Why buy a Raptor??

[BigJ]

As for the cab space, apples to apples. Same cab same chasis, no?


Same cab, different bed. ~ 10 additional cubic feet of bed space makes a huge difference.

I'll give you that. But unfortunately that also then flies in the face of your argument about who can go where. That longer tail is going to keep you out of spots the Raptor will reach. *** for tat on that point, which is why I was figuring we're talking about the same chassis.

A new Raptor was more than a few hundred bucks, it was ~$3000 more than the FX4 with the extras that make it more all around capable but just not as good looking.

Another fair point. But don't you give every penny back when adding a lift, wheels and tires?

And what about the air bag idea? For a relatively small pricetag, wouldn't that answer your weight carrying concern?

 

[dabsdb]

I'm not trying to pick a fight, either. It just the original question of the post was which to get, an FX4 or a Raptor.

If driving fast off-road is a must; get the Raptor
If Raptor styling is a must; get the Raptor
If fuel cost & MPG are irrelevant; get the Raptor
If paying ~ $9200 for a "new wow factor" feeling; get a new Raptor

If you need an off-road capable vehicle that can carry 3-4 compadres, their dogs & their gear for more than 1-2 days off-road hunting & you don't like carrying 5 gal Jerry cans; buy the FX4 with the 5.0L v8.

The only difference between a man & a boy is the cost of their toys.

 

[BigJ]

That's one way to put it. Another way might be

If driving slow off road is a must; get the Raptor
If Raptor styling is a must; get the Raptor
If fuel cost and MPG are irrelevant; get any full sized truck
If paying 10%-15% more for a one of a kind factory engineered built and warrantied truck feels right; get a new Raptor.

If you need an off-road capable vehicle that can carry 3-4 compadres, their dogs and their gear for more than 1-2 days off-road hunting; get a Raptor. If you don't like carrying 5 gal Jerry cans; you probably shouldn't be solo vehicling your 3-4 compadres and their dogs for more than 1-2 days off-road.

I guess its all a matter of perspective, eh?

 

[dabsdb]

Here was the breakdown of my costs into the FX4, 5.0L, 6.5' box, lux package with nav unit ($40,015) & then put on 3" leveling kit ($185+$250 install), 17" Raptor wheels ($800) with 35x12.5 tires ($1400) which is almost the same suspension as the Raptor without $2000 of Fox shocks. $42,215. Then the extras, power running boards ($1000), Frontier brush guard ($650), Bedslide ($1000), bilat gun/rod boxes ($550) & BakFlip lid ($900). FX4 total cost, before taxes = ~$46,500, compared to the best Raptor with nav price before taxes ~$49,550. Some could maybe find a better Raptor price & some a better FX4, but I didn't.

As regards vehicle wheelbase, if the FX4 only came in a 5.5' bed (absolutely the same capability at normal off-road speeds), it would still be a tough sell to pay $9000 more just for "new" wow factor, when I needed a 6.5' bed more than off-road speed.

I came across 2 different nav equipped Raptor screws that looked new but had 16-20K miles, priced at ~$45,000 (probably would have taken $43-44K cash) & that is what I expect to find in late 2012. Prices might even be better if BHO is re-elected, but then I might not be able to afford to buy a used Raptor, much less, the gas!

 

[BigJ]

FYI I paid just under $39.5k for my 2010 SCAB 5.4 Raptor brand new (ordered it) back when they were as scarce as the chupacabra. I have maybe $2k in mods tops to this point. Not an exact comparison since you've got a SCREW, but that should give some idea.

Next time I suggest hiring a broker (my $39.5k quote includes their fees). Let them do all the dirty work and save you a ton of time and money.

 

[dabsdb]

If driving slow off road is a must; get the Raptor. Why? almost any 4WD can do that.
If Raptor styling is a must; get the Raptor. Agree
If fuel cost and MPG are irrelevant; get any full sized truck. Don't see your point. If fuel & MPG irrelevant, I get an H1.
If paying 10%-15% more for a one of a kind factory engineered built and warrantied truck feels right; get a new Raptor. It is actually closer to 18-20%.

