For the love of cars
For the love of cars
Ford and Chevrolet. These names alone evoke images of the world’s most recognizable vehicles and one of the world’s biggest rivalries. For over 100 years, every Chevy and Ford dealer has been like cats and dogs of the Colts and Patriots. These brands compete for drivers’ hearts, minds, and wallets.
Ford has gained quite a reputation over the years – the trucks they create are the most powerful, capable, and even luxurious models. But new doesn’t always mean better, and it definitely doesn’t always mean affordable. So what Ford trucks are the best, and where can you find them? Read More
What do you think when you hear the name of a car brand? This is your brand perception, and it’s an essential factor in your purchase. Read More
The Ford F-150 has been known as the perfect work and play truck for years, but now it brings even more to the table. The latest edition, the Ford F-150 Lightning, is a fully electric pickup truck that redefines capability and functionality. In fact, this pickup truck won’t just haul and tow to your heart’s desire; it can also power your entire home.
The Ford Explorer is one of the most well-known SUVs on the road today. It’s known for its versatility and a full selection of trims and options. With three rows of passenger space, strong towing capabilities, and a full selection of powertrains, this Ford SUV is perfect for families or solo drivers.
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.
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.
Can you avoid a vehicle that turns into a lemon? You can with our Lemon Series. This week we take a look at vehicles from the 2020 model year that have the largest number of reported complaints. These complaints can certainly span the spectrum from a simple comfort issue to an engine that fails to start when it should. Regardless of the type of complaint, you’re going to want to avoid vehicles at or near the top of this list. Read More
If you want to have a huge selection of powerful used trucks to choose from, the right place to go is your local truck headquarters. This is the place where you’ll find more trucks that you can drive than anywhere else. You’ll see all the brands, models, and configurations that are possible, at great prices. Stop in and see what this team has for you and choose the right truck today.
Look at the 2020 Ford Fusion and see how many different ways you can make this car the right one for you to have the drive you’re looking for. Read More