To Trade or Not to Trade — That is the Question!

[rdr854]

Was at a Ford dealer yesterday “gassing“ up my 2022 Lariat Lightning ER. The truck has 27,200 miles on it. Color is Ice Blue Silver. GSM kept bugging me that he wanted to buy my truck even though I told him repeatedly that it was not for sale. Truck is in excellent condition.

Dealer offered $40,000 for my truck with a $34K trade difference out the door on a new comparably equipped 2025 Lariat Lightning ER (including e 9.6 kW onboard power, trailer towing technology, spare tire and wheel locks. I owe $4,300 on the 2022 and it should pay off at the end of August. According to Ford, the high voltage battery state of health is 96%.

Payment would be approx $620 per month for 60 months through Navy Federal Credit Union and I would need to buy a new extended service plan from Granger or Flood Ford.

My gut is that I should keep the truck and not get a new one.

Thoughts?

Sponsored

 

[awilli1010]

I agree with you! My 22 lariat only has 35k miles and is paid off. I’m planning on driving it at least until my extended warranty runs out. Bank or invest the $600!

 

[DerMot]

Was at a Ford dealer yesterday “gassing“ up my 2022 Lariat Lightning ER. The truck has 27,200 miles on it. Color is Ice Blue Silver. GSM kept bugging me that he wanted to buy my truck even though I told him repeatedly that it was not for sale. Truck is in excellent condition.

Dealer offered $40,000 for my truck with a $34K trade difference out the door on a new comparably equipped 2025 Lariat Lightning ER (including e 9.6 kW onboard power, trailer towing technology, spare tire and wheel locks. I owe $4,300 on the 2022 and it should pay off at the end of August. According to Ford, the high voltage battery state of health is 96%.

Payment would be approx $620 per month for 60 months through Navy Federal Credit Union and I would need to buy a new extended service plan from Granger or Flood Ford.

My gut is that I should keep the truck and not get a new one.

Thoughts?

I don't know them all, but lots of features were dropped for cost savings over the years -- your 22 to a 25 may be a downgrade.

 

[COrocket]

The heat pump is really the only notable upgrade on the 2025.

The 2025 won’t have 80 amp charging, bed scales, driver door keypad (dealer install option), home link garage opener, and possibly a few other things I’m forgetting - but nonetheless is a downgrade in several conveniences.

I personally wouldn’t be compelled to upgrade since it’s the exact same powertrain and technology, unless you are having issues with the 2022. Spending 34k to wind back the odometer 27,000 miles isn’t a very good cost/mile proposition, if you like to track that metric when evaluating cost of ownership.

 

[electricpig]

Keep what you have. Add the extended warranty if you feel like it and don't have it.

I've been tempted to upgrade on my XLT ST to a Flash or higher, but would start the payment clock over again. I keep getting higher offers from Cavana, but adding years to payment knowing that eventually better is coming down the pipe is logically not a good move. Add to that, so far my truck has been trouble free, and you are always rolling the dice on the next one. Would be nice to have the added features, but my truck is more than adequate as it is. Hopefully I stay rational as well.

 

[hturnerfamily]

If I was your father, and I'm not, as I have four sons of my own, already, there is absolutely NO reason to listen to, much less Consider, whatever this 'sales person' mentioned to you... he is, after all, a SALES person, and NOT a financial advisor. You already OWN a terrific, exceptional, and AMAZING MACHINE.

for consideration, though, my fatherly advice, with my own sons, is not always readily accepted, either, although well-meaning and financial 'sound'... the world doesn't always revolve around 'common sense' financial living, though.
...
While I and my wife have been driving full EVs for years, with our LIGHTNING and EV9, and several before those, and our two 'youngest' sons, with help from me, are now driving full EV Chevy Bolts, moving them up from their initial older LEAF EVs, our two oldest sons, 8-10 years older, though, had yet to enter the EV fray, and not necessarily enamored with our 'success'...

With our second son and his wife contemplating a newborn last year, though, they suddenly wanted to 'upgrade' her old sedan to something more 'family' oriented.
I 'advised' them, or better yet, softly suggested, that it might be 'time' to consider moving into the EV world, with now so many different family-oriented models and options... SUVs.
But, alas, while the son was 'interested' in pursuing this idea, especially since he's already owned several e-bikes, his wife, was, well, not so much.
Sometimes in the EV world, one spouse is the 'driver' of the conversation, while the other is the 'not so interested' passenger, or maybe someone who is overly 'concerned' about whether any 'EV' could really work for them, or 'get' them where they want to go.
They chose a Mazda CX-30. Oh well... but...

... the story doesn't end there, though...

Just at a year later, they made a move from their home, sold quickly, to a brand new Apartment complex... an interim move until they decide whether to stay in the area, put down roots for the long-term, but while exploring a new career move.
It's a nice, large, expansive complex, and, most interestingly, from my perspective, offering many FREE 240v Level 2 EV charging parking spaces, all throughout the many parking areas.
But, even for them, this 'benefit' was not yet on their 'radar', although, during a visit, his brother, 8 years younger, and driving a BOLT, a visit from 200+ miles away, enjoyed those FREE 'benefits' during his overnight stay.
My son took his new Career job, locally, and started his orientation that same week of moving into the new Apartment, while his wife, and now with a 1 year old, continued hers. Everything is good.....

until....

