At Bachrodt on State, we pride ourselves on a diverse offering of the best vehicles under $15K. In this article, we’ll specifically take a look at some of the affordable Ford models that we’ve got in our inventory.
If after reading you think one of these might be a good fit, check out the Bachrodt on State pre-owned inventory to see if we have them in stock.
2017 Ford Explorer
Although the 2017 Ford Explorer originally ran for between $32K and $54K, now you can get one of these reliable vehicles for just over $12K. The popular three-row crossover is a recent enough model to sport the SYNC infotainment system, albeit an earlier version.
Here’s a rundown of what to expect from the 2017 Explorer.
Powertrain & performance
The 2017 Ford Explorer runs on a base 3.5-L V-6 engine that generates 290 horsepower. Depending on which upgrades the previous owner made, you could end up with a turbo 2.3-L four-cylinder that makes 280 ponies, or the twin-turbo 3.5-L V-6 that makes 365 ponies. Front-wheel drive is standard, but some owners may have upgraded to all-wheel drive. Regardless, all 2017 Explorers run on a six-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel economy
Although seven years is plenty of time for wear and tear to cause the vehicle’s fuel economy to decline, the EPA reports a baseline of 17 mpg city, 24 highway, and 20 combined for the base powertrain. Be sure to check out the EPA’s estimates for your used Explorer’s specific configuration.
Infotainment & connectivity
2017 saw the debut of the SYNC infotainment system on the Explorer, and it runs on a 8.0-inch touchscreen. There are also several buttons for stereo, climate control, and more.
Warranty coverage
Ford’s Blue Advantage program includes a warranty package that varies based on the local dealer. Contact Bachrodt on State to see what we offer with our Explorer inventory.
2017 Ford Mustang
The famously sporty Mustang has long been renowned for its blend of performance, styling, and comfort. Because Ford offers a range of customizations for the Mustang, one pre-owned vehicle can be very different from the other. However, we’ll walk through some of the features that are common to all 2017 Mustangs.
Powertrain & performance
The 2017 Mustang runs on a standard 3.7-L V-6 that produces 300 horsepower, which is probably what you’ll find in a pre-owned Mustang that’s selling for under $15K. You may end up with either six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Fuel economy
If your Mustang’s previous owner has conducted regular scheduled maintenance and responsible driving, you can expect it to hit somewhere around the EPA’s estimated gas mileage. For the base engine, that’s around 18 mpg city, 27 highway, and 21 combined.
Infotainment & connectivity
Unlike the 2017 Explorer, the SYNC infotainment system is optional for the Mustang, not standard. As such, it may or may not be present with your model. However, the 2017 pony car does come standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker stereo system.
Warranty
As with the 2017 Explorer, contact your local Ford dealer to find out the warranty on your Mustang.
2017 Ford Flex
As far as three-row crossovers go, the 2019 Ford Flex offers the perfect balance between minivan and SUV. You can use it as a family vehicle, a surfer mobile, or for off-road adventures. Given that a 2017 Flex can range from $9K to $18K, odds are you can get one for under $15K. Let’s see what you can expect when you do.
Powertrain & performance
The standard engine for the 2017 Ford Flex is a 3.5-L V-6 engine that pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Flex comes with either front- or all-wheel drive, so be sure to verify how many axles the engine turns before buying. You may end up with the higher-end turbo V-6 engine, but likely that’ll put the vehicle outside the $15K range.
Fuel economy
While wear and tear may impact your Flex’s gas mileage, expect it to cap out at the EPA’s estimate of 16 mpg city, 23 highway, and 19 combined.
Infotainment & connectivity
Although the base Flex comes with no touchscreen—just a 4.2-inch display—some previous owners may have upgraded to the 8.0-inch touchscreen that runs Ford’s SYNC software. Other potential add-ons include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 12-speaker Sony audio system, and even a rear-seat entertainment center.
Warranty
As with the previous models, contact your local dealer to see what warranty options are available for a pre-owned 2017 Ford Flex.
Final thoughts on the best Ford vehicles under $15K
All three Fords represent the best vehicles for under $15K from a local used dealer. But there are plenty more options available at Bachrodt on State, your #1 Rockford Auto Dealer. Not just Fords, but other makes and models as well.
To see the full range of affordable vehicles under $15K at Bachrodt on State, check out our inventory here.

