Is a low mileage 2016 still a good choice compared to new?
 

I'm cross posting in this section as well. We need another tow rig on our farm, specifically an F-450. I've found a perfect low mileage 2016 F-450 4x4 that costs about $15-20K less than a new 2021 would. Money isn't what I'm concerned about, having a truck that's reliable for many years and many long distance trips is. Any insight to my pros & cons listed below:

2016 pros:
proven 6 speed transmission
out of warranty, therefore I would be less hesitant to remove egr/def
smaller moonroof that isn't prone to leaking issues (i think)
2016 cons:
steel body
c channel frame
less horsepower/torgue
can't be spec'd the way I want - I'll need to swap in a front middle jump/bench seat

2021 pros:
aluminum body
stiffer closed box frame
warranty
no wear/tear
can spec exactly as I need it
2021 cons:
emissions equipment will probably remain intact until out of warranty
possibly unproven 10 speed transmission??
panoramic moonroof that might possibly have leak issues??

Also, I know it's subjective, but I think I like the overall interior/exterior look of the 2016 better, but I'm sure I'd like the 2021 too.

I've never owned the 6.7 engine and only have experience with multiple 6.0's. Any input from those who have owned these trucks is appreciated. I believe the fuel tank is smaller on the older truck, so I'd end up swapping in a larger Titan tank for increased capacity.

Should I really worry about the 10 speed transmission of the 2021? Conversely, should I really worry about the slightly less power and less stiff frame on the older truck, will it even be noticeable when most of my loads will probably be 20,000 pounds or less?

Does the 2016 have maintenance records ? Mileage ?

Hobo

Don't have the records yet, but it is spotless and was only used for pulling a toy hauler. 20K miles.

If money is no object, I would configure and order a 2021 with what you want on it. Order it, not buy one off the lot.

I take it since you are looking at the F450, you plan on towing. You can order the cameras, the trailer TPMS, aux heater for your comfort. Maybe since you are in PA, you want the heated rear seat also? Also, the 120v AC outlets in the 2021 are 400 watt verses 120 watt in the 2016.

You would also have the full 3/36 warranty and the PS engine warranty.

If it came down to looks the 16 is the last of the good-looking trucks IMO...(99-16).
The 6R140 behind the gas or diesel is far SUPERIOR to the last two predecessors, It's a decent HD trans once the shift strategy was refined, No experience with the 10R140.
I drive gas and the 6.2 is a good engine... if you're not heavy towing. By heavy I mean a backhoe on a drop deck. that's diesel territory for any truck.

The 16 is plagued with the typical problems, just spend some time surfing here.. I'm sure the 21 will follow suit. Everything today is plagued with all the electronics onboard.

To me the 17+ is nothing more than a 150 on a 250+ chassis. same as 1998 and down. All good things must come to an end. It looks funny like it doesn't belong. Too narrow and tall.

My choice would be the 16 if it proves 100%. I just can't see spending the coin Ford (or any brand) wants for a new rig. I always buy a year or two old. 1/2 the price then.

Either way, which ever you wind up with get it Krowned or Corrosion Free treated seconds after you buy it. You'll get 10 + years out of it before it melts away in the rust belt.

Oh remove the heat shield above the muffler that's glued to the bed. It will cause the bed floor to rot as it a wonderful sponge. Dont ask.

https://www.krown.com/en/

https://corrosionfree.com/?v=7516fd43adaa

Do not use the tar like undercoating ever!.

Didn't the 2011-16 F450s only come with 17" wheels and the exact same payload and tow rating as an F350? Whereas the '08-10 and '17+ F450s have 19.5's and are rated to pull 30k+ lbs? I know for sure the '11-12 trucks were like that, but I forget when the 19.5's came back.

If you're not worried about the money, I would say go for the newer truck. My FIL has a '20 F450 XL with the STX package and all the towing things, full surround cameras and all that - it is incredibly helpful for backing and pulling trailers by yourself (except for hitching up a bumper-pull trailer, because he put a windgate on it that doesn't have the rear camera...I refuse to try to hitch up his truck). His does not have navigation, but with Carplay standard on the bigger screen you can just use your phone navigation if you need it.

You can also get the factory gooseneck prep in the new truck. It isn't the best on the market, but it's pretty decent. I'd recommend it just because you don't have to install a hitch system later unless you want the B&W Turnover Ball system (which is what I plan to do in the future).

The 6.7 is a great motor, and as he had a '16 F350 as well, both the 6 speed and the 10 speed are good transmissions. The 10 speed does seem to get better mileage, of course the truck is actually lighter because of the aluminum body.

I don't think you can go wrong with either truck, BUT I caution you to look at the payload and towing capacities of the '16. If they are what I suspect, it is really just a glorified F350 in that year - but I'll freely admit I'm not sure. The new one is a true F450.

Ford switched back to 10 lug 19.5 wheels in the '15 F-450. '11 through '14 F-450 were the wide-track F-350.

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Thanks for clearing that up! I never understood why they reduced the capabilities of the F450 for those years, especially since the '08-10 trucks were VERY popular in the RV crowd because of the insanely tight turning radius for a truck that size.