To be continued.....Oh yeah

[Iceman]

1000 words

[Gr8snkbite]

:wtg: Chris.....

[Joe G]

You pulled the trigger? :bowdown:


:spend:

[Cheftjpeck]

Awesome!!!! Fastest color too!
:grin:

[Shlbylvr]

Congrats!!!

I saw a white one yesterday and wondered whether you were getting yours soon.

[Carnut]

Pretty cool.

[68fastback]

Sweet! Best of luck with the new toy, Chris!!! :grin:

[Black Vert SS]

Congrats!

[Darkside]

Very nice Chris. I almost went with the Blue, but Momma D gave in and let me get the Tuxedo Black.

What options did you get????

[RedNightmare]

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeet =)

[King Cobra]

Congrats Chris!:wtg:

[Iceman]

OK - so here is the story...As most know I have the OK to pull the trigger from my wife for the past year after winning the triathlon bet she made with me. I've been enjoying the fact that I have no car payments for a while and getting ahead on some things financially until these last few weeks where we were in Martha's vineyard and myrtle beach and then I was in Atl/ & Alabama for a long week end. With the travel behind me and the damage done to my credit card for that I really had no intention of buying a car since all 3 of mine are running good etc. I've been able to hold off on the Raptor knowing there's always next year and not needing a car, just wanting one but mostly because I could say I don't want to spend 50K+ on a car I have never even driven.

That car in the picture above is actually not mine. It's a friend of a friend that came to visit and happened to have the exact truck I wanted. Blue with the blue inserts, moon roof, etc. We snapped the pic just for fun but my neighbor/friend Todd drove the truck and told me I would love it. Todd (my friend) is 6'9" and said he was more than comfortable and the truck drove like a dream. He's a car guy so I figured it must be nice. Then I was taking the crappy Jeep over to Ford to have the tires rotated and balanced and as I turned to pull in there was a brand new 2012 blue Raptor sitting in front of my face. I skipped the crappy jeep stuff and went inside to see my sales lady and ask about a drive. As luck would have it some one was right in front of me and took it on a drive so i had to wait a few minutes. Luckily they did not buy so i got a test trive. Janet tossed me the keys and said have fun. I drove it home to take the wife and kids for a ride right away.

The space and comfort (and AC unlike my jeep) were all great. The truck drove so nice I liked it better than anything I think I have ever driven in my life (GT500 included). The family loved it too, even Kelly who wants to not like it had nothing bad to say and asked if I was going to buy it. I passed on it because it doesn't have the nav. radio and front camera which I don't need but simply want. I went back and told Janet I loved it but needed to have this and prefer not to have the box graphics. She pulled up some others around the area that I could get with the options I want so i am going back this week for a price on my trade (Harley).

Here are a couple of questions I'd like people's thoughts on:

1. I am really torn on the blue inserts. I love the look of them when new but I am afraid this part of the seat will wear or show use at the very least way before the ones that are all black. That one in the picture was filthy inside but the seats where where I really saw it so I am at a point where it's not a deal breaker either way for me. I wondered if anyone had any experience or thoughts on the area of the seats under the mesh - blue or black and how it wears? One option has this and one does not so I can pick if I want it.

2. One of my options has the factory spray in bedliner and bed extender. I plan to linex the bed and wheel wells anyway but was wondering if anyone knows anything about the factory spray in liner? For the bed extender I assume I can buy after and put in anyway as I would want this.

3. Am I crazy for likeing the 2012 better than the 2013? I hear the MFT in the 13 can be an issue and the 2012 has a nice nav system. My real big thing is the 2012 and before has a little smaller screen and has a little cubby above the screen that I would use. I know it's silly but I like that. I don't want the beadlock rims (I find them ugly) so the wheels will be the same either way. I know the 2013 had HID's but I could easlily get retrofit lights if I felt the need for that and I'm not hung up on it at all. That being said the dealer will order me a 2013 if I want to go that route.

4. I like the hood graphics. It seems hard to get one with just the hood graphics though so i would likely be getting no graphics if I get a 12 and putting the hood sticker on later....or I can buy one with the bed graphicw but it's nearly 1100 bucks for those things and I don't really like them.


Where I am at is I am trying to decide if I buy the one that had the blue inserts, spray in liner, and bed extender to start or one that has no blue inserts and no bedliner or bed extender. It is $1100cheaper and has the tailgate step. I don't care about the tailgate step either though. I'll have to get the hood graphic for either one but both have the nav system and front and rear camera so i really just need to decide if I want the factory bed liner/blue inserts or if I want all black interior and do linex myself??? Or hold out longer and likely have to go with a 2013 later on????

