Is a Gen 2 Raptor still worth it or should I go Gen 3?

So my 2021 STX just got totaled after getting rear-ended, and now I need a new truck ASAP. I’m looking at a 2020 Gen 2 Raptor with 30K miles for $54K, but I keep wondering if I’ll regret not spending the extra $30K for a Gen 3.

Anyone here switch from Gen 2 to Gen 3? Is the difference really that big? Is the Gen 3 actually worth the extra money?

Update: Thanks for all the advice! Ended up pulling the trigger on the 2020 Gen 2 because I got a killer deal. Got it for $52K and managed to get a discount on the Ford extended warranty (150K miles bumper-to-bumper). Made sure cam phasers are covered since that was my biggest worry switching from the 5.0. They’re also replacing the spray liner. Absolutely loving it so far! I’ll probably drive it for a couple years and then upgrade to a Gen 3 or maybe Gen 4 when they come out.

Bro, expand your search. If you’re willing to take a short flight and drive home, you can find a Gen 3 for like $12K more than that Gen 2. It’s worth it at a $15K difference, but not at $30K, IMO.

Hollis said:
Bro, expand your search. If you’re willing to take a short flight and drive home, you can find a Gen 3 for like $12K more than that Gen 2. It’s worth it at a $15K difference, but not at $30K, IMO.

100% this. Market is shifting, and you can definitely get a Gen 3 for around $65-$70K.

I went from a 2022 Platinum to a 2017 Raptor, and I really miss the newer interior and tech. If you can swing it, Gen 3 is probably the better long-term move, especially if you’re keeping it for 3+ years.

Hollis said:
Bro, expand your search. If you’re willing to take a short flight and drive home, you can find a Gen 3 for like $12K more than that Gen 2. It’s worth it at a $15K difference, but not at $30K, IMO.

Where are you seeing Gen 3s for $65-$70K?

@Gale
Plenty out there, just gotta search! Here are a few examples:

Link 1

Link 2

Link 3

Hollis said:
Bro, expand your search. If you’re willing to take a short flight and drive home, you can find a Gen 3 for like $12K more than that Gen 2. It’s worth it at a $15K difference, but not at $30K, IMO.

Just did this a couple weeks ago. Flew from ATL to Savannah, picked up a Gen 1, and drove it home. Worth it.

If you can afford $84K for a truck, then yeah, Gen 3 is an upgrade.

The interior is nicer, and the 5-link rear suspension is better than leaf springs. Just comes down to whether the updated front end, interior, and suspension are worth $30K to you.

Biggest generational jump was from Gen 1 to Gen 2 (unless you’re dead set on a V8). Gen 2 to Gen 3 is more of a refinement than a full-blown overhaul.

Gen 2 and Gen 3 feel like completely different trucks because of the suspension changes.

Personally, I think Gen 2 looks better. It’s more chiseled, and I prefer the marker lights on the corners.

Also, $30K could buy you a full aftermarket suspension setup that would make a bigger difference than a stock Gen 3 ever could.

I was originally looking for a Gen 2 because I thought it looked better, but I ended up going Gen 3.

Didn’t like the Gen 3 at first—the shifter, front-end, and rear-end threw me off. But the more I looked, the more I realized I wanted 37s, a better rear suspension, and the 12-inch screen. Eventually, the look grew on me.

Gen 2 is still a great truck, though. If you’re willing to put some money into it, you can make it just as capable. Good luck with the purchase! :call_me_hand:t3::call_me_hand:t3:

Me reading this thread knowing I paid $40K for a 2018 with 129K miles :sob: (back when prices were insane)

I went from a Gen 2 to a Gen 3 with 37s. The Gen 3 is definitely better, but it’s not night and day—more like a bunch of small improvements across the board.

  • Smoother drivetrain, less torque steer, better shift programming
  • Suspension is more refined on and off-road
  • Better payload capacity
  • Sound is better (if you like how the V6 sounds)
  • Interior is more modern, infotainment is improved, stereo is better (but the door trim can rattle at high volume)

So yeah, it’s an upgrade, but it’s not a complete game-changer.

@Chen
That door trim rattle happens in my Gen 2 too. Probably just a Ford thing lol.

If you can afford it, go Gen 3.

That’s a solid price—go for it.

If you’re willing to spend that much, might as well go new. I bought a used one and regretted it after a month—ended up trading it for a brand new one.

Lux said:
If you’re willing to spend that much, might as well go new. I bought a used one and regretted it after a month—ended up trading it for a brand new one.

Why did you regret buying used? I’ve always bought my vehicles used.

@Tobin
Because I’m picky about maintenance. When I buy new, I know everything has been done right from day one. People abuse trucks, and I don’t want to inherit someone else’s problems.

I went from a 2017 to a 2023. Gen 3 is better in every way—way more refined and stable.

The new suspension is a huge upgrade, and the engine tuning feels better with it. The Gen 2 is still great, but after driving both, I wouldn’t go back.

Be careful with high-mileage Gen 2s. My 2017’s 10R80 transmission started acting up around 75K miles—valve body issues, worn-out clutches. I’ve babied the truck and stayed on top of maintenance, but it’s already going in for its second rebuild.

That said, I still prefer the Gen 2’s looks and exhaust note over the Gen 3.

Had a 2019, now in a 2021. Gen 3 is better in every way and 100% worth it.