Having Trouble Deciding Between Gen 1 vs Gen 2

[Panaraptor]

Hoping to get some help from the community on a dilemma I'm facing... I know this topic has (in general) been beaten to death but wanted to add some personal thoughts and opinions to it to see if someone could help me make a decision already! I'm so paranoid about making the wrong one that I'm still not driving a Raptor.

A 2011 Molten Orange Gen 1 with the 6.2L is my dream truck and has been since 2010. I recieved pre-approvals from my credit unions earlier this month and immediately started shopping (both private party and dealerships). I've found some great deals on Gen 1's that weren't Molten Orange and never seemed to pull the trigger due to the price and/or second guessing if I would regret buying 'that' one due to the COLOR (I know, it's weird).

To further complicate things I came across a super clean 2018 Gen 2 (Ruby Red) for only $45K with 87k miles last week. I waited a week to make up my mind and it sold the day I went to look at it. They had also sold a 2017 with similar miles for $47K the week before. According to a GM at a local dealership that I know the wholesale price for a 2018 Gen 2 with about 80K is around $45K according to their realtime system so they are clearly dropping in value. This dealership sat on both of these over 60 days and then dropped them to basically wholesale just to get rid of them.

My Dilemma - I wasn't even thinking about a Gen 2 a couple weeks ago but now that I've seen these prices I wonder should I be looking at a Gen 2 instead? Do I purchase a Gen 1 now or wait and consider both with a Gen 2 into the mix in 6-12 months when I have more of a down payment. Is a Gen worth the extra cost? Would I regret not having a Gen 1 exhaust note?

I went to drive a Gen 1 and Gen 2 back to back yesterday (something I hadn't done before). My thoughts below:

Gen 1 Positives:
- 2011 Molten Orange 6.2L (Dream Color)
- The exhaust note
- $30K gets me a 2011 w/ 90-100K from what I'm seeing in the current market
- Basically bulletproof

Gen 1 Negatives:
- Dated Interior (can't upgrade to SYNC3, etc on 2012 or older)
- On that note Molten Orange isn't available on 2013-2014 model years.
- Unless I buy Molten Orange I'm worried I'd regret not having that color. Probably be happy with Red or Blue though. Maybe white.
- 10 years old so credit union financing rates aren't as favorable as a Gen 2.
- Credit union financing for all 3 has to be within a certain range of the NADA (only slightly over) and prices have already returned to pre chip shortage prices so finding a Molten Orange 2011 within 105% of the NADA value has been difficult to say the least. Most are a $3-4K over that.

Gen 2 Positives:
- I think the exterior looks better vs Gen 1 (unless it's Molten Orange)
- Slightly better MPG
- Better interior and tech
- Drives really smooth and accelerates quickly.

Gen 2 Negatives:
- The exhaust note
- $15K more than Gen 1 with similar mileage in the current market
- No Molten Orange

So there you go! If the Gen 2 had a V8 exhaust note or was offered in Molten Orange this wouldn't even be a question.

Thoughts and opinions would be greatly appreciated!

GEN 1 without doubt. And you should be able to find a 2012-13 around 25k. Forget about color, they’re all awesome.

 

[jvivlemore]

GEN 1 without doubt. And you should be able to find a 2012-13 around 25k. Forget about color, they’re all awesome.

A 2012-2013 with 100K or less has been hovering around $35K or close to $40K at most dealerships. Best deal I've found on a 2011 with similar mileage that's in good condition has been around $30K. I'd jump at the chance to buy one for around $25K. Dealers are selling for insane prices right now. Thankfully the wholesale prices are coming down but it will take a few months before that affects retail (unless people keep buying like crazy).

 

[CoronaRaptor]

Holysmokes. I thought I was proud of my 18.9 in the Gen 2 this weekend. Nothing over 75mph straight road.

I wasn’t over 70 except down hill and I won’t use cruise control ever, that’s a gas mileage killer. I also run 44psi when travelling on the highway, you would lose 2-3 mph running 35psi or lower.

 

[Donovan]

Well damn.

I was at 37/34 and cruise 90% of the time LMAO. You're telling me to pump my tires up for road trips?

 

[Beastalo]

GEN 1 hands down. It's the truck that started it all. Everyone is chasing the standard that FORD set (then dumped on by getting rid of 6.2 engine). GEN 1, supercharge it and have fun.

 

[John813]

I see your pros and cons for both but you need to weigh them.

Interior and exterior looks and functions. Do you care for a newer interior more than an exhaust note?
Do you want a quick stock truck?
If you want to go faster, how much money do you want to spend to get noticeable gains?

If you plan to offroad, it's noticeable how much smoother the Gen 2 take bumps and jumps stock v stock

 

[Joshua Krueger]

2011 Molten Orange 6.2l 95k mikes. SOLD

Modifications: 2013 HID lamps with Morimoto drivers. Paint matched trim work Soft Tonneau cover Venomrex vr-602 flow forged wheels, duratrak tires in stock size installed at 88k. Maintenance: Shocks rebuilt by Forged at 82k, flutter stacks, viton valves, low perch, stage 1, new bolts and strut...

www.fordraptorforum.com

 

[Nesc204]

The Reliability of the 6.2L is what made me keep my 2011. If I really want to and I most likely will i can put 20 grand into it and make it new again. Either way its a Raptor and both are BAD *** TRUCKS. And both Gens will create alot of attention when you drive em. People give me compliments on my Gen 1 Every time I drive it

 

[CoronaRaptor]

Well damn.

I was at 37/34 and cruise 90% of the time LMAO. You're telling me to pump my tires up for road trips?

I'm just telling you to do what is already on that sticker inside your drivers door jam

 

[Donovan]

I'm just telling you to do what is already on that sticker inside your drivers door jamView attachment 316921

Many thanks Corona.