"New" F-150?

[lone-ranger]

Hey all,

Well, the time has come. I was driving through the Ford lot after dinner tonight and came across a seemingly mint 1996 F-150 Supercab 4x4 long box, with the 5.0 and 3.08 rear end. I'm wondering what advice you guys have to look for? I don't know much about the older F-150s except that my Grandpa wouldn't buy anything else.

I've heard the '96 is the last of the great old Ford F-150s and they are very dependable and can be powerhouses if that 5.slow gets some updating?

What do guys think I can expect in maintenance costs and mpgs? It has 4 brand new shocks and tires on it (I don't know if it's hiding an alignment or something). I couldn't get inside (locked) or pop the hood, so I couldn't get a good look at it. It would go to my cousin to determine body repairs (owns a pro body shop) and my trusty mechanic for a full pre-purchase inspection before any money traded hands. I'm trying really hard to see past the shiny paint and low miles (116,xxx).

I need advice and suggestions and things to look for gang, go!

[ranger024x4]

make sure the core support, cab corners and bed sides are clear of rust.

[dvrich]

If you live in the rust belt then frame rot needs to be looked at.
As far as mpg goes, you are looking at a 1996 4x4 V8, extended cab and the best you can ever hope for is 12-15 mpg. If the truck had a 5.8, then 12 mpg at the most.
20 year old truck, anything can go wrong at any time.