Why the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Is the Best Used Truck to Buy
When buying a used truck, you don’t want to be stuck with one that performs poorly with a low towing capacity. One of the best trucks on the current used market is the Ford F-150. It also has a higher-performance version called the F-150 Raptor, equipped with a more powerful engine and a luxurious interior.
If you want to save some money, a used Raptor is a great investment. Doug DeMuro posted a fantastic video about why it’s the best used truck for your money. Even after 5 years and over 60k miles, it’s still in good shape. Here are all the interesting features that the Raptor has to offer.
Exterior touches
The Raptor has a few cosmetic differences that make it stand out from other trucks. Like the standard Ford F-150, it comes with an integrated tailgate step in the back hatch, as well as an integrated cane for additional leverage. Unlike the regular F-150, the Raptor has the Ford logo built into the grille as opposed to a small badge. It’s also one of the only trucks to have its marker lights placed on the front grille and bumper area rather than strictly in the back.
High-powered engine
The standard F-150 comes with a V6 3.3-liter engine capable of 290 hp. However, if drivers want to unlock the F-150’s true towing potential, it’s better to go with one of the other available engines. The best option is a V8 5.4-liter with 310 hp.
By comparison, the engine under the hood of the Raptor got a serious upgrade. For the 2013 model, it’s a V8 6.2-liter engine capable of 410 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and has a limited-slip differential instead of the open differential from previous years.
Infotainment features
Right below the infotainment setup, the Raptor has a special panel with a few unique functions. It has a button for hill descent control and Off-Road mode, which makes the throttle more responsive and gives the driver better steering during off-roading adventures. It also has a set of four AUX switches for hooking up extra features, such as a custom stereo setup or another set of lights.
This was also the first year of the MyFord system for the Raptor. It has a crisp 8-inch touchscreen with many driver’s assistance features. There’s also a 4.2-inch screen in the gauge cluster, which displays information like fuel economy, towing capacity, climate control settings, and the quiet start feature.
Built for off-roading
Unlike other trucks in its price range, the Raptor has the smallest wheel size of 17 inches. However, this allows the driver to put bigger tires on the wheels, which makes it more ideal for off-roading. To help drivers get a better idea of how much ground clearance they’ll get, Ford offered a front-mounted camera in the grille of the Raptor. This camera also comes with a washer system to get rid of any dirt or grime that may accumulate on rough roads.
A good ride
Behind the wheel of the Raptor, it’s fun to drive both on and off the road. The cabin is spacious and has very comfortable seats. Like most trucks, it doesn’t have the best acceleration, but it’s still highly responsive to the driver’s steering inputs.
One of the best perks about buying a used Raptor is its rock-bottom depreciation. The car only loses an estimated 20% value over a five-year period, which is a much better rate than many other used cars. With all of its off-roading power and attractive features, you shouldn’t have a problem selling this car and getting a good chunk of your money back.