Pending 2021 vs 2022 Purchase

[121x]

Hi All,

Currently own an F250 Tremor and downsizing to an F150 Raptor as needs no longer dictate a 3/4 for towing (have access to other tow vehicles now). Would prefer something more suitable for daily driving, but still capable of carrying my MX bikes and the driving I do on gravel roads both too and from home as well as the areas I ride.

That said I currently have two options available to me. A '21 Raptor with 30k miles, black on black with the tailgate applique and sticker package. And a '22 with 9k miles. Similar options. The '21 has the stickers (which I do not care for and would remove). Both 35" package and optioned nearly the same. The '21 has the brushed aluminum wheels, which I think are ugly, while the '22 has the forged aluminum bead lock capable wheels (which I prefer for the stock wheels). Both have the carbon fiber package. The '21 has the pro-power onboard, the '22 does not. Thats not a huge deal for me. I am intending to put aftermarket tires and wheels on anyways, so although it is not a deal breaker, it would be nice to have a set of tires/wheels I could live with for several months.

The '22 is about 5k more expensive with my trade-in value, but significantly less miles.


As silly as it may seem I really wanted the applique tailgate. To me it is traditional Raptor and looks more finished. My concern is, trying to source a replacement tailgate later. Not sure how pricey it would be or how practical. I know there are owners out there that prefer the non-applique tailgate. Not sure how common that is though and whether there is much demand for a trade of the non-applique for an applique tailgate amongst owners.

Curious what others would do in a similar situation. Should something as silly as a tailgate really be a hold up? Would you opt for the '22 based on lower miles but higher cost?

Will be doing something within the next week.

Appreciate the opinions.

 

[smurfslayer]

How often do you stare at your tailgate and think “self, we should have gotten another option” ? Others are going to see it way more than you.

 

[RaptorFan1988]

For me, the tailgate applique was a must-have as it's a hallmark of the Raptor's styling, but I also see the appeal of a cleaner truck. To add that on later would put you out the cost of a color matched tailgate ($2000+ probably) as you can't apply the applique to a non-applique tailgate. You will also likely have some difficulty sourcing one that matches your color due to availability. There are some aftermarket options which I can't speak to, but I do know they exist if that's something that interests you.

I would get the 21 for a few reasons: 1) It has more mileage, but it's also cheaper and you could possibly negotiate more. 30K isn't exactly a lot of miles and if you can get your hands on some service records you could have peace of mind. 2) The 21s have a few very small details that may interest you that the 22s don't (ambient lighting in some spots, digital temp display on knobs instead of screen). This is a double edged sword though as the 21s don't have the R button on the steering wheel, but it's nothing you can't just do with an extra button press on a 21 so no loss of functionality. 3) It has your applique that will be costly adding it back on later and add some complication to your buying process. The 5K difference may as well become a 7-8k difference in price when all is said and done in addition to the headache of sourcing.

Either way you can't lose - I see pros and cons for both. I don't think you'll be disappointed either way. These trucks are phenomenal.

 

[121x]

How often do you stare at your tailgate and think “self, we should have gotten another option” ? Others are going to see it way more than you.

Understood. For me, the tail gate applique is a part of the Raptor brand, IMO. I feel it's kind of like making a compromise while spending a LOT of money. And from my perspective, spending this kind of money I do not want the perception as though I couldn't afford it, so had to cheep out to lower the cost. Whether people would see it that way or not I don't know. But to me, a part of me feels it looks a bit cheaper.

That said, I see your point.

 

[Nex]

Which color do you like better? To me, that would be a bigger sway than the items listed.

 

[121x]

For me, the tailgate applique was a must-have as it's a hallmark of the Raptor's styling, but I also see the appeal of a cleaner truck. To add that on later would put you out the cost of a color matched tailgate ($2000+ probably) as you can't apply the applique to a non-applique tailgate. You will also likely have some difficulty sourcing one that matches your color due to availability. There are some aftermarket options which I can't speak to, but I do know they exist if that's something that interests you.

I would get the 21 for a few reasons: 1) It has more mileage, but it's also cheaper and you could possibly negotiate more. 30K isn't exactly a lot of miles and if you can get your hands on some service records you could have peace of mind. 2) The 21s have a few very small details that may interest you that the 22s don't (ambient lighting in some spots, digital temp display on knobs instead of screen). This is a double edged sword though as the 21s don't have the R button on the steering wheel, but it's nothing you can't just do with an extra button press on a 21 so no loss of functionality. 3) It has your applique that will be costly adding it back on later and add some complication to your buying process. The 5K difference may as well become a 7-8k difference in price when all is said and done in addition to the headache of sourcing.

Either way you can't lose - I see pros and cons for both. I don't think you'll be disappointed either way. These trucks are phenomenal.

And this is exactly my dilemma. The '22 is 95% of the way there for me, including a considerable amount of already completed paint matching (bumpers, skid plate, fender flares, bump pads, hood vents, mirrors, etc). I could do the paint work myself so not a huge deal, but saves the cost and time associated. Likewise it has the black forged aluminum bead lock wheels that I could live with for several months and convert over to running winter tires.

Where as the '21 has the brushed aluminum ones that I do not care for. The '22 is a year newer, has considerably less miles and would allow me to forgo purchasing an extended warranty for at least a year, where as the '21 would require a warranty within a few months as it is nearing the end of its factory mileage coverage, increasing the immediate cost by a few thousand.

The only real difference between the two is the wheels (personal preference obviously), the '21 has pro power onboard (could take it or leave it), and the tail gate applique on the '21.

And then you raise a good point with respect to Ford cheapening the interior components on the '22 versus the '21. But would they be missed?!
Out of curiosity, anyone missing not having the temp display on the dial? I like that on my 250. What is lacking with the ambient lighting? The cup holders like my 250?

I realize I am nit picking, BUT I intending to keep this truck for 3-4 years, so it is important I make the most concise decision that I can and not regret it.

Anyone happen to know the chances of finding a GEN 3 tailgate at a wrecker, even if it had to be repainted?

 

[121x]

Which color do you like better? To me, that would be a bigger sway than the items listed.

Both are black on black.

 

[Nex]

Then get the one with the tailgate.

Edit:
You can add number to your temp control dial. Many have done it here.

 

[2slo4u]

I believe the 21 is the holy grail of Gen 3's. Had the least amount of options cut out.

BTW -- you are not downsizing to a Raptor. That's just crazy talk. A Tremor is nothing more than a "wish I had bought a Raptor" truck...haha

 

[smurfslayer]

Both are black on black.

So, easy answer then.

Buy both. Two Raptors in your garage beats one on the sales lot.