What to Know when Buying a Used F-150

If you’re in the market for a Ford F-150, you may come across some challenges while shopping around. These popular trucks combine style, performance, dependability, and hauling capabilities in an accessible price range, so it’s easy to see why the F-150 is America’s most popular pickup truck. But if you’re looking for an F-150 in Memphis, TN, on a budget, consider shopping for a used truck.

Just follow this guide before you shop. Whether you’re replacing an old car, buying your first car, or just looking to make an upgrade, these tips, recommendations, and suggestions can help you find what you’re looking for in an F-150 for sale in your area–without falling for common pitfalls.

Research Different F-150 Generations

Ford F-150s are a well-known, reliable brand, but each generation–or “year” –offers a slightly different feel, performance, and appearance. Ford makes slight adjustments and upgrades every time they reveal a new generation of F-150s, even as their quality has remained fairly consistent throughout the years. While most sellers will request a higher price for a newer model, an older generation may actually appeal to your needs and style tastes.

So do your research before you shop. Visit Ford’s website to learn more about each generation of F-150s. Feel free to start with a glance at how each generation looks. Car shopping can be come down to aesthetics, so if you prefer the classic looks of the 2019 F-150 over the sleeker 2020 design, that’s a good place to start narrowing down your search. Overall, though, you should explore each model’s capabilities and any new features they premiered. For example, if Bluetooth connectivity is a must, don’t shop earlier than the 2009 generation, which added smartphone compatibility.

Learn About Trim Types

More recent Ford F-150 models are also available in many different trim types, or modifications that can alter an F-150’s look, feel, driving experience, and amenity features. For example, the 2020 F-150 is available in its XL, or base model, as well as the XLT, which is often confused for the base model but offers additional features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and hardy vinyl bench seats. The King Ranch is designed for optimal towing strength, while the Raptor trim type is excellent for off-roading, offering variable terrain driving features and a powerful V8 engine.

Overall, the F-150 is a versatile truck with wide appeal, but various trim types each offer a custom feel, so you get a visual style and driving experience catered to your lifestyle and tastes.

Be aware, though, that trim types aren’t the same thing as modifications. Modifications are personal add-ons after purchase, like the installation of a lift kit, lighting sets, or custom paint jobs. Note that many sellers add a huge markup when selling modified trucks–usually an attempt to make back every modification investment they’ve made–or even profit. Ask any seller you approach if modifications have been made and if/how this affects their asking price.

Shop Wisely When You Shop Used

The term “used car” is broad and refers to vehicles like certified pre-owned F-150s you can find at an auto dealership. But “used car” also refers to private sales directly from the previous owner. When most people are shopping on a budget, they may go directly to a private sale from a previous owner. A current owner trying to get rid of their F-150 knows they’ll need to be competitive with their pricing, especially when auto dealerships are offering protections like warranties and service packages that private sellers can’t. Shop wisely to avoid fraudulent sales, ensure you’re making a smart investment, and also get a good deal.

Another outlet for used car shopping is a secondhand dealer website. Sites like Facebook Marketplace and Autotrader are increasingly popular settings for people to list, sell, and buy vehicles. However, as with direct, private sales, shopping at a secondhand dealer website offers none of the guarantees or protections of shopping at an auto dealership.

And when you explore an auto dealership, feel free to have a critical eye. While some dealerships offer quality trucks at low prices, others are inflating prices and offering few guarantees. But overall, you’re more likely to get a vehicle that retains its value and saves you money in the long run when you shop at a used car dealership.

What to Look For

Here’s what to look for when you explore used or pre-owned F-150s at a local dealership. First, find a reputable dealer. Search online for a dealership with good reviews, a large stock of vehicles, and a good community standing. When you explore their selection, ask about every vehicle’s mileage and condition. Ask about service history, maintenance history, and accident history. You can find all of this information with the vehicle’s VIN on a vehicle history report.

Also, never purchase a car without giving it a test drive. Does the car feel comfortable, safe, and accessible to drive? Are there any annoyances like blind spots or bad ergonomics? For best results, visit a dealership online to explore their selection. If you find a vehicle that interests you, stop by the dealership in person to test drive the vehicle, ask any remaining questions that the website didn’t answer, and look for flaws that may not have been pictured online. Feel free to explain to dealership employees exactly what you’re looking for in a used vehicle.

Finally, look for a dealership that offers financing options. If you’re on a budget, this is virtually the only way to take home a quality vehicle like a Ford F-150 without paying the full sale price in cash. Also, ask about warranties and other offers related to the F-150s that interest you.

Find a Great Deal Today

Are you ready to find a good used Ford F-150 in Memphis, TN ? Visit Ford of West Memphis online or at our dealership today. We can help you get a great value on a high-quality used F-150. And unlike other sellers, we only provide vehicles in great condition at fair prices. Stop by for a test drive. You’ll love getting behind the wheel of one of our many F-150s.

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