Much as I'd love an extended cab (half doors or full doors), seems they didn't make them for the 04-08 11th gen F150's with the 4.2L. If you wanted that, you'd get the 'upgraded' (bigger, but less reliable) engine. So, the only 4.2L V6's I can find with a back row are 10th gen "jellybean" models, which I also have seriously considered, but none of them are also not high mileage.
I did see _one_ perfect 2004 heritage (10th gen leftover parts being made in the first year of the 11th gen) with solid maintenance, 150k miles, and a row of back seats, never towed, same owner for a decade, going for 3k... but it sold out from under me before I could get back in town. I tried everything I could to arrange friends buying it for me, and almost pulled it off, but... one that got away.
Pretty much anything over 2008 is out of my budget anyways, but they seem like a mixed bag for reliability and I don't know as much about them. I am on a time limit, and I invested all my research in the models that are affordable and readily available--devil I know, at this point.
If I had another month, though, I think I'd actually aim for a pathfinder, or an xterra (preferably manual), 05 or newer. For some reason, while the manual F150 drops to half the tow capacity, the manual xterra has the same tow rating. That I don't understand, but I'd love to not have to worry about transmission issues and just replace a clutch when the time comes... Payload would drop to 950~ instead of 1750~, sure, but much better daily driver, and nearly the same tow rating, and 30% more horsepower? And, it's an SUV, which I'd just rather have as a daily driver by itself?
Yes please. Didn't realize how good they were until I finally broke down and paid for consumer reports today. Wish I had sooner. I'd have an 08 xterra now if I did and be on my way back, I'm sure.
