First SVT (test) drive

[kredd]

Hello FRF,

Long time lurker of the site-appreciate all the info I've uncovered thus far.

As the title states, I was able to test drive my first svt 2014 raptor this weekend with 50k miles. Carfax was clean and showed in ford dealer ever 5k for oil change + check up. I currently am in a 2015 f150 but have always lusted after the first gen raptors. I'm in a position where now allows me to possibly pick up a nice used one.

Pros:
-great motor
-suspension felt amazing
-seats
-fully loaded- all bells & whistles

Cons:
-much heavier than my truck - it felt as if I was towing a couple thousand lbs behind me...took *much* more effort to stop (perhaps just needs new pads or brake flush?)
-transmission was not very crisp in shifts-delayed up/downshifts. I don't know why at 50k miles it felt this sluggish

I'm curious to know if anyone is familiar with both these trucks and if the couple 'cons' I listed are normal at this mileage, or perhaps just would need normal service attended to. Nothing I have read really points to these being issues at this mileage.

Appreciate all the help as I possibly join FRF for good!

 

[SZDZMTR]

Much heavier is because it not made out of "military grade" aluminum. The suspension is more float like since its a baja truck. At 50k miles there is a chance this truck has original brakes. A set of R1 brakes all around would fix that in a second. Also there is a difference on a stock truck if you use 87 octane or 93 Octane gas. 11 horse power difference...It probably had regular gas since a dealer has it.
A few simple mods would transform the performance in a blink of eye. Welcome hope you get your Raptor.

There are threads about what to look out for when buying a used Raptor. Check them out. At 50k miles the shocks most likely should be rebuilt....

 

[kredd]

Hey szdzmtr,

Thanks for the reply.

We know those marketing departments need to maintain jobs

I do have a running list of items to check at various miles which this forum has outlined. Having driven plenty of heavy duty diesels, it just raised a bit of a concern regarding the brakes on the truck I test drove.

Still concerned about about the tranny..

-k

 

[Gsteve]

get a tuner or a pedal commander , wakes that tranny right up..... install caitlyn jenner joke here ...

 

[BenBB]

-transmission was not very crisp in shifts-delayed up/downshifts.

It wasn't in Off Road Mode by any chance was it? Or "3rd Gear Mode" as it feels like in mine heh, but it definitely changes the shift points...

 

[kredd]

It wasn't in Off Road Mode by any chance was it? Or "3rd Gear Mode" as it feels like in mine heh, but it definitely changes the shift points...

It was not. Just put it into Drive for the entire time.

 

[downforce137]

the brake feel is kinda like that, because the brakes are standard F150, with big 35" tires..

 

[Swacer]

Mine has 28k miles on it, brakes are relatively new, and I'll agree, its very heavy to stop. It actually took me a few times to adjust to how much more room it requires to stop. Will probably go with a set of R1s after this set is shot.

The transmission does have a slight mind of its own and will shift a little funky, however, its not much different than the 4Runner it replaced.

 

[Camperguy]

Brakes do suck. Putting truck in tow mode helps with the shifting. The 5 Star tuning maps make all the difference in the world. Typical CAI and Cat Back exhaust help alot too. Ordered R1 brake kit with stainless StopTech lines should cure brake feel. If you are buying it from a dealer make sure they flush and fill with all new fluids. Dont have any service work done at Lia in CT. Better off going to Walmart. Ill rebuild shocks at 50k or buy after market, havent decided. I went with Supercab because its shorter and lighter but cant tow as much...havent figured that one out.

Good luck! I love mine

Bill