Thinking about a trade opinions needed.
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Thinking about a trade opinions needed.
I need a truck and now have a 99 Town Car with 105k, guy has a 01 1500 SLT 2x4 with the 318 engine. 128k miles. One owner, trans replaced at 95k along with a new dash recently. How many miles are these engines good for? I do not have extra money to get a newer truck and getting the itch for a truck. Trade is about even in terms of value but just looking for reliability of these trucks. Thanks.
Record Breaker
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,032
Likes: 1
From: Elk Rapids, MI
The engine is the least of your worries. With good solid maintenance, I have seen these motors go 300k with no issues. Mine currently has 160k on it and is completely stock (aside from water pump, timing chain, plenum plate, etc...) and runs like a top, with no oil burning issues/leaks.
But, there are a lotta quirks (motor and drivetrain)... just need to maintain them.
Oh, and welcome to DF!
But, there are a lotta quirks (motor and drivetrain)... just need to maintain them.
Oh, and welcome to DF!
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 487
Likes: 5
From: Philadelphia, PA
If taken care of a 318 will run for a very long time. The weak point would be the trans, but if it was replaced only ~30k miles ago, you should be good with that, as long as it was a quality job. Since it's a 2wd, you shouldn't have many problems with the front end, as some of us 4x4 guys do. Is it regular cab or quad cab? I would say go for it.
Hall Of Fame
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,204
Likes: 10
From: Gainesville, Ga.
just be aware of common problems that need repairs which can be expensive if you have to pay someone else to do it. if not already replaced/fixed, you're about due for a water pump and timing chain, and all these motors have a leaking plenum gasket that can cause spark knock/pinging and/or oil loss. once these are taken care of, its good for another 100k or more.
other expensive aggravations that can occur is the heater core, buried deep beneath the dash.
the other 2 most common problems, trans and dash, are already fixed. so you're good there.
other expensive aggravations that can occur is the heater core, buried deep beneath the dash.
the other 2 most common problems, trans and dash, are already fixed. so you're good there.
Record Breaker
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,032
Likes: 1
From: Elk Rapids, MI
Trending Topics
welcome to the forum, truck will treat you good, these are fun and the best looking trucks , the 5.2 and the 5.9 also is about the best sounding too. so slap and exhaust on it
check out search for info, you may need a tune up, and change your oil to sythetic before you put any more miles on it .
check out search for info, you may need a tune up, and change your oil to sythetic before you put any more miles on it .
