Should I even buy a Trac?

[Blake Esken]

I have been researching an 08 Trac Adrenalin for over 5 months. I love the Trac, its size, and capabilities but I have seen a lot of negative things regarding the Tranny, 4x4 system, etc. Can I hear some good stories about 07+ tracs PLEASE!

 

[Dingo]

My ONLY complaint is the tires.

 

[Gypsy me]

Blake, yes you should

 

[Todd Z]

Blake the issues are small drive ability issues, Nothing that is catastrophic.....



Get one, you will love it !!!



Todd Z

 

[Collin Lyon]

Even though I've had problems with the tranny/mechatronic earlier this year, I've stayed on the dealer & Ford, and now she runs real fine. The only constant one can't really avoid are the kultz's at the dealer, and engineers at Ford. For details, look up my previous posts under Lyonpride. "You can't fix stupid" -- Ron White.



Heck, coming back from my in-laws last weekend (Jackson, CA to SJ, CA appx 140 miles), I averaged around 23mpg! That is hauling my wife, my two boys, and a bed-full of Christmas presents from grandma. 98% highway of course, but still 23 is 23. Double-checked what the computer said with tripometer/gallons used when I filled up. This thing is rated, what, 19 or 20 highway?



As long as you stay on them if/when these things come up, then yes -- get it! It also helps that this great site is here - we Trac'ers teaming up & networking on these common problems, and getting results -- on any year Trac . . .

 

[Jenn D]

Blake, a good lesson to learn about this site and life in general is that you will mostly hear only the negatives. Sure, some people have tranny issues, some people have tire wear issues, and others have even more major issues. The bottom line though, is that you will hear this when you delve deeply into any particular vehicle or brand.



What you have to understand is that you have a very large sampling of people here. Some experience issues, and some don't. Some are willing to deal with their issues, and other want to shout to the world that they were wronged by Ford.



You can't fear what you are not sure of. You don't know you will have problems and you can't live your life in fear. A lot of times, this site can create an unneccessary paranoia. As a result people don't enjoy their vehicles. Instead they are "waiting for the day their tranny craps out on them".



If you like the ST for all it's features, then buy it for that reason. You will not regret how much fun they are.



Best of luck with your decision!

 

[Aaron Yarbough]

I'll second what Lyonpride and Jenn D said. I'm not having any issues with excessive tire wear like a few others are seeing and I have had minimal issues with mine. I get the TSB updates primarily because I like to have the latest and greatest software that's available for my Trac and it has enhanced my experience with it. Remember, if you are interested in the 08 Adrenaline then you're likely to get a vehicle with all the latest software programs and updated tranny assemblies that a few on hear have had issues with. It's a great vehicle and it's capabilities are outstanding for a vehicle of its size. So if you like it, go ahead and take the plunge. None of us can promise that you won't have any issues, but most of us will be here to assist in resolving any issues that might come up and I think many members will attest to that.

 

[TomT]

The Ford Sport Trac is not perfect but show me a truck that is. It's still the perfect size vehicle for me that has exactly what I'm looking for in a truck. If you can get a good deal on one then I say go for it. Just don't expect it to be a luxury automobile. Even though manufactures seem to be turning pick-ups into luxury vehicles these days it's still just a damn truck.

 

[shawn stonbraker 2]

I'll third what was already said. If you think of how many ST's are out there being used every day, and how many problems are posted on here, the percentage of problems would be minimal. This site is set up for problems to be posted, so people can get answers to said problems.

 

[Blake Esken]

Thanks guys for the feedback! Another thing......hows the IRS? smooth? how smooth? handles like a sports car (in truck terms)?

 

[shawn stonbraker 2]

It's never going to handle like a sports car.



My wife's Mountaineer has IRS and it's a very smooth ride. I can only imagine in the ST it will be just as good.

 

[George Mayer]

25,000 mi no problems.

 

[Dreman]

Mine's not a 2007 or '08, but my 2003 has 130,000 trouble free miles on it. Use this site to keep an eye on possible trouble spots and you should be just fine.

 

[P M]

I think if you read forums such as this for any make or model you will find "issues". The issues with the new STs seem pretty limited. I have not heard of any with the '08 yet (it's early I know). I have an '08 with no issues. I had minor issues with my '02. Remember, people often go to forums when they have problems, so the actual occurrence of problems may seem worse when reading a forum than it actually is. My .02.

 

[Makin Trax]

mines at 74000 and doing great!!:wub: get one youll love it!!

 

[KentheREALone Z]

No problems, just don't like my door handles (early 07'). Otherwise it's been very good. 11,000 miles.

Had TSB for fan noise at startup, trans is fine.

BTW, Beware of the Mousejockeys, some of the "legends in their own mind" on this site don't even own an ST, may never have, just looking for attention.

 

[Johnny O]

Thanks guys for the feedback! Another thing......hows the IRS? smooth? how smooth?

I had an '05 and just got my new '08 today. Schweeeeeeet. Schmooooooooth. Solid but not hard, smooth but not flabby, unlike my '05 which got new shocks at 12k miles.

handles like a sports car (in truck terms)?

Too soon to say, only have 18 miles on it.

 

[Kevin Lang]

Only 18 miles? I drove the crap out of my trac the day I got it



I don't know how you could resist the Temptation to drive.



As to an earlier post, I for one thought this forum was largely free of posers/trolls/mousejockeys (cool word btw). Heinous spelling, yes, but that's another story...

 

[Blake Esken]

What is the largest tire size i can put on a trac without it rubbing?

 

[Johnny O]

Mine has 245/65-17's, it looks like you could go a little bit bigger but the '07+ you cannot lift.

Only 18 miles? I drove the crap out of my trac the day I got it.

Cut me a break, I picked it up after work. :lol: