Planning to buy a Ford Raptor next year and could really use some advice. Anyone who owns or has owned one, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What should I look out for? Which models are better, and why? Any help is appreciated!
Edit: I’m leaning toward buying a used one, with a budget of around $50k. I’m mostly considering 2018 or newer models.
When you get one, make sure the FordPass app works and isn’t just a blank screen. Also, check that the navigation works—like searching for a place and getting directions.
When you start the truck, it should say Ford Raptor on the screen. If these things don’t work, it can take months for the dealership to fix it.
@Corey
What’s going on with this? I’m dealing with the same issue on my slightly used ‘24.
Charlie said:
@Corey
What’s going on with this? I’m dealing with the same issue on my slightly used ‘24.
Yeah, I bought it, drove it home, and realized there’s no navigation. Can’t connect to FordPass because it’s still under the previous owner’s name. The ‘R’ button doesn’t do anything. Dealer says they need a ‘red line ticket’ from Ford, but it’s been two months, and nothing. They keep telling me they need to rewrite some code, but no timeline.
@Charlie
Same here. The loaner they gave us is a brand-new Ford Bronco with only 13 miles on it, so there’s that.
But yeah, my truck thinks it’s a lower trim. The ‘R’ button, remote start, navigation—none of it works. We only noticed after watching some videos about the features and realized, ‘Wait, ours doesn’t do that.’
Bought it back in September, and we’re still waiting for them to figure out how to update a computer. Honestly, I wish we could just call Ford and ask them to send a USB stick or something to fix it ourselves. How hard can it be to update a system?
I’m in the same boat, so I’m glad you posted this!
Vale said:
I’m in the same boat, so I’m glad you posted this!
Happy to help. Hoping to gather as much info as I can before I make the purchase.
I just bought one last Friday, and I love it. Paid sticker price with no markup. Didn’t go for any dealer add-ons and getting a bed cover installed soon.
One thing I’d suggest—make sure it fits in your garage if you plan to park it there. Also, have your partner check if they’re comfortable getting in since it’s pretty high.
@Noel
Congrats! Funny you mention the garage—I’m an attorney, and our parking garage at work has varying heights depending on the level. That’s something I’ll definitely have to confirm before buying.
Hutton said:
@Noel
Congrats! Funny you mention the garage—I’m an attorney, and our parking garage at work has varying heights depending on the level. That’s something I’ll definitely have to confirm before buying.
The antenna is a good guide since it sits about an inch above the roof. Mine barely fits in my home garage. If you’re looking at the R version, it’s about 2 inches taller. But man, these trucks are beasts on the road!
@Noel
Totally agree! I went with the 37 package, and it doesn’t fit in my garage at all.
Go for a 2019 or newer. The 2019s have live valve shocks and adaptive cruise that can come to a full stop. Not sure if the 2018s had that, but it’s a nice upgrade.
If you want to keep track of pricing and see what others are paying, there’s a Facebook group called ‘No Markup Ford Raptor.’ Dealers post their allocations there, and the community keeps them in check.
What’s your budget? Are you looking for new, used, Gen 1, Gen 2, Gen 3, R, or Shelby?
Avery said:
What’s your budget? Are you looking for new, used, Gen 1, Gen 2, Gen 3, R, or Shelby?
I updated my post to include that info.
Avery said:
What’s your budget? Are you looking for new, used, Gen 1, Gen 2, Gen 3, R, or Shelby?
I updated my post to include that info.
Look into cam phasers and adjust your expectations accordingly.
@Avery
Didn’t they fix the cam phasers after 2019 or 2020? Ford updated them, I think. Has anyone had issues with cam phasers on the Gen 3 Raptors?
I just sold my 2017 F-150, which had rattling at startup and ticking at idle. Now I’m waiting for my 2023 Raptor with the 37 package to be delivered.
Check back a month before you’re ready to buy.
If you’re financing, go for a Gen 3. Rates might be better next year.