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Ford F-250: Truck Value

Here is a breakdown of the Ford F-250 or F-350 Super Duty's value, what keeps it up, how to price it, and some answers to common questions.

By Brett Foote - December 11, 2014

This article applies to the Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty (2005-2014).

Selling a vehicle can be a stressful process, especially when you are trying to figure out what it's worth. We always like to place a higher value on our beloved possessions than what the market will typically bear. So, how do you come up with a realistic price that will get your phone ringing with offers? Read on to learn how to arrive at a fair price and what affects the value of specific models.

Factors that Affect Value

Truck Year

The model year of your truck has a big impact on value and not just because people typically favor newer vehicles. Technology advances quite a bit every year, so that 2005 truck may not have half of the technology that goes into a 2014 model. Some years are favored over others because of notorious problems, engine and transmission issues, styling, and a variety of other factors that can simply be personal preference.

Figure 1. The year of a truck can have a big effect on its value.

Maintenance and Upkeep

There are a lot of things that affect the value of two otherwise identical trucks, and one of the most important is maintenance. If you have lovingly cared for your Super Duty over the years and followed the scheduled maintenance to the letter with documented service, you will simply get more money for it. If you haven't washed or waxed your truck in ten years and it is making some horrible noises, don't expect to get anywhere near top Blue Book value for your old heap.

Figure 2. Proper maintenance will ensure a truck retains value.

Pricing

In the old days before the Internet, unless you purchased a vehicle value book every year you really had no idea what it was worth. Thanks to the wonders of technology, there is a wealth of information out there, and no reason to not know everything about your truck's value. Some of the more popular pricing sites include Kelly Blue Book, NADA, and TrueCar. You should look up your truck in multiple places to get an idea of what a fair price would be.

Figure 3. Knowing your truck's worth is critical when selling.

Common Questions

Why is the trade in value of my truck so much lower than the retail price?

When you trade a vehicle in for a new one, the dealership is trying to buy your old truck as cheaply as possible. This means that they can make maximum profit from it when they sell it used. Used cars are the biggest profit generators for a car dealership outside of unnecessary options and add-ons, so you should never go into the dealership without knowing a fair trade-in price ahead of time. Selling your truck privately may be a pain in the neck, but you will usually get a lot more in return.

What can I do to make my truck is easier to sell?

Make sure to point out that you have all the paperwork for any work or maintenance that has been done on the truck, if possible. Give it a good wash and detail it if you can. Take lots of nice pictures after you clean it up. Prospective buyers will always be lured in by more attractive pictures and a vehicle that appears to be well taken care of. Nobody wants a lemon, no matter how cheap, unless they are just looking for a project. Check common things like brake wear, oil, fluids, and tire tread depth. If you need brake pads, it may be a good idea to go ahead and replace them. People who test drive the truck may be scared off by something that you can easily and cheaply fix. If your tires don't have at least a little tread, expect the buyer to point that out and factor it into the price they ultimately offer you.

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