Ordered a 2024’ Carbonized Gray 801A, set to be built 07/15/24 for MSRP.
I’ve owned a 16’ and 21’ F150 with the regular 3.5 (weren’t so great for me) but I read a lot that the Raptor variant is better and more thoroughly built/ tested (having been made for the Baja races).
How has the 3.5 been for you in your Raptor?
Anything I should know or expect when buying a Raptor specifically?
Thanks!
I’ve owned two Gen 2 Raptors and currently have a Gen 3, and knock on wood, they’ve all been rock solid.
You can expect around 14 mpg, haha, but it’s all worth it for the fun. You’ll probably hear mixed reviews, but I change my oil every 5,000 miles and always use 93 octane premium. It’s an investment, but for what this truck costs, I want to take good care of it.
I’ve really enjoyed my 2022 EcoBoost. I haven’t had any issues so far with around 30k tough miles. I like the sound as well. I also have a couple of 2014 V8s, and the Gen 3 is much quicker.
People buy a Raptor because they want a Raptor. If you’re not a fan of the EcoBoost, you can always opt for a Raptor R or a Gen 1.
If you’re in the market for a fast street truck for drag racing, you won’t experience that sensation of being pushed back into your seat. It’s not designed as an on-road race truck. The suspension is what sets it apart. The 3.5 has more power on paper compared to the Gen 1 engines, but since I’ve never driven a Gen 1, I can’t speak to how it feels in terms of performance.
Changing the oil can be a hassle, though.
I had a 2020 Raptor, and while the engine performs well, it doesn’t sound that impressive. They’ve definitely made improvements in the Gen 3 models, but it still resembles a 370Z, which isn’t a great sound—just loud.
That said, the engine is a beast and my favorite among 1500 series trucks. It might get bumped down my list once the RHO engine is released.
For what I paid, the 3.5 Raptor underperformed. Traded it in 5 months later for another Lariat 3.5 and it was just as fast with a tune.