Should I buy a 2021 XLT or avoid it?

Advice Needed
1

Thinking about getting a 2021 XLT with 4WD, but prices are all over the place. KBB says $38k is fair, but I’ve seen prices from $30k to $50k. Anyone here familiar with Mannheim pricing? It’d be great to know if I’m getting ripped off or scoring a good deal.

Also, since 2021 was during the COVID shortage, is it better to avoid this year? Should I get a warranty? Or just skip it altogether?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

2

I got a 2021 Max Limited with 40k miles and it’s been great. I’ve added another 20k miles and no complaints so far.

3

I’d steer clear of anything made in 2020, 2021, or 2022. I traded my 2022 F-150 Limited for a 2019 Expedition Platinum after dealing with 25 issues on the F-150. The service department even told me to avoid those COVID-year vehicles. Just my experience, though—I’m sure others have had better luck.

4

Watch out for the CDF drum in the transmission. I wouldn’t buy anything with a 10R80 transmission made before August 2022. I’ve got one now, and I’m planning to get rid of it eventually.

5

Ash said:
Watch out for the CDF drum in the transmission. I wouldn’t buy anything with a 10R80 transmission made before August 2022. I’ve got one now, and I’m planning to get rid of it eventually.

I just rented a brand-new 2024 (only 26 miles on it when I got it), and the transmission still feels indecisive. It jolts unless you drive super carefully. Makes me appreciate my 2021 a bit more, knowing they haven’t fully fixed it. Still love the truck, though.

6

@Clancy
True, but at least the CDF drum issue has been fixed in the newer models. There are still other problems with the 10R80, like stuck valves, though.

7

Ash said:
@Clancy
True, but at least the CDF drum issue has been fixed in the newer models. There are still other problems with the 10R80, like stuck valves, though.

I’m no mechanic, but it feels like the EcoBoost and transmission can’t sync properly between gears 1-3 and 4-6, depending on the driving mode. I know how to drive around it, but it really seems like a programming issue.

8

Thanks for pointing out the reliability concerns. Definitely something to think about. I’ll make sure to include a warranty if I go for it. What do you all think a fair out-the-door price would be without the warranty?

9

I’ve had both a 2019 and a 2021, both Limited trims. The 2021 feels better in every way. I got it after my 2019 was totaled, but it was during the crazy price hike, so I paid $62k for one with 7k miles. Now, I bet it’s worth around $42k–$45k, maybe less.

The 2021 has only needed one repair—a coolant leak covered by a TSB that was fixed in two hours for free. I’m aware of the transmission concerns but drive like a grandpa and mostly use it for towing (HD towing package). I’m expecting future transmission work, though.

The 2019 had way more issues: transmission problems (neutral-out condition), cam phasers, a mystery AC leak that took four trips to fix, and some other stuff I can’t remember.

Highly recommend getting the Ford ESP warranty. Shop around for it because some dealers mark it up a lot. If you sell the car early, you can get the unused portion refunded. I paid $1,800 for mine.

10

My 2018 was a disaster. Went through two transmissions and an engine in just 113k miles.