Should I buy a Rust Belt Raptor?

[HK92]

I've always been hesitant to buy a vehicle from any of the rust belt states. Should I ever consider buying a Raptor (specifically a Gen 2) from any of those snow states?

I know that the Gen 2 has an aluminum body, but the parts underneath are still susceptible to rust and rotting.

It's always hard to tell if a Raptor has any rust when shopping online. Obviously the only way to be sure is to check it out in person - which isn't practical when the prospective Raptor is sitting halfway across the country!

What do you guys think? Should I completely avoid buying a Raptor from the rust states altogether?

 

[jchap711]

well how about mine. No rust on her!
and I’m only 4 hours away

 

[Jakenbake]

Well not to be “that guy” but it depends.

How long you are planning on keeping the truck. If you only plan on keeping it a couple years, then no big deal.

How old the truck is. If it is only a couple years old it should be in better shape then one that is say 6 years old.

Depends on the truck. Was it a toy that didn’t see the salt or was it the Twitter vehicle?

I can keep going, but I’m sure you get the point.

I would worry too much, especially with a gen 2. The only item that would really rust and maybe be a problem is the frame. If the traveling to look at the truck is the problem, then I wouldn’t fool with it unless the truck checks the boxes otherwise. That or ask for photos.

For what it is worth, I live in Ohio and bought a used vehicle, also from Ohio. I had/still have to stop rust, and keep working on the truck. It is just part of it and nothing lasts forever

 

[CruiserClass]

Some people take care of their stuff, some don't. I crawl under the truck before considering one, and if they are too far away I ask for pictures of the undercarriage. Not just for rust, but also leaks, damage, signs of extreme use, presence of non-OEM parts, etc.

 

[Muchmore]

Coming from KC I honestly kind of chuckled when I read this.

 

[Frank N]

Being in NJ and having a set of Baja designs disintegrate and replace under warranty from the salt but the rust under is minimal

 

[Citizen Park]

Regardless of where, pay a few extra bucks and get a complete PPI from a qualified independent mechanic. When I was shopping for mine and had PPIs done with a few I found on the east coast, they found a bunch of shiet (with some having rust BEHIND the door card) an untrained eye wouldn't bother to look. Some might disagree, but I'm a firm believer any inspection should include the rig being on a lift.

I created my own PPI checklist so if you want to use it, ping me with you email.

 

[Nesc204]

All depends on how its maintained. Mine is a 2011 gen1. Very minimal rust. And whats there is going to be fixed. I constantly do undercarriage wash and it goes into a warm garage every day

 

[Irregular F150]

Mines an east coast truck. Came up from nc and i bought it off the guy in nh (which he stored it in the winter). It did have a couple surface rust spot on the frame, easy fix and now covered in waxoyl !!! So just like others have said its all in the care of the truck.