Redline
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- January 4, 2009
- Messages
- 184
- Reaction score
- 2
- City, State
- Clifton, New Jersey
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2008 Adrenalin
Well after just shy of 6 years and only 30,200 miles I parted ways with my 08 STA today.
It was truly a bittersweet moment in my life!
I really loved this truck since day one and never thought I would have parted with it but recent mechanical issues with the 4.6 exhaust manifold studs and a Cam phaser knock drove me to the point of a lack in confidence in my truck.
Repair estimates were $5,000 plus from 2 dealers.
The best estimate I received was from Brenspeed but transport to and from NJ to Indiana made that a wash with local estimates.
Should I have consulted this forum?
Probably! But that's truly an after thought as of writing this.
Anyway, My main concern was after these repairs what would be next to fail right around the corner???
Was it just the start of other problems?
Heater core?
Fuel pump?
Transmission?
The kick in the arse was before the issues came to light I was considering all kinds of upgrades including Brenspeeds Stryker 475 supercharger, Ford racing blue valve covers, new wheels, magnaflow exhaust and Roush exhaust tip.
I was feeling pretty excited about the upgrades until the issues and cost of mechanical repair came to light.
I had already purchased the valve covers, magnaflow muffler and exhaust tip as well as one Saleen replica S197 wheel from American Muscle to check fitment.
All are for sale at discounted prices if anyone is interested.
So there is another thread on this site titled what will replace your Sport Trac.
Well there really wasn't anything I was interested in except for the Jeep SRT8 Grand Cherokee.
And that's exactly what I ended up driving home tonight.
To be honest I am writing this because of my disappointment in Fords one size f150 fits all.
It's BS plain and simple.
Ford needs to bring back a mid size sport truck! But next time around make it truly worthy of the SVT design!
I would have absolutely purchased a new 2014/15 STA if it was available!
Even after my low mileage STA failure!
Trust me folks I am not looking for sympathy! The SRT8 is a blast to drive!
I was hooked as soon as I went on the test drive and the salesman said we have a mile of highway before we get off so now is your time! That was all it took!
But I loved my truck! It was mine! Paid in full! And I could have taken a chance on the repairs but repairs + performance upgrades + unknown future repairs.
In my opinion it wasn't worth it.
Instead I leased the SRT8 for 27 months with the hope Ford has something in the works!
New STA?
Bronco concept?
Well my STA will always hold a special place in my memories right with my 85GT but I am Mopar for now!
I will leave you with a picture of day two of ownership 1/3/09 as my pride and joy sat outside the front of my house.
And a picture of it's replacement sitting on the dealers lot.
And I will keep my fingers crossed that within a little over 2 years I will be posting I'm back in a Ford!
It was truly a bittersweet moment in my life!
I really loved this truck since day one and never thought I would have parted with it but recent mechanical issues with the 4.6 exhaust manifold studs and a Cam phaser knock drove me to the point of a lack in confidence in my truck.
Repair estimates were $5,000 plus from 2 dealers.
The best estimate I received was from Brenspeed but transport to and from NJ to Indiana made that a wash with local estimates.
Should I have consulted this forum?
Probably! But that's truly an after thought as of writing this.
Anyway, My main concern was after these repairs what would be next to fail right around the corner???
Was it just the start of other problems?
Heater core?
Fuel pump?
Transmission?
The kick in the arse was before the issues came to light I was considering all kinds of upgrades including Brenspeeds Stryker 475 supercharger, Ford racing blue valve covers, new wheels, magnaflow exhaust and Roush exhaust tip.
I was feeling pretty excited about the upgrades until the issues and cost of mechanical repair came to light.
I had already purchased the valve covers, magnaflow muffler and exhaust tip as well as one Saleen replica S197 wheel from American Muscle to check fitment.
All are for sale at discounted prices if anyone is interested.
So there is another thread on this site titled what will replace your Sport Trac.
Well there really wasn't anything I was interested in except for the Jeep SRT8 Grand Cherokee.
And that's exactly what I ended up driving home tonight.
To be honest I am writing this because of my disappointment in Fords one size f150 fits all.
It's BS plain and simple.
Ford needs to bring back a mid size sport truck! But next time around make it truly worthy of the SVT design!
I would have absolutely purchased a new 2014/15 STA if it was available!
Even after my low mileage STA failure!
Trust me folks I am not looking for sympathy! The SRT8 is a blast to drive!
I was hooked as soon as I went on the test drive and the salesman said we have a mile of highway before we get off so now is your time! That was all it took!
But I loved my truck! It was mine! Paid in full! And I could have taken a chance on the repairs but repairs + performance upgrades + unknown future repairs.
In my opinion it wasn't worth it.
Instead I leased the SRT8 for 27 months with the hope Ford has something in the works!
New STA?
Bronco concept?
Well my STA will always hold a special place in my memories right with my 85GT but I am Mopar for now!
I will leave you with a picture of day two of ownership 1/3/09 as my pride and joy sat outside the front of my house.
And a picture of it's replacement sitting on the dealers lot.
And I will keep my fingers crossed that within a little over 2 years I will be posting I'm back in a Ford!