[Darkside]

The bed extender is nice, especially if you are hauling stuff and the tailgate step is an easy way up into the bed for me considering the knee surgeries I have had. It makes getting in/out of the bed super easy. I consider that money well spent. I am not sure if you can put the bed extender in after the fact or not. You won't be able to do it after you do the Line-X, thats for sure as you would have to drill through the liner and bed for the pivot mounts.

I went with a spray in liner (Line-X) as it has a lifetime guarantee and I got a military discount. I am not sure what product Ford uses but it will probably cost more than Line-X. As far as the graphics go, get it without and get what you want from Farmdog. It will be cheaper too.

I have had no wear issues with the leather in my intrior (Black) so I don't see that being a huge issue for you. Get what you prefer and it will hold up.

I have had zero regrets about the Raptor. A sweet ride, tows well, and looks bad azz. A definite win-win. Momma D love to drive it too and the doggies love riding in the back seat.

[68fastback]

In case it's of use:

'13 Raptor Media Release (http://media.ford.com/article_print.cfm?press_id=5850)

[Carnut]

I still think the Eco-Boost would be a killer combination for the Raptor.

[Darkside]

I still think the Eco-Boost would be a killer combination for the Raptor.

For a street truck yes, but as a off road racer, not so much. The dust/dirt conditions of a race like Baja are very turbo unfriendly.

[Iceman]

I think they tested it and the ecoboost did fine. I don't think the miles per gallon would be as big of an advantage as it may seem based on the F150's that have it. After driving the 6.2 I fell in love with it and don't really care. I have my $ lined up now and am trying to decide on 12 vs. ordering a 13 and options etc.

I am torn on the blue interior still. I like it but fear it shows dirt a lot faster than just all black on the seats.

I like the interioir on both but do prefer the cubby hole above the nav screen on the 12 but i would prefer the HID's on the 13...I think the 12 is cheaper by a few grand but when paying over 50K for a pick up who cares about a few grand??


Then there is the big one - I really don't NEED a car. I just want this thing and that's a lot of $ to drop for a want....plus plates and insurance etc. I pay about nothing for my Jeep...which will be kept for Kyle's first car up at the lake if I do this.

[RedNightmare]

they do have ecoboost baja trucks now

[Darkside]

You can always use the Raptor to tow the GT500 to Shelbyfest. If you get the Raptor, and I think you will, you won't regret it putting a few miles on it. How can anything that drives that sweet not be a good call.

[Boston Mike]

I will say, I was peeved when I picked up my F250 that they had a CC Raptor in black sitting right next to it (almost tempting me to to change my mind). I have to say, I have been very happy with my truck choice. And I got it for less than a Raptor (49k). Tack on averaging between 16-18mpg and it is now referred to as my hybrid. Operation Blackout is in the acquisition mode (wheels have been acquired and I should be able to use my stock tires until I'm ready to throw a lift on it, now looking for paintable bumpers/grilles).

[Iceman]

I am wrestling with a few things still:

1. do i really want to spend the $ on a 50K + truck? Probably
2. do i want a 2012 or to order a 2013? I am actually leaning to the 2012 but still undecided
3. do I want that blue interioir? This changes daily
4. do I want to go loaded from the factory or just the major things I can't change (Nav radio, moonroof, camera systems) - I can add the rest after (Stickers, bed extender, line x, etc)

I am leaning to the less expensive version right now but if i want blue interior then i end up loading it up due to limited options for the 2012....took my trade in yesterday to get a quote from them. Expecting 8-9 K so probably will come in about 6...jerks

[Joe G]

I am wrestling with a few things still:

1. do i really want to spend the $ on a 50K + truck? Probably - guess you're not going to pay off all those bills you've been talking about first? :giggle:
2. do i want a 2012 or to order a 2013? I am actually leaning to the 2012 but still undecided - a few thousand $ difference is still pretty big, go 2012 unless you really have to have the 2013 options
3. do I want that blue interioir? This changes daily - IMO it will surely wear (dirt etc) more than all black, but the look (when new) sure looks great
4. do I want to go loaded from the factory or just the major things I can't change (Nav radio, moonroof, camera systems) - I can add the rest after (Stickers, bed extender, line x, etc) - aftermarket is your friend for many things - Farmdog's stickers will be as good or better and be a heck of a lot less, same for bed liner etc. Aftermarket NAV units will be cheaper, but may not integrate into all of the fun stuff as easily as it would from the factory

I am leaning to the less expensive version right now but if i want blue interior then i end up loading it up due to limited options for the 2012....took my trade in yesterday to get a quote from them. Expecting 8-9 K so probably will come in about 6...jerks

IMO above...

