moparado

Yep!
If you've got $45K to spend, i'd look at a new '18 either a loaded XLT or a Lariat if you need the extra goodies that come with it some of which are not worth the price of admission IMO.
The '19's will soon be rolling in if not already which generally means great incentives on the remaining '18's in dealer's stock.

291433

I live in the south leather is hot. We have it in wife's accord, absolutely miserable to get in on a really hot day. I may add leather at some point but, the cloth in newer trucks is miles better than it used to be. The diffrerence in comfort is negligible now.

10splaya22

I would definitely go used. The depreciation hit on a new truck is a lot. I got my fully loaded '16 King Ranch for $42k with 30k miles. MSRP was $65. A brand new truck of the same caliber would probably sell for 53-54k if you could find a good deal. I'll take a couple year old truck and save the $11k for something else. Having all the creature comforts is definitely worth it to me.

Native penguin

I'm a fan of waiting for the year end sales. I got a pretty dang good deal on a loaded Lariat, just about $8k off with local dealer incentives.

Eduskator

Question 1 - any specific options I should really look for?
It's up to you and what you want (comfort, leather, tech package, etc.)

Question 2 - anything I should avoid?
Not really. A lemon is a lemon, if you buy one, you'll know. If you have the famous ''should I get an ecoboost or not'' question, there are hundreds of thread here on this.

Question 3 - does it seem logical to just look into a less well equipped 2018?
Depending on the incentives and interest rates, it most likely is. It's always better to get a more recent vehicle that is less equipped than an older one, but if you want the extra luxury without paying extra money, you won't have any other choice. You never know what you're getting into when you buy used (who drove it and how...). How many years are you planning to keep it? That's another factor. Vehicles, especially american brand, tend to lose a lot of value within the first years. If you plan on keeping long term, I'd get a new one.

retired61

I bought a 2018 lariat,4x4,5.0,502A,36 gal tank, tow package ,sunroof,Hot and cool leather seats,tailgate step, + ???... Got everything I wanted and nothing I did not want for $50,200......... So "THEY" ate most of the 1st year loss Sticker was $58,975... so 14.8 to 15.0 % Of course
it took me 2-3 months to get there... .

Eduskator

You bought your 2018 new or used? Because depreciation is not based on the year of the truck, it's based on its purchase date, the % of interest between a loan for a new vehicle VS a loan for a used vehicles, availabilities in your area, etc.. Also, it's not uncommon to cut 5-10k off the MSRP when you buy new... For instance, mine had a 59.9k MSRP (window sticker) and I had it for 45.5k after a few days of negotiating...

The dealership never ''eats'' anything. Companies are there to make profit, always remember this. House always wins!

m2mc2

If you search the dealer inventory for left over 2018 Lariats, you may be able to get close to you $45k target. I purchased a loaded left over 2017 Lariat Scab, 5.0, 502A, tow pkg, tech pkg, 36 gallon tank, moon roof, tow mirrors, 20" wheels, FX4, tailgate step, wheel well liners, and was out the door with 21% off the $59,665 msrp. Truck had everything that I was looking for plus more. I mainly wanted the 5.0 because I plan to keep it for about 10 years and tow a heavy boat from time to time, but still would have purchased it if it had the 3.5 eco. Either motor would have been fine for my needs.

Stoppardstop

I bought my new 18 4x4 3.5l special edition for 42k brand new. Dual sunroof, heated seats, elocker, come north a little to PA and get yourself something nice

HangDiver

Its fun to read the different opinions on these kinds of threads. I always buy used and have never bought a new car/truck after almost 50 vehicles. Third year depreciation on an F150 can create some excellent values for a used truck buyer. Bought my 2015 XLT for $25,400 that was optioned exactly like I wanted. I also always pay cash and never finance an investment that depreciates with time....

Good luck buying your next truck regardless new or used....

Rich J.