Good morning everybody, I have been pondering what vehicle to purchase that will hit all of my requirements. I’ve gone back and forth for so long, and stupidly never considered the raptor. Can you please recommend some reliable years for the raptor? There are so many mixed reviews and opinions online, so it’d be awesome to hear some first hand experience. I appreciate any insight, and hope everyone has a great day!
Understanding some of those requirements could help others make better recommendations. Regardless of the specifics, I would always suggest looking for the lowest mileage Gen 1 you can find (2010-2014).
I’d recommend going with a first-gen Raptor. I was initially torn between a full cab F-150 with a Coyote engine and the Raptor, but I found a great deal on a Raptor and decided to go for it. I’ve never been a fan of boosted off-road vehicles; the thought of LSPI (Low Speed Pre-Ignition) worries me! I needed something that could handle off-roading, haul items when necessary, and comfortably fit my large dog along with a few people. The Gen 1 Raptor checks all those boxes without breaking the bank. Its large-displacement, naturally aspirated engine means fewer parts that can fail. I also added a Retrax bed cover and some Yakima bed rails so I can easily set up a tent in the back while keeping everything in the bed safe and out of sight. I’ve taken it on a few thousand-mile road trips to Glacier with friends and my dog, and it was incredibly comfortable the entire journey.
I’ve wanted a Raptor ever since it was first released, but I didn’t get one until Gen 3. So far, it’s been an absolute joy to drive. It’s comfortable, spacious, off-road capable, and makes for a great family truck as well. I definitely recommend going with Gen 3.
gen 2 and gen 3s are good to go. Find a low mileage raptor that has not been beaten. Get a Cobb tuner to turn off that start stop function. You will understand when you buy the truck. Good luck on the hunt.
I absolutely loved my 2014 Gen 1, and I still think about it all the time. I bought it in August 2022 with 89k miles and sold it this past August at 106k miles. Just a week later, I found my 2019 Shelby Gen 2 with only 48k miles. Both trucks were priced really well.
The difference between the engines is like night and day in terms of sound and output, as well as the overall technology in each truck. With my Gen 1, I had no problem tossing it around a bit, but with the Gen 2, I’m definitely more careful, haha.
I haven’t had to deal with the cam phaser issues that many others have faced, likely because my mileage isn’t too high yet.
I’d recommend following the same path I took: start with a Gen 1 to get some experience, then move up to a Gen 2 if you can overlook the absence of a V8. The Gen 1 is tough and can take a beating, while both trucks are a blast to drive. But man, tearing it up with the Gen 2 is something else!
I just bought a Gen 3 Raptor this week—my second one! The new features and technology are truly life-changing. On long highway trips, I can just let the adaptive cruise control and lane centering handle the driving for me. It feels like driving a Tesla on the highway, but it’s ten times more comfortable (and yes, I also own a Tesla Model Y).