I'm trying to sell my Ranger, and currently very interested in a 2015 F150 as a replacement. The aluminum body is probably what sells it for me since I live in the heart of the rust belt.

So my basic "wants" are super cab, 5.0, 4x4.

I'm a little confused with all the model designations and option packages that Ford has offered on these trucks and what is actually different between them? Mainly, with the XL and XLT.

I found a local dealer that has two 2015's that are a perfect example. Both are 5.0, 4x4 super cabs, similar mileage. One is an XL and the other is an XLT.

The XLT has 301A, towing package, FX4 package, integrated trailer brake controller, and XLT Sport appearance package. It's listed at $31,975.

The XL does not have the window sticker posted so it's harder to know exactly what's on it, but I do know it has the XL appearance package, cloth seats, cruise control, and backup camera, and it's listed at $28,990.

So obviously the XLT has the FX4 and Sport package, nicer wheels, and center console. I figure $3000 extra to get the XLT with that extra nice stuff is not a bad deal, but beyond those what else do you REALLY get on an XLT over an XL (aside from carpet on the floor of course)? On the flip side is it even worth getting an XL if you can get an XLT for that close in price?

 

You need to go to Ford.com. Click on Build & Price, then in the upper righthand corner click Compare.
It’s not just what is standard, there are things you can’t get on an XL that are available options for an XLT.
We can’t know what is important to you. You might see an option in there that you didn’t even think of…but might really want.
Plus, the comparison lists what is standard on each trim level in a very clear and logical manner.

Also, have the dealer park the trucks next to each other so you can compare them easily.
Have them bring out the window sticker that is missing from the XL.

 

I have only looked at these two trucks online because the dealership is a couple hours away.

They have the VIN posted for the XL- is there a way I can look up the window sticker myself?

 

I've seen the window sticker available on the dealer site. No luck with that dealer?

JMO but buy the XLT. $3k on this purchase isn't any big deal, and that truck seems to have options beyond the XL/XLT differences.

 

An XL with the STX package is as nice as an XLT. There may be rebates or package discounts that makes one better buy than the other. It's best to talk to someone in person at the dealer to find out what the actual sales price would be.

As stated above, some options aren't available on an XL. Power seats, console shifter and navigation come to mind. A friend of mine bought an STX. It was priced so well that living without a few options was an easy choice.

 

I just bought a 2017 Ford F150 XL 4x2 with the 3.5L V6 and six-speed auto. It has the "Sport" and "Haul / Tow" function on the transmission, and an electronic locking rear axle with 3.55 gears (I believe). I've only had the truck a week, and I've only put 500 miles on it, but so far, I like it real much. It has the rubber floor (easy to clean) and vinyl seats (kind of toasty on the butt-crack). It doesn't have the huge center console (which I hate anyway). It has the painted aluminum wheels with Michelen tires. It's Magnetic Grey. It's a real handsome vehicle, in my opinion. The only complaint I have thus far is that it is kind of noisy on the highway.


I've owned a bunch of Ford trucks over the years, including:


1971 Ford F150 Ranger 4x2
1974 Ford F250 Ranger XLT Camper Special 4x2
1976 Ford F250 Ranger 4x4
1990 Ford F150 4x2
1990 Ford Bronco
1994 Ford F150 4x2
1996 Ford F250 4x2
2004 Ford Excursion Limited


I can't remember the trim levels of the '90, '94 and '96. Custom? Ranger? No matter, probably all gone to that big pick-up truck junkyard in the sky.


I hope to get 20 years out of the 2017.


There's nothing beats having a brand-new pick-up truck.


Shockwave

 

I agree with the STX being a great value for what you get. (I may also be bias as I have an STX trim '13). However, Ford dropped the STX trim for the '15 and '16 MYs. It came back in '17 and is continuing for '18. Since they are still moving '17's new off the lot, they may be out of the OPs price range since he was looking for a '15.

 

You can buy a new F150 SuperCrew STX, 4x2, 2.7 EB or 5.0 here in San Antonio for just under $30K. Not too bad in my opinion. I have no affiliation with this dealer, but they have great advertised prices.

New 2016-2017 Ford Vehicles | F-150, Super Duty, Fusion, Focus or Expedition | Red McCombs Ford in San Antonio

 

There is a local dealer with a couple really nice '17 XL's (with XL appearance package, backup cam, etc), for right around $36K. Helluva deal for a 5.0, extended cab, 4WD brand new truck but just a little more than I want to spend (wanting to keep it close to $30K). Most 2015's turning up right now are almost new anyway with 30K or less on the clock.

 

Couldn't hurt to make the dealer an offer on a new one and see what they say.

 

Those ones are already something like $6-7K below sticker so I doubt they would budge any more on price.

 

Sorry, forgot about this post. For some reason they have the window sticker posted for the XLT but not for the XL.

 

Seems like the XL STX package is similar to a base XLT?

If you're looking at a 15 which didn't have the STX, I'd probably look into the XLT. Resale will be better too.

 

I'll tell you that my 2015 XLT is about the most quiet vehicle of any type that we have owned. It is as quiet as a tomb on the highway, and we can have very low volume "normal" conversations while we are tooling down the road at 65 MPH. I would imagine that a Lariat or other higher trim levels might be even more quiet.

 

I'll agree with that. Going down the highway in my 16 Lariat you can practically whisper to each other. Really nice.