Used Ford Super Duty (F-250/F-350): a year-by-year guide for Ford Blue Advantage shoppers
Used · Ford Blue Advantage · Ford
Used Ford Super Duty (F-250/F-350): a year-by-year guide for Ford Blue Advantage shoppers
F-250 and F-350 Super Duty by generation, gas vs diesel by year, how to inspect a truck that towed, plowed or worked, and which used Super Duty can be Ford Blue Advantage certified.
The short answer
Used Super Duty pickups come in two modern designs: 2017–2022 (aluminum body, boxed steel frame) and 2023 and up. Choose gas or diesel by how much and how often you tow, then judge the individual truck by its records, hitch wear, plow history and underbody. Heavy-duty pickups are not EPA-rated, so there are no official MPG numbers.
A used Ford Super Duty (F-250/F-350) can be Ford Blue Advantage certified if it meets Ford's limits: Gold (up to 6 years old, under 80,000 miles) or Blue (up to 10 years, under 150,000 miles). Swant Graber Ford is a Ford Blue Advantage dealer: 1697 E Division Ave, Barron, 715-537-9500.
Used Super Duty generations and years at a glance
| Model years | What it is | What changed | What to look at |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–2019 | Aluminum body launch | 6.2L gas V8 and 6.7L Power Stroke diesel; 6-speed automatic. F-250, F-350 SRW/DRW, F-450 pickup. | Oldest trucks in Blue Certified age range; condition varies widely. |
| 2020–2022 | Refresh | 7.3L gas V8 added; 10-speed automatic on 7.3L and diesel; diesel output raised. Tremor package added. | Commonly targeted by used shoppers; check that the transmission matches the engine for your towing needs. |
| 2023–2026 | New generation | New cab and interior, 12-inch screens on upper trims, 6.8L and 7.3L gas, 6.7L diesel in standard and High-Output form. Pro Power Onboard available. | Newest trucks are the most likely Gold Certified candidates. |
| 2027 | Current model | Ford lists the 7.3L gas and 6.7L High-Output diesel. | See our Super Duty hub for 2027 detail. |
Summary for shoppers, not a full spec sheet. Equipment varies by trim and package, so the original window sticker for the VIN is the final word.
Fuel economy
Ford F-250, F-350 and F-450 pickups are heavy-duty trucks above the weight where EPA requires fuel-economy labels, so there are no official MPG figures for them. Owner-reported numbers vary widely with engine, axle ratio, load, tires and winter-blend fuel. If fuel cost is a big part of your decision, compare gas and diesel on the cost of fuel, maintenance and purchase price for the specific trucks you are looking at.
Trading in or selling a Super Duty?
If you have a Super Duty to trade, start with our trade appraisal. Records, both keys, the owner's manual and any removed factory parts (wheels, roof panels, stock exhaust) help the value, so bring them. If you owe more than it's worth, ask us how that affects a new loan before you sign anything.
Which used Super Duty fits how you drive
A gas truck (7.3L) is common for plow work; look for factory plow prep and inspect the front end hard.
A diesel, often an F-350, with factory fifth-wheel/gooseneck prep; check the pin-weight math against the door-jamb payload sticker.
Long bed, gooseneck prep, and records that show regular service.
A gas F-250 often covers this for less purchase and upkeep cost than a diesel.
What to check on a used Super Duty
- Frame: the frame is steel even though the body is aluminum. Look for scale and perforation, especially around spring hangers, crossmembers and the hitch.
- Brake and fuel lines and the underside of the cab mounts: road salt is hard on them.
- Aluminum body panels: check for bubbling where steel fasteners or brackets touch aluminum.
- Hitch: wear on the receiver, gooseneck ball or fifth-wheel pucks; bent safety-chain loops; trailer plug condition.
- Plow history: front-end parts, ball joints, extra wiring, plow mount holes in the frame or bumper.
