If you’re hunting for a used truck, the 2013 F150 extended cab—or "SuperCab" in Ford speak—is probably all over your search results. It sits in that weird sweet spot. It’s not so old that it feels like a farm relic, but it’s not so new that you’re paying for a massive touchscreen you don’t actually need. But honestly, the 2013 model year was a massive turning point for the F-Series, and if you don’t know what was happening under the hood that year, you might end up with a high-maintenance headache.
Buying a truck is different than buying a sedan. You’re looking for utility, but you also don't want to feel like you're driving a literal tank every time you go to the grocery store. The 2013 F150 extended cab tried to bridge that gap.
The Cab Dilemma: SuperCab vs. SuperCrew
Let's talk about those doors. The 2013 SuperCab has the rear-hinged "suicide" doors. They’re cool, sure. They give you a massive, pillar-less opening when both the front and back doors are swung wide. It makes loading a toolbox or a bag of concrete into the back seat area remarkably easy. But there is a catch. You can’t open the back doors unless the front doors are already open. In a tight parking lot? It’s a nightmare. You and your passenger essentially get trapped in a "door bread sandwich" while trying to let someone out of the back.
Inside, the space is... okay. It’s not a family car. If you have kids in car seats, just stop right now and go find a SuperCrew. The 2013 F150 extended cab has about 33.4 inches of rear legroom. That sounds like a lot until you realize the full crew cab version gives you almost 10 inches more. The back seat is for dogs, groceries, or that one friend who doesn't mind their knees touching their chin for a twenty-minute drive to the job site.
The Engine War: EcoBoost vs. The Coyote 5.0
2013 was the year Ford really started pushing the 3.5L EcoBoost V6. At the time, truck purists were skeptical. A V6 in a full-sized Ford? It felt like heresy. But the numbers didn't lie. It pumped out 365 horsepower and a massive 420 lb-ft of torque. Because the twin-turbos spool up early, that 2013 F150 extended cab with an EcoBoost pulls like a freight train from a dead stop.
However, there’s the reliability factor.
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The early EcoBoost engines had some quirks. Specifically, "intercooler condensation" was a real thing. In humid conditions, water could pool in the intercooler, and when you stepped on the gas to pass someone, the engine would ingest that water, causing a shudder or a misfire. Ford released several TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) to fix this, but if you’re looking at a used one today, you need to check if that shield was ever installed.
Then you have the 5.0L "Coyote" V8.
It’s a legend.
Reliable.
Loud.
Simple.
If you want that classic truck rumble and an engine that can easily cruise past 200,000 miles with basic oil changes, this is the one. It doesn't have the low-end grunt of the EcoBoost, but it’s arguably the sturdier long-term investment.
Real-World Towing and Payload
Don't just look at the brochure. The 2013 F150 extended cab is often rated to tow up to 11,300 pounds if equipped with the Max Trailer Tow Package. But wait. Look at the yellow sticker inside the driver’s door jamb. That’s your actual payload capacity. Every heavy option—like power seats, chrome running boards, or a sunroof—eats into that number.
I’ve seen SuperCabs with a payload as low as 1,500 lbs. If you put four grown men in the truck and a heavy tongue weight from a trailer, you’re technically overloaded before you even put a cooler in the bed.
Common 2013 F150 Extended Cab Problems to Watch For
No truck is perfect, and this one is over a decade old. You have to be realistic.
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One of the most annoying issues with the 2013 model is the EPAS (Electronic Power Assisted Steering). Ford moved away from hydraulic steering to save fuel. It feels light and easy, which is great for backing up a boat. But when the EPAS rack fails? It’s expensive. You can’t just replace a hose or a pump; you usually have to replace the whole steering rack. If you feel a "notchy" sensation in the steering wheel or see a "Steering Assist Fault" light, walk away.
Then there's the rust.
Look at the cab corners.
Check the rocker panels.
