Ford F-150 vs. Ram 1500: Which Used Truck Holds Its Value Better?
7 min read · By American Dream Motors Research
The F-150 and Ram 1500 are the two most popular half-ton trucks in America — but they're very different vehicles when you dig into the used market. We compared model years 2014-2020 across reliability data, repair costs, resale value, and real-world owner feedback to help you decide which one makes sense for your budget.
Resale Value: F-150 Wins, But the Gap Narrows
The F-150 has historically held its value better than the Ram 1500. As of mid-2026, a 5-year-old F-150 retains approximately 62-68% of its original MSRP, while a comparable Ram 1500 retains 55-62%. That's a real difference — about $2,000-$4,000 on a $40,000 truck.
However, this works in your favor if you're buying used: the Ram's lower retained value means you get more truck for the same money. A Ram 1500 that started at $48,000 new might be $2,500 cheaper than the equivalent F-150 at the 5-year mark — even though both trucks have similar mileage and condition.
Engine Reliability
Engine
Available In
Reliability Rating
Common Issue
2.7L EcoBoost (F-150)
2015-2020
Very Good
Timing chain stretch (rare, 150k+ miles)
3.5L EcoBoost (F-150)
2014-2020
Good
Cam phaser issues (pre-2018 models)
5.0L Coyote V8 (F-150)
2014-2020
Very Good
Oil consumption (2018-2020 some models)
3.6L Pentastar V6 (Ram)
2014-2020
Good
Oil cooler / rocker arm failures (2014-2016)
5.7L Hemi V8 (Ram)
2014-2020
Good
Lifter / cam failure (pre-2016, noisy lifters)
Our engine pick on a budget: The F-150 2.7L EcoBoost (2015+) — it's lighter, more fuel-efficient, and proven reliable. If you need a V8, the 5.0L Coyote is the safer bet over the Hemi in terms of long-term maintenance cost.
Transmission & Drivetrain
F-150: The 6-speed 6R80 (2014-2017) is a proven, reliable transmission. The 10-speed 10R80 (2017+) offered smoother shifting but had early production issues (2017-2018 models). Avoid 2017 10-speeds if possible.
Ram 1500: The 8-speed ZF 8HP (2014+) is excellent — one of the best transmissions in any half-ton truck. Smooth, reliable, and well-matched to both the Pentastar and Hemi engines.
2017-2018: 10-speed transmission rough shifting (software updates resolved most), IWE (4WD) vacuum system failures
2018-2020: 5.0L oil consumption on some early-build 2018 models, sunroof drain leaks
Ram 1500 (2014-2020)
2014-2016: Hemi lifter/cam failures (tick test is important), Pentastar oil cooler leaks
2014-2015: Radio/head unit failures (Uconnect 8.4 freezing or rebooting)
2017-2018: Exhaust manifold bolts breaking (both engines), air suspension compressor failures on auto-leveling models
2019-2020 (DT generation): Early production eTorque belt tensioner issues, rear window leak on panoramic roof models
Parts & Repair Cost Comparison
Overall, Ford and Ram parts pricing is similar — both are domestic vehicles with good parts availability. However:
F-150: Slightly cheaper OEM parts due to higher production volume. Aftermarket support is massive.
Ram 1500: Some parts are Mopar-only (air suspension components, certain electronics), which cost more. However, base models with coil suspension avoid this entirely.
Shop labor rates in Winchester are $110-$145/hour — comparable for both brands.
Verdict — Which should you buy?
Buy the F-150 if: Resale value matters, you want the widest parts availability, or you're looking at 2015+ models with the 2.7L EcoBoost. Ford's aluminum body (2015+) also means no rust on body panels.
Buy the Ram 1500 if: You want the best transmission in a half-ton (ZF 8-speed), you prefer the more comfortable interior and ride quality, or you want to spend $2,000-$3,000 less for a comparable truck. The Ram is more truck for the money on the used market.
Our pick for a $12,000-$16,000 half-ton: A 2016-2017 Ram 1500 Big Horn or Lone Star with the 5.7L Hemi and 8-speed. You get the better transmission, a comfortable interior, and the most truck for your dollar. Just do the tick test on the lifters before buying.