Ford F-150 Used Buying Guide
There’s a reason that the F-150 is America’s favorite truck, and that’s because it’s reliable, rugged, and more than capable. If you’re looking for a used model, there are a few things to keep in mind as the trims range from barebones to almost a luxury vehicle. We’ll break down some recent model years, and changes so that way you get what you want.
Key takeaways
- The interior comfort in the Ford F-150 is the best when it comes to higher-end trims, making this a very comfortable handyman truck.
- With so many engine options, if you want a diesel option, then you’ll need something before 2022 as they were discontinued due to low interest.
- If you’re wanting the best towing capacity, then you’ll need to find a model that is equipped with the 3.5L V6 as it comes with a 14,000 pound tow rating.
Fourteenth Generation (2021-Present)
The F-150 has been around for quite some time, and the fourteenth generation is pretty polished because of it. This generation comes in a ton of trims. The trims are the XL, XLT, Lariat, Tremor, King Ranch, Lariat, Platinum, and Limited.
The model can be found with both 8 and 12-inch infotainment screens, and if you’re someone who values size, you’ll want to look for one with the upgrade. No matter which screen you find yourself looking at, you will be able to enjoy Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. These screens also come with optional navigation and SiriusXM radio, giving you the option for more if you’re lucky.
Being that this is a truck, it comes with a ton of engine options, depending on your needs. The engines are a 3.3 L V6, 2.7 L and 3.5 L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6s, a 5.0 L V8, and a 3.0 L turbo-diesel V6. Of these engines, you’ll want the 3.5L V6 as it has the highest towing capacity at 14,000 pounds. This engine is the most efficient in the lineup as it comes with an EPA rating of 25 MPG combined.
If you’re someone who prefers diesel engines, then the 3.0L V6 is the engine that you need. While this engine doesn’t come with the highest tow rating, it does come with a tow rating of 12,100 pounds, making this a solid option. Being that this is a diesel, it is efficient, coming in with an EPA rated 23 MPG combined. But this engine was ultimately dropped in 2022.
When this generation saw a change in 2024, they decided to equip all of the trims with a 12-inch screen, ditching the smaller one. On the high-end trims, you may be able to find ones that are equipped with a head-up display, but if you’re not wanting to hunt for optional features, then you can still enjoy the newly made standard features with the blind spot monitor, rear parking sensors, and Class IV trailer hitch joining the family.
Thirteenth Generation (2015-2020)
Much like the most recent generation, this one also comes in a ton of trims. The trims you can look for are the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. Some of the features that you can look for from both of the generations covered are heated and cooled seats, and, being that we’re here up north, we know how cold it can get, so this will help keep you comfortable. On the higher-end trims, you can also find genuine wood trims, making it look better than most models on the market.
Throughout this generation's life, it saw a ton of engine options, but most of them were just upgrades to existing engines. The engines that you can find are the 3.3L V6, 3.5L V6, 2.7L V6, 5.0L V8, and the 3.0L V6 diesel engine. These engines are the same ones that are shared with the most recent generation, with the specs being identical for the later year models.
Where can I get a used F-150?
With so many places to pick from, we want to make sure that you get the best model for your money. With some of the best inventory around, we invite you to come see us at Car2Sell here in East Windsor. With the best stock in New Jersey, we only sell the best vehicles.