Features to Look for in a Pre-Owned Ford F-150

The F-150 is a tough truck —a vehicle built to last for many years and miles, even when put to work day in and day out with long hauls, big towing jobs, and even off-road excursions. As your go-to source to find a used Ford for sale near Schenectady, we here at DePaula Auto Group want to make sure you’re able to find a pre-owned F-150 that’s just right for your needs.

Ford’s most popular pickup is a highly configurable model, with different trims, cab styles, bed sizes, powertrains, and more to mix and match. When you’re shopping for a new truck, it can be easier to request a specific variant, and you even have the option to place a factory order. With used models, it helps to keep an open mind about what specific model you’ll get and instead focus on the features that are most important to you.

In this article, we’ll take a look at a range of features you can find on used F-150 models. Depending on your driving habits and personal preferences, you can decide which ones are the most important for you. Then you can make your search easier by keeping an eye out for them or even asking one of our dealerships what models they have in stock with the enhancements you need. That way, you’ll be able to get your dream truck as swiftly as possible and make the most of your time behind the wheel.

Let’s Talk About Engine Options

Looking to get down to business with a powerful truck? The F-150 is certainly a smart choice, with highly competitive towing and hauling stats. However, the lineup includes a variety of powertrains, including options for those who are on a budget or who value things like off-road thrills or fuel economy over getting the highest towing maximum possible. So if you need to drive around Schenectady with upwards of 10,000 lbs in tow, you’ll want to pay attention to the powertrain.

Looking for a V8 is one way to get solid power. Ford’s 5.0L Coyote V8 has long been a great choice for both high towing and hauling capacities. For the 2020 model, this engine delivers up to 11,500 lbs of towing capacity and 3,270 lbs of hauling capacity. When the F-150 entered a new generation in the 2021 model year, the engine was retuned to deliver even more power, with a maximum towing capacity of 13,000 lbs and a max hauling capacity of 3,325 lbs.

However, if you want maximum capacities, avoid the Raptor and Raptor R trims. You probably won’t end up with one of these by accident (they are the most expensive trims in the lineup, and even used ones will cost more than other F-150 models), but they will appear if you search for all models powered by a V8. While these off-road beasts have higher horsepower and torque figures, they’re designed for play, not work, and can’t tow as much as other trims.

If you want to achieve excellent towing and hauling capabilities, as well as solid fuel economy, there are two options: diesel and hybrid. While the F-150’s diesel option was discontinued after the 2021 model year, it’s worth seeking out on trucks from that model year or earlier. A 2020 F-150 powered by the turbo-diesel V6 can tow up to 11,500 lbs or haul up to 2,020 lbs while delivering 24 MPG combined (for comparison, the Coyote V8 on the same model year is rated at 19 MPG). Introduced for the 2021 model year, the hybrid V6 debuted with a towing capacity of 12,700 lbs, a hauling capacity of 2,120 lbs, and a fuel economy rating of 25 MPG combined.

The specific numbers change from model year to model year, so if you have a particular figure in mind, be sure to pay attention to the details. There are also great models powered by a turbocharged V6 that have some of the highest figures in the lineup. However, you have to be even more tuned into the details there, since there are sometimes multiple “EcoBoost turbocharged V6” options within a single model year, differentiated only by displacement and towing and hauling stats.

A Wide Range of Advanced Trailering Tech

Strength alone isn’t the only thing that helps with towing. Trailering technologies can make pulling heavy loads safer and easier, so you can sit back and enjoy the ride as you explore Schenectady and beyond. Ford has introduced a wide variety of these kinds of assists over the years, but we’ll take a look at three big ones to give you an idea of what to look for.

Introduced for the 2016 model year, Pro Trailer Backup Assist adds a convenient knob that you can easily turn with one hand to steer in reverse with a trailer in tow, making for a more intuitive experience. The 2018 F-150 was the first to get a blind spot information system with trailer coverage, preventing you from changing lanes while another vehicle is in your expanded blind zone. For 2021, a Smart Hitch made determining tongue weight easier than ever before, helping you avoid going over the maximum weight capacity.

Need Off-Road Capabilities?

If you want the most off-road capability possible, you can’t go wrong with the F-150 Raptor. More recent models offer 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque, and a wide range of rugged equipment. The even more powerful Raptor R exploded onto the scene for the 2023 model year, with a whopping 700 hp under the hood. Whichever year you choose, you’ll get a great selection of off-road gear on these purpose-built trims.

However, not everyone who wants to go off-road occasionally needs the dramatic power of the Raptor. The more affordable and balanced Tremor trim, introduced for the 2021 model year, is a better choice for these kinds of drivers. You’ll get the basics without all the rugged bells and whistles, perfect for camping trips and occasional OHV trail excursions in New York’s gorgeous wilderness.

For all of these models, keep an eye out for tech features like Trail Control. Added to the Raptor for the 2019 model year and standard on the Tremor for the 2021 model year, this low-speed cruise control keeps your speed consistent so you can focus on steering during tricky patches of rough terrain.

Power Is Always Within Reach With the Pro Power Onboard Feature

While some features are geared toward specific demographics, this last one can be appreciated by everyone, from construction workers to camping enthusiasts to tailgate party regulars. Pro Power Onboard is a feature that essentially turns your truck into a generator, providing a mobile power source that can be used for a wide range of applications, from tools to air mattress pumps and mini fridges.

While this feature works best when paired with the hybrid powertrain and its massive battery, it can also be had on traditional gas-powered models. Different systems offer different levels of power, so pay attention to the details if you plan on running power-hungry appliances, especially if you want to power many devices at the same time.

Used F-150 Models Have Something for Everyone

Schenectady is home to all kinds of drivers, and there’s an F-150 that’s right for each one of them. Ford continues to improve its popular truck, adding new technology and retuning the engines for the perfect balance of power and efficiency. As a result, there are plenty of used models that remain competitive against modern pickups. Working with one of our dealerships, you’ll have access to these great pre-owned models, along with transparent prices, helpful online research tools, and exceptional customer service. Stop by one of our locations today and find the perfect pre-owned F-150 you’ve been looking for.