Used Ford F-150 Buying Guide

This generation of F-150 trucks rolls out some exciting new technology, including hands-free driving and an onboard power station. The optional Pro Power Onboard station lets you charge power tools when the truck is moving and actually use them when the truck is stationary. Then there’s the Active Drive Assist system, which offers hands-free driving on thousands of miles of pre-mapped divided highways.

This latest crop of used F-150 trucks also includes an upgraded infotainment system, Sync 4. With its optional 12-inch touch screen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Sync 4 optimizes your infotainment experience.

Compared to the previous generation, these used models are also available with the same six trim models, three cabin styles, and three bed sizes. However, the engine lineup has changed, with six engine options. Some are carryovers from the previous generation, but they’ve been reworked to create more power. Others are brand new, including a thrifty diesel option and an incredibly powerful hybrid powertrain.

Check out the latest F-150 engine lineup:

• Standard 3.3L V6 (290 horsepower, 265 lb-ft of torque)
• Optional turbocharged 2.7L V6 (325 hp, 400 lb-ft)
• Optional 5.0L V8 (400 hp, 410 lb-ft)
• Optional turbo 3.0L diesel V6 (250 hp, 440 lb-ft)
• Optional turbo 3.5L V6 (400 hp, 500 lb-ft)
• Optional hybrid powertrain, combines turbo 3.5L V6 with an electric motor (430 hp, 570 lb-ft)

Every engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission for very impressive fuel economy. Also, just like all the F-150 trucks that came before it, this generation comes standard with rear-wheel drive and offers optional four-wheel drive.

For bargain hunters, these used Ford F-150 trucks are an excellent choice. Not only do you get a discounted price on these used models, but this generation of F-150s is known for its roomy comfort and on-road competence.

Choose from six trim models: the base XL, midrange XLT, classy Lariat, Western-style King Ranch, uptown Platinum, and top-of-the-line Limited. Basic features include air conditioning, cloth seats, and a 4.2-inch central display screen. But this generation of used trucks offers lots of luxury options. On the used lot, you’ll find leather upholstery, Sync 3 infotainment with navigation, rearview cameras, and more.

Just like modern F-150 trucks, models from this generation are available with three cabin options: regular, SuperCab, and SuperCrew. The regular and SuperCab models are paired with either the base 6.5-foot or long 8-foot bed. SuperCrew cabins are paired with either the standard or short 5.5-foot bed.

Here’s a look at the thirteenth-generation used Ford F-150 engine options:

• Standard 3.5-liter V6 (282 horsepower, 253 pound-feet of torque)
• Optional turbo 2.7L V6 (325 hp, 375 lb-ft)
• Optional 5.0L V8 (385 hp, 387 lb-ft)
• Optional turbo 3.5L V6 (375 hp, 470 lb-ft)

Depending on configuration and equipment, used F-150 trucks with the 5.0-liter V8 engine can tow up to 10,800 pounds. With the turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, however, that figure jumps to 12,200 pounds.

This generation is not very different from the one that came after it. There are nine trim levels: the base XL, sporty STX, mid grade XLT, off-road-ready FX2 and FX4, upscale Lariat, Western-themed King Ranch, uptown Platinum, and top-tier Limited.

Unlike more recent F-150 models, which offer FX2 and FX4 off-road packages that can be added to any trim model, the twelfth-generation F-150 FX2 and FX4 are separate trim models.

Beginning with the 2011 model, these F-150s had one of three engine options, a 3.7-liter V6, 5.0-liter V8, and turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. All three are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

However, before 2011, trucks from this generation were available with a 4.6-liter V8 or a 5.4-liter V8 engine. The base 4.6-liter V8 makes 248 horses and comes with a four-speed automatic. An upgraded version of this engine is also available, boosting output to 292 horses and improving fuel economy with a six-speed automatic transmission. The bigger 5.4-liter V8 engine offers slightly more power, with 310 horses, and it also utilizes the six-speed automatic transmission.