How did you come to afford your raptor?

[Roc Nichols]

I have a 2019 Velociraptor I did a tour in Vietnam as a door gunner then 35 years in the DOD selling Aircraft to foreign countries, I have a little VA disability now I work for the Army Corp of Engineers as a part time first responder. My wife retired with 35 years in the DOD too. So we are pretty blessed. However don't think we didnt work our butts off. I love retirement and this Forum.

 

[KK88]

So I know its too personal a question for some, but I've always wondered:

For myself, my family has owned a smallish collision repair facility for decades. Business is good, but money comes in and out so rapidly that I don't consider any of us rich by a long shot, it always gets reinvested in equipment. My wages fluctuate between 70 and 90k, for managing the shop (and putting in 60+ hrs per week). I've been getting burned out badly lately between insurance companies, employees, and family drama; and have thought of doing a complete industry change. But this is my first and only job I've held, and worry about a massive drop in pay for starting fresh somewhere else.

I know some raptor owners use family money or inherited money - you don't count in this thread lol. But for those of you that have been successful enough in your career to own a $75k truck....what do you do?

 

[Bumpngrind]

Own a home inspection firm- bought g2 used for 53k

 

[Joey DeLorenzo]

I'm 28 years old and have been a pilot for 6 years, 2 deployments to Tax Free zones and finding a good deal reallllyyy helped as I was looking at new Rebels at the time this truck fell in my lap. (I'd spent many nights in the middle of the ocean looking at pictures of Raptors on CarGurus) The fact is, new, the Raptor wouldn't have been "out of my price range" per say, but would've been a terrible financial decision.

I bought my 2017 Raptor CPO with the ESP and maintenance, and it was a little less than 52K out the door with all the extras.

TL;DR: Good luck with deals and unsolicite help from my employer.

 

[clifton matthews]

25 years in the pulp and paper industry. Wanted a gen 1 back in the day, now that the kids are grown and on their own, I decided to buy a gen 2.

 

[Diesel71]

I sold my 911

 

[SVTblackraptor]

Retirement for 20+ combined years in the Army and Navy, 100% VA Diability, and SSDI.

 

[Diesel71]

Libs would say you didn’t build that!

 

[KOBRA2848]

Ever since financing my first truck I have continued to make my truck payment to me after payoff. My 2002 Ford F-250 CC was paid off in 2005 but I kept putting the payment amount in a money market account. In 2011 I started looking at Raptors after seeing a molten orange one at the rodeo. Thought I had made a deal but dealer soured me on the deal after making changes on my trade in and price that was agreed on. Fast forward three years and I saw the 2014 Ruby Red SE at the rodeo and the want was strong. Found one under sticker from the same dealer I purchased my Shelby and they gave me an awesome trade in on my 2002. I had the money to purchase in full but they offered 1.4% financing but I was making double that in interest on MM so I financed. I did payoff about a year early.

Mark

 

[Peterb]

**** star