"If you don't like carrying 5 gal Jerry cans; you probably shouldn't be solo vehicling your 3-4 compadres and their dogs for more than 1-2 days off-road."

It usually isn't a good idea to show others your good hunting spots & with 3 compadres, the right rescue tools, cell & satellite phones it is no big deal. I hardly ever used the winches on my other off-road vehicles, so I decided not to put one on this FX4 that might be a dumba$$ mistake. What is the old saying? "you never need something until you need it."

As regards 5 gal Jerry cans, for a short time I trained in a burn unit & saw what can happen while filling a vehicle with a Jerry can. I just prefer not to take another risk that can be avoided when you are 1-2 hours from nearest hospital.

 

[BigJ]

If driving slow off road is a must; get the Raptor. Why? almost any 4WD can do that.

I was talking a bit tounge in cheek Yes, any 4WD can do that, however I might argue some do it more comfortably than others. I've driven/sat in/ridden in lots of 4x4s and not many drive as nicely as the Raptor does over the rocks, or washboards. For those of us with bad backs, that's a serious benefit. Can't speak too much about over roots or branches though.

If fuel cost and MPG are irrelevant; get any full sized truck. Don't see your point. If fuel & MPG irrelevant, I get an H1.

Weelll no. IMHO a "MPG" argument is not an argument to make for or against the Raptor. But that's really a discussion of another color.

If paying 10%-15% more for a one of a kind factory engineered built and warrantied truck feels right; get a new Raptor. It is actually closer to 18-20%.

Not at all. Compare sticker to sticker (as can be seen right on Ford's website): base FX4 = 37,135 and base Raptor = 42,060, or a difference of 13ish%

"If you don't like carrying 5 gal Jerry cans; you probably shouldn't be solo vehicling your 3-4 compadres and their dogs for more than 1-2 days off-road."

It usually isn't a good idea to show others your good hunting spots & with 3 compadres, the rescue tools, cell & satellite phones it is no big deal.

Heh fair enough.

As regards 5 gal Jerry cans, for a short time I trained in a burn unit & saw what can happen while filling a vehicle with a Jerry can. I just prefer not to take another risk that can be avoided.

Ugh. I don't even want to imagine.

But I think if done safely, there's no risk of burning oneself. Just like with anything else, you've got to use your noggin though.

 

[Hockster]

Yep, FX4 is more useful, & is the truck that I needed, but not the one I wanted. It is no substitute for a Raptor.

Yep agreed with this. I was in kinda the same boat as you. I really needed a truck that can tow a larger trailer since I have a place in northern Mi and have to get there 3 or 4 times a year. But as with anything that has needs you have to weight it out...For me, when I have needs I remove a few of the needs and wala!!! I have one badass Raptor. With every truck I have owned( quite a few since I worked 30 at Ford and changed trucks just about every year) I was always tired of them after 6 months or so and got me a new one. I have had the Raptor since Oct of 09 and I am not tired of it yet.. That is a first for me ever!!! I get a tickle everytime I drive it and people gawk and ask questions. 2 years old and they still flock around it when I go somewhere... The stance is second to no other production truck...

 

[dabsdb]

"$39.5k for my 2010 SCAB"

Sounds like a very good price even back in 2010.

I have gone through brokers to find my used vehicles & have gotten good deals, but never used one for a new truck purchase. If FMC SVT made an EB 5.0L a Raptor option, I would definitely be interested in "new."

Can you share your broker's contact information?

 

[dabsdb]

Talking with you is a kick. I haven't had the experience of driving a Raptor fast off-road, but if I do it won't be a new one. I couldn't stand the thought of ******** up a brand new $49K truck. ******** up used truck, even when it costs $45k, just doesn't seem to insult the senses so much.