Personally I believe it's all about personality. I had a black 2007 Toyota Tundra Crewmax Limited with all the bells and whistles for four years. Never had any issues with the truck except for a finicky front sonar sensor and that silly gas pedal recall that every Toyota owner was required to do. I just fueled it up and changed the fluids when necessary. I too had a CAI and also added HID lights, bed cover, TRD sport pedals and shifter and a billet grill just to add some "flair" to the truck. But ultimately it was like Geauxfish stated - plain jane:
Now as much as I loved that truck my 2011 molten orange SCREW Raptor is a completely different animal. It's noticeably wider (although you get used to it) and you have to also get used to the softer suspension and significant body roll when taking corners at speed. The Toyota had a much firmer and more comfortable highway ride and definitely had some decent get up and go with the 5.7 compared to the Raptor - but I really don't miss that.
What I personally like about owning the Raptor is the little kids on their bicycles giving you a thumbs up as you drive by. Or the minivan owner at the lights smiling at you and stating "nice truck!". You NEVER get that in a Toyota Tundra (or at least I never did). I don't think a month goes by that you don't get a positive comment or two about owning a Raptor. Plus you feel much more confident when the weather takes a turn for the worse. This last winter I had quite a few Raptor "snow days" when a foot or more of snow has your whole community trying to dig their way out of snow banks or snow-plowed in streets. With a few button presses and a transfer case knob turn you unleash the Raptor's true inner beast and nothing stands between you and where you want to go. Not to mention that you will have a smile on your face the whole time as you navigate around spinning Toyota Priuses and other environmentally sensitive vehicles as they white knuckle their steering wheels as they try valiantly to dig through the snow.
Now for the not so great news <deep sigh> ... the Raptor is like a lot of North American vehicles I have owned in the past. I have already had noise issues with the front suspension (which the dealership fixed) as well as had bolts loose and even one missing in the passenger side power window door assembly (also fixed under warranty). Am I surprised? Unfortunately no. Do I expect more little deficiencies to present themselves over the next year or so? Yes. Would this keep me from recommending a Raptor to a future potential owner? Absolutely not!
As for the fuel mileage? You will get a few miles per gallon less with your Raptor - I will be honest with you about that. But the gas tank is bigger to compensate so you will get more miles per tank than your Tundra did - you will just have to pay more $$$ to fill said tank.
Anyhow I have rambled on more than enough. Raptors are definitely a love 'em or not kind of truck. I love mine so I have a biased opinion but I also realize that I have to be realistic and as I abuse my Raptor more than I would a "normal" truck it's going to burn more gas and potentially cost me some repairs or replacement of parts with beefier components - but that's all part of owning one. No different than owning a high-powered sports car or off-road playtoy.
Good luck with your decision. No one can tell you what to do but yourself!
