Used Ford F-150 Buyer's Guide: 2015-2024 | Jay Malone Ford Hutchinson MN

If you’re shopping for a used Ford F-150 in central Minnesota, you have a lot of options — and a lot of variables to sort through. The 2015–2024 model years cover two distinct truck generations, four major engine families, more than a dozen trim levels, two cab configurations, and 10 years of feature, technology, and capability evolution. This guide walks through every major decision so you can shop with confidence and know exactly what you’re looking at.

F-150 is the #1 best-selling vehicle in America and the #1 best-selling used truck on our lot at Jay Malone Ford. We’ve sold 15 used F-150s in the first 4 months of 2026 alone — more than any other used model. We know what to look for, what the common issues are by year, what holds up in Minnesota winters, and what trim levels actually deliver value at this price point. This guide covers all of it.

Used F-150 Generations: 13th Gen (2015–2020) vs 14th Gen (2021–2024)

The first thing to know about shopping a used F-150 in the 2015–2024 range is that you’re looking at two distinct generations — and the difference between them genuinely matters.

The 13th generation launched for 2015 and ran through 2020. The 14th generation launched for 2021 and is still in production through 2024 (with the next refresh arriving for 2025). They look similar at a glance — both are aluminum-body trucks — but the powertrains, interiors, technology, and capability are noticeably different.

The decision between 13th and 14th gen usually comes down to budget. A 2018 13th-gen F-150 with reasonable mileage runs significantly less than a comparable 2022 14th-gen truck — often $10,000-$15,000 less for similar trim and equipment. Both are great trucks. The 14th gen gives you newer technology, the optional hybrid, and Pro Power Onboard. The 13th gen gives you more truck for your money if you don’t need the latest tech.

Used F-150 Engine Options 2015–2024

Across the 2015–2024 range, the F-150 has been offered with as many as five engine choices in a single model year. Here’s what you’ll find on used trucks at our price points:

There’s also a 3.0L Power Stroke diesel V6 that was available 2018–2021 in limited numbers. It produced 250 hp / 440 lb-ft and offered excellent fuel economy, but Ford discontinued it because of low take rate. You’ll occasionally see one on the used market — they hold their value well, but parts and service are more specialized than the gas options.

A Jay Malone Ford customer with their used F-150. We’ve sold 15 used F-150s in the first 4 months of 2026 alone.

Used F-150 Trim Levels: What Each One Delivers

Across 2015–2024, Ford offered the F-150 in roughly the same trim hierarchy with minor naming and equipment changes over the years. Here’s what to look for:

For most central Minnesota buyers, the XLT and Lariat trims are the sweet spot. XLT delivers everything most truck buyers actually need without the price jump to Lariat. Lariat adds leather and dual-zone climate — meaningful upgrades for a daily driver but a price increase of $5,000-$8,000 on the used market.

Which Year Used F-150 Is the Best to Buy?

The honest answer: the “best” year depends on your budget, your priorities, and what’s available right now. But here’s how we’d break it down for central MN truck buyers in 2026:

Years to be more cautious about: The early 2015 model year (first year of aluminum body) had some isolated quality issues that Ford resolved by 2016. The 2017 introduction of the 10-speed automatic also had some early calibration concerns that were addressed in service campaigns by 2018. Neither is a deal-breaker — just things to verify on a specific truck. Our service team inspects for known issues before any used F-150 gets priced for sale.

Common Issues by Year — What to Inspect

Every truck has potential issues to watch for. Here’s what our service department typically looks at on used F-150s, by generation and engine family:

Towing and Payload Across Model Years

If you’re shopping a used F-150 specifically for towing, here’s what to know:

Maximum tow ratings require the Max Trailer Tow Package (heavier rear axle ratio, integrated trailer brake controller, upgraded cooling). On used trucks, verify the specific configuration — window sticker, build sheet, or VIN decode tells you whether this package was included from the factory. Without it, real-world tow ratings can be several thousand pounds lower than the max number.

