Used F-150 vs Silverado in Alberta

An honest comparison of two Alberta favourites in the used truck market — reliability, maintenance cost, resale value, and which is easier to finance.

Last reviewed: August 2026

Key Facts

F-150 Segment: #1 Canada sales
Silverado: #2 pickup Canada
Best Engine: V8 for lowest cost
Finance Options: 21+

Used F-150 vs Silverado — Which Should You Buy in Alberta?

Both are strong choices. The F-150 holds slightly better resale value. The Silverado 5.3L V8 is marginally simpler to maintain and often priced lower for comparable years. For bad credit financing, either truck works well — both hold value that lenders like as collateral.

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Ford F-150 vs Chevy Silverado — Used Alberta Comparison

Factor	Ford F-150	Chevy Silverado
Best used years	2015–2020 (13th gen aluminum)	2014–2018 (K2 5.3L V8)
Recommended engine	5.0L V8 or 3.5L EcoBoost	5.3L V8 (avoid 4.3L V6)
Reliability reputation	Strong — minor EcoBoost caveats	Very strong — esp. 5.3L V8
Maintenance cost	Moderate — EcoBoost adds complexity	Low — simple V8 powerplant
Resale value	Slightly higher (Canadian market)	Slightly lower, better pricing
Parts availability (Alberta)	Excellent — Ford dealer network	Excellent — GM dealer network
Payload / tow capacity	Best-in-class varies by trim	Comparable — strong work truck
Interior quality	Edge at higher trim levels	Competitive — WT to High Country
Used price range (2015–2018)	$28,000–$45,000 OAC	$24,000–$40,000 OAC
Bad credit finance suitability	Excellent — strong collateral value	Excellent — strong collateral value

Price ranges are general market estimates. Actual prices vary by mileage, trim, condition, and market timing. Verify current pricing with dealer or Black Book.

The Ford F-150 in Alberta's Used Market

The F-150 has been Canada's best-selling truck for decades — which means a large, liquid used market in Alberta. Parts are available everywhere from Lordco to dealerships, and independent mechanics know these trucks well. The 2015–2020 generation made the controversial switch to an aluminum-alloy body (lighter, more towing and payload capacity) that initially raised durability questions. Those concerns have proven largely unfounded — the bodies have held up well in Alberta winters.

Engine Considerations

5.0L V8Simple, proven, affordable to maintain. Best choice for work use or towing.

3.5L EcoBoostStrong power and towing. More expensive to maintain if turbos fail. Look for documented service history.

2.7L EcoBoostGood fuel economy but smaller engine for heavy work. Avoid for high-duty applications.

For buyers focused on lowest long-term cost, the 5.0L V8 F-150 is the safer used purchase. The EcoBoost engines are strong but add turbocharger complexity that can be expensive when service time arrives.

The Chevy Silverado in Alberta's Used Market

The Silverado is Alberta's second most popular pickup and offers some advantages in the used market: it is typically priced slightly lower than a comparable F-150, and the 5.3L V8 powertrain is one of the most proven and lowest-cost-to-maintain engines in any light truck. GM's Ecotec3 5.3L has a strong track record across millions of miles.

Engine Considerations

5.3L V8The gold standard for reliability and maintenance cost. Most popular choice for a reason.

6.2L V8Premium engine — more power, more fuel, more cost. Found on higher trims only.

4.3L V6Avoid for used purchase — less power, similar maintenance cost, lower resale value than V8.

The Bottom Line on Silverado Value

For Alberta buyers on a tighter budget who want maximum reliability and simplest maintenance, a 2015–2018 Silverado with the 5.3L V8 is arguably the best value used truck available. It's priced to move, engineered to last, and parts are everywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is a better used truck — the Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado in Alberta?

Both are excellent used trucks with strong resale value and large parts networks in Alberta. The F-150 tends to offer more powertrain variety (EcoBoost options) and often holds slightly higher resale value. The Silverado has a strong reputation for simplicity of repair, a wide choice of trim levels, and is often priced slightly lower in the used market for comparable years. Neither is a clear winner — it depends on your use case, mileage budget, and specific engine preference.

Which used truck is cheaper to maintain — F-150 or Silverado?

The Silverado with the 5.3L V8 is widely regarded as one of the lowest-maintenance light-duty trucks available — parts are abundant, labour is straightforward, and the engine is proven over millions of units. The F-150 with the 5.0L V8 is similarly reliable and affordable to maintain. The EcoBoost engines (2.7L and 3.5L) in the F-150 can cost more to service when turbos or intercoolers require attention. For minimum maintenance cost, a V8 in either truck is the safer choice.

Which used pickup holds its value better in Alberta — F-150 or Silverado?

The F-150 has historically held value slightly better than the Silverado in the Canadian used market, though the gap is small. Both trucks depreciate slower than most vehicle segments. Trim level matters more than brand — a well-equipped Silverado LTZ can hold value better than a base-spec F-150 XL. Check Black Book and specific year/model comparables when evaluating a specific purchase.

What years of used F-150 or Silverado should I look for in Alberta?

For the F-150, the 2015–2020 aluminum-body generation is well-proven and priced attractively in the used market. The 5.0L V8 trim years are especially reliable. For the Silverado, the 2014–2018 GMT K2 generation with the 5.3L V8 is a strong choice — known reliability, lower prices than newer K2JJ generation units, and widely available parts. Avoid high-mileage EcoBoost F-150s without documented service history.

Can I finance a used truck with bad credit in Alberta?

Yes. Trucks finance well with bad credit lenders because they hold their value better than cars and SUVs — giving the lender stronger collateral. A used F-150 or Silverado is a common vehicle type in subprime financing. Income, employment stability, and down payment matter more than your credit score for approval. We work with buyers across all credit situations.

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