So the conflict is do I wait for the 2020’s to be announced as there may be a design refresh and V8 option or do I jump on the 2019 I can order at below MSRP? I already prepared myself to wait till the 20’s are announced but maybe I should move now?
I know I’m opening myself up for criticism but I respect many of your thoughts as I’ve been reading many threads here.
People have been talking about a V8 option since the fact a V6 would be in the new Raptor was announced. If that has been anyone's reason for waiting they have been waiting at least 3 years so far. Also, if you are thinking the (so far) mythical "V8 option" will be the newly announced 7.3 liter, I really doubt that is going to happen. That motor would be (by most accounts) a step back in power and torque, and is really aimed at the Super Duty line, not a performance line.
Personally, I would not expect a major update to the Raptor in 2020, to me 2021 or, more likely, 2022 makes a bit more sense. And when such an update happens I am not sure it would include a V8. Ford seems dedicated to the Ecoboost concept in all the Ford Performance vehicles (except the Mustang performance packages, the genesis of which predate Ecoboost), I think the probability is they will stay with an EB motor in the Raptor. I do think it likely the V6 will be either updated or replaced in the next few years, to give it some market place separation (which has been shrinking recently). No, I think it likely that if the Raptor ever gets another V8 it might be an EB V8, something like a 4.X liter EB V8, and so far there is no indication such a motor is under development. Stepping "back" to some kind of 5.X L V8 that is not EB, despite that being a near off the shelf Ford parts option, just does not fit what Ford has been doing.
My opinion, don't wait for "might be's". If the truck does what you want it to today, if you would be happy with it, start being happy with it. Waiting until tomorrows maybe might be a long wait. If Ford themselves were talking about changes to the truck that would be one thing, but so far there has not been even a hint of major changes after the 2019 refresh.
T!