For central MN buyers towing pontoons, fishing boats, livestock trailers, and small campers, almost any properly equipped F-150 in this year range handles those loads comfortably. Where engine choice really matters is for heavier loads — large travel trailers, fifth wheels, equipment trailers — where the 3.5L EcoBoost or 5.0L V8 with Max Tow Package becomes the right call.

Used F-150 in Minnesota Winters: What to Look For

The F-150 is one of the more weather-capable trucks you can buy used in this market. Here’s what matters for MN buyers:

4x4 vs 4x2: For central Minnesota, look for 4x4. Used 4x4 F-150s hold their value better, are far more usable in winter, and command less of a premium than you might expect — often $1,500-$2,500 more than 4x2 of the same trim and year. The Electronic Shift-On-the-Fly system on most trims is reliable and easy to use.

Remote Start: Available on XLT and above. On the used market, factor this in — January in Hutchinson is meaningfully different in a truck with Remote Start vs one without. Most 14th gen trucks have it standard or as part of the equipment group.

Heated seats/steering wheel: Standard on Lariat and above (front seats). Heated rear seats often available with Lariat with Equipment Group 502A or higher. Heated steering wheel standard on Lariat-and-above 14th gen trucks.

Tires: Original equipment tires are typically all-season. Real winter performance comes from dedicated snow tires. Plan to budget for a winter tire set if you’re commuting daily — we have full tire service in our service department and can match you to a winter setup that fits your truck and budget.

Aluminum body: Aluminum doesn’t rust like steel, which is a real advantage in Minnesota where salt is on the roads November through April. The catch: aluminum repair requires specialized training, which is why our body shop is set up for it. Most independent body shops aren’t.

Our body shop is set up for aluminum F-150 repair — not every shop is.

What to Expect on Price

Used F-150 pricing varies dramatically based on year, trim, engine, mileage, and equipment. Here are general ranges for typical configurations on the central MN market right now:

Ranges are general guidance for typical configurations on the central MN market. Specific pricing depends on mileage, options, condition, and current inventory. Raptor pricing runs significantly above Limited and varies widely by year and condition.

Ford Blue Certified vs Standard Used

Eligible used Ford F-150s at Jay Malone Ford may qualify for Ford Blue Certified — Ford’s factory certified pre-owned program. For F-150s up to 10 years old with under 120,000 miles, certification adds a comprehensive 139-point inspection plus a factory-backed Limited Warranty extending coverage on the powertrain, plus a 14-day money-back guarantee.

Browse our Ford Blue Certified F-150 inventory for trucks that meet program eligibility, or our broader used F-150 inventory for everything else. Standard used F-150s are still backed by the same Jay Malone Ford service department and body shop — the difference is the factory warranty extension, not the inspection quality (we inspect every used vehicle the same way).

Why Buy Your Used F-150 From Jay Malone Ford

Used F-150 is the most-purchased used truck in America, which means you have options. Here’s what you get specifically at Jay Malone Ford:

• Ford-certified service department — we inspect every used F-150 with factory-trained technicians who work on these trucks every day. Voted Best Auto Mechanic in Hutchinson.
• Aluminum-capable body shop — F-150s have aluminum bodies. Most independent shops aren’t set up for aluminum repair. We are. Voted Best Body Shop in Hutchinson.
• Family-owned since 2005 — Jay, Jake, and Jordan Malone. Same family, same dealership. No corporate hierarchy to navigate if something needs attention after the sale.
• One dealership, two new-vehicle franchises — trade your used vehicle of any brand on a Ford. We take everything.
• Ford Blue Certified inventory available — for trucks meeting program eligibility, with factory-backed warranty extensions.
• Local accountability — we serve buyers from Hutchinson, Glencoe, Litchfield, Willmar, Waconia, and across central Minnesota. We’re here for the long-term relationship, not the one-time sale.

Jay, Jake, and Jordan Malone — the family running Jay Malone Motors since 2005.

Frequently Asked Questions

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