Looking to spend $25k on a solid truck. Everywhere I look online, I see F-150s in the $23k-$26k range with 95k-135k miles. I’d love to hear from people who’ve bought a truck like this. How did it work out for you? I’ve been eyeing a few on CarMax, but I’m open to hearing your experiences. If you wanted a 4x4 V8 like me, without ending up with a plain white work truck, this seems to be the typical price range. Is it worth it?
You might get a better deal buying from a private seller who has detailed maintenance records. I keep telling myself if I find a well-kept truck owned by someone local, I might jump on it instead of waiting to pay off my current car.
I picked up a 2017 F-150 RCSB XL Sport 4x4 with 81k miles for $24k after taxes and fees. It had a lift kit, big wheels, and some extras, but it was sold as-is with no warranty. In the first 3 months, I had to replace brakes and fouled spark plugs.
These trucks aren’t new, and most dealerships don’t do much beyond cleaning them up. Be ready to do maintenance as soon as you buy it. Vehicles with over 75k miles usually need some TLC.
TLDR: The previous owner probably traded it in to avoid maintenance, and the dealership won’t fix those issues either. Be prepared to invest in upkeep.
At that price, you’ll probably end up with an older 12th-gen or something with high mileage. Dealer prices are crazy right now unless you get lucky.
Teal said:
At that price, you’ll probably end up with an older 12th-gen or something with high mileage. Dealer prices are crazy right now unless you get lucky.
Prices are insane. I saw a 2014 FX2 V8 listed for $20k with 97k miles. Looking at FX2s in general, they’re all priced way too high. CarMax has FX4s for $25k, and they’re not even low mileage.
If you can get one out the door for $25k, that’s a decent deal. I got a 2019 XLT V8 with 110k miles for $27.5k, but it came with the FX4 package.
Make them take off $6,500 for the transmission failure that’s likely coming (10R80 issues) and another $3,500 if it’s a 3.5L EcoBoost with bad cam phasers.
I got a 2018 Lariat with 70k miles and love it. Mine’s a 3.5 EcoBoost with a tow package. No issues so far, and it’s great for my commute and towing. I went through Carvana since they had decent prices at the time. Get the truck you really want, even if it’s a bit more—it’s worth it if you keep it long-term.
I bought a 2018 XLT 4x4 with a 2.7L EcoBoost and 35k miles for $29,599 (all in, $36k with taxes and extended warranty). It drives great, and the smaller V6 has plenty of power.
I snagged a 2015 XLT V8 4x4 with 126k miles for $25k. It looked like a retired cop’s toy truck. The mileage is rough, but I love the V8—it’s thirsty, but it feels like a trusty friend that’s always there for you.
I bought a 2018 XLT Sport for $36,000 CAD with 80,000 km.
Jesse said:
I bought a 2018 XLT Sport for $36,000 CAD with 80,000 km.
Oof, when was that? Sounds a bit steep.
Jesse said:
I bought a 2018 XLT Sport for $36,000 CAD with 80,000 km.
Oof, when was that? Sounds a bit steep.
Two years ago.
Uma said:
Jesse said:
I bought a 2018 XLT Sport for $36,000 CAD with 80,000 km.
Oof, when was that? Sounds a bit steep.
Two years ago.
Forgot to mention, that included a $5,000 4-year extended warranty.
@Jesse
Ah, got it. That makes more sense now.
I found a 2016 XLT last September for $28,999. It had one owner, was well-maintained, and only had 21k miles. I might have overpaid, but I fell in love with it. It’s a 3.5 EcoBoost SuperCab in race red. Only issue I’ve had was replacing the seal on the 3rd tail light due to water leakage.
I bought a white work truck—a 2018 XLT with 30k miles—about five years ago for $28k. I’ve only put 22k miles on it since, kept up with maintenance, and upgraded the sound system. I recently got an offer of $23k for it. Bought it from CarMax.
CarMax sucks.
Justin said:
CarMax sucks.
Why do you say that?
I didn’t buy one, but I drove a used 2018 XLT for work. It was a 2.7L 4x4, and I loved it. The company kept up with oil changes, and that’s all it ever needed despite taking a beating.