Are you shopping in the used car market for a full-size Ford pickup? Then you’re likely looking at America’s most popular truck, the F-150. Ford introduced the F-150 nameplate in 1975, so with 48 model years to choose from, we’ll point out the top three used F-150s priced under $25K. 

Best used Ford F-150 model years

As the self-proclaimed “Best Selling Truck in America,” the Ford F-150 is a popular full-size pickup truck. It earned its popularity by delivering strength, comfort, and reliability in an affordable package. 

That explains why 10 Ford F-150 model years made U.S. News’ top-70 list of the “Best Used Full-Size Trucks under $25K for 2023,” with seven models landing in the top half among other brands like Ram, GMC, Chevrolet, and Toyota.

2009 Ford F-150

Based on U.S. News scoring, the 2009 F-150 finished in a six-way tie for fourth place, although it ranked first among its peers in 2009. The 2009 F-150’s original MSRP ranged from $21,565 to $44,355 but used prices now range from $6,400 to $10,500 on average. 

The lowest-optioned F-150 XL features a 126-inch wheelbase and regular cab with two-wheel drive (2WD). On the upper end of the scale sits the well-appointed four-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 various powerplant and drivetrain availability. 

2009 Ford F-150 XL, STX, and XLT models came with a 248-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 providing an estimated 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. Higher trim levels and opting for 4WD on lower some lower trims afforded a 5.4-liter V8 with 310 horsepower with similar fuel economy ratings.

2015 Ford F-150

The 2015 Ford F-150 ranked top-of-its-class in 2015 but landed in a six-way tie for 11th place on the top-70 under $25K list. Original MSRP ranged from $26,030 to $55,305, but the six-year-old F-150’s used prices now fall between $17,000 and $35,000 on average. 

The least expensive 2015 F-150 XL features 2WD, a regular cab, and a 122.5-inch wheelbase. As you climb through the XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum trim levels, the trucks get nicer. Although 4WD super crew cab Platinum originally had a higher MSRP, the 157-inch-wheelbase 4WD super crew cab King Ranch is more expensive on the used market.

The base engine offering is a 3.5-liter V6 with 282 horsepower that gets an estimated 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Adding 4WD or the optional HD Payload package to 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 also carried through the King Ranch and Platinum trim levels, but some XL, XLT, and Lariat models featured a twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 with 325 horsepower. 

2016 Ford F-150

U.S. News ranked the 2016 F-150 third out of five in its “2016 Full-Size Pickup Trucks” list, but now, the 2016 F-150 ties for 17th with four other models. Original MSRP ranged between $26,540 and $62,310, while used prices fall between $19,500 and $37,500 on average.

The 2WD 2016 F-150 XL with a regular cab and a 122.5-inch wheelbase is the lowest-priced model. Normal trim levels like XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum continue in the lineup, but the new Limited trim makes its first appearance. Similar to 2015, the model with the highest MSRP has a lower used price than the 4WD super crew cab King Ranch with a 157-inch wheelbase. 

Engine offerings and fuel economy remain the same as the previous year, featuring a 3.5-liter V6 with 282 horsepower and 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway ratings. The twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 with 325 horsepower and 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway fuel economy ratings occur throughout the lineup. 

The most powerful option is the 385-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 with 15 mpg city and 22 mpg highway ratings. 

Is a used Ford F-150 worth buying?

A used Ford F-150 is an excellent choice for a used full-size pickup truck, with several models under $25K and some that cost quite a bit more. However, even the least expensive models provide class-leading towing and payload capacities, excellent ride and handling characteristics for a pickup truck, and enough interior comfort to make the drive home after a long day a time to unwind.