2013 Ford F-150 True Cost of Ownership (5-Year Breakdown)
Real cost to own a 2013 Ford F-150. Insurance, maintenance, fuel, depreciation, and surprise repair costs.
Key Takeaways
A realistic 2013 Ford F-150 cost of ownership over 5 years is about $36,000–$50,000 for 60,000–75,000 miles, with fuel and depreciation as the biggest line items.
Fuel typically costs $12,000–$18,000 over 5 years at 16–18 mpg; towing and 4x4 use can add thousands.
Insurance commonly lands around $1,600–$2,600 per year ($8,000–$13,000 over 5 years) depending on location and coverage.
Plan $3,000–$6,500 for maintenance plus $2,000–$7,500 for repairs, with EcoBoost boost leaks/turbo-related work and front-end wear the most common big-ticket themes.
2013 Ford F-150 cost of ownership (5-year estimate): what most owners actually spend
This guide breaks down the 2013 Ford F-150 cost of ownership over 5 years using real-world owner-reported running costs (fuel economy and maintenance patterns) plus common market pricing for insurance, repairs, and depreciation.
Assumptions (typical used-truck scenario):
- Ownership period: 5 years
- Annual mileage: 12,000–15,000 miles (60,000–75,000 miles total)
- Fuel price range used: $3.25–$4.00/gal (nationally typical swings)
- Popular engines: 3.5 EcoBoost, 5.0 V8, 3.7 V6; 4x2 and 4x4 both common
5-year total cost ranges (excluding loan interest):
- Low-mileage / 2WD / higher MPG / fewer repairs: $29,000–$40,000
- Average mixed use (most owners): $36,000–$50,000
- 4x4 / towing / higher miles / repair-heavy: $45,000–$62,000
Typical 5-year breakdown (average owner):
- Depreciation: $10,000–$16,000
- Fuel: $12,000–$18,000
- Insurance: $8,000–$13,000
- Maintenance + wear items: $3,000–$6,500
- Repairs (common fixes): $2,000–$7,500
Depreciation: expected value drop over the next 5 years
Depreciation is often the single biggest cost after fuel. The 2013 F-150 holds value well compared with many full-size trucks, but the spread is wide depending on cab/trim, 4x4, mileage, rust, and maintenance history.
What most owners see in the market:
- Typical 5-year depreciation: $10,000–$16,000
- Higher-trim (Lariat/Platinum) can lose more dollars even if percentage loss is similar.
- Work-truck trims (XL/XLT) tend to be steadier, especially with clean frames and service records.
Mileage effect (rule of thumb):
- 60,000 miles added in 5 years: typically -$6,000 to -$10,000 vs. a lower-mile example
- 75,000 miles added in 5 years: typically -$8,000 to -$13,000 vs. a lower-mile example
Big depreciation multipliers:
- Accident history or salvage branding
- Rust in rocker panels/cab corners and frame scaling (salt-belt)
- Deferred maintenance (oil leaks, misfires, worn tires/brakes)
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Fuel costs (real-world MPG): EcoBoost vs 5.0 vs 3.7, 2WD vs 4x4
Fuel spend is highly sensitive to engine choice, tire size, gearing, towing, and 4x4 use. Owner-reported real-world MPG commonly lands below EPA when the truck sees city driving, idling, or towing.
Common real-world MPG ranges reported by owners:
- 3.7 V6 (2WD): ~17–21 mpg combined
- 5.0 V8 (2WD): ~15–19 mpg combined
- 3.5 EcoBoost (2WD): ~15–19 mpg combined (towing can drop into single digits)
- 4x4 versions: typically 1–2 mpg less than comparable 2WD
5-year fuel cost estimates (60,000–75,000 miles):
- At 16 mpg:
- 60k mi = 3,750 gal → $12,200–$15,000
- 75k mi = 4,688 gal → $15,200–$18,800
- At 18 mpg:
- 60k mi = 3,333 gal → $10,800–$13,300
- 75k mi = 4,167 gal → $13,500–$16,700
- At 20 mpg:
- 60k mi = 3,000 gal → $9,800–$12,000
- 75k mi = 3,750 gal → $12,200–$15,000
Towing note (real-world owner pattern):
- Frequent towing can add $1,500–$4,000+ in fuel over 5 years depending on trailer weight, speed, and terrain.
Insurance costs: what to budget for a 2013 F-150
Insurance varies by state, driving record, credit tier, coverage levels, and how the truck is used (personal vs business). Full coverage on a full-size pickup is often costlier than a midsize SUV due to claim severity and repair costs.
Typical insurance ranges for many drivers:
- Per year: $1,600–$2,600
- Over 5 years: $8,000–$13,000
What pushes premiums up:
- 4x4 and higher trims (replacement cost)
- High annual mileage (15k+)
- Comprehensive claims risk (hail-prone areas) and theft rates
Ways owners commonly lower costs:
- Higher deductible paired with an emergency fund
- Bundling home/renters
- Usage-based programs if your driving pattern is low-risk
Maintenance & wear items (5 years / 60k–75k miles): realistic schedule and costs
Routine maintenance on the 2013 F-150 is straightforward, but costs depend on oil type, shop rates, tire size, and whether the truck tows.
