I don't disagree entirely, but every time I see a clone, I think...wby didn't you buy the real thing?
I actually think the Raptor is a bargain. Mine is a base 800A Crew. The sticker was $56k and change; if you could avoid the markup this is great value. Pickups aren't cheap! I guess an 800A is kind of like an XLT model. I just did a build and price on a 2018 F-150 XLT crew cab 4x4, with the 301A package and 3.5L EcoBoost. This is as close to the base Raptor as I could spec. I added only options that either my truck has or would be standard on the Raptor. In the end, the F-150 price was $50k. That means for an additional $6k dollars you get the wide bodywork, extra marker lights, special grille, 35" KO2 tires, 4.10 axles, reinforced frame, long-travel Fox suspension, beadlock *forged* rims, matching spare tire and rim, nicer steering wheel, unique transfer case, full skid plating, LED headlights and tail lights, turn signals, etc, 6 drive modes, rear recovery hooks, much nicer running boards, probably more I'm forgetting...plus of course the High Output 3.5L EB with 450HP and the true dual exhaust system. I think that is great value.
---------- Post added at 01:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:35 PM ----------
Despite the awesome looks playing a big part in my purchase decision, I use my Raptor both for off-road and for work and for a daily driver. I think I use my Raptor to pretty much its fullest.
Despite it being brand-new (well, about 40 days old now) I have been off-road with it on trails three times and been on fire roads 5 times. It has been covered with mud and washed clean. I also tow frequently with it...as much as 11,500 lbs using a carefully balanced load and a W/D hitch. But usually I'm towing a nearly 8k enclosed trailer. The bed is being used like a work truck. It has 4x4 treated wood posts I use for blocks, a couple of 5 gallon diesel cans, a 5 gallon gas can, 3 different 20' ratchet straps, 2 different 30' grade 70 transport chains, couple of funnels, miscellaneous tools, etc. Diesel has spilled out of one container into the bed and down the bumper. But I keep the exterior clean and the cab interior spotless. In one week, I'll be all done with my side business which gets everything so dirty, and the only thing I'll be towing is my snowmobile trailer once we get snow.
