Though I currently have a Toyota Tundra and absolutely love it, If I were in your situation, I'd go with the F-150. I'd have to recommend the V-8 though. I just don't trust a 6cyl that's that old.

One thing you might try when you find one you're seriously looking at is to take it to a mechanic and have him check it out for you. Could give you some peace of mind.

After reading more posts and surveying the trucks on Craigslist I'm leaning heavily toward a Ford F150 V8 Automatic. Thanks a lot for all ya'll help on this! I hope to find one by the end of the week so I can go fish Friday and kick off the weekend right!

There is not much fuel savings running the 4.2 v6 vs 4.6 v8 but big difference in power. You won't regreat going with the auto either.

I would find a '90's model chevy with a 350 or 4.3. Very common, parts available and usualy not so expensive. Dependable, and as long as you keep up maintenance on them they will last forever and be a good workhorse. Sold mine with 265K on it and I used it the same the last miles I drove it as I did when it was new.

redchevy is right,

a good 350 half tone chevy is hard to beat.

not a fan of the 4.3 though

If the 350 is an option price-wise, do it. I've got a buddy up here at work who puts a ton of miles on his trucks and he's going on his 3rd truck with the 350 in it. The first two he sold within 10k miles of 300k total, and all he did on both was put a transmission in somewhere between 160k and 200k. That 350 motor won't give you any trouble.

I would look for a late 90s F150 4.6. I has a 97 with the 4.6 and it was a great truck. I also had a 01 with the 5.4 and it was a piece of carp. With an aluminum boat you might consider a Ranger with a 4.0. I have a Sport Trac with that motor and it has been good.

You will have to be ok with them having a couple miles on them and go back to the mid 90's or so, but they are solid simple trucks.

I'm going to look at a 1998 Ford F150 XLT V8 4.6L Triton 2WD 'Extra Cab', Regular Bed Length, 3 Door truck today. It's got a pretty awesome looking light blue color and everything seems solid as far as the exterior condition, no major scratches/dents, very clean/shiny paint job still (must have been garaged) and no issues with engine/transmission, or at least so he says (bringing mechanic with me today). The only 'issue' is the Heat does not work, but the A/C does. I live in San Diego and I can't recall one day where I used the heat this past year lol. But nonetheless my friend will help me to get it working if I want. He knows exactly what it is.

The only 'kicker' is the truck has 190K miles. But everything else sounds solid.

ASKING PRICE: $3,000
NEGOTIATED DOWN TO PRICE: $2,500 (was hoping for 2000-2200 but he won't budge).

Thoughts?
PS if I lived in TX this truck could probably be bought for 1500-2000. I think it's simple economics that in CA not as much a supply in after market for these trucks so anyone looking, the owner knows they can hold a higher price tag.

If the truck has been maintained.. regular fluid changes and hasent been used and abused, it should do all you want it to and alot more. I would say it sounds like a fair price. I sold my '94 half ton chevy 1.5 years ago with 265K on it and the only thing that didnt work was the heater.. I got 2500 for it, guess chevy does have better resale

*UPDATE...

Sounds a little shady (or the guy has no clue about the process of selling a vehicle). I asked him for the VIN # so I can run a Car Fax and get an exact insurance quote and add the car to my policy now for effect tonight. He is telling me he won't give me the VIN #. Then he's telling me cash only, no money order or cashier's check. The whole thing went south and it doesn't sound like it's going to happen. I think it's just because he's 'juvenile' in understanding buying/selling a vehicle, but just in case he'e playing a game I think I'll opt to balk. He told me 'I can't make it tonight, can we reschedule for a day or two from now' (after last night we had plans to meet tonight with my mechanic). Ugh, just another tribulation of dealing me people in California- non committal and 'flaky'.

X10

I would not have a problem with cash if he has no problem going to the DMV to sign over the title. My 97 4.6 was a similar truck. It had all but the Lariat pkg.. Leather justs cracks in Texas anyway. I had the tow pkg. and limited slip. I really liked that truck. One of my GM owning buddies called it a Mustang with a bed.

Pulling a tracker you can use your car. If you just want a truck to have a truck, a 6 cylinder 1/2 ton will be more than ample.

The deal wound up not going through because the guy would not give me the VIN # and sounded real sketchy during the sale. Very strange - almost like he was hiding something, so I decided to balk.

Anyway, these people out in CA are off their rocker. I am trying to find a 1998 or 1999 F150 V6 Auto or V8 Auto XLT package with tow hitch and the KBB and Edmunds EXCELLENT Condition Private Party Value for a truck with 150-170K miles or so is maxed out at $3,300. These people are listing their trucks for $4,500 OBO and I call them and offer $3,000 and they say o no no way, maybe $4,250 or $4,200 I can take, but NO WAY $3,000. Meanwhile the KBB is showing $3,300 for EXCELLENT (which a 12 year old car will rarely be excellent) and Edmunds shows $2,500.

Where do these people get off trying to sell a 12+ year old truck for over 30% of the KBB value?!?!