Buying a used truck is a tricky activity. You must know which model to look for, the condition it’s presented in, and the price it’s selling for. The Ford Raptor is no different. These tips for buying a used Ford Raptor will help anyone in the market to find their ideal truck at a discounted price.
First vs. Second Generation
When looking for a used Ford Raptor, one must consider which generation they wish to drive: the first or second. The first generation of Ford Raptors emerged in 2010, and they were a sight for sore eyes. Its impressive frame and powerful performance impressed on- and off-roaders alike. The SuperCab and SuperCrew body styles offered a 310 hp 5.4L V8 engine or 411 hp 6.2L V8 engine, and the SuperCrew offered towing and payloads of 8,000 lbs. and 1,770 lbs. respectively. Ford sought to distinguish the Raptor from its top-selling pickup truck, the F-150, so they designed the Raptor with off-road capability in mind. They also fitted it with Fox Racing 2.5” diameter internal bypass shocks with external reservoirs, and a rear axle locking differential. Within the generation the truck went through body and performance changes, but the most noticeable changes came in the second generation. The first-generation Raptor featured beadlock-capable wheels, which lock the tire to the rim to reduce the chance for the tire to separate when running on low air pressure. The beadlock-capability required owners to order a beadlock ring kit to convert the wheel to beadlock.
The second generation emerged in 2017, this time with a new lightweight aluminum body and military-grade high-strength steel underbody. Optimized for off-road capability, the newer Raptor upgraded to the Fox Racing 3.0” diameter shocks for more off-road capability as well as a newly implemented torque-on-demand system. Ford kept the beadlock-capable option which further combined the on-demand capability for all-wheel drive with four-wheel drive allowing for real-time off-road performance changes. Additionally, the second-generation Raptor features a powerful High Output 3.5L EcoBoost Turbo Engine over the previous 6.2L V8 for an impressive 450 hp and greater fuel economy.
Price
Contrary to what many might think, a used Ford Raptor will cost less than $40,000. Of course, this depends on the make, condition, and mileage of the vehicle. Also, consider what modifications you might wish to install after you purchase the truck. Truck modifications and accessories are additional expenses, but don’t let that affect your decision. In fact, you can purchase a cheaper Raptor to use for complete customization, or you can purchase an almost new one and leave it as is.
Potential Issues
This applies to purchasing any used vehicle, but always inspect for potential performance issues. People are likely to drive performance-based vehicles, such as the Raptor, through serious conditions, like off road. For this reason, check to see if there are any body or performance issues. Shocks and struts, for instance, take some of the most abuse and may need to be replaced. Even strictly on-road performance has its share of issues. Check the suspension and shocks for leaks or damage. Ask the seller to show you if there has been any service on the vehicle. Keep these checks in mind before making your final purchase.
When you do purchase your used Ford Raptor, make sure you modify it with the right accessories. To make your truck stand out as the most aggressive vehicle on the street or on the trail, install one of our Ford Raptor fog lights or any of our other light kits. This will retain its OEM-appearance and still provide an intense beam of light to brighten any surface.