- Diesel: DEF level and any warning messages. Ask for exhaust and DPF service history. Trucks with modified or removed emissions equipment are illegal on public roads and we will not sell one.
- Idle hours vs miles: fleet and work trucks can have heavy idle time; the cluster can show engine hours.
- Fifth-wheel/gooseneck prep: confirm it's factory (sticker) and that the puck covers and wiring are intact.
- Tire wear and load range: they should match what the truck is rated for.
- Lift kits and aftermarket wheels: these change handling, payload and sometimes eligibility for certification.
Northwest Wisconsin Super Duty trucks plow, pull ice houses, haul hay and tow campers to the lakes. That is the job, and it is also why two trucks of the same year can be in very different shape. Put any used heavy-duty truck on a lift before you buy. We will do it with you.
Not sure about something you found? Ask us to inspect it or call 715-537-9500.
Ford Blue Advantage: Gold, Blue, or our used coverage
Ford models no more than 6 years old with under 80,000 miles. 172-point inspection. 12-month/12,000-mile Comprehensive and 7-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranties (Ford's terms; coverage dates run from Ford's start dates, so ask what remains on a specific vehicle).
Vehicles up to 10 years old with under 150,000 miles. 139-point inspection. 90-day/4,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty.
Swant Graber Ford takes part in Ford's 14-day/1,000-mile Money Back Guarantee; Ford's conditions apply. Used vehicles that aren't certified get our coverage: 45 days / 5,000 miles powertrain on units less than 10 model years old with under 150,000 miles. See dealer for details. More: Ford Blue Advantage at Swant Graber · Gold vs Blue · what the inspection covers.
Recall campaigns by model year
NHTSA recalls API, Ford Super Duty (F-250 SD, F-350 SD and F-450 SD pickups combined, de-duplicated), queried Nov 1, 2026. A campaign covering several model years is counted in each year.
| Model year | Campaigns | Components named most |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 15 | Power Train (3), Latches/Locks/Linkages (2), Seats (2) |
| 2018 | 9 | Structure (2), Back Over Prevention (2), Engine (1) |
| 2019 | 11 | Back Over Prevention (3), Structure (2), Exterior Lighting (1) |
| 2020 | 16 | Back Over Prevention (4), Power Train (3), Visibility (2) |
| 2021 | 15 | Fuel System, Diesel (3), Back Over Prevention (3), Visibility (2) |
| 2022 | 18 | Electrical System (3), Visibility (3), Back Over Prevention (3) |
| 2023 | 17 | Back Over Prevention (5), Steering (2), Equipment (2) |
| 2024 | 4 | Back Over Prevention (3), Electrical System (1) |
| 2025 | 8 | Electrical System (3), Power Train (2), Fuel System, Diesel (1) |
Campaigns covering the most model years
- 22V087000 (Structure), model years 2017–2022: A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- 23V420000 (Equipment), model years 2019–2023: Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- 22V644000 (Back Over Prevention), model years 2017–2020: Lack of a clear rearview camera image can reduce the driver's visibility of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 26V104000 (Electrical System), model years 2022–2025: Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 19V278000 (Engine), model years 2017–2019: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
Consequence text is NHTSA's, shortened. Recall repairs are free at a Ford dealer. Full list: used Super Duty recalls by year. Run the specific VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How to shop a used Super Duty (the steps we'd follow ourselves)
- Decode the VIN. The engine, drivetrain and build plant are in the VIN. Ask us for the original window sticker or build data so you know the exact trim and packages, not just what the badges say.
- Run the VIN for recalls. Use nhtsa.gov/recalls or our recall check by VIN guide. A recall listed for the model year does not mean a specific vehicle is affected, and a fixed recall won't show as open.
- Read the history. A vehicle history report shows title brands, reported accidents, owners and some service visits. It does not show everything, so treat it as one input.
- Ask for service records. Oil changes on time, fluid services and recall repairs are the best evidence of how a vehicle was cared for.