Typical maintenance & wear-item budget:
- 5-year total: $3,000–$6,500
Common items owners pay for in 60k–75k miles:
- Oil changes (synthetic blend/full synthetic): $60–$120 each; 8–12 services → $500–$1,400
- Tires (LT or P-metric, 18–20 in.): $900–$1,800 per set installed; 1–2 sets → $900–$3,600
- Brakes (pads/rotors): $450–$1,000 per axle depending on parts; 1–2 axle services → $450–$2,000
- Transmission service (varies by use): $250–$450
- Differential/transfer case service (4x4): $250–$600 total for front+rear+transfer case
- Coolant/brake fluid/filters: $250–$700 over the period
Owner-driven factors that increase maintenance:
- Heavy towing/hauling (more frequent brakes, tires, fluids)
- Oversized tires and aggressive tread (faster wear, worse MPG)
- Rust-belt use (more suspension/brake hardware replacement)
Common repairs over 5 years: what breaks, when, and what it costs
Beyond routine maintenance, owners most often report repairs related to ignition, turbo/charge-air plumbing (EcoBoost), vacuum/EVAP leaks, and wear in suspension/steering components as mileage climbs.
Typical 5-year repair spend (beyond maintenance):
- Light repair scenario: $2,000–$3,500
- Average: $3,500–$5,500
- Repair-heavy: $5,500–$7,500+
Most common 2013 F-150 repairs and real-world pricing ranges:
- Spark plugs/coil packs (misfire diagnostics): $250–$900
- EcoBoost charge-air leaks / intercooler plumbing issues: $300–$1,200
- Turbo-related repairs (varies by root cause): $1,200–$3,500+ (pair can be higher)
- Throttle body / sensor issues (idle/stall complaints): $250–$700
- Vacuum/EVAP leak diagnostics & fixes: $200–$800
- Front end wear (ball joints, tie rods, control arms): $600–$2,000
- Wheel hub/bearing assemblies: $350–$900 per corner
- Brake lines/calipers in rust-belt conditions: $400–$1,500
Mileage windows where repairs become more common (owner pattern):
- 90,000–120,000 miles: front suspension wear, wheel bearings, ignition service
- 120,000–160,000 miles: more frequent leak fixes, sensor replacements, higher odds of turbo/boost-related work on EcoBoost if maintenance history is poor
Best way to reduce repair risk:
- Verify service records (oil change frequency matters most on EcoBoost)
- Pre-purchase inspection focused on boost leaks, fluid leaks, and front-end play
- Check for rust on brake lines, cab corners, and frame (especially salt-belt trucks)
Pros
Strong resale value for a full-size truck, especially clean XL/XLT and well-kept 4x4 models
Wide parts availability keeps many common repairs within predictable price ranges
Multiple engine choices let owners prioritize towing torque (EcoBoost) or simpler long-term upkeep (5.0 V8)
Cons
Fuel costs add up quickly at real-world 15–18 mpg, especially with towing or 4x4
Repair costs can spike on EcoBoost trucks if boost/turbo issues stack up at higher mileage
Rust-belt trucks can become expensive due to brake lines, suspension hardware, and body corrosion
Risk Factors
High-mileage EcoBoost with spotty oil-change history (higher risk of turbo/boost-related problems and costly diagnostics)
Rust-belt exposure (higher likelihood of brake line, fastener, and frame/cab corrosion repairs)
Frequent towing/hauling (accelerates brake, tire, and drivetrain fluid service needs)
Want the full picture?
Get a comprehensive Reliability Report with risk scores, repair costs, and mileage danger zones.
People Also Ask
What is the 2013 Ford F-150 cost of ownership over 5 years?
Most owners should budget about $36,000–$50,000 over 5 years for 60,000–75,000 miles, excluding loan interest. That typically includes $10,000–$16,000 depreciation, $12,000–$18,000 fuel, $8,000–$13,000 insurance, plus maintenance and repairs.
How much does it cost to maintain a 2013 Ford F-150 for 5 years?
Routine maintenance and wear items typically run $3,000–$6,500 over 5 years/60k–75k miles. Tires and brakes are the biggest variables, especially on 4x4 trucks and towing setups.
How much are common repairs on a 2013 F-150?
Beyond maintenance, many owners spend $2,000–$7,500 over 5 years depending on mileage and condition. Common repairs include ignition work ($250–$900), front-end components ($600–$2,000), wheel bearings ($350–$900 per corner), and EcoBoost boost/turbo-related fixes ($300–$3,500+).
Is the 2013 F-150 EcoBoost expensive to own?
It can be average-cost when maintained well, but repair-heavy when boost leaks, intercooler/charge piping issues, or turbo problems appear. Budget a larger repair reserve ($1,500–$3,000 extra over 5 years) compared with a simpler, well-kept V8 if you’re buying a higher-mile EcoBoost with limited records.
What MPG do owners actually get in a 2013 Ford F-150?
Real-world combined MPG commonly falls in the mid-to-high teens: about 15–19 mpg for the 5.0 and 3.5 EcoBoost in mixed driving, and roughly 17–21 mpg for the 3.7 in lighter 2WD setups. 4x4 and towing typically reduce MPG by 1–2+ mpg (or more under load).
How much is insurance for a 2013 Ford F-150?
A common full-coverage range is $1,600–$2,600 per year ($8,000–$13,000 over 5 years), depending on state, driving record, deductibles, and trim/4x4.
What mileage is “too high” for a used 2013 F-150?
There’s no single cutoff, but repair frequency tends to increase after about 90,000–120,000 miles (front-end wear, wheel bearings, ignition service). Past 120,000–160,000 miles, condition and service history matter more than odometer reading—especially for EcoBoost trucks.
How can I lower 2013 F-150 ownership costs?
Buy on condition and records, not just price. Prioritize a rust-free frame/body, verify consistent oil changes, budget for tires and brakes, keep tire pressures correct, and do drivetrain fluid services (especially on 4x4). A pre-purchase inspection focusing on boost leaks, suspension play, and rust can prevent surprise four-figure repairs.