You really can't go by the looks. Could be a "painted lady". Get it up on the lift and check out the rust situation. A good mechanic will know what to look for.
Just some things to consider:
1: Date of manufacture. One is a lot closer to the twenty year mark than the other. It could be a problem to get critical repair parts that are only available through Ford.
2: Previous owner: Is that person hard on equipment ?
3: Who has been doing the repair work ? Was it someone ASE certified or a shade tree mechanic ?
4: < you're gonna shoot me > Have the emissions been messed with ? The emissions are every bit a part of the motor as the push rods or oil pump. You can't take em' off without messing up the motor. Something like the exhaust gas recirculation unit actually improves gas mileage and cools combustion temperatures on a hot day. If the thermactor system has been messed with it will cause incorrect readings at the O2 sensor and the ECU will either run the engine too rich or too lean thus possibly damaging the cat.
Complicated much ? That's a hassle you don't want. If it's all there that's good. If parts n pieces are missing it can take a really good mechanic and lotsa money to straighten it all out again.
5: Is it showing a CEL ( check engine light ) If so ... the on board diagnostic feature of the ECU will throw a trouble code and give you some insight as to whether or not there are and problems with the motor or transmission.
6: Used car salesmen don't have the best reputation for integrity but a reputable dealership has certain quality standards that it adheres to. If a trade in doesn't meet spec they either fix it or wholesale it out. Watch the prices ... if it's too good to be true then it might not be.
7: A VIN # report on a vehicle you're interested in might set you back 30 bucks but save you thousands later on.
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