults:

Broke rear axle, first 2 weeks after buying it, ended up having to rebuild the entire rear end. All this and with only normal highway driving!

Water pump, and radiator 3 weeks later.

Blew the clutch out 6 months later, so had trans rebuilt and shifts just like new once again.

Seat padding on Drivers Side sagging, inserted foam and cardboard to make up difference.

2 days after installing new clutch, something was definetly wrong. Clutch not working proper, slipping, and hard to engage sometimes. Ended up ripping new one out and replacing once again, all due to improper installation by transmission shop. They ruined the pressure plate, twisting it, and not allowing clutch to engage properly.

Blew heater core one cold winter night, so ended up replacing that.

Speedometer cable broke, didn't replace it for 3 years!

Broke a piston, and basically destroyed engine at 269,000 km. Top of piston was still at the top, but rest was in pieces in pan along with con rod. Dropped in a used (122,000 kms) 87 302, still running strong over 3 years later.

Goes through rear wheel seals like crazy until the last time I had them use LOTS of sealant along with the seals.

Gone through 4 brake calipers, and 4 rear wheel cylinders, along with equal brake shoes and pads.

Needs another set of tires, the gravel roads just chew them up fast. 5 sets in 10 years.

Broke a rear leaf spring, still broken...

Fenders, box, doors and cab corners now rusted out.

General Comments:

Even though its rusted out, I just love my truck! Not giving it up until it completely dies!

Not great gas economy though, best I ever get is 14 mpg, no matter what. Using the 4x4 drops it to about 11.

That would be one one biggest complaint.

I bought it for $5200 in May of 1995, so it owes me nothing that's for sure.

It has never let me down when I needed it, so its my reliable beater that's for sure.