For the love of cars
For the love of cars
It’s well-known among automotive experts, and knowledgeable consumers, that few vehicles hold their value as well as a Honda. That’s particularly true of the Honda CR-V, the compact SUV renowned for fuel efficiency, reliability, and quality.
The Koenigsegg Gemera is an irrational supercar that can fit four people for a day out on the road showing off with power and speed. Read More
For those of us that spend all of our driving time between the lines on the road, racing games are a great escape from this doldrum. Read More
Lifted trucks have a lot to offer when it comes to versatility, whether you’ve got hauling to do or just like driving a powerful truck. Read More
How can you see the area next to your vehicle? You need to have a set of blind-spot mirrors to see this space. Read More
Ford has reached up and grabbed the safety awards with aggression and confidence. When you visit your local Ford dealer, it will be easy to find safety and confidence in the vehicle you want to drive. The IIHS has awarded various Ford models with their prestigious Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards, giving us some amazing models that come from the blue oval brand to be trustworthy vehicles that can keep you out of trouble and protect you when you’re out on the road with other drivers.
The Porsche 911 just rolled its millionth model off of the production line. A car with this many models must have quite the history. Read More
If you’re looking for a small SUV with five seats, you might want to see what the Chevrolet Blazer has to offer. The Blazer is in an interesting place in the market. The midsize SUV class is filled with vehicles that perform various tasks well but don’t handle others the way you might want.
When you’re looking for an SUV with plenty of cargo and passenger room, a dynamic build, sporty performance items, and modern qualities, you can’t deny that the Blazer brings you more of what you’re looking for. Read More
Your Kubota tractor is the prized jewel of your equipment. It offers the power and capability to get the job done. You also need a truck that can haul it.
Regardless of whether you have a Kubota tractor like the B2601 to help with chores around the farm or a B2650 backhoe that earns its worth on the job site, or anything in between, here are three mid-size trucks that help you get your Kubota tractor where it needs to be to get the job done. Read More
With a new generation of Ford F-150 Raptor pickups hitting showrooms, should you head to the dealer now or look for a good deal on a used Ford Raptor?
To help you decide, we’ll look at what’s new in the third-gen Raptor and what to look for in a first or second-generation model.
We’ll answer the biggest question first. The rumor mills have been cranking overtime about Ford bringing back a V8 engine in the F-150 Raptor, especially after Ram introduced the new 1500 TRX in all its 707-horsepower Hellcat glory.
Ford still lists the standard V6 on the Raptor’s specs page, though, so if you’re holding out for the eight-banger, check with your local Ford dealer to confirm precisely when the V8 will be available.
That said, at 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, the second-generation power plant is still plenty beefy when you want to crawl over debris and dominate sand dunes. But a lot of folks were disappointed when Ford stopped offering the V8 in the Raptor: and let’s face it, the smaller six just doesn’t deliver the same satisfying roar.
The third-gen F-150 Raptor also gets upgrades such as optional 37-inch tires, Fox Live Valve internal bypass shocks, and a fighter jet-inspired redesign. So, cue up the Top Gun soundtrack, strap in, and prepare for launch.
The quick answer: it depends. This isn’t exactly a truck for bargain hunters.
Ford lists the F-150 Raptor at just over $64k. Compared to other F-150 models, the Raptor is well-appointed with an impressive list of standard comfort and driver-assist features. But most drivers are attracted to Ford’s add-on packages that add convenience and performance-enhancing features like the retuned shocks and Recaro sport seats.
Once you start adding feature packages, the sticker price can leap higher than a Raptor off a sand dune. And it will go even higher when you swap out the V6 for the V8 engine.
If the V8 isn’t a dealbreaker for you, and you just want a truck that you can kick back and get down and dirty off-road with, a used Ford Raptor might be your best option. Bear in mind, though, that the Raptor holds its value better than most pickups, so you’re still likely to pay over $40k to get behind the wheel.
Modern vehicles are made to run for hundreds of thousands of miles, and the Raptor is purpose-built to handle heavy punishment.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t thoroughly inspect any used Raptor you’re interested in, especially if it’s spent a lot of time off-road. Try to get a thorough maintenance record from the previous owner and pay special attention to the condition of the struts and shocks.
With supply chain issues delaying the arrival of new vehicles at showrooms, it’s well worth considering a used Ford Raptor if you’re ready for some off-road adventure. Whether you choose a second-generation or throw it all the way back for a first-gen, you’ll have a capable truck that you’ll have a blast piloting through mud, sand, and gravel.