Ownership Decisions

[ThePaintPirate]

I have it stuck in my head that to keep it I should be:
- Servicing or upgrading shocks
- Moving to Deavers
- transmission filter / fluid service (NOT FLUSH)

They're all service/wear items, things you'd have to replace on the newer truck eventually anyway.

 

[smurfslayer]

A well running vehicle is like an ace. A new vehicle is a crap shoot, maybe it’s great, maybe it sucks, maybe somewhere in between. If the truck has served you well, why chance it and tempt lady luck?

Dance with the one who brung ya.

 

[Badgertits]

Same exact issue except my 2020 has 81k miles now, completely trouble free except just recently noticed a pop/clunk noise from front left wheel area when in 4a @ very low speed…after lots of research I have high confidence it’s a minor issue potentially front differential mounting hardware loose….i have owned mine outright for the last 2 years, all the fluids been changed regularly, has some mods, replaced the brakes @ 68k miles & tires are also fresh. Being a late 2020 build I’m very confident the drivetrain has most/all of the gremlins worked out.

Only “problem” I really had that got me considering trading for a new one is @ this point all 4 of my shocks will start buzzing @ startup - mainly the tears but sometimes the fronts…I paid $68k for my 2020 801a (I think- has big screen & leather seats but not all the tech/ luxury options), it’s tuned, I was reminded how much less peppy a stock tune (even gen3) truck can be & as of now ‘23+ can’t be tuned. So I made my decision- I have a set of rebuilds from Hammer, deaver +3HD springs, strike plate kit & a set of icon ACC collars ready to get installed in the next week or so….w/ all the parts + install probably run me about $4200….better than dropping $10-15k down payment + my paid for 2020 on a new ‘24 & still wind up having a $25-30k note w/ BS interest rate.


So my vote is keep it- especially since you have that warranty & it’s a late 2020 build. IMHO gen2 > gen3 from exterior perspective, simply looks more aggressive/wider/chunkier, but the gen3 > gen2 from interior/tech perspective & the coil rear is nice, the lack of tuning (& high cost for the 21-22 tune) & potential QC issues is a factor too.

And lastly- yeah- swap out the tranny fluid if you haven’t yet + diffs + T-case, start working on a set of rebuilt shocks, you don’t NEED to replace the stock leafs if they’re not flattened out, it depends whether you tow/haul a lot, but from what everyone says it’s a worthy upgrade even w/ the $1600 cost. For me I do tow/haul fairly often enough which is why my OEM shocks are crying uncle & why I opted for +3HDs

 

[REMIX]

I have a 19 w 50k miles and it looks brand new. I keep getting offers from the dealer who sold it to me to sell it to them for "above market" but I cannot come up with a decent reason as to why. Seriously I'd look at a 540hp Ram RHO right now if I were looking to trade it - they're $10k cheaper. Considering what interest rates are, Ford has completely lost their minds on pricing.

 

[John813]

I went from a Gen 2 to a Gen 3, but if I had a 19 or 20 it would of been a harder decision.
You have the live valves & a real measurement gauge.

What sold me was the 37 package and the rear suspension. Stock v stock the 5 link is nice offroad.

If the truck has been the best one yet, and you don't want a note, or reset one, I would just stick with it. Still got 50k+ more warranty. Not like the Gen 3 was a huge jump the Gen 2 was to the Gen 1.

 

[Badgertits]

I went from a Gen 2 to a Gen 3, but if I had a 19 or 20 it would of been a harder decision.
You have the live valves & a real measurement gauge.

What sold me was the 37 package and the rear suspension. Stock v stock the 5 link is nice offroad.

If the truck has been the best one yet, and you don't want a note, or reset one, I would just stick with it. Still got 50k+ more warranty. Not like the Gen 3 was a huge jump the Gen 2 was to the Gen 1.

And you can’t tune em!!!! That was deal breaker for me, didn’t wanna pay new truck price for a used Covid build ‘21-22 that can be tuned, but driving a new ‘24 immediately was reminded how damn slow these things feel in stock trim (no offense if you’re on stock tune)

 

[shigman]

I had a 2020 with FRS and deavers and a few other mods and I traded for a 2023. I miss the 2020 at times. If you’ve had a trouble free truck with a lot of warranty left, I’d keep it. The coil springs aren’t as “night and day” as some would say. My 2020 towed and hauled well with the deavers, and had some features missing on my 2023. At the end of the day 2020s especially if they are late builds with the newer cam phasers are a great build of raptor especially with a few key mods.

 

[MotorsportsAustin]

How I'd approach it:
How many years until you can afford to keep it AND buy a newer one on warranty? If you have the parking or storage, run the #'s for depreciation and operating cost for both. Then factor in subjective (not easy to quantify). Your kids will thank you.

Context:
When I bought my new 2023 (first time Raptor owner) within 30 days I realized I need to figure out how to have 1 for offroad runs, and 1 time capsule hangar queen. Next step is buy a house with more parking.