Why a Pre-Owned Ford F-150 Is a Great Option for Albany Drivers

Are you considering a light-duty, full-size pickup truck for your life around Albany? We think the F-150 could be a terrific option for drivers in this region. Its light-duty dimensions and small cab/bed configuration choices make it easy to maneuver through the busy downtown streets. However, it is a pickup truck, so if you like to explore the more rugged and rustic regions outside of the city, maybe with some dirt bikes or kayaks in your truck bed, you can do that, too. The Ford F-150 is a great model to consider pre-owned because it’s built to last. If you’re looking for a used Ford F-150 for sale in Albany, visit us at DePaula Ford!

So, which generation should you be looking at? We often recommend the 13th generation, which includes model years 2015 through 2020, to drivers because it has some more recent features that nearly mirror the current lineup, while still giving you access to those great pre-owned prices. Today we’ll take a look at some of the feature highlights of the 13th generation that we think Albany drivers will love.

Active Park Assist

Pickup trucks are extremely useful. You can use them to easily transport vintage treasures you find at the antique stores on Central Avenue, like a sectional or a couple of nightstands. However, there’s no denying that pickup trucks require a little extra effort than, say, a compact sedan when parking in the city. That’s why we love the Active Park Assist that became available starting on the 2015 model. With this feature, you can have the easy parking you’d get with a smaller vehicle, while still enjoying all of the perks of a truck.

So how does Active Park Assist work? When activated, it scans for a parking spot that can accommodate your pickup. That means no more eyeballing and guessing whether or not your truck can fit in a spot. It means no more asking your buddy to hop out and take a look for you. The system knows how large your truck is, and how large the spot is. If it identifies a spot in which you’ll fit, it will actually take over steering for you while you control the gear shifter, brake and accelerator pedals. The system will guide you effortlessly into the spot; no more dings or “love taps” on nearby vehicles’ bumpers.

Pro Trailer Backup Assist

Plan on utilizing your F-150’s towing capabilities? Then you’ll like this next feature that showed up on the 2016 model: Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Reversing a pickup truck can get complicated when you have a large vessel like a boat or camper behind it. Pro Trailer Backup Assist takes some of the confusion and stress out of this maneuver.

This system relies on advanced camera technology and electric power-assisted steering to get your towed vessel to the perfect angle for backing up. All you have to do is turn the associated knob in your cab to tell the system how much to turn the vessel. It will then automatically steer the truck to turn the trailer the perfect amount before you reverse.

Backing up with a trailer in tow without this system usually requires several tries. Even professional towers can make mistakes when estimating the perfect angle to turn the steering wheel of the truck to line the vessel up with the desired destination (like a garage or barn). Now you don’t need to lose time backing up, realizing you misjudged the angle, driving forward and trying again. Get it on the first try with Pro Trailer Backup Assist.

Voice-Activated SYNC 3 Technology

The 2016 and newer models also benefit from SYNC 3, Ford’s voice-activated technology that allows for hands-free operations of many of the vehicle’s features. So when you’re managing traffic around the Empire State Plaza at rush hour and need to keep your hands on the wheel, you don’t need to take them off of it to do a number of things including:

• Make calls. SYNC 3 lets you use your voice to make Bluetooth calls. So just ask it to call your family to let them know you’re running late for dinner or your client to tell them you’re almost at the appointment.
• Change the music. Not feeling the song that just came up on Spotify? No problem. You don’t need to press the “next” button — just ask the system to do it for you.
• Look up directions. Don’t know exactly where that great new Thai restaurant is you’re taking a business meeting at? Use your voice to ask the system to pull up directions.

The Off-Road-Ready Raptor

If you regularly like to cross the New York/Vermont border to explore the gorgeous natural terrain across state lines, then you might be in the market for an excellent off-road truck. And if you shop the 2017 or newer F-150, you might just find a Raptor, the off-road trim Ford brought back that year (another variant had been around in a previous generation Ford removed it for several years).

Let’s look at all the rugged features you’ll enjoy in your Raptor. First off, you’ll get the four-wheel drive torque-on-demand transfer case. It automatically adjusts torque between the front and rear axles to adapt to road conditions. Then you’ll get enormous shocks for amazing damping on uneven roads. A nearly two-inch suspension lift gives you the power to tackle bumpier terrain, and its huge BFGoodrich KO2 tires will give you excellent command of a variety of surfaces. Add the Terrain Management system with six driving modes and three steering modes that adapt to your environment, and the Raptor is ready to tackle the messiest, hilliest, and roughest of roads.

If you’re adding a pickup truck to your arsenal of vehicles, with one car for in-city driving and one truck for off-road adventures, we highly recommend finding a used Raptor. When you buy a used one, you can find an amazing deal on this decked-out off-road companion.

Come in Today to Find Your Pre-owned F-150

Are you ready to explore our selection of used F-150s? We are rolling in additional inventory regularly and working hard to find a variety of trims and packages from the 2015 to 2020 model years. We know this specific generation of the F-150 is an excellent one to explore because Ford added so many great features and trims during it. The F-series trucks have been the best-selling in America for decades. That means multiple generations have continued to meet and exceed buyers’ expectations and we’re proud to carry pre-owned models from this lineup.

If you aren’t sure exactly which model from the 13th generation is right for your needs, just speak with one of our sales associates. Tell them what features or experiences you’re looking for, and they’ll know which model on our lot will fit your needs. We are F-150 experts, so we know just what perks every model has to offer. We have a huge inventory and competitive prices, so Albany drivers, come pick out your used F-150 today! Whether you stick to the city or travel outside of it, we think you’ll love what the F-150 has to offer.