Faults:

All occurred 150000+ miles:

Idler pulley is rubbing on a belt, causing a strange whipping noise.

Antifreeze leak. Needs to be topped off once a month.

Fan caused a hole in antifreeze hose, had to be replaced.

Radio is slowly dying.

Emergency brake line broke and caused premature wear on rear brakes. Cost about $600 to fix.

General Comments:

This is an amazing truck overall. With an extended cab and a long bed, it can haul just about anything, as well as 5 people.

It has the most comfortable front seats I have ever sat in. They mold to your shape and hug you. I love the arm rests; I wish they put them in cars today.

The truck is relatively easy to drive once you get used to it. The power options are great; none have had electrical problems. I'm 5'4, 115 lbs, and can drive the truck easily. It has huge blind spots due to the length, so I prefer looking over my shoulders versus using the mirrors.

It has a poor turning radius, but what can you expect from truck that's longer than most parking spaces? Parking is an issue; it's extremely difficult to fit into tight spaces and back up due to the length. However, parking at the back of the lot gives me exercise.

The cup holders are great and easy to get to.

The paint has held up GREAT!!! It still shines like its brand new! However, it will rust easily. Maybe mine is more rusted than others because it spent four years in Minnesota as an all year vehicle. Our Suburban did the same, but did not rust nearly as much.

I would recommend this truck to anybody; you just have to take care of it and baby it as it gets older. I'm expecting it to survive another 20,000 miles, even with a teenager driving it. I'm giving it to my little brother as a learner car, because I learned to drive in it, and can now drive just about anything.

Faults:

Original (Mazda-built) manual transmission stopped working at 133,500 miles.

Once I hit 135,000 miles, many minor things needed replacement: motor mounts, fan clutch, power steering pump, radiator, and thermostat.

General Comments:

Interior (vinyl floor and seats) is very resilient and still is in great shape.

With the 300 it's slower (but it is heavy with the extended cab, long bed and 4 wheel drive), but that's been the only thing that hasn't broken on me. She's a stinking tough motor.

Sometimes I just can't handle the whine of the power steering pump. There are other clunks and shudders you just need to accept when driving an older rig.

You don't really drive it; you persuade it. A bit like riding a whale.

Faults:

Replaced tires after "passing NC inspection".

Replaced seal in transfer case.

Replaced left strut.

Packed wheel bearings.

Transmission acting up, may have to replace it.

General Comments:

I bought this car from a used car dealer, and what a disappointment. This truck sucks gas worse than my 1978 F100. I love Ford trucks and have had good ones over the years. This one was a one owner truck. Since owning it, every month I have it in the shop. I'm sure the brakes need to be done. I have no choice but to keep it anyway. I love the look of the truck and the ride, and that it's a pickup. Next time I'll have someone check it out. The rest of the truck seems fine. I hope.

Faults:

I got the truck from my uncle just before I turned 15. I always wanted the truck because of the bright red color. I was in high school, so I tore the heck out of this truck. Mud roads, high speeds, high RPMs, pulling people out.

I have replaced U-joints almost all around, ball joints on one side.

Severe rust, but I live in Iowa so what can you expect.

Tie rod end on one side.

Water pump replaced at about 190K.

General Comments:

This truck is a beast, I can't kill it, but you can't kill the best. I have pulled out many a trucks who think they can outdo my stock Ford.

Many people are afraid to tug and pull trucks out of stuck places. I'm not, and that's why this is a real truck.

I would recommend this for a first vehicle and a work truck any day. I plan on letting my little sister have it for high school when she gets older.