Is it worth buying a used Gen 1 Raptor?

The Raptor (Gen 2 specifically) has always been my dream truck, but right now I can only afford a used Gen 1 with around 100k miles. I’d be using it mostly as a low-to-medium mileage “pavement princess” and keeping it in covered parking when not in use.

Is it worth dealing with potential repairs on something this old, or should I keep saving and go for the Gen 2 I actually want? Would love your advice!

Leasing or financing a 10+ year-old truck with 100k miles? That’s a bad move. The payment might be lower, but the repair costs will catch up to you.

Stick with your current vehicle, save up, and either put a big down payment on a newer Raptor or buy it outright with some cash set aside for repairs.

I love my Gen 1 with 150k miles, but I wouldn’t take out a loan for one. Save up and buy the truck you really want without getting stuck with monthly payments.

A Raptor is a want, not a need. If you’re stretching your finances for a Gen 1 when you really want a Gen 2, it’s better to wait. Keep saving, and you’ll enjoy it so much more when it’s not a financial burden.

I picked up my 2010 with 115k miles. Here’s what I’ve dealt with so far:

  • Shocks rebuilt
  • Front wheel bearing replaced
  • Rear brake pads and rotors (my fault for waiting too long)
  • Transmission valve body rebuild

That said, the 6.2 engine is solid. It was built for Super Duty trucks, so it’s very reliable.

@Nuri
Forgot to mention: I found it for $25k in Montana. Picking it up in the snow was fun and a good test for the 4WD!

Save for the Gen 2. There are major differences between the generations, and if you settle for a Gen 1, you’ll probably end up disappointed.

Wait and save, my friend. It’ll be worth it.

Here’s my experience: I bought a 2014 special edition Gen 1 with 70k miles. I thought it would be my fun “weekend truck,” but I ended up driving it 26k miles in 7 months. Here’s what I had to fix:

  • Rebuilt suspension
  • Replaced AC (major dash pull issue)
  • Fuse 27 (preventative)
  • New tires
  • Rotors and brakes

I paid $42k for the truck, spent $9k on repairs, and sold it for $30k. That’s a $17k loss in just 6 months. I should’ve put that money toward the Gen 3 I really wanted.

If you can afford it, save up and buy the truck you actually want. You’ll thank yourself later.

@Parker
Shocks need rebuilding eventually—normal maintenance. Fuse 27 is like $15 and easy to fix. Honestly, a lot of what you mentioned doesn’t sound like huge problems. Gen 2s aren’t perfect either!

Whitney said:
@Parker
Shocks need rebuilding eventually—normal maintenance. Fuse 27 is like $15 and easy to fix. Honestly, a lot of what you mentioned doesn’t sound like huge problems. Gen 2s aren’t perfect either!

Fair points. The shocks and Fuse 27 were expected, but the AC was a real pain—especially in triple-digit heat. In hindsight, I wish I’d just put that money into the Gen 3 from the start.

@Parker
AC issues on such low mileage are surprising. Too bad you didn’t keep it after putting so much into it—plenty of Gen 1s out there with higher mileage and fewer issues.

@Parker
How did you rack up 26k miles in 6 months? What possessed you to do that in a Gen 1?

Rio said:
@Parker
How did you rack up 26k miles in 6 months? What possessed you to do that in a Gen 1?

Lots of interstate travel for work. I’ve already put 28k on my Gen 3 since I bought it last November.

@Parker
Man, I could never. I’d get a second car with better MPG for that kind of mileage.

@Parker
Take this advice. Just save for a good down payment. Patience is key!