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2024 Kia Soul ReviewBudget Buy: Ford F-150 vs Ram 1500 Under $10,000
Two titans of the full-size pickup segment, the F-150 and the RAM 1500 offer a lot of value and utility on the used market, but which is the better buy?
The Best Truck is an Old Truck
Today’s full-size pickups do their best to cover every conceivable base they can. Towing? Got it. Daily driving comfort? Sure. Loads of the latest tech? A digital cornucopia awaits you. But for many truck buyers, the primary goal of a pickup purchase is just to have enough power to tow and enough bed space to haul, and for that you can spend far less than the lofty price tags carried by new trucks.
Rather than spending upwards of $50,000 or more just for something to tow your fishing boat, there are plenty of ten-year old used trucks for around $10,000 that can get the job done just fine. This is why we’ve pitted a used F-150 versus a used RAM 1500 for under $10,000. Most truck owners only do “truck things” about 5-10 percent of the time, the rest is just overspending both on the truck itself and fuel. So why not save the cash and buy a used pickup as a secondary vehicle?
Keeping the price tag under $10,000 means looking at roughly a 2009 F-150 (the start of the 12th generation) and a 2012 RAM 1500. F-150s of this vintage can carry anywhere from 130,000 to 200,000 miles. Since it’s a bit newer, the RAM 1500 runs between 120,000 and 180,000. At these ages and mileages, it’ll behoove any buyer to ask for service records and vehicle history reports to ensure they’ve been well maintained.
Specs
The F-150 and RAM 1500 both offer three powertrain variations. The F-150 starts with a 4.6L V8 in either two or three valve varieties. The two-valve 4.6L puts out 248 horsepower while the three-valve makes 292 horsepower. The 2WD version gets 15 city and 20 highway mpg. 4WD dips just slightly to 14/19. Next is 5.4L V8 making 310 horsepower. Like the 4.6L, it’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is just slightly down here at 14/20 for 2WD and 14/18 for 4WD.
The RAM 1500 still offers a V6 option as its base engine. The 3.7L makes 215 horsepower and get 14 city / 20 highway mpg and comes paired with a four-speed automatic. Next up is a 4.7L V8 that musters 310 horsepower, maintains the 14/20 mpg rating, and comes with a six-speed automatic. The top of the heap is the 5.7 HEMI V8 making 390 horsepower, 14/20 mpg, and tandems with the same six-speed automatic.
Driving & Performance
The F-150 was updated for 2009 with a new generation that brought not just improved styling but a notable upgraded driving experience. The suspension delivers a fairly comfortable ride, the beginning of our raised expectations for pickups. The same goes for fuel economy with 14 city and 20 highway mpg roughly matching that of the RAM 1500. Steering is accurate and properly weighted for the vehicle. The F-150 maxes out at 11,300-lbs. of towing capacity.
Special consideration is needed when choosing an engine for the F-150. Despite it housing the greatest power, we’d opt for the 4.6L over the 5.4L as the latter has developed a reputation for timing chain and cam phaser issues that can require a full engine replacement.
The RAM 1500 offers a comparably comfortable ride and a smooth shifting six-speed automatic, but steering tends to be vague to the point of disconnection. Like the F-150, the RAM 1500 isn’t immune to problematic engines. The 5.7L HEMI V8 does offer a surplus of power it also comes with issues related to its cylinder deactivation system. Meanwhile, the 4.7L V8 still keeps pace with the larger F-150 V8 at 310 horsepower. The RAM 1500 can tow up to 10,450-lbs.
Comfort & Interior
The 2009 F-150 may have undergone significant interior upgrades but the 2012 RAM 1500 was a harbinger of things to come from the brand that today consistently delivers the best cabin in the segment. The F-150 provides more than enough room for even the largest occupants, with plenty of head and leg room both front and back. Center stack controls are logically placed for ease of use without having to take your eyes from the road. The Ford SYNC infotainment software maybe a bit behind the current generation, but functionality is still good, and the system comes with Bluetooth capability and USB ports.
The RAM 1500 may contain a similar amount of hard plastic to that of the F-150 (durable hard plastic to put a positive spin on it) but the design is both aesthetically and functionally a notch better. The seats offer a good mix of support and comfort for both front and rear passengers. The RAM 1500 also excels in stowage with a dual glove box, voluminous center console, and under seat storage. Not only does the RAM 1500 offer Bluetooth, USB ports, and a touchscreen interface, it also features optional navigation and a rearview camera. There’s even a backseat DVD player for long hauls with the kids.
Trims & Features
The F-150 features a full seven trim levels from the base XL to the King Ranch and range-topping Platinum trims. The F-150 offers a good selection of standard safety features including anti-lock brakes, stability control, side-curtain airbags, and traction control. An interesting offering is the Tool Link system that allows you to track you tools whereabouts with radio transmitters. There are also both side steps and a tailgate step to help you up into the bed.
The RAM 1500 also offers a ton of options when it comes to trims, bed sizes, and available features. The base SL features 17-inch alloy wheels, AC, and a six-speaker stereo complete with CD player and auxiliary jack. Up the trim levels you’ll find features like fog lights, a power rear window, and a touchscreen infotainment system (with optional navigation). The top time Laramie gets remote start, power adjustable pedals, and rear parking sensors. The RAM 1500 also offers extra cargo capacity with their RamBox bedside storage.
Conclusions
The 2009 F-150 and 2012 RAM 1500 are fairly evenly matched at $10,000. Both offer comfortable interiors matched by comfortable rides. Both tow and haul like champs. But the RAM ends up the clear choice with its superior interior, the preferrable second tier (yet more reliable) engine option with the 310 hp 4.7L V8, and younger age and fewer miles for the same price as the older F-150.
For under $10,000, the used RAM 1500 makes an excellent choice for a pickup that mixes comfort and utility.
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