KAH 24
Full Access Member
Greetings,
My 2018 just crossed 50k miles and I thought to share an update—as I’ve been thoroughly impressed with every aspect of the vehicle during my ownership. I’m extremely diligent and critical when it comes to vehicles—and am in no form/fashion a Ford fanboy. I do believe in tipping my hat when something exceeds expectations.
This is an N=1 sample size, thus simply an observation based on one truck with low mileage.
NOTE1: I purchased the Raptor in 9/2020 via CarMax (manufactured in 10/17 and sold in 1/18) as a one owner truck with documented service by the Ford dealership every 5-9k miles. I have since put 20k miles on it—as a daily driver to work, loaner “mule” to our kids, mild off-roading, and road trip vehicle where significant snow is frequently encountered in the winter. My Raptor isn’t babied other than maintenance.
NOTE2: One of my professional colleagues voluntarily assessed/dug into my truck at various points—as that is what we nerds do. He is far more skilled mechanically than I—and the only complaints were that the driver side door creaks when opened (lube needed). He also noted that the tailgate hinges needed lube. Nothing noted with the engine/transmission/drivetrain systems nor wiring/electrical systems (no chafed/loose connections/alternator/starter/etc issues). The cam phasers are original—and hopefully remain so over time.
NOTE3: I’ve maintained a 5k mile service interval by Ford w/OEM full synthetic, tire rotations, and all recommended services. I did have the front/rear diffs and transfer case serviced at 31k miles—as I added a Ford Performance rear diff cover then. Otherwise, the only “mods” were an AEM dryflow air filter, RIGID triple lights, and OEDRO rear under seat storage.
NOTE4: I personally clean/lubricate the panoramic roof and rear sliding window 2x annually—and keep tire pressures at 36F/34R. I keep the exterior clean/waxed and leather surfaces treated. It lives in the covered garage at work, home, and on vacation—as much as possible.
NOTE5: CarMax installed the Falken Wildpeak AT3W tires just before my purchase—and after 20k miles, minimal wear, nice ride comfort at 36F/34R (they usually warm up to 39F/37R) after driving for a bit, or slightly more if very hot out). They are amazing in snow as we spend a good deal of time in CO during ski season and they are as good as any AT tire I’ve ever used. The weight hasn’t hurt my MPGs as I’m running about 15.6mpg (based on the computer) since the last oil change. I drive bumper to bumper in metro traffic and tend to cruise at 75-80mph on the highway. My kids tend to drive it like they stole it—but that is another topic.
NOTE6: Negligible/imperceptible oil consumption, stock brake pads/rotors still good, and the blue Fox shocks aren’t leaking and performing well enough for me—can’t tell if damping has changed as I hit the speed bumps in the neighborhood. I did have to change the cabin air filter and wiper blades. The leather seats/steering wheel look great and the rear seat has a minuscule tear due to my son’s dog.
In conclusion, 50k miles is low mileage—especially for a daily driven 4 yr old truck. My family has owned two used 90s-00s Land Cruisers which were trouble free (211k and 193k respectively) which are my gold standards to which I compare everything—although both were also taken care of by the previous owners. Hopefully they are still out there somewhere racking up the miles (in a South/Southwestern climate so that they don’t rust to pieces).
I hope the next 50k are every bit as uneventful for my Raptor as I plan to try to keep it for 200k plus.
Fingers crossed.
My 2018 just crossed 50k miles and I thought to share an update—as I’ve been thoroughly impressed with every aspect of the vehicle during my ownership. I’m extremely diligent and critical when it comes to vehicles—and am in no form/fashion a Ford fanboy. I do believe in tipping my hat when something exceeds expectations.
This is an N=1 sample size, thus simply an observation based on one truck with low mileage.
NOTE1: I purchased the Raptor in 9/2020 via CarMax (manufactured in 10/17 and sold in 1/18) as a one owner truck with documented service by the Ford dealership every 5-9k miles. I have since put 20k miles on it—as a daily driver to work, loaner “mule” to our kids, mild off-roading, and road trip vehicle where significant snow is frequently encountered in the winter. My Raptor isn’t babied other than maintenance.
NOTE2: One of my professional colleagues voluntarily assessed/dug into my truck at various points—as that is what we nerds do. He is far more skilled mechanically than I—and the only complaints were that the driver side door creaks when opened (lube needed). He also noted that the tailgate hinges needed lube. Nothing noted with the engine/transmission/drivetrain systems nor wiring/electrical systems (no chafed/loose connections/alternator/starter/etc issues). The cam phasers are original—and hopefully remain so over time.
NOTE3: I’ve maintained a 5k mile service interval by Ford w/OEM full synthetic, tire rotations, and all recommended services. I did have the front/rear diffs and transfer case serviced at 31k miles—as I added a Ford Performance rear diff cover then. Otherwise, the only “mods” were an AEM dryflow air filter, RIGID triple lights, and OEDRO rear under seat storage.
NOTE4: I personally clean/lubricate the panoramic roof and rear sliding window 2x annually—and keep tire pressures at 36F/34R. I keep the exterior clean/waxed and leather surfaces treated. It lives in the covered garage at work, home, and on vacation—as much as possible.
NOTE5: CarMax installed the Falken Wildpeak AT3W tires just before my purchase—and after 20k miles, minimal wear, nice ride comfort at 36F/34R (they usually warm up to 39F/37R) after driving for a bit, or slightly more if very hot out). They are amazing in snow as we spend a good deal of time in CO during ski season and they are as good as any AT tire I’ve ever used. The weight hasn’t hurt my MPGs as I’m running about 15.6mpg (based on the computer) since the last oil change. I drive bumper to bumper in metro traffic and tend to cruise at 75-80mph on the highway. My kids tend to drive it like they stole it—but that is another topic.
NOTE6: Negligible/imperceptible oil consumption, stock brake pads/rotors still good, and the blue Fox shocks aren’t leaking and performing well enough for me—can’t tell if damping has changed as I hit the speed bumps in the neighborhood. I did have to change the cabin air filter and wiper blades. The leather seats/steering wheel look great and the rear seat has a minuscule tear due to my son’s dog.
In conclusion, 50k miles is low mileage—especially for a daily driven 4 yr old truck. My family has owned two used 90s-00s Land Cruisers which were trouble free (211k and 193k respectively) which are my gold standards to which I compare everything—although both were also taken care of by the previous owners. Hopefully they are still out there somewhere racking up the miles (in a South/Southwestern climate so that they don’t rust to pieces).
I hope the next 50k are every bit as uneventful for my Raptor as I plan to try to keep it for 200k plus.
Fingers crossed.
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