Are Ford Raptors reliable or just expensive to maintain?

Looking at buying a 2018 Raptor with 135K miles, one owner. Just wondering if it’ll actually last a while before I’m dealing with engine, transmission, or turbo issues. The seller recently did:

  • Timing belt/chain replaced
  • Oil and filter changed
  • Wiper(s) replaced
  • Oil pan drain plug replaced
  • Timing belt/chain tensioner replaced
  • Cabin air filter replaced/cleaned

They’re asking $34K. Good price or should I keep looking?

It’s reliable if it was well maintained. If the owner stretched oil changes or ignored other fluids, I’d walk. Cam phasers will need replacing if they haven’t been done already.

I’ve got high mileage on mine, and it’s been solid except for the cam phaser repair. The shocks need rebuilding often, and tires aren’t cheap. Definitely not a budget-friendly truck. You buy a Raptor because it’s awesome, not because it’s cheap to own.

@Ari
How high is ‘high mileage’? I’m at 107K on a ‘17, keeping up with maintenance, but still nervous about hitting my 125K warranty limit.

Eli said:
@Ari
How high is ‘high mileage’? I’m at 107K on a ‘17, keeping up with maintenance, but still nervous about hitting my 125K warranty limit.

I’m at 165K on my 2018. Change oil every 5K, transmission fluid every 50K. Truck still runs like new. Had cam phasers done at 75K. Only other non-routine stuff was the IWE check valve and a cracked valve cover—both minor.

@Ari
Cam phasers at 75K? That sucks.

@Ari
Appreciate the details!

@Ari
Mine’s at 98K and already had cam phasers, IWE check valve, cats, and a transmission rebuild. Previous owner probably didn’t take great care of it. But even with the trans issue and phasers, it never left me stranded. (Extended warranty saved my wallet.)

@Ari
How much have you spent on the truck in the past year?

Taj said:
@Ari
How much have you spent on the truck in the past year?

This past year, just oil changes. But around 100K, I did tires, shocks, brakes, and fluids—easily $7K+. Hoping to get to 250K miles, but anything can happen at this mileage. I just don’t want to pay for a new one. Mine was a steal in 2018.

Taj said:
@Ari
How much have you spent on the truck in the past year?

About $20K total, but my warranty covered all but $1,500 of it.

@Ari
Did you change the transmission fluid yourself? I’m at 60K and thinking about doing it.

Bailey said:
@Ari
Did you change the transmission fluid yourself? I’m at 60K and thinking about doing it.

Nah, had the dealer do it. Looked like a pain. Cost around $400.

@Ari
Have you had any shifting issues? My ‘17 has 125K miles and runs fine, but it jerks from 3rd to 5th sometimes.

Eli said:
@Ari
Have you had any shifting issues? My ‘17 has 125K miles and runs fine, but it jerks from 3rd to 5th sometimes.

No major issues, just a couple clunks when cold. I always reset the adaptive learning in Forscan whenever I change the fluid—helps a lot. Fresh fluid makes a world of difference, IMO. Learned that from my old GM trucks. These transmissions really need a fluid change every 50-60K to last.

@Ari
Yeah, shifts smooth once it’s warm. I reset adaptive learning too if it gets bad. Not sure if my truck has ever had a trans fluid change, so I’ll ask next time I’m in for an oil change. Thanks!

Eli said:
@Ari
How high is ‘high mileage’? I’m at 107K on a ‘17, keeping up with maintenance, but still nervous about hitting my 125K warranty limit.

Yeah, my warranty expires today… selling it ASAP.

It’s just an F-150. Other than needing shock rebuilds more often, it’s not really more expensive to maintain than a regular F-150.

Reagan said:
It’s just an F-150. Other than needing shock rebuilds more often, it’s not really more expensive to maintain than a regular F-150.

Tires and brakes cost way more than a normal F-150 though.

@Caden
Not really. If you’re running the same size off-road tires, the cost is about the same. And the brakes are identical to other F-150s.

I paid just over $40K for my ‘18 with 58K miles. You can probably find a cheaper one.