Here is my take on this.
I really thought about the very lightly used 2018 MAX XL with couple of hundred miles on.
I found one with max tow, the color I want, only 650 miles on the ODO for $36K within 500 miles from me.
I called and found out no 3rd row seats and no seat belts, etc.
So thought really hard and did some quick numbers if I install those myself. The seat belt will be couple of hundred bucks each cause they will have the explosive charge in it to lock up the moment the impact happens. I will need the power 3rd row seats, switches and all the trim panels. They won't be too cheap.
Then, I found a new 2019 MAX XLT for $51K and I bought it. The expy for our family is used by my wife and it is an upgrade form the mini-van. We need the 3rd row now, not after I finish the conversion next year.
So it really depends on your needs.
With that said, I am also looking for a F150 for myself. Now, the lightly used 5 seats max XL actually really fit what I need... So instead of buying a F150 and paying extra for a shell, a 5 seat expy wiht max tow really fits my application.