While you could opt for something sensible when shopping around for a new truck, such as a Ford F-150 Lariat that pairs a dependable workhorse with the creature comforts needed to make it a suitable everyday proposition, it lacks a bit of excitement. What if you’re an off-road enthusiast who wants to tackle Mother Nature and push the truck to its limits? Or, perhaps you simply want a truck that performs like a sports car in a straight line.
In that case, a used F-150 Raptor could be the perfect avenue to explore. Used examples of the second-generation model look to have reached their depreciation floor, and in 2026, they stand out as excellent value.
The F-150 Raptor Was Developed To Slay Off-Road Trails
2017 Ford F-150 Raptor Exterior Finished In Grey And BlackFord
The F-150 Raptor first arrived way back in 2010, with Ford electing to take a different approach to this performance-geared variant than it had with previous such models. While previous creations, such as the SVT Lightning range, were better suited to the road, the Raptor was instead focused on off-road activities. The first-gen machine was built between 2010 and 2015, and following a two-year hiatus, the second-gen F-150 Raptor made its debut.
2017-2020 Ford F-150 Raptor
Engine
3.5L twin-turbo V6
Transmission
10-Speed Auto
Power
450 hp
Torque
510 lb-ft
0-60 mph
5.1 seconds
Average Used Value (50,000+ miles)
$44,339
Ford tasked its engineers with making the follow-up not only more powerful than its predecessor, but also more effective over rough terrain. For the latter, the F-150 Raptor was equipped with a FOX Racing Shox 3.0 suspension system, which included a set of heavy-duty shocks that helped absorb the impacts from the uneven terrain and obstacles encountered when barreling across the landscape. This also incorporated Live Valve technology, which was essentially an adaptive damping setup that tuned the vehicle’s suspension in real time to best adapt to the terrain it’s tackling.Also new for the second-gen F-150 Raptor was an electronic aid called Trail Control. The system could control the throttle and brakes at each individual wheel to ensure the truck had the right amount of traction and braking in every situation, with the end goal being enhanced stability and go-anywhere capability. Backing this up were a two-speed four-wheel drive system and a lockable rear electronic differential, while generous underbody protection and BF Goodrich off-road tires rounded out the package.
The New Raptor Was Considerably Faster
2017 Ford F-150 Raptor Exterior Finished In BlueFord
Aside from the upgraded off-road gear, the second-gen Raptor was also graced with a brand-new powerplant. The naturally aspirated V8 found in the first-generation model was replaced by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. Aside from delivering more power and torque than the old V8—450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque—the unit was also considerably more fuel-efficient. Whereas the V8 could manage a combined 13 MPG, the EcoBoost V6 gave the second-gen F-150 Raptor a 16 MPG average.
Thanks to more extensive use of aluminum than its predecessor, the new truck also weighed over 500 pounds less. Rounding things out, the follow-up also received a smoother ten-speed automatic transmission in place of its predecessor’s six-speed unit.
The Second-Gen F-150 Raptor Is Becoming More Valuable
2017 Ford F-150 Raptor Exterior Finished In Blue Driving On Dirt RoadFord
Like practically every new car, the F-150 Raptor suffered from depreciation from the moment it met its first owner. When new in 2017, buyers had to pay $49,265 to secure one, and that was before factoring in the various available options. Low-mileage examples are holding their value surprisingly well, with many being offered at or even above their original MSRPs.
The real bargains can be found among examples with around 50,000 miles on the odometer, as these can be secured for less than $30k. While such 2018 examples stand at an average value of $48,675, there are plenty of clean examples on the market at or around the $30k mark, though this is unlikely to last. Having reached a plateau in value in early 2025, values of the second-gen Raptor have been climbing steadily ever since. As a result, securing a low-mileage second-gen Raptor for 60% of its original worth will get more difficult the longer you wait.
Considering the level of on- and off-road performance the second-gen Raptor delivers, spending $30k sounds like an excellent deal.
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There Are Mechanical Woes To Consider When Buying A Used Raptor
As a high-performance truck, it should come as no surprise that ownership costs for an F-150 Raptor can be considerable. Because the second-gen version was one of the first models to utilize Ford’s then-new twin-turbo V6, the vehicle suffered from several issues that Ford had yet to resolve. When examining your possible future F-150 Raptor, listen out for rattling when you switch on the engine. If you hear any, it could be suffering from issues with the camshaft phaser locking pin, a fault that can allow the camshaft to knock when the engine is running.
Due to being a labor-intensive job, expect to spend between $1,500 and $4,000 to have the repair carried out, depending on where you take it. The engine is also known to suffer from excessive oil consumption, while the oil pans are known to spring a leak on some occasions.
The pattern of early-model issues continues with the ten-speed gearbox. The unit has been reported to jump out of gear, cause shuddering, and also clunk. The issues were so widespread that Ford ended up issuing a recall to sort the transmission, so make sure to inspect the service history to ensure any remedial work has been carried out. The truck is generally reliable aside from these issues, with later examples tending to suffer fewer problems as Ford refined its new mechanical components over time.
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Some F-150 Raptors Have Had A Hard Life
2017 Ford F-150 Raptor Exterior Finished In BlueFord
Aside from the mechanical problems you could run into, you also need to be wary of any possible damage caused by the car being used for what it was designed for. While its off-road prowess is impressive, that also means it could have been pushed hard by previous owners, potentially causing damage that is difficult to detect by examining the usual mechanical components alone. Be sure to look underneath the vehicle for any underbody or rocker panel damage caused by bottoming out, while also inspecting the wheels and tires.
The suspension can also tell a tale, so look for any signs of overuse. Any fluid leakage from the shocks is also worth noting, as not only could it make for a rough ride, but it could also result in a considerable bill to have the specialist parts replaced.
The OG Raptor Could Save You Even More Cash
If you can’t stretch your budget past $30,000, don’t worry—your F-150 Raptor dreams aren’t over just yet. Instead, you could opt for the first-gen F-150 Raptor, which can be found for comfortably under $25k at a similar mileage. Of course, while saving money, you’ll have to make some sacrifices. While its 6.2-liter NA V8 provides a more characterful soundtrack than the V6 found in its successor, its 411 hp and 434 lb-ft figures leave it well short of the second-gen machine. You’ll also be spending more on fuel.
In addition, the OG Raptor isn’t as effective across the rough stuff as the later model. Not only does it feature a less sophisticated suspension setup, but it also has less suspension travel and ground clearance to utilize. That said, unless you’re taking on a full-fat Baja route, it’s unlikely that most casual drivers will find the machine lacking in its basic form. You still get substantial off-road tires that grip the terrain to keep the truck stable, while the NA V8 delivers an immediate and crisp throttle response.
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It’s a great option for any drivers looking to carry out their off-roading dreams, though not quite as great as its second-gen follow-up. Should a 2017-2020 F-150 Raptor appeal to you, it would be wise to act before prices climb any further.
Sources: Ford.
