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When you stop to think about it, unless you have an open-ended expense account or a business that you can use to write off car or truck expenses, buying a new pickup can be cost-prohibitive. And while you may want to purchase a new F-150, it may not be in the cards for you.
Trucks Don’t Seem Expensive, They Are
Let's look at this. It isn't that you may not want to purchase a new F-150; it's just that with MSRPs running anywhere between the mid-$30s to the mid-$80s, a new pickup, unless it is a stripped-down work truck, may not be a good option.
That doesn't mean you can't afford a different F-150. You may have to adjust your preferences to consider an older pickup. After all, pickups last for years, so an older pickup, say one from 2010 to 2016, may be just the ticket. Indeed, as the MotorBiscuit.com points out, there is "a range of reliable truck options out there." Indeed, that website has a specific vehicle in mind, a 2013 F-150.
Indeed, the MotorBiscuit points out that the 2013 F-150 "offers a solid value proposition if you want a reliable full-sized truck." It goes on that "depending on mileage and trim level, you can find this pickup truck for sale for about $20,000 or less." And as has been pointed out, it will save you a ton of money over purchasing a new F-150.
MotorBiscuit notes that the 2013 F-150 "is a member of the 12th generation of F-Series trucks." The particular model came during a year when engine options were added and "fuel economy was improved over prior models." Indeed, the site notes that the 2013 is no slouch in the power department, offering the 6.2-liter V8 engine. Indeed, that engine cranks out 411 horsepower and 434 pounds-feet of torque.
V8s Available, Though Sixes Are Also
The MotorBiscuit notes, "for that engine, you will be paying a bit of a premium if you want a full-size truck with a V8." A base engine for the model is the 3.7-liter V6 that cranks out 302 horsepower and 278 pounds-feet of torque. And there were other improvements like an available electronic locking rear differential, plus "other off-road improvements."
If you want to use a pickup to haul, it's interesting to note that while today's pickups can haul a lot, the 2013's towing capacity isn't much less. Today's F-150 can tow up to 14,000 pounds, while the 2013 can still respectably pull up to 11,300 pounds. You aren't giving up all that much towing capacity at all.
Another advantage, points out the MotorBiscuit, is that with a 2013, you "can likely find one with its available towing package. And that will help you tow things like boats or any other toys you may have. Not many folks tow with their trucks, but it is nice to have the peace of mind that you can if you have to."
In a story like this, the picture is as broad as it is long. So, while the first part of this piece discusses an excellent used F-150 to pickup, this part will tell you one to avoid, according to the MotorBiscuit.
There Will Be Some Duds, Of Course
As the MotorBiscuit notes, "when you have been around as long as the F-150" has, there are "going to be some duds." After all, not every truck that has rolled out of the factory in the last 45 years has been a hit.
To that end, the MotorBiscuit points to the 2004 Ford F-150 as likely an excellent pickup to avoid. "According to Vehicle History, this full-sized truck was plagued with different issues. So, it is best to avoid it if you want to buy a used pickup."
For example, the 2004 F-150 "was prone to engine failure, and a major recall affected the fuel system. Plus, at this point, the 2004 F-Series truck is nearly 20 years old. Unless you are on a serious budget, you can likely get something newer that will come with more features."
Always Be Sure To Do Your Homework
In a final piece of advice, the MotorBiscuit says that other "F-150 models also have their issues. So, if you do want to purchase a preowned model, be sure to conduct the proper research. That way, you will know you are getting something that will last."
Marc Stern has been an automotive writer since 1971 when an otherwise normal news editor said, "You're our new car editor," and dumped about 27 pounds of auto stuff on my desk. I was in heaven as I have been a gearhead from my early days. As a teen, I spent the usual number of misspent hours hanging out at gas stations Shell and Texaco (a big thing in my youth) and working on cars. From there on, it was a straight line to my first column for the paper, "You Auto Know," an enterprise I handled faithfully for 32 years. Not many people know that I also handled computer documentation for a good part of my living while writing YAN. My best writing, though, was always in cars. My work has appeared in Popular Mechanics, Mechanix Illustrated, AutoWeek, SuperStock, Trailer Life, Old Cars Weekly, Special Interest Autos, etc. You can follow me on: Twitter or Facebook.
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