- Test-drive it cold and warm. Start it cold if you can. Drive on the highway, over rough pavement and in a parking lot at full steering lock.
- Get it inspected. Ask us to put it on a lift with you there, or bring it to a mechanic you trust for a pre-purchase inspection. We're fine with that.
- Check the Wisconsin Buyers Guide on the window. It states whether the vehicle is sold with a warranty or as-is.
Northwest Wisconsin: rust, salt and winter wear
Barron County roads see salt and brine from November to April, so the underbody matters on any used Super Duty. Rust isn't automatically a deal-breaker; surface scale on a frame or exhaust is normal for a Wisconsin vehicle. What we look for:
- Brake and fuel lines: flaking or swelling lines get replaced, not ignored.
- Frame, subframes and suspension mounts: surface rust is common; perforation or heavy scaling is a concern.
- Rocker panels, wheel-arch lips and the bottoms of doors and the liftgate or tailgate.
- Exhaust hangers and heat shields: a rattle on the test drive often starts here.
- Battery and terminals: winter starts are hard on them, so ask for a battery test.
Undercoating can protect a vehicle, but fresh undercoating can also hide problems, so ask when it was applied. If you're keeping the vehicle long term, see our winter rust protection options.
Flood, salvage and title checks
After big storms elsewhere in the country, flood-damaged vehicles can be retitled and moved. Signs to look for: a musty smell, silt under the carpet or in seat tracks, corrosion on seat bolts or under-dash connectors, and fogging inside headlamps. Check the title for brands such as salvage, flood or rebuilt, and read the history report. If anything looks off, ask us. We'd rather you ask.
What we'll do on a used Super Duty for you
- Show you the inspection sheet and any reconditioning we did.
- Pull the original sticker or build data when Ford has it.
- Run the VIN for open recalls and tell you whether a recall repair can be done here.
- Put it on a lift with you, or let you take it to your own mechanic.
- Tell you which Blue Advantage tier it qualifies for, or that it isn't certified, before you talk numbers.
We won't tell you any used vehicle is guaranteed to last a certain number of miles. Nobody honestly can. Maintenance records and an inspection are the best predictors you have.
Paying for it: trade, financing and GAP
Get a value on your current vehicle with our trade appraisal. We work with national and local lenders on used and certified vehicles, and certified vehicles can sometimes qualify for special financing rates from Ford Credit. Ask what applies that month. If you finance with a small down payment, read about GAP coverage before you decide; it's optional. Tax, title and registration are extra.
Year-by-year notes for used Super Duty shoppers
2017–2019: Aluminum body launch
6.2L gas V8 and 6.7L Power Stroke diesel; 6-speed automatic. F-250, F-350 SRW/DRW, F-450 pickup. Oldest trucks in Blue Certified age range; condition varies widely.
2020–2022: Refresh
7.3L gas V8 added; 10-speed automatic on 7.3L and diesel; diesel output raised. Tremor package added. Commonly targeted by used shoppers; check that the transmission matches the engine for your towing needs.
2023–2026: New generation
New cab and interior, 12-inch screens on upper trims, 6.8L and 7.3L gas, 6.7L diesel in standard and High-Output form. Pro Power Onboard available. Newest trucks are the most likely Gold Certified candidates.
2027: Current model
Ford lists the 7.3L gas and 6.7L High-Output diesel. See our Super Duty hub for 2027 detail.
Whatever the year, the VIN tells you more than the year does. Ask for the original window sticker or build sheet, the service records and the recall status of the specific vehicle.
Test-drive checklist for a used Super Duty
- Start it cold if you can. Listen for knocks, rattles or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Check the dash for warning lights after start-up. Every light should come on briefly, then go out.
- Run the heat and A/C on high, and check the defrost. You'll want both in Barron.
- On the highway, check for pulling, vibration at speed and wind noise.
- On rough pavement, listen for clunks from the suspension or steering.
- In a parking lot, turn to full lock both ways, slowly. Listen for binding or popping.
