Our 2013 Ford F-150 has been more than just a truck—it’s been a steadfast companion on an epic journey across the United States. Today, we officially parted ways with it, selling it to a Lexus dealership in Los Angeles. It’s a bittersweet milestone, marking the end of a chapter filled with adventure, challenges, and memories.
We used a Kelly Blue Book (KBB) offer to guide the sale, and the dealership met the valuation at $7,528. To ensure we got the best deal, I visited four dealerships near LAX for inspections. While all initially agreed to the KBB value, three of them drastically revised their offers after inspections. Thankfully, the Lexus dealership honored the original amount, making the decision to sell slightly less painful.
The Life of Our F-150
We purchased this truck in Florida at the end of December 2023. Over the past 11 months, it’s carried us 30,000 miles across America, with 25,000 of those miles spent towing our travel trailer. It braved mountains, deserts, and countless highways, all while hauling our family, including our toddler and beagle, Sniffy.
Through its tenure, the F-150 received only two oil changes and a set of new rear tires—minimal maintenance considering the rigors we put it through. However, the journey wasn’t without its hiccups:
- A transmission hose developed a small leak, which I patched up using rescue tape.
- A notoriously troublesome fuse blew nearly 20 times before I relocated it to a new position, solving the issue for good.
Despite these minor setbacks, the truck never left us stranded. It powered through every obstacle, proving its worth time and again.
The Final Chapter
By the time we reached Los Angeles, we knew it was time to let the F-150 go. With our travels nearing an end and logistics to consider for the next phase of our journey, it made sense to sell. Standing in the dealership lot, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness. This truck wasn’t just a vehicle; it was a symbol of resilience and freedom, a trusted companion that carried us through one of the most transformative experiences of our lives.
Reflecting on the Journey
Looking back, the F-150 wasn’t perfect, but it was perfect for us. From towing our trailer up steep grades to keeping us safe on long stretches of road, it was a reliable partner in our nomadic lifestyle.
As we handed over the keys, we were reminded of the thousands of miles it traveled with us—the places we explored, the challenges we overcame, and the memories we created as a family. It’s hard to say goodbye, but we’re grateful for everything it gave us.
Our journey with the F-150 has come to an end, but the spirit of adventure it embodied will continue to fuel our travels. Here’s to the next chapter, wherever the road may lead.
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