Found a 2021 Raptor with 15,000 miles at my local dealership listed for $72,000. It’s $7,000 cheaper than others I’ve seen, but there’s a catch—it’s a buyback/lemon. The previous owner in California returned it because of a slipping transmission around 14,500 miles. The dealership says Ford fixed the issue, and the truck has been driven 800 miles since the repair with no problems.
I’ve test-driven it twice and didn’t notice any issues. It still has over three years left on the drivetrain warranty. Does this seem like a good deal, or should I avoid it? Appreciate any input, especially from those who’ve dealt with branded titles before!
Don’t buy someone else’s problem. That lemon title will tank your resale value, and you’ll have trouble finding buyers later. For $8k more, you could order a brand-new one and avoid the hassle.
Zenith said:
Don’t buy someone else’s problem. That lemon title will tank your resale value, and you’ll have trouble finding buyers later. For $8k more, you could order a brand-new one and avoid the hassle.
I’m saving $10,000 here, though. Isn’t that worth it? New trucks depreciate as soon as they’re driven off the lot. Wouldn’t this deal balance out in the long run?
@West
Even if you save $10k, you’re buying a 2-year-old lemon. A non-lemon, newer truck for $8k more feels like a no-brainer to me. That lemon title will haunt your resale value.
Zenith said: @West
Even if you save $10k, you’re buying a 2-year-old lemon. A non-lemon, newer truck for $8k more feels like a no-brainer to me. That lemon title will haunt your resale value.
I get that, but if I keep it long-term and drive it with no issues, wouldn’t that prove it’s fine? Also, if I sell it cheaper in the future, isn’t it still a fair deal overall since I paid less upfront?
@West
The lemon title isn’t about fairness; it’s about buyer perception. People see ‘buyback’ and hesitate, no matter how well it’s run for you. You’re rolling the dice here.
@West
This is an $80k luxury truck. Trying to save $7k on something like this while taking on the risk of a buyback doesn’t make sense. Maybe this isn’t the right truck for you.
I sold my Gen 2 Raptor because it kept breaking down—can phasers, electrical issues, even doors randomly opening while driving. With the production rush during the chip shortage, I’d be skeptical of Gen 3s, especially a lemon. Just my two cents.
@Mai
I’ve owned trucks from all the major brands, and my Fords have been the most reliable for me, especially compared to my Chevy and Ram. That said, your point about rushed production during the shortages is valid. I’d proceed with caution.
@Mai
I had two Fords and sold both due to constant issues. One had engine failure before 40k miles, and the other needed $6k in repairs just a month out of warranty. I wouldn’t take the risk on a lemon.
@Marley
Dealerships aren’t what they used to be either. If something breaks, you’re basically on your own. The service departments just don’t seem equipped to handle the newer tech.
California’s lemon laws are strict but fair. A branded lemon title will follow that truck forever, though. Even if it runs perfectly for years, resale will always be a challenge. Proceed with caution.
The truck itself might be fine, especially with the warranty still in place, but the resale value is going to take a big hit because of the lemon title. Are you prepared to deal with that when it’s time to sell?
@Bailey
If I’m getting it $7k cheaper now and sell it $7k cheaper later, wouldn’t it balance out? Plus, if I drive it for years with no problems, won’t that ease buyers’ concerns?
West said: @Bailey
If I’m getting it $7k cheaper now and sell it $7k cheaper later, wouldn’t it balance out? Plus, if I drive it for years with no problems, won’t that ease buyers’ concerns?
Mathematically, yes, but selling a lemon is harder than you think. Most private buyers filter for clean titles, and dealerships won’t want it either. It’s the hassle you’re paying for here.
Unless you trust the dealership 100%, take what they say with a grain of salt. Ask for an Oasis report from the service department to get the full history of the truck before deciding.