Why Buying a Used Ford Truck Can Save You Money
November 25, 2025 - 8:26:21 am

For businesses and independent contractors, a truck is more than just a vehicle—it’s a revenue generator. But as new truck prices continue to climb, the math of adding a new unit to your fleet can be challenging. This is where the smart money moves to the pre-owned market.

Buying a used Ford truck is one of the most effective strategies to lower your overhead without sacrificing capability. Ford’s legendary "Built Ford Tough" reputation means these vehicles are engineered to perform long after they leave the showroom floor.

At Wallwork Truck Center, we help fleet managers and owner-operators maximize their budget every day. This guide explores the financial benefits of buying used, the risks you need to watch out for, and why a pre-owned Ford from Wallwork is a safer investment than buying from a private party.

The Financial Advantage: It’s More Than Just the Sticker Price

The most obvious reason to buy used is the lower upfront cost, but the savings go much deeper than the initial purchase price.

1. Beating Depreciation

The steepest drop in a vehicle's value happens in the first few years. A brand-new truck can lose up to 20-30% of its value in the first year alone. When you buy a used Ford F-150 or Super Duty, the previous owner has already taken that massive financial hit. You are buying a machine that has stabilized in value, meaning if you decide to sell it or trade it in three years later, you will likely get back a much higher percentage of what you paid compared to a new truck.

2. Lower Insurance Premiums

Insurance costs are largely based on the replacement value of the vehicle. Since a used truck has a lower book value than a new one, your comprehensive and collision insurance premiums will typically be significantly lower. Over the life of the truck, this can save your business thousands of dollars in operating costs.

3. More Truck for Your Money

The secondary market allows you to "level up." Your budget for a base-model new truck might get you a fully loaded Lariat or King Ranch on the used lot. This means you can often afford a truck with better towing packages, advanced trailering technology, or more comfortable interiors for your drivers, all while staying within your original budget.

Reliability: Why Ford Leads the Used Market

Ford trucks are ubiquitous for a reason: they last. Modern manufacturing has extended the lifecycle of these trucks significantly.

• Aluminum Body: Since 2015, the F-150 (and later the Super Duty) has used high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloys for the body. This makes them impervious to body rust—a massive advantage for used truck buyers in our region where salt is common.
• Powertrain Longevity: It is now commonplace to see the 6.7L Power Stroke® Turbo Diesel or the 5.0L Coyote V8 exceed 200,000 or even 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. Buying a truck with 50,000 miles on it is no longer "high mileage"; it’s just getting broken in.

Managing the Risk: What to Check Before You Buy

While the savings are real, buying used does come with risks. Not every truck has been treated equally. When shopping for a used Ford, specifically, here are the key areas you should inspect or ask about.

For the Ford F-150 (2015-2020 Era)

• 3.5L EcoBoost Cam Phasers: On some earlier 3.5L EcoBoost engines, a rattling noise on a cold start can indicate an issue with the cam phasers. While Ford has updated parts to fix this, it is something our technicians always check for.
• 10-Speed Transmission: The 10R80 transmission is incredibly efficient, but some earlier models (2017-2018) can experience rough shifting. A simple software update (PCM re-flash) often solves this, but it’s vital to check during a test drive.

For the Ford Super Duty (F-250 / F-350)

• 6.7L Power Stroke Fuel System: The CP4 high-pressure fuel pump on earlier models is sensitive to fuel quality. We recommend asking for service records to ensure the fuel filters were changed on schedule.
• Emissions System: Check the history of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and DEF system. A truck that has been idled excessively may have a clogged DPF.

The "Ford Blue Advantage" Factor

One way to mitigate risk is to look for Ford Blue Advantage certified vehicles. This is Ford's official Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program, available at authorized dealers.

• Gold Certified: These are trucks up to 6 years old with less than 80,000 miles. They undergo a rigorous 172-point inspection and come with a comprehensive 12-month/12,000-mile limited warranty and a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
• Blue Certified: For older reliable trucks (up to 10 years old), this level requires a 139-point inspection and provides a 90-day/4,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty.

Buying a CPO truck gives you the savings of "used" with the peace of mind of "new."

Why Buy Used from Wallwork Truck Center?

You could buy a used Ford from a private seller or a general used car lot, but here is why buying from Wallwork Truck Center is the safer choice for your business.

1. Commercial Grade Standards

We are a commercial truck dealership. We don't just sell cars; we sell tools that businesses rely on. Our inspection process is designed for heavy-duty usage. We use advanced platforms like Decisiv SRM to track every service event, ensuring nothing is missed.

2. Radical Transparency with TruVideo

We believe you should see what we see. Our service department utilizes TruVideo technology. When we inspect a used truck, our technicians can record a video pointing out exactly what they see—good or bad—and send it directly to you. You don’t have to take our word for the condition of the undercarriage or the brake pads; you can see it with your own eyes before you sign.

3. Factory-Trained Experts

At our Fargo location, we have Ford Senior Master Craft Technicians on staff. These are experts who have reached the highest level of certification Ford offers. When they inspect a used Ford, they know exactly where to look and what to listen for, spotting potential issues that a general mechanic might miss.

The Verdict

Buying a used Ford truck is one of the smartest financial moves a fleet manager can make—if you buy the right truck from the right partner. By choosing a pre-owned unit, you save on depreciation and insurance while gaining a proven workhorse.

Are you looking to expand your fleet for less?

Browse our inventory of Used Ford Trucks online or visit Wallwork Truck Center today. Let our team show you the service history and inspection video of your next truck, so you can drive away with total confidence.