I’m planning to buy a vehicle that I’ll drive for a few years and then hand over to my son when he’s old enough to drive. I’ve got my eyes on the F-150 SVT Raptor because I love the truck, and I’ve ruled out mid-sized trucks since they’re not as roomy in the back.
Raptor owners, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the truck. Other Ford truck owners, feel free to weigh in too.
Rule number one: never give a car to a 16-year-old that you’d be upset about if they dinged or even wrecked it. Teen drivers are more likely to get into accidents—it’s just a fact. If you want a Raptor, that’s great, but maybe save giving it to him until he’s older, like 18 or 21.
A Raptor for a teenager is a terrible idea. Even if you’re driving it now and plan to hand it over later, it’s risky. Teens, no matter how mature, can make bad decisions and might end up wrecking it. Plus, Raptors hold their value well, so you’d be even more upset if it gets destroyed. If you’ve got the money and want to buy one, that’s cool, but maybe reconsider handing it over to your kid later.
@Tatum
How does someone even destroy a Raptor? It’s a beast of a truck! You’d have to hit something huge at high speed to total it.
@Tatum
Who’s Nick Hogan? My son already races go-karts, and my brother races with the SCCA. I handle the mechanical work. Thanks for your concern, though.
Bran said:
@Tatum
Who’s Nick Hogan? My son already races go-karts, and my brother races with the SCCA. I handle the mechanical work. Thanks for your concern, though.
Nick Hogan is Hulk Hogan’s son. He was trying to start a racing career, but he crashed his Supra while street racing. He walked away fine, but his friend in the car suffered lifelong injuries. My point is, even kids with racing experience can make bad decisions with high-performance vehicles. Maybe make your son earn his first car—it might make him appreciate it more.
@Tatum
I appreciate your input, but I wasn’t asking for parenting advice. I wanted to know if the Raptor is a good truck that would last long enough to hand down to my son. Why does everyone assume I came here for advice on raising my kid?
Wait, are you really buying a Raptor for your 12-year-old?
Axel said:
Wait, are you really buying a Raptor for your 12-year-old?
Yeah, this seems like a really bad idea.
Axel said:
Wait, are you really buying a Raptor for your 12-year-old?
If it’s for you to drive first and hand down later, that makes a bit more sense. But if you’re buying it specifically for him, why not consider a smaller, older truck first?
Buy the Raptor for yourself and give him your old truck instead.
Roux said:
Buy the Raptor for yourself and give him your old truck instead.
That’s probably the plan—he’ll drive the Raptor for a few years, then pass it down.
As a Raptor owner, I’d say buy one and keep it for yourself. The truck is built to take abuse and is incredibly fun to drive. Pros: it’s powerful, capable, and surprisingly comfortable for a performance truck. Cons: expect about 12 MPG and a slightly rough ride since it’s still a truck. The resale value is amazing if you take care of it. But I’ll warn you—once you get one, you won’t want to let it go!
@Dior
How did you get your Raptor for $43,000? I can’t find one under $50,000!
Drake said:
@Dior
How did you get your Raptor for $43,000? I can’t find one under $50,000!
I bought it new when they first came out. Base models were cheaper back then, and I didn’t load it up with extras. These days, prices are much higher, especially with added features.
I love my Raptor, but I wouldn’t hand it over to a teenager, even after driving it for a few years myself. Also, plan on your son getting about 12 MPG if he’s heavy on the gas pedal.
I bought my Raptor after saving through three deployments to Iraq, and I love it. If you think your son deserves it and will respect what it is, go for it. But you should definitely enjoy it yourself first—it’s an amazing truck.
@Tru
Thank you for your service, and I appreciate your input. My son just turned 13, so the truck will be at least 4 years old before he drives it. He’s interested in joining the military, possibly going to Ranger school. Do you have any tips for preparing him?
@Bran
Thank you! If he wants to go into the Army and aim for Ranger school, he should focus on staying physically fit and consider what specific job he wants to do. The ASVAB test will help guide him toward the best fit. Encourage him to keep learning about the military—it’s great to see young people motivated to serve.