Ford didn't switch to the all-aluminum body until 2015. The 2013 is still steel. If you live in the Rust Belt (looking at you, Ohio and Michigan), these trucks love to rot from the inside out. Reach behind the rear wheel well and feel the metal. If it feels crunchy, the truck is on borrowed time.
Interior Tech: The MyFord Touch Era
In 2013, Ford was really proud of MyFord Touch. Users... were not. The 8-inch screen was revolutionary at the time, but by today's standards, it's slow. It freezes. The "buttons" are actually capacitive touch zones that don't always work if you're wearing gloves.
If you find a 2013 F150 extended cab with the basic XLT trim, you might actually be better off. It uses physical buttons and a tiny 4.2-inch screen. It's ugly, but it works every single time. Plus, it’s way easier to swap in an aftermarket Carplay/Android Auto head unit into an XLT than it is to mess with the integrated Sony systems found in the Lariat or FX4 trims.
The Value Proposition in 2026
Why buy this over a newer 2018 or 2021? Price, mostly. But also simplicity.
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The 2013 F150 extended cab uses a 6-speed 6R80 transmission. It’s widely considered one of the best transmissions Ford ever made. It doesn't have the "gear hunting" issues of the newer 10-speeds. It’s smooth, predictable, and tough. For a lot of people, a truck is a tool, not a status symbol. They want something they can fix in their driveway.
What to Check Before You Buy
If you're standing in front of a 2013 F150 extended cab right now, do these three things:
- The Cold Start: Ask the seller to keep the engine cold before you arrive. Listen for a metallic rattle for the first 2-3 seconds after it fires up. That’s the cam phaser rattle. It’s a $2,000+ repair job. If it rattles, it’s a dealbreaker unless the price is deeply discounted.
- The Fuse 27 Mod: Ask if the "Fuse 27" relocation has been done. The fuel pump relay fuse on these trucks is known to melt in the fuse box, leaving you stranded on the highway. It’s a $20 fix that saves a $500 headache.
- The Rear Window: If it has a sliding rear window, check the defrost. They are notorious for shattering or simply not working. It's a weirdly common 2013 glitch.
How to Make it Last
If you decide to pull the trigger, change the fluids immediately. All of them. Not just the oil. The rear differential, the transfer case (if it’s 4x4), and specifically the transmission fluid. Ford claimed the transmission fluid was "lifetime," but ask any mechanic—that’s a lie. Change it every 60,000 miles if you want to see 300,000 on the odometer.
The 2013 F150 extended cab remains a workhorse for a reason. It has a classic look, enough power to do real work, and it’s from an era before trucks became rolling computers with $80,000 price tags.
Actionable Steps for Potential Buyers
- Verify the Engine: Prioritize the 5.0L V8 for longevity or the 3.5L EcoBoost for heavy towing, but ensure the EcoBoost has service records for spark plug gaps and intercooler checks.
- Inspect the "Suicide" Doors: Open and close them several times. The latches inside the doors can get gunked up or break, making it impossible to close the door securely.
- Run a VIN Check: These trucks were often used as fleet vehicles. Look for "Idle Hours" in the dashboard menu if it’s a higher trim. High idle hours are just as bad as high mileage.
- Check the Payload Sticker: Don't assume it can carry 2,000 lbs just because it's an F150. Read the actual door sticker to ensure it fits your specific hauling needs.
- Budget for the "Big Three": Keep $2,500 in a "just in case" fund for the EPAS steering rack, cam phasers, or lead frame issues in the transmission—the three most common major fails for this specific year.
Choosing a 2013 model means you're getting the last of the "steel" generation. It's a heavy, solid-feeling truck that handles predictably. While the extended cab layout isn't the best for large families, it provides a perfect balance of bed length and interior storage for the solo contractor or the weekend warrior who needs a 6.5-foot bed more than they need a massive back seat. Stay diligent on the maintenance, watch for that frame rust, and this truck will likely outlast many of the newer, more complicated pickups on the road today.