Shopping in the used car market for a full-size pickup? Then you’re probably looking at America’s most popular truck, the F-150. Ford introduced the F-150 nameplate in 1975, so with 48 years to choose from, we’ll point out the three best cars under $25K.
Best used Ford F-150 in years
As America’s best-selling truck, the Ford F-150 is a popular full-size pickup truck. It gained its popularity by offering power, comfort and reliability in an affordable package.
list of the top 70 of the “Best Used Full-Size Trucks Under $25K for 2023,” with seven models in the top half among other brands like Ram, GMC, Chevrolet, and Toyota.
2009 Ford F-150
Based on US News points, the 2009 F-150 finished in a six-way tie for fourth, although it ranked first among its 2009 peers. The original 2009 F-150 MSRP ranged from $21,565 to $44,355 but used prices now range From $6,400 to $10,500 on average.
The least optionally available, the F-150 XL has a 126-inch wheelbase, regular cab, and two-wheel drive (2WD). At the top end of the scale is the well-equipped all-wheel drive (4WD) F-150 Platinum on a 157-inch wheelbase.
Other trim levels, including the STX, XLT, Lariat, FX4 and King Ranch, fill the gap with powerplant and drivetrain availability.
The 2009 Ford F-150 XL, STX, and XLT models came with a 4.6-liter V8 making 248 horsepower, delivering an estimated 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. Higher trim levels and a choice of all-wheel drive on some lower trims offer a 5.4-liter V8 making 310 horsepower with similar fuel economy ratings.
2015 Ford F-150
It was ranked No. 1 in its class in 2015 but fell a six-way tie for No. 11 on the Top 70 under $25K list. The original MSRP ranged from $26,030 to $55,305, but prices used for the six-year-old F-150 are now down to between $17,000 and $35,000 on average.
The least expensive 2015 F-150 XL has two-wheel drive, a regular cab, and a 122.5-inch wheelbase. As you climb the XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum levels, the trucks get nicer. Although the Platinum Crew 4WD Super Crew Cab originally had a higher MSRP, the 157-inch Super Crew Cab 4WD King Ranch is more expensive on the used market.
The base engine offering is a 282-hp 3.5-liter V6 that gets an estimated 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The addition of 4WD or an optional HD Payload package on lower trim levels upgraded the engine to a 385-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 with 15 mpg city and 22 mpg highway fuel economy.
This engine was also carried over through the King Ranch and Platinum trim levels, but some XL, XLT, and Lariat models featured the 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 making 325 horsepower.
2016 Ford F-150
US News ranked the 2016 F-150 third out of five on its “Full-Size Pickup Trucks of 2016” list, but now, the 2016 F-150 ties in at number 17 with four other models. Original MSRP ranged between $26,540 and $62,310, while used prices sit between $19,500 and $37,500 on average.
The 2WD 2016 F-150 XL Regular Cab with 122.5-inch wheelbase is the lowest-priced model. Regular trim levels like the XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum continue in the lineup, but a new Limited Edition makes its debut. Similar to 2015, the model with the highest MSRP has a lower user price than the 4WD King Ranch Super Crew Cab with 157-inch wheelbase.
Engine offerings and fuel economy remain the same as the previous year, featuring the 3.5-liter V6 with 282 horsepower and 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 makes 325 horsepower and 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway. Fuel economy ratings occur throughout the lineup.
The most powerful option is the 5.0-liter V8 making 385 horsepower with 15 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.
Is a used Ford F-150 worth buying?
A is an excellent choice for a used, full-size pickup truck, with several models under $25,000 and some costing a bit more. However, even the least expensive models offer class-leading towing and payload capabilities, excellent ride and handling characteristics for a pickup truck, and enough interior comfort to make the drive home after a long day relaxing.
