I think a lot of people tend to look at resale prices without taking the initial purchase price into consideration. For example, they may fail to take into account that the used King Ranch selling for $10K more than a used XL, may have cost $20K more than a new XL.

 

I don't like to buy top of the line, too much $$$ and stuff I don't need. I don't like to buy basic, too much $$$ to spend getting the stuff on it I want. I bought an XLT, pretty basic, but nicely outfitted. I picked up a leather wrapped steering wheel and swapped it out, swapped fog lights for LED bulbs and a little personalization and I'm happy as a clam. 2 regrets--I wish I had gotten the flow through console, and I wish I had a satellite option on the radio. The fancier version of sync has some cool features I wish I could utilize. BUT, it's a matter of personal choice. I had a friend who bought a Ranger (years ago) to commute to and from about an hour per day--straight shift, rubber floor mat, didn't even get a/c.....now that's a resale killer!

 

A power seat is one thing I wish I had. We have taken a couple long road trips and the seats are pretty good though. No sleep lost.

The external key pad--I like those, but....

If I ever get my 8+ to work with Synch 3, I won't be longing for navigation.

 

On my truck I had to upgrade SYNC 3 to V2.0 or higher (I got 2.2) and I had to change the USB hub to HC3Z-19A387-B for carplay to work with my iphone 6.

 

The question is a very personal one to whoever is looking to buy. I work in the truck unfitting business so I deal with A LOT of XL and other brand work model trucks. When I was getting a new truck late 13/early14 I thought I could be happy with a XL/STX but in all reality I would have hated it. I scored a deal on a 3 year old Limited from my boss and I love everything about it and wouldn't change a thing. But no way could I have afforded that without the help of the seller and a few years of depreciation.

That said, my 1991 f250 lariat has what most XL's have standard now. Power windows/locks, A/C..ect times they are a changin.

 

An XL is the same underneath as the high end trucks, with the exception of 4x4s having the auto option. Same engine, frame, transmission etc. the higher end trucks are built on the same assembly lines by the same people. The only difference is content. No one should feel bad for buying a "lesser" truck. It is no less capable.

Diclaimer: comparison does not include the Raptor

 

In fact, if you want the maximum payload/towing capability, go no further than the XL 2WD. As you add gee-gaws, both the payload and towing capacity go down, down, down. So you might be able to argue with confidence that the XL is the most capable truck. Everyone has their own "crossing point" as it were (are?); more comfort versus more capable.

 

I am looking at buying a new '17 F-150. The STX has the larger 20" wheels. Does that make for a noisier ride than the stock, smaller wheels?

The reason I ask is that I have a '14 Edge that I love except for one thing. On a rough road, asphalt with the aggregate showing, it sounds like I am in a hailstorm and can't hear a thing, radio or conversations. I replaced the tires with a set of $1000 Michelins and the didn't help. I understand that a unibody SUV is not going to have a quiet ride on that kind of road. I test drove a new 2018 Chevy Traverse and it was almost as bad.

So, my question is, would a body on frame F-150 be a quiet ride, especially with the 20" wheels? And would an XLT be the quieter than the STX?

Thanks,
Smitty

 

I have an XL, STX, FX4 and a few other options including the 20" wheels. Good to great ride, nice and quiet. Radio is no problem at a fairly low volume.

I have heard that the Hankook tires make noise when they wear a bit, but I'll just have to find that out. Many AT tires are prone to that.

I'd like a second set of wheels, so if you buy it and end up putting 17" steelies on it, let me know, I'll take the 20s off your hands.

 

I have the 20" Hankooks on mine and it is a little louder but not overbearing. I think it would be quieter and a little softer ride with 18" wheels. 2015 F150 Lariat FX4. i will say this is the best truck i have ever owned!

 

On another post about trim levels I added that this is our 10th Ford in 17 years. I'm not counting used vehicles. 5 trucks and all but a sport model and the new STX trucks were decked out. The other 5 (SUV' and cars) were loaded. I don't miss anything in my 17 STX with the 101a package. Way more happy with this purchase than any of the others hands down.

 

I had the same dilemma when I purchased my 2016 XL. I worked at a dealership, so I got one hell of a deal. I still have equity in my truck right now. My Xl had the sport appearance package: body colored front and rear bumpers, 20 inch aluminum pocket rims, power rear window, fog lights and the decals of course. It only cost an additional $775.00. I have since put in a linex bed liner, running boards, weathertech window rain guards and weathertech hood deflector. You wouldn't know it is an XL from appearance. The STX is not a trim level of course, it is basically an XL with the STX appearance package: The package must be ordered in addition to the XL Sport Appearance Package, and the package includes 20-inch machined aluminum wheels, privacy glass, fog lamps, and unique STX exterior badges. On the interior the big upgrade is the 8-inch Sync 3 radio, along with manual driver lumbar support, rear window defroster, and unique sport cloth black seats. The cost is around $1500.00. You are getting the sport appearance plus package basically. As everyone has mentioned, we are all different and have our own needs and wants. Appearance is important to me and I can live without some bells and whistles. When I look at my truck, I like what I see. As far as payments go, for every $1000 of vehicle, you will pay around $20.00 more a month in payments, so you have to weigh the ability to afford a XLT versus a XL for example. If I had the money, I would just purchase a limited and be done with it.

 

I have no use for a Limited or KR or Platinum. The fancier trucks are less capable. A loaded Lariat is as high a trim level I would go. But in reality a 501A Lariat is most likely the way I would go.

 

Things that bother me about the XL is why can't a guy have a power sliding rear window? Why no chrome grill with the heavy duty tow package? Why can I only get gray interior?

I would buy a XL but would have to upgrade to a whole different bumper and grill combo and wheels.

 

After 3 XLT's 96' 04' 13' we are stepping up to a Lariat, pretty base tho with the mid upgrade option. At 73 and using the truck for traveling we just needed a few more creature comforts. I loved my XLT's especially the cloth interior and we shall see we the new one. I do think with the rear seat AC vents the whole truck will stay cooler in the summer.