When it was first released, the 2009 Ford F-250 ranked at the top of its segment. Now, many years later, the 2009 Ford F-250 continues to impress. Most recently, it was included in Kelley Blue Book’s list of ‘10 Best Used Trucks for Towing Under $15,000.’ Which spot did it land in? First, of course.

How much can the 2009 Ford F-250 tow?

According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2009 Ford F-250 is “built to haul.” Equipped with Ford’s factory-installed TowCommand System, the Ford F-250 integrates its trailer brakes, anti-lock brakes, TorqShift automatic transmission, and its tow/haul mode into a singular towing platform.

Ford also offers three different engine choices. Standard under the hood is a 5.4-liter Triton V8 engine churning out 300-hp and 365 pound-feet of torque. For more power, look to the 6.8-liter Triton V10 engine, which puts out 362-hp and 457 pound-feet of torque. Also available is a 6.4-liter Power Stroke diesel, which can achieve 350-hp and 650 pound-feet of torque.

You may be asking yourself, though, how much can the 2009 Ford F-250 tow? Well, with a maximum towing capacity of 12,500-pounds, the Ford F-250 can tow quite a lot.

Impressive towing capacity isn’t all this used truck has going for it

The 2009 Ford F-250 has more to offer than muscles. Kelley Blue Book says, “Ford established a benchmark for pickup interiors,” and with the introduction of the 2009 Ford F-250, that “benchmark is moved upward in available choices, functionality and appointment.”

Of all trims available, though, Kelley Blue Book tapped the King Ranch trim as its favorite. Upholstered with Chaparral leather and boasting features like a six-disc CD/MP3 player, power-adjustable pedals, and seats with driver’s seat memory, the King Ranch trim “enhances over-the-road comfort with material, workmanship and appointment upgrades.”

But is the 2009 Ford F-250 a reliable used pickup truck?

When it comes to reliability, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. J.D. Power gave the 2009 Ford F-250 a ‘Great’ quality and reliability rating. Consumer Reports, on the other hand, consumer reports didn’t give the 2009 model an overall reliability rating but did give the 2008 model a 1 out of 5 overall reliability rating.

Per CarComplaints.com, Ford F-250 owners have also complained about the truck’s suspension, exhaust system, steering, and wheels. “Death Wobble has occurred 4 times over the past 3 days. Always after driving over a series of small bumps in the road at 45 to 65 mph,” reads one of the most recent complaints about the Ford F-250’s suspension.

“I have a 2009 Ford F-250 pickup truck last month it started pulling off the road, when I looked it up I saw it was called the death wobble. We have many things fixed on the truck but it’s still there. We heard the tires maybe the problem and we see that Ford had a recall on the tire but never notified the owners of these trucks. We are currently waiting to see if our tires can be replaced,” reads another complaint.

Choosing the right used truck for your needs

When it comes to capable pickup trucks, Ford knows just how to make them. Fortunately, that sentiment holds true for the 2009 Ford F-250. With a maximum towing capacity of 12,500-pounds and an interior that offers plenty of choice in the way of features, the 2009 Ford F-250 makes for a great pick if you’re on the hunt for a brawny truck under $15,000.