My son reached out to me, his auto insurance agent, back in late March, and said that he was looking for a nice, small, low-cost EV for his wife, maybe a older LEAF, just something where she can drive the 1/2 mile to work, and without having to 'crank' an engine for such a short trip...
leaving the Mazda for 'family trips', when needed, as he, himself, was going to ride either his e-bike, or his motorcycle, to his new Career job, 1 mile away. Great, I know a LOT about LEAFS, and, fortunately, it would be a low-cost add to their insurance policy.

I said that he was really on to something good - the EV would be a great exercise in exactly how great the EV idea is for that exact scenario, and, not to even mention the FREE charging where they live.
Well, at least if he could get HER to 'buy into' the idea.
She did.
He did... $3,500 on Facebook marketplace. One owner. Great battery health...

She now drives a small, quirky-looking, BABY BLUE 2015 Nissan Leaf, quietly and easily to work each morning, and back to the apartment for lunch, and back to work for the afternoon, and, well, all without cranking an engine, making much of a 'sound', and never having to stop at a gas-station again.
We've got her now.

But, even THAT is not the end of the story...

My son reached out to me, AGAIN, just yesterday. They were looking online, at their 'favorite' car dealer, the very one who sold them the Mazda last year, and were VERY interested in 'upgrading' to an EV - an EV to REPLACE their Mazda 'family trip' vehicle...

yes, we've now brought them FULLY to the Dark Side!

They now own and drive NOTHING that requires gas, well, except for a motorcycle...which only 'sips' gasoline... and even THAT vehicle probably won't be around for long.
They now own and drive ONLY EVs, which they charge for FREE - a 2015 Leaf, and a 2023 VW id.4.

Go figure. : ) I'm a proud father.
One more to go.

 

[TaxmanHog]

My gut is that I should keep the truck and not get a new one.

Thoughts?

I plan to keep mine at least until the Ford 8 year HVB warranty is reached, added the Granger Extension for 120,000 miles within that time frame for incidentals and gizmos.

You could cash out the current ext warranty and apply the credit to cost of newer warranty

 

[DavidYo]

I personally don’t think that the heat pump is an upgrade for my use. I do live in Georgia so the cold isn’t a huge issue but I like the resistive heat and how well it works when I need it as compared to what others have commented about the heat pump. It also drops complexity. I would keep the 22 and hope for something better when the extended warranty runs out. Also the range is lower and the level 2 charging is cut in half

 

[chl]

If I was your father, and I'm not, as I have four sons of my own, already, there is absolutely NO reason to listen to, much less Consider, whatever this 'sales person' mentioned to you... he is, after all, a SALES person, and NOT a financial advisor. You already OWN a terrific, exceptional, and AMAZING MACHINE.

for consideration, though, my fatherly advice, with my own sons, is not always readily accepted, either, although well-meaning and financial 'sound'... the world doesn't always revolve around 'common sense' financial living, though.
...
While I and my wife have been driving full EVs for years, with our LIGHTNING and EV9, and several before those, and our two 'youngest' sons, with help from me, are now driving full EV Chevy Bolts, moving them up from their initial older LEAF EVs, our two oldest sons, 8-10 years older, though, had yet to enter the EV fray, and not necessarily enamored with our 'success'...

With our second son and his wife contemplating a newborn last year, though, they suddenly wanted to 'upgrade' her old sedan to something more 'family' oriented.
I 'advised' them, or better yet, softly suggested, that it might be 'time' to consider moving into the EV world, with now so many different family-oriented models and options... SUVs.
But, alas, while the son was 'interested' in pursuing this idea, especially since he's already owned several e-bikes, his wife, was, well, not so much.
Sometimes in the EV world, one spouse is the 'driver' of the conversation, while the other is the 'not so interested' passenger, or maybe someone who is overly 'concerned' about whether any 'EV' could really work for them, or 'get' them where they want to go.
They chose a Mazda CX-30. Oh well... but...

... the story doesn't end there, though...

Just at a year later, they made a move from their home, sold quickly, to a brand new Apartment complex... an interim move until they decide whether to stay in the area, put down roots for the long-term, but while exploring a new career move.
It's a nice, large, expansive complex, and, most interestingly, from my perspective, offering many FREE 240v Level 2 EV charging parking spaces, all throughout the many parking areas.
But, even for them, this 'benefit' was not yet on their 'radar', although, during a visit, his brother, 8 years younger, and driving a BOLT, a visit from 200+ miles away, enjoyed those FREE 'benefits' during his overnight stay.
My son took his new Career job, locally, and started his orientation that same week of moving into the new Apartment, while his wife, and now with a 1 year old, continued hers. Everything is good.....

until....

