The new 2021 Ford F-150 debuted on Thursday. Ford went to great lengths to describe the changes with the new model year F-150 pickup truck. So, is now a good time to buy the current Ford F-150?

The F-series pickups have long been sales monsters for Ford. For over forty years, the pickup trucks have been at the top of Ford’s sales numbers. So, one would be in good company if they were considering purchasing one.

The new 2021 Ford F-150 will take its time to get to dealerships

The announcement of a newly redesigned F-150 is anticipated, though not confirmed, to hit showrooms sometime in September or October 2020. Between now and then, those trucks that are on the lots already will continue to move pretty quickly for two reasons. First, they are trucks. Trucks sell. Second, factories are still trying to catch up with demand. The global COVID-19 pandemic required a shutdown of the manufacturing plants. But, trucks were still selling well even during the lockdown. So, F-150 inventory was depleted at some dealerships. Now that the plants are operational, trucks will begin flowing back to dealerships. But, expect there to be a little lag time until everything returns back to normal with the truck’s inventory at dealerships.

Still a few months to go

The calendar currently says June. So, for a few more months, there will still be 2020 Ford F-150s arriving at dealerships to closeout the model year. Although some customers may hold off making a purchase until the new trucks start arriving on the dealership lots, there are those that can not wait. They must make a purchase right away. For those people, the 2020 models are the only option. However, expect there to be some sort of incentives from Ford in late August or September on the remaining 2020 model year trucks, if waiting is an option.

Buying a Ford F-150 now

Those that purchase an F-150 now will be purchasing a pickup truck that will look dated as soon as the new ones hit the lot. So, if having the newest and greatest is a concern, purchasing now will certainly hurt the buyer’s ego. But, if that is not a concern, then purchasing now makes sense, although the model-year closeout deals in August or September may sweeten the purchase. In the meantime, remember that choices from a dealer’s stock may be limited until the COVID replenishments start reaching the lots.

Aftermarket support

The current Ford F-150 body style has been out for a few years now. So, the aftermarket already has a lot of options available for those trucks. The 2021 trucks, by comparison, are a whole new redesign. So, it may take some time for the aftermarket to catch up. This is only a concern, however, if the purchaser was thinking about customizing their new rig right away.

The Ford F-150 is a popular truck. Of that, there is no doubt. The truck’s popularity makes them move quickly off of dealer’s lots. So, purchasing one now may be a consideration for many. But, if waiting is possible, then the typical end of the model-year offers that come in August or September may be a better time to purchase. Otherwise, to get the newest and greatest, wait until the anticipated appearances of the 2021 models in October-ish.