SVTF150

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executor485

The ride in both will be great... However, just for a test drive, the Raptor was smoother. In part it's due to the taller sidewall and the shocks tend to absorb a lot more before compromising the ride quality. I ended up with the Limited for a few reasons, one of the big ones is that A/C seats are almost a must have in TX, and the real fact of the matter is that I wouldnt do enough off-roading to justify the Raptor's much taller profile (my wife had a hard time getting in, shorty... lol)

sranger

Just a note, the 2012's Raptors have A/C cooled seats as part of the Lux package.....

pfbz

Lariat Limited and Raptor are about as far apart on the F150 spectrum as you can get...

The Limited is tuned for the street crowd with 22" wheels, no low range transfer case, heavy AWD, lots of sound insulation, maximum luxury..

The Raptor is tuned for the pre-runner crowd. Big tires on 17" wheels, super-long travel suspension, program modes for off road, hill descent, and even a front torsen diff (2012). But it also looks pretty cool, so plenty of people probably buy them and never take them even down a dirt lane.

I test drove a Raptor and a FX4 EcoBoost back-to-back. I really wanted to love the Raptor, but didn't. It felt a bit floaty and unbalanced if pushed on pavement. Ended up buying the FX4 Eco. Better choice for spirited on-road driving (and pretty much split's the difference between the Raptor and the Limited)

2010FX4F150GILROY

I did an extended test drive my dealer loves me... Of a Raptor 2011 supercrew, the fuel mileage sucks but if your looking at a truck fuel mileage cannot be your top priority. I liked the truck the comfort was great and I had a 05 Mercedes before the 2010 FX4 luxury I currently drive. The Raptor was more comfortable on bumps and rough roads here. The price tag to me just did not make the ride that great. I made changes on my FX4 that cost far less than the 10k added price tag on the Raptor. I still think the F150 has a great ride the Raptor just steps it up a bit more. Not a big deal and if you think the offroad shocks will make he suspension stiff it is actually the opposite effect. I have almost the same layout in my truck as the Raptor but I did get Nav which the Raptor did not have. I dont really care for the red interior accents but thats just an opinion.... I am happy enough with what I have that my dealer could not get the price tag low enough on a Raptor to peak my intrest......

executor485

Nice!

Not too upset I didnt wait, but that's a huge plus for the Raptor.

NorCal-09

FYI, I just spec'd out both the Raptor and FX4 on the Ford '12 build and price website, and the Screw FX4 with Nav and Lux-Pkg etc. came out to $47,700. A similarly equipped Raptor, Nav and Lux Pkg (cooled black leather seats) priced out at $51,900. I have been in contact with the dealer in Redlands (SoCal) and internet sales can order it for a (min) of $4000 below Monroney, or +500 over invoice. I did not ask her if you could lease the Raptor like you can the regular models. If I don't go with the Raptor, I will most likely go with a black '12 FX4 and EB.

Some dealers may add their own dealership marked up sticker to the Federal Sticker; but unless they ignore it during final negotiations, I will walk.

2010FX4F150GILROY

^^ I drove a total of 4 Raptors 2010 and 2011 The extended cab just did not get it for me. I can tell ya I really hate the stupid red tape center point on the steering wheel it gets annoying.. I got the FX4 for 33k it had 2.7 miles on it so I bought it about a year ago. They had a Raptor on the showroom floor it was marked 48k. They did not want to deal off the 48k which was only 2k off MSRP. I drove a total of about 250 miles in the Rapator and did love it. But now 8k miles later in my FX4 supercrew I love it too. I like th brute force of a V8 but after driving the Raptor I just did not like the V6 EB it was powerful but not like the 6.2.... For me its a wait and see approach to the V6 turbo motors... But good luck on the purchase of the Raptor....

pfbz

Yup, the sticker price of a Raptor vs. FX4/Lariat/Platinum/whatever isn't that large. $4K for big tires and nice wheels, the 6.2L engine, a sweet Fox long travel suspension, AND all the cosmetic upgrades is a bargain, of course only if you desire those things. And $500 over invoice is a good deal on a Raptor.

But Ford typically puts another $2K-$4K of rebates on their trucks even early in the model year, growing to more like $6K by the end of the model year, and the Raptor has always been excluded.

$4K difference is a no-brainer if you like the Raptor upgrades. $9K-$11K difference (with the possible rebates and the typically lower dealer discounts) give one much more to think about.

Squeak

thank you all for your input. i was able to test drive a Raptor yesterday and put my order in for a 2012 SCrew Raptor.

I like my trucks a little bigger so the extra money allows me to just level it instead of lifting it which saves a lot of hassle and possible warranty issues. best of luck to the rest of you.