I know there are a lot of threads with people trying to choose between the higher trim levels and Raptor already, but hoping those that were in the same shoes as me can lend some advice. I've been looking at F150's for a couple of months now and have almost pulled the trigger on a Platinum, but just can't get excited about it. I have a midsized truck now that started out as a supplement to my fun car (Porsche Cayman), but then turned into my daily driver when I sold the Cayman. The Cayman was an awesome car that I still miss, but juggling the two cars and a busy schedule turned into more than I wanted to deal with. Seemed like I always had the Cayman when I needed the truck bed, or was in the truck when I could have been in the Cayman. Didn't help that I stored whichever I wasn't driving at my office so I always had to plan ahead on which car I'd bring home, just too much hassle for my current life situation.

I started looking at F150's to get something with more room and also something with more creature comforts that aren't available in the midsize trucks. Things like LED headlights and the pano sunroof. So my issue is while I really like the Platinum, it's missing some of the fun factor I've been craving. I thought about a limited, but seems like it would be a similar driving experience as the Platinum, just with the faster motor. Without yet driving a Raptor in person, it seems like it might answer my question on having something fun to drive yet with the functionality of a bed. My need for a truck stems from having a couple of properties I manage and I just can't see being without a bed and moderate towing capability from time to time. Every time I think of looking at the Raptor, my mind wanders back to the fact that the Platinum is still a huge upgrade from what I have now and will more than adequately serve my needs.

My long term plan is to get back into a fun car of some sort and have a truck as a secondary vehicle, but that's probably a few years out. I have a feeling I know the answers I'm going to get from everyone, just get the Raptor. Bottom line is that it's hard to ignore the incentives, heavier discounting, and practicality of the Platinum for my needs, albeit without the fun factor of the Raptor.

 

The Raptor is awesome, and I wanted one as well, but bought a loaded Lariat instead(didn't want the chrome and polish of a Platinum).
I did not buy a Raptor because; Gas mileage isn't good, and gets really bad if you drive it like it's meant to be driven.
35" tires tend to wear out quicker and make more noise than a 32 or 33", even though the BFG KO2's are really good.
Towing and hauling isn't as much on a Raptor.
The Raptor suspension is great off road, and doesn't bother me on road, but isn't the car like ride of a regular F150.
It has more body roll and feels different in turns.
Insurance and property taxes are higher.
None of these are bad things, just that a Raptor vs a Platinum is getting into apples vs oranges.
Both are purpose built. If the above reasons don't bother you, buy the Raptor.
If they do, buy a Platinum.

 

This is a great reply and just the information I was hoping for. I fear regrets from both sides of the equation, buying the Platinum and wishing I had the Raptor for the driving experience, but also buying the Raptor and after a year wishing I had gone with the more practical truck. Seems like there's more risk in some of the Raptor uniqueness wearing on me over time vs going with the better street truck. The Limited tries to bridge that gap I guess, but I'm not too hot on the two tone interior and honestly the regular 3.5EB has more than sufficient get up and go for a truck.

 

4 months owning my new '19 Lariat 502A.
I still love the Raptor, but have no regrets.
One thing I've noticed, is try shopping new and used Raptors online...you'll have your pick of whatever you want.
Used, they all seem to have 8k-10k miles(the guys that realize gas is too much, or can't stand the ride).
Or 30k-40k miles, (the guys that are seeing the long term costs approaching, thinning tires and upcoming property taxes).
The Raptor is purpose built, but not the best daily driver, unless money is no object.
New, I see them below sticker everywhere.
With a Raptor, I would drive it like I stole it everyday.
With a Lariat, I behave and drive normal, most of the time. The 3.5eb is impressive to say the least(and nothing wrong with a 5.0 either).
Are the non Raptor trucks fast/quick? For a near 7k lb vehicle, they'll suprise you.
Go drive the Platinum, and a Raptor.
You'll know which is right for you.

 

Test drive both then decide which is best for you. After driving my 2017 Raptor for the last 2.5 years I don't think I'll ever own another truck that isn't a Raptor. I've been pondering ordering a 2020 but haven't pulled the trigger yet.

 

Thanks guys. The issue with test driving one is I'm pretty confident I'll no doubt want a Raptor doing a 10 minute test drive, especially back to back with a Platinum. The real thing I need to answer is the long term feasibility of daily driving one. The extra width/height and other factors take away from some of the utility and the other maintenance and insurance costs are more of an annoyance than anything. On the outside, it looks like a swiss army knife that would satisfy my fun to drive requirement and also have some utility. I'll get out to see and drive one at some point but before doing so I need to weigh the pros and cons of long term ownership a bit more. The thing I'm most trying to avoid is redoing this whole purchase 12 months from now because I regret my decision. It seems like some of what makes the Raptor such a great truck can also serve to wear on people after extended ownership. Obviously not the case for experience NASSTY.

 

OK. I just stepped up from a 2013 XLT Super Crew Ecoboost to a 19 Raptor.
Yes the the drive and ride are slightly different.
Fuel economy driving the same route to and from work in the same manner, the Raptor gets about 1/2 mpg less than the '13.
Highway mileage, same speeds, same route, about 1/2 to 1 mpg less.
Now, if I press the go pedal a lot, mileage definitely goes down, but it also did with the '13 Super Crew.
My Wife likes the ride of the Raptor better.
I also considered something other than the Raptor and just couldn't do it because I wanted a Raptor.
Insurance wise, the Insurance on the new Raptor is actually slightly less than the '13 Super Crew with same coverage through Progressive.
As for tires, I was running 275/65 R18 KO2's on the '13 and they are very close to the same price as the Raptor tires.
Incidentally, my vehicle before the '13 was a 1993 Lightning.
The Raptor is a great combination of the previous two vehicles.
Just my 2 Cents worth!

 

So what mpg are you getting?

 

120 mile round trip last weekend, cruise set at 65 and got 19.5 calculated (not meter). To and from work, moderate traffic, 16.5 to 17.5.

 

OK, here's another perspective (and no doubt I will get flamed here!). I had a loaded 16 Lariat 502a 3.5EB and was convinced I wanted to change for the Raptor. Had a very good deal agreed for a new 19 802a (Kudos to Woodhouse Ford Nebraska, who agreed a discount, full value on my trade and delivery). So before I signed off on the deal I thought I had better test drive it just to confirm. Well....sorry to say I came away seriously disappointed and knew I just could not live with it long term. For me it was just rougher and noisier than i wanted and on road handling no better than my Lariat (with Bilstein and ARB) . Took me back to my forest rally cars from the past -great fun when pushing hard in the forests but not on the road. (Plus my bernese mountain dog hated riding in the Raptor although he loves my truck normally!) . Maybe I'm just getting old (OK, guess I am old ) but I would not want to spend too much time in it on a road trip. Might be fun for zooming around r but no way I would do 500-1000miles in a day in it which I do on regular occasions.

Like I said, very disappointed because otherwise I really liked it (seats especially) and wanted it but I knew realistically I would get fed up with it very quickly. So was going to keep my Lariat for another year then a week later I found a very good deal on a 19 Platinum and traded. Now for the funny bit - going from the sublime to the ridiculous! - the Platty is a PS diesel! But (a bit to my chagrin in some respects ) i am very happy with it. Performance is good, handles decent even before i change the suspension and great cruiser ( I drove 450 miles to pick it up and back the same day without issues)

Still feel a little twinge every time I see a Raptor but the Platinum just fits my requirements better. So, I guess my long winded message is really to drive it first to see how it works for you. I can fully understand how people love it, it is a great truck but as it turned out, not for me