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A new Ram 1500 failed Michael 10k miles in with major electrical issues. Ram's response? Eye-rolls. He traded it for an older Ford F-150, betting on Ford's reliability. Will the swap pay off?
Michael Dempsey on the Ford F-150 Owners Facebook page says,
"I just traded my 2025 Ram 1500 with 10k miles for a 2023 Ford F-150 3.5. The Ram had major electrical issues, and this F-150 has 38k miles, but I feel this older F-150 is a more reliable option. I got the extended warranty for 125k or 8 years. Hopefully it will last."
Michael goes on to say, "Ram customer service sucks. I broke down 400 miles from home, couldn't get a rental or loaner, and was told hotel bills weren't covered. When I took it into the dealer, the service guy rolled his eyes and said We have 12 more in the back, we can't figure out."
Is Michael Trading New Truck Pain for Used Truck Problems?
When a truck enthusiast like Michael Dempsey trades in a pristine, low-mileage 2025 Ram 1500 for a two-year-older 2023 Ford F-150 with 38,000 miles, it's not a simple financial transaction—it's a cry for reliability. Michael's experience is a textbook case of how modern manufacturing and poor dealer service can destroy customer loyalty.
Michael made a uniquely wise, non-emotional choice. Let's break down exactly why trading a new Ram 1500 for an older Ford F-150 is smart right now, and how he secured its future with that warranty.
The Rams' Two Failures
Michael's story captures two major failures plaguing the auto industry: product quality and customer support. Unfortunately, the Ram 1500 has struggled with complex issues related to its electronics and infotainment systems in recent years. When you search for 2025 Ram 1500 electrical issues and bad customer service, you will find that your experience is far from isolated.
The real insult, however, was the service failure. "I broke down 400 miles from home, couldn't get a rental or loaner, and was told hotel bills weren't covered," he said. That's a catastrophic breakdown of the warranty promise. And the service advisor's eye-roll, admitting "we have 12 more in the back we can't figure out," isn't just poor service—it's a public confession of systemic failure.
That level of dealer apathy and admitted incompetence is what pushed Michael to change brands, and for good reason. No truck owner should feel like their dealer treats them like an inconvenience, especially with a new vehicle. This highlights the critical importance of evaluating the dealer network before the truck itself.
Was Trading for the Ford F-150 the Right Move?
The 2023 Ford F-150, even with 38,000 miles, represents the post-COVID, pre-facelift sweet spot for many Ford fans. Michael specifically chose the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine. For anyone asking if the 3.5L EcoBoost F-150 is reliable after 38k miles, the answer is generally yes, with a crucial caveat.
The 3.5L EcoBoost is a powerhouse, but its reputation—particularly regarding timing chain maintenance—is well known. However, once a truck hits 30,000 to 40,000 miles, the initial kinks are usually worked out, and major failures related to manufacturing defects typically surface. The fact that the previous owner drove it 38k miles successfully suggests it's a solid platform.
What Michael has done is apply the best-used-truck purchase strategy for long-term ownership: he minimized the risk of buying a complex, unproven first-year model (the 2025 Ram) and opted for a well-tested, known quantity (the 2023 F-150).
The Extended Warranty:
Buying the 8-year, 125,000-mile extended warranty is the most critical part of your move: For a high-mileage engine with a history of specialized, expensive repairs like the EcoBoost, this warranty isn't a luxury; it's essential protection. If you Google the value of an 8-year 125,000-mile extended truck warranty, you'll find that its worth is directly proportional to the potential cost of the components it covers.
The key components most likely to need attention in the 3.5L EcoBoost between 60k and 125k miles—timing chain, cam phasers, and possibly the turbos—are eye-wateringly expensive. A timing chain job alone can run $3,000 to $5,000. Your warranty transforms those potential catastrophes into manageable deductibles. By choosing this coverage, you've essentially turned your used F-150 into a certified pre-owned equivalent for peace of mind.
Key Takeaways and Related Stories
Michael's trade is a loud echo of what I've been writing about for years: complexity doesn't always equal reliability. It's why our readers are constantly debating the Ford F-150 vs Ram 1500 long-term reliability comparison.
I recall a story I broke a few years ago about a wave of transmission issues in a different truck brand; the common thread wasn't the truck itself but the dealers, who were completely ill-equipped to diagnose and repair the highly specialized componentry. We saw the same pattern: dealers rolling their eyes and blaming the customer rather than the manufacturer.
You can read my full breakdown of that service crisis here: My 2022 Chevy Silverado Z71 10-Speed Trans Is Gone 33K In, It Already Has a New Rear Diff, and the Dealer Says At Least 5 Trucks Are Ahead of Me
Michael's statement about the Ram truck warranty and dealer service complaints confirms that this is an ongoing structural issue. My advice is to cultivate a positive relationship with the service manager at your Ford dealer now, before you need a major repair.
What the Community is Saying
Across social media platforms—from pickup forums to Reddit—truck owners are increasingly sharing Michael's pain. The consensus is that frustration lies in the post-purchase experience.
Ram Owners: Comments frequently reference the 'dealer lottery.' Many express feelings of betrayal, similar to Michael's experience, often related to software glitches, battery drain, and the notorious "can't replicate the issue" diagnosis.
One Reddit user noted, "My 2023 Ram has been at the dealer for 3 weeks waiting for a module—I wish I had just bought an older Tundra."
F-150 Owners: The dominant sentiment among F-150 owners is preparedness. They acknowledge potential issues (like the 3.5L cam phasers), but they feel those issues are predictable and manageable, not sudden, catastrophic electrical failures. Many celebrate the fact that the F-150's mechanical problems are often better understood by the independent repair market, giving them options outside the dealer network.
Conclusion
Michael has successfully swapped a high-risk, unproven vehicle with zero service support for a known-quantity F-150 protected by a powerful warranty.
What's Next?
- Strict Oil Changes: The single best thing you can do for that 3.5L EcoBoost is adhere to a strict 5,000-mile oil change interval (using high-quality synthetic oil). Don't stretch it to 7,500 miles. Sludge buildup is the enemy of the timing components.
- Warranty Documentation: Keep all warranty paperwork, including the third-party administrator's contact phone numbers, in the glove box. Know the deductible and the exact components covered.
- Find a Good Mechanic: While the warranty covers the big items, find a trusted, independent local mechanic specializing in Ford trucks for routine, non-warranty maintenance.
What would you do? Would you choose long-term peace of mind over a newer odometer?
It's Your Turn
Given Michael's experience with Ram's customer service and recurring electrical faults on a brand-new truck, do you think his decision to trade a 10k-mile 2025 Ram for a 38k-mile 2023 F-150 with an extended warranty is a smart, long-term move?
I'm Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012, bringing over 30 years of automotive expertise to every story. My career began with a consulting role for every major car brand, followed by years as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles—equipping me with a wealth of insider knowledge. I specialize in delivering the latest auto news, sharing compelling owner stories, and providing expert, up-to-date analysis to keep you fully informed.
Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Michael Dempsey
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