- Check 4WD or AWD engagement, if equipped, on gravel or a safe surface.
- Test every camera, sensor, screen, window, lock and seat heater. Small electrical items add up.
- Look at the tires: matching brand, even wear and enough tread for winter.
Certified, used or new: which makes sense?
| Gold Certified | Blue Certified | Used, not certified | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age and miles | Up to 6 years, under 80,000 miles | Up to 10 years, under 150,000 miles | Any |
| Inspection | 172-point Ford inspection | 139-point Ford inspection | Our reconditioning inspection |
| Coverage | 12 mo/12,000 mi comprehensive + 7 yr/100,000 mi powertrain (Ford terms) | 90 days/4,000 mi comprehensive | Our 45 days/5,000 mi powertrain on eligible units, or as-is per Buyers Guide |
| Who it suits | Shoppers who want newer and longer coverage | Shoppers who want a lower price with some coverage | Budget buyers comfortable with an independent inspection |
Sometimes a new Super Duty with current incentives is close in monthly payment to a late-model used one. We'll show you both side by side if you ask. See CPO vs used vs new.
Ownership costs to plan for
The purchase price is only part of it. On any used Super Duty, ask about or budget for: tires (especially winter tires), brakes, the next scheduled maintenance visit, a battery if it is older, and insurance on the exact VIN. If a big service is due soon, such as fluids, spark plugs or tires, that's fair to factor into the deal. Book maintenance with our service department.
Used Super Duty questions
What are the best used Super Duty years?
Shoppers often look at 2020–2022 (10-speed, 7.3L gas available) and 2023 and up for the current design. There is no year we would call bulletproof. Records, hitch and plow wear, and the underbody tell you more than the year does.
Gas or diesel in a used F-250?
If you tow heavy, often or far, a diesel usually makes sense. For plowing, a slide-in camper or occasional towing, a gas truck usually costs less to buy and maintain and is easier on cold starts. We'll help you run the numbers on the exact trucks.
What MPG does a used F-250 or F-350 get?
Heavy-duty pickups this size are not EPA-rated, so there is no official number. Owners report a wide range depending on engine, axle, load and winter fuel blend.
Can a used Super Duty be Ford Blue Advantage certified?
Many can, if they meet Ford's age and mileage limits and pass inspection. Heavily modified trucks or trucks with emissions tampering won't qualify. Ask which tier a specific truck is in.
How do I tell if a used Super Duty plowed?
Look for plow mount hardware or holes, extra wiring at the grille or cab, a factory plow prep code on the sticker, and front-end wear. Plowing isn't bad by itself; it just means the front end deserves a closer look.
What paperwork should come with a used diesel?
Service records for oil, fuel filters and DEF-system work, plus any recall or program repairs. If records are thin, a pre-purchase inspection matters even more.
Can I take a used vehicle to my own mechanic before buying?
Yes. Ask us and we'll set it up. A pre-purchase inspection by someone you trust is smart on any used vehicle.
Does a clean history report mean no accidents?
No. A history report only shows what was reported to it. Look at the vehicle and the records, and have it inspected.
How do I check a used Ford for open recalls?
Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at a Ford dealer, including ours.
Keep reading
- Ford Super Duty (F-250/F-350) buyer's guide (new models)
- Used Super Duty recalls by year
- Ford Blue Advantage at Swant Graber
- Wisconsin winter checklist
- Vehicle history reports
Swant Graber Ford, 1697 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812 · 715-537-9500 · Ford Blue Advantage · Value your trade · GAP coverage
Sources
- EPA, fueleconomy.gov web services (queried Nov 1, 2026)
- NHTSA recalls API, recallsByVehicle (queried Nov 1, 2026) and nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Ford Blue Advantage Gold and Blue certification pages and FAQ (ford.com, as archived Sept–Oct 2026)
- Wisconsin Buyers Guide requirement, Wis. Admin. Code Trans 139