Lessons learned:
MSRP- Look around a few states for MSRP on a raptor. Its always good to get a pulse on the market. I paid +$10k over MSRP for one off the lot because I am an idiot.
Get a good loan. I don't know a lot about this subject, but just like you haggle the cost of the vehicle, haggle with the bank on the loan (how long, interest, down payment, etc.) I have a 7 year loan at $650/mo with $15k down. Cost me wayyy too much.
Trade in's- don't do it. Try to sell private. They gave me $5k or $6k for my $32k 2005 Colorado fully loaded with new BFG tires. Could have done a lot better elsewhere.
Nav system- Its great, but the speakers are not the best. If you plan on upgrading the audio you might want to rethink dishing out the extra $. I have a stock system with premium nav/audio and love the nav integration, but could have used some better speakers.
Aftermarket Upgrades- Good luck reselling the tires, wheels, factory lugs, fenders, leafs, suspension, sway bar, etc. after you dish out another $20k on upgrades owning a Raptor. Its a bit contagious. Don't talk to people on here, it gets expensive.
Driving/Bills- Be prepared to spend $200-$400/mo on 91 octane gas at 10.7MPG and not be able to fit in parking garages less than 7ft. This truck costs me about $1k/month after gas, registration ($550/yr right now in CA), insurance, car payment, etc.
Lawsuits- Don't offroad like an idiot. If you hurt or kill someone and you are at fault is not a good feeling. I had some close calls driving like a ******* on dirtroads in desert communities. Almost landed on a couple walking their dog going 60 over a blind dirt hill on a road, catching about 20 ft distance of air. Really made me rethink responsibility, peoples lives, and my offroad attitude in general. Also, if you get aftermarket tires, make sure they are DOT approved. Race tires are fun but can void insurance claims in an accident- or kill someone on bad weather roads.
The good- Its a sweet truck that is capable of going in remote places in luxury. Its more fun than my dirtbike and I think a bit safer as long as I am not going above 60mph offroad. I get compliments a lot on it but also get a bit snooty cause- sometimes I have to lose the attitude and remember its just a car the bank owns. The size of this truck is great to move stuff, go camping, offroad, etc. Really fits my lifestyle.
That's about all I can think of.
