Ford introduced the F-series truck lineup to the North American market over seven decades ago. From early on, the F-150 proved to be a dependable truck with many excellent qualities. Eventually, the F-150 became the most popular vehicle for people in the states.
The new Ford F-150 lightning is one of the most practical EVs we’ve seen on the market. However, its six-figure price tag on the market makes it unavailable for many buyers. Besides, the majority still prefer driving fuel-powered trucks instead of going all-electric.
For shoppers on a budget, the twelfth generation of the F-150 (2009-2014) can be a great area to look for a dependable truck that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. However, not every trim and model year is worth your money. Without further ado, let’s take a look at Ford F-150’s best 12th-gen trims, the most budget-friendly editions, and which models offer the most value for their price tag.
Most Powerful: The 2014 Ford F-150 Platinum Offers A Potent 6.2L V8
If you want the maximum power output possible, the F-150 Platinum comes with two potent engine options; a 5.0L V8 that puts out 360 horsepower and a bigger, more powerful 6.2L one that boasts 411 ponies. The latter offers 434 lb-ft of torque and can two up to 11300 pounds.
Regardless of the engine configuration, the Ford equips the 2014 F-150 Platinum with a six-speed automatic transmission system that can be paired with RWD and 4WD. When properly configured, the F-150 can sprint from idle to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds.
Obviously, these powertrains are fuel-hungry. According to EPA estimations, the 6.2L engine puts out 12 miles to the gallon in the city and 16 on the highway (13 MPG combined). If you want decent power output but don’t like visiting gas stations every other day, you could go for the 2014 F-150 Limited trim.
Ford mounted a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 on the 2014 Limited edition that is slightly more powerful than the 5.0L V8 option while offering a reasonable fuel economy. The 2014 F-150 Limited is rated at 16 miles per gallon in the city and 22 on the highway.
Most Cost-Effective: The 2009 Ford F-150 XL Is A Reliable Workhorse With An Affordable Price Tag
The 2009 Ford F-150 XL offers the basics needed for a work truck and is typically priced lower than its rivals. According to the Kelley Blue Book prices, it’s possible to find a used 2009 XL under the $ 10,000 mark in the used market. However, the fair market price range can go as high as $12,600.
The base 2009 F-150 comes with a 4.6L V8 engine that puts out 248 horsepower and 294 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission that sends the power to the rear wheels if you’re going for the most affordable model.
The base V8 engine can go 14 miles per gallon in the city and 19 miles on the highway (16 MPG combined). Ford doesn’t offer any EcoBoost powertrain options for the 2009 F-150. If you’re looking for a more fuel-efficient model, you should consider newer model years.
Although more affordable than its rivals, the F-150 costs $100 more to maintain in a year compared to the Dodge Ram or the Silverado 1500. According to the Repair Pal website, the annual cost of a 2009 Ford F-150 sits at $812.
Best Value: The 2012 Ford F-150 Lariat Is A Long-lasting Truck With Impressive Technology And Engine Options
Last but not least, we believe the 2012 Ford F-150 Lariat offers the best value among other half-ton trucks from the same year.
Ford offers different engine options for the 2012 F-150 Lariat. However, the 3.6L V6 EcoBoost powertrain comes with the best combination of fuel economy and horsepower; it can produce 365 horsepower while offering up to 23 MPG on the highway. Moreover, it comes with 420 lb-ft of torque, which is more than any other available powertrain.
A significant reason why the 2012 model year stretches your dollar the furthest is its reliability. According to the Car Complaints website, the 2012 model has significantly fewer registered owner complaints than the 2011 and 2013 models.
Based on various automobile sources, the 2012 Ford F-150 has no problem reaching 300,000 miles on the odometer with regular maintenance. With an average of 14,000 miles per year, that translates to over 21 years of reliable service for the 2012 F-150 Lariat. Typically, you can expect to drive a used one for roughly ten years before having to spend money on costly engine and transmission overhauls.