Quandary... Keep the Raptor or...

[IRONMAN]

Dont forget resale value as well, Raptor might hold it better and be a better investment for later.

 

[whtrapta]

Three words that should not go in a sentence describing your vehicle. New, Engine, Chrysler.

My .02...

Its new to the wrangler at least. Better than the lead weight its always had

 

[6.2]

Three words that should not go in a sentence describing your vehicle. New, Engine, Chrysler.

My .02...

Hahah yeah, give it a few years, to see how long before it blows.

 

[swoop1156]

I'm starting to believe that just because I can afford to have the Raptor, I'm not sure I should have been willing to accept the cost of owning it.

I've thought this way for a long time, but when I traded in my first Raptor on the Supercrew -- I sent that idea all to hell. I sometimes second-guess myself, but I'm doing pretty well for myself and I've made some great decisions and they've paid off very well for me.

But damn this truckk is expensive, but awesome. Parking blows, but it's just so badass.

That one of the reasons I'll never own a raptor, where I live it wouldn't be used to its full potential, so why spend that much.

Same thing that I battle with myself all the time. But too late now.

 

[Raptoyd11]

Buying an additional vehicle would just mean more monthly outlay of cash. I'm starting to believe that just because I can afford to have the Raptor, I'm not sure I should have been willing to accept the cost of owning it.

One of our goals for the next 3-years is to be in a nicer house in a nicer area. We can accelerate those goals considerably if we reduce the monthly vehicle cost by $300 a month. That's not chump change.

It is just a vehicle and only you can make that decision if it is better for your family plans. When it comes to housing, I think that takes priority over owning a badass truck. The house will be there your whole life if you buy the one you and your wife really want. Can always come back to a truck later. Just 2 cents worth.

 

[Double Tap]

Went and looked at a 2012 Rubicon Unlimited tonight. I liked it quite a bit. My wife was completely opposed to it for a variety of reasons, many of which didn't particularly have much of anything to do with the Jeep but more for the fact that she thinks I'll get tired of it and regret the decision later.

The other idea posed -- by her -- was to keep the Raptor, trade her Nissan and get a Jeep if I want a Jeep. That's not exactly congruent with my desire to lower the monthly payment, though. Not sure she "gets" where I am coming from, or doesn't believe I really am tired of paying $900/mo for a truck.

Anyway, impressions of the Jeep:

• The Pentastar 3.6L is a torquey little V6 engine. It had plenty of get up and go.
• The new-to-the-Wrangler 5-speed automatic transmission is geared just right. Quick off the line and still nicely in the power band at highway speeds.
• Fit and finish inside the 2012 model is very nice. Also considerably quieter inside than the previous JKs were.
• Quite a bit smaller inside compared to the Raptor, but, seriously...what isn't?
• 16 City / 20 Highway MPG? Sign me the **** up for some of that.

 

[NY SCREW]

The other idea posed -- by her -- was to keep the Raptor, trade her Nissan and get a Jeep if I want a Jeep. That's not exactly congruent with my desire to lower the monthly payment, though. Not sure she "gets" where I am coming from, or doesn't believe I really am tired of paying $900/mo for a truck.

first off i think you have an awesome wife who apparently puts your needs an happiness ahead of all .....she wants you to be happy an thats ***** rare in women ....i think that you should sit on the idea for a little while but in the end if it truly comes down to ditching the raptor for now for a better quality of life for your family to me the decision is a no brainer man good luck an your lucky man you wife considered doing that for you an the fam!!!!

 

[Maxx2893]

Well man it sounds like you've made up your mind. You've already rationalize it all in your head and we could say whatever but you ultimately will make the decision. Raptors will still be here in 5 years or whenever. Maybe not new but you will be able to find a nice used one. You know your finances and if it makes more sense to get a different vehicle then so be it. You have to make the decision that's best for your family.

 

[Badrap]

I'm sure my reply will go to waste land hell like the reat of my post, must be the age diff. When I got this beast I had to learn where to park, check the lanes constantly for oversized vehicles beside me, learn the height of the truck for garages, pay insurmountable funds for gas, listen to my Dad say "you trying to be a kid again"? I'll be 57 Sunday, and people probably laughing at the old fool in the Raptor. Hmm
I can't say what I would do in your position, but, after driving an F-100, yes I said 100 not 150, since 1969, I personally can't imagine life without this beast.
I am starting to see a lot of guys going the save gas and money way and I can't blame them.
My kids are grown and the house is paid, the ranch will be in a few years.
All I really have left payoff wise is the Raptor and so far a lot of really good experiences/memories.
I can understand all the stuff I gave up earlier in life that I wish i hadn't because somehow I would have managed if I had kept those toys.
Good luck with your decision and rememeber life won't end as soon as you think.

 

[FX4life]

Buying an additional vehicle would just mean more monthly outlay of cash. I'm starting to believe that just because I can afford to have the Raptor, I'm not sure I should have been willing to accept the cost of owning it.

One of our goals for the next 3-years is to be in a nicer house in a nicer area. We can accelerate those goals considerably if we reduce the monthly vehicle cost by $300 a month. That's not chump change.

You are in much the same boat as myself, except for the fact you are lucky enough to already own a Raptor! I have had to do a lot of rationalizing as of late too. We are on our 3rd house in just under 4 years, and are starting our 'bigger/nicer/dream home' next spring and the costs have not stopped rising as we find more and more things we want in this home. Just last week the contractor i worked with on our current home approached us and said they now do pools... I have a feeling the ol' lady will be itching for a pool after she see's them. Granted I do a lot of the work on our homes myself at a major savings, the costs still add up because I draw the line in the sand if I feel taboo about something or want it done professionaly from the get-go and somethings I just can't do myself.

House 1 Raptor 0

We also just had our first kiddo, and while she is very healthy and a joy... she is very expensive. I find myself buying just about anything she giggles at or reaches out too... her mother is 10x worse. She already has more clothes than I could have accumulated in 24 years! and she goes through diapers/wipes constantly... she will only ***** in a diaper once, then scream/demand to be changed only to go instantly in the new one I am keeping track this month because I think we easily use 1000 diapers a month some months..

House 1, Baby 1, Raptor 0

Finally I am stuuuck in a crummy Agriculture job that while it pays very well, requires commutes of 200+ miles one way some days.. the gas bill would be horendous. Luckily I may have an opportunity at Bell Helicopter, hopefully. that would cut my commute to only 30 miles daily.

House 1, baby 1, Job 0-1, Raptor 1


All-in-all my ol' lady and I LOVE the Raptor and break our necks just to check them out as they drive by, but day-by-day its looking like I drift farther from owning one. As of lately I think I have finally started to understand i would love to have one, but it won't kill me not to have one. I can come here and live vicariously through all the badass raptors on here if I need too.

In the end you just got to do whatever it is you feel like doing, whatever fits into your goals and whatever it is that affords you the lifestyle you want to have. I don't have the major bank accounts that some members here are lucky enough to have (hopefully one day I will get there, lord knows i am trying), but if I did I would have the raptor and everything else, until them I am forced to pick my monetary battles.