My son reached out to me, his auto insurance agent, back in late March, and said that he was looking for a nice, small, low-cost EV for his wife, maybe a older LEAF, just something where she can drive the 1/2 mile to work, and without having to 'crank' an engine for such a short trip...
leaving the Mazda for 'family trips', when needed, as he, himself, was going to ride either his e-bike, or his motorcycle, to his new Career job, 1 mile away. Great, I know a LOT about LEAFS, and, fortunately, it would be a low-cost add to their insurance policy.

I said that he was really on to something good - the EV would be a great exercise in exactly how great the EV idea is for that exact scenario, and, not to even mention the FREE charging where they live.
Well, at least if he could get HER to 'buy into' the idea.
She did.
He did... $3,500 on Facebook marketplace. One owner. Great battery health...

She now drives a small, quirky-looking, BABY BLUE 2015 Nissan Leaf, quietly and easily to work each morning, and back to the apartment for lunch, and back to work for the afternoon, and, well, all without cranking an engine, making much of a 'sound', and never having to stop at a gas-station again.
We've got her now.

But, even THAT is not the end of the story...

My son reached out to me, AGAIN, just yesterday. They were looking online, at their 'favorite' car dealer, the very one who sold them the Mazda last year, and were VERY interested in 'upgrading' to an EV - an EV to REPLACE their Mazda 'family trip' vehicle...

yes, we've now brought them FULLY to the Dark Side!

They now own and drive NOTHING that requires gas, well, except for a motorcycle...which only 'sips' gasoline... and even THAT vehicle probably won't be around for long.
They now own and drive ONLY EVs, which they charge for FREE - a 2015 Leaf, and a 2023 VW id.4.

Go figure. : ) I'm a proud father.
One more to go.

I'm still loving my 2012 Leaf, still good for local trips to the store etc.

I'd have thunk the spike in gas prices would be a big motivator to switch to an EV for the youngsters.
But they have heard all the negative propaganda on social media, so it takes some time to get through to them.

Congrats!

 

[chl]

I agree with the consensus - keep the '22.

Why does the GSM wants it?
It must be in his interest for some reason.

1) he must think it is a good vehicle and/or
2) he can resell it and make a profit and get rid of the 2025 too.

The GSM of a dealership is not going to do you any favors where $$ is involved, unless he's a close personal friend or relative.

 

[taraafico]

If I were you I’d keep the ‘22 . As everyone mentioned your truck has more features than the new one. I wouldn’t take a $600 loan in this economy. Get extended warranty for your ‘22 and enjoy loan free, it’s a good feeling.

 

[Athrun88]

Salespeople never do anything unless it benefits them in some way. Sure, it seems like it's an upgrade for you, brand new 2025 vs 'aging' 2022, however, I agree that your 2022 is probably better than a new 2025. You most likely have settings and features that were dropped in subsequent years. Unless you're really after updated BC or other sensors, it's not really an upgrade for you. This guy is just looking for another commission cheque for moving one more unit off their lot.

 

[Robocop]

I say don't do it! For sure don't do anything rash!

Your truck is almost paid off. Do you want to go from the top of the mountain right back to the bottom? Newer isn't always better!!! this isn't an upgrade if you ask me.

The '25 might not have the dual on board chargers your '22 has. You haven't mentioned if your '22 has had any problems. If you are happy with the truck you have and want to keep it, keep it!

I bought my Lightning cash and I own it free and clear, so that means I have no payments. if you got a good one and you own it outright, there would be no good reason I could see why anyone would sell.

That would be a big phat "no" from me!!

 

[flyct]

My recomendation is to keep the 2022. You lose too many options with a 2025. And with Ford cancelling the Lighting you risk significant depreciation.

That being said, I traded a 2023 Lariat ER for a 2024 Platinum bacl in March of 2025..
The resons I did it are below. If I didn't have this huge discount I would never have upraded.

Residual is $49,299.25 so I don't believe it will be worth it to buy at lease end.

My Cons:
My 2024 is missing a Homelink but I bought a Homelink Sunvisor ($195) and installed it myself.
I lost 80 amp charging capability but I only charged at 48 amps at home with my Tesla Chargers.
I lost the Lariat black seats for the light gray seats which are more of a pain to keep clean.
Lost 10% for range with bigger tires
I lost a few hundred pounds of Payload

My Pros:
I gained Masaging Seats which my wife loves. Happy wife Happy life!
I moved Tonneau cover over from the 2023
I got a Pearl White which is much cooler than the Gray in Florida

1- I leased the 2024 Platinum at 0% interest
2- I got $25,169 off MSRP after Incentives, Rebates, Programs and X-Plan discount.
3- I got a check for $47,000 from the dealer for the 2023 trade. I put the $47k in the stack market which as of today has unrealized gains of $7,400 since 3/1/2025

From Deal Paperwork:
Program and incentives Dollars
1. $615.00 Blue Cruise Credit
2. $1,000.00 Charger Credit
3. $2,000.00 ECO
4. $9.500.00 EV RCL Cash
5. $1,000.00 X-Plan Bonus Cash
6. $7.500.00 X-Plan Custoer Cash
========
$21,615 Programs and Incenettives
+$3,554 Xplan Discount
-------
$25,169 Total off MSRP
=====

 

[JayF]

Why not wait to see the Ranchero? Will be interesting to see.

Sponsored