[Carnut]

The only real draw back I see if you use the Raptor as your only driver, is its extra width. It makes it a bit** to park in some of the narrower parking spaces.

[Darkside]

The only real draw back I see if you use the Raptor as your only driver, is its extra width. It makes it a bit** to park in some of the narrower parking spaces.
That is very true, but on the bright side, with the height of the truck and the side rails, its impossible to get a door ding from anything but another lifted truck. Doors just hit the rails :grin:

[Iceman]

I got my low ball trade in ofer back as expected and managed to work them up to the bottom of my range. Told them I had decided on the truck with no blue interior and the least amount of accessories as i wanted to just do it my way....Turns out they couldn't get that one for me it was ordered for a customer. They wanted me to say then I'll take the expensive one that's loaded up with the stuff i don't really want but I had made up my mind not to do that. Mainly it's not that a couple grand matters on the payment but that it's giving the money away for things i don't want (like bed stickers) or don't really care about. They are trying to locate one with the must haves for me (Nav, cameras, and moonroof) in Blue with out the bed stickers or the blue interior - I'd prefer not to have the factory spray on liner too but we'll figure that out if they can find what i want.

Update:
Couldn't find what I wanted in a 2012. I opted to pass on what they could get. I'll be going in to place an order on a 13 with the options I want in the next week....I like the idea of now but I like the idea of what I want more along with no one else out messing with it before me :)

[Iceman]

Update - Yesterday they took my bike on trade. I've decided I'll be buying the Raptor.

They called all over to find a 12 with the options I want from the factory and came up with 2. The first one has not arrived to the dealer yet. They didn't seem overly interested in doing a dealer trade anyway. The second one was in OH. It was almost perfect until i asked the key question when they called and said should we tell them we'll do the trade? I asked how many miles are on it? They called me back in a few minutes and told me 500....the owner has been driving it???? I told them to drop 5K off the price and I'm in. They wouldn't do it so i said let's just order the 13. The more I thought about it the more I wanted to order a car just how I want it. I have never done that. Even the GT500 was an e-bay purchase for me off the dealer lot.

Soooo - I go in 8/31 to put in my order formally. I gave them the bike to get it out of my garage and help them out to be able to sell it sooner rather than later. I also sort of like the time to put a little more money down and keep payments lower. I should be able to get these payments to under what i paid on the GT500 I think (575) which would be great. I'm actually really excited now that I made the choice to just do it.

[The Bone]

Great choice. I was hoping you would go with the 13. Every year Ford seems to improve on last years model. I saw one at a dealer here in Ca and didn't like the stickers ether. I think the blue inserts would look nice. My seats in the 500 dont show much wear but I don't drive it every day like you will do with you're truck. We ordered our SHO from the factory and it took about 2 1/2 months. I will never buy from dealer stock again.

[68fastback]

Exciting!! Congrats, Chris!

[Orf]

I looked at a black one and a blue one yesterday...

[Iceman]

I looked at a black one and a blue one yesterday...

I like the black ones with window tint especially...but I figured I should diversify a bit. I couldn't bring myself to doing another black car especially when it will sit out all of the time...Except at the lake. My garage there is big enough to fit it in....if the door is tall enough. :)

[Dad's72Mach]

Then there is the big one - I really don't NEED a car. I just want this thing and that's a lot of $ to drop for a want....plus plates and insurance etc. I pay about nothing for my Jeep...which will be kept for Kyle's first car up at the lake if I do this.

That's where I'm at. I might be able to justify a truck but not a Raptor.I NEVER go off road and really only need a truck for the occasional load of mulch or towing the GT500. I think I have about maxed out any accelerated depreciation benefits for this year with the clinic upgrade so unless Congress gets in gear and renews the current rules then there is no way I will consider ANY new vehicle. The taxes in my county would come out to close to 4k for the first year on a 50K vehicle, (and don't go down much for several years after the GT500 still runs $1800 a year) so I have to consider that as well. Really I think the only way I will get a new truck any time soon is if I trade in the GT500. That of course is the mature and reasonable thing to do but I have seldom been accused of either of those.

It sure is tempting though. I saw several on the local lot last week that I think may have been pretty close to a straight trade and I might even make a few bucks on my aftermarket parts.

[Shlbylvr]

That's where I'm at. I might be able to justify a truck but not a Raptor.I NEVER go off road and really only need a truck for the occasional load of mulch or towing the GT500. I think I have about maxed out any accelerated depreciation benefits for this year with the clinic upgrade so unless Congress gets in gear and renews the current rules then there is no way I will consider ANY new vehicle. The taxes in my county would come out to close to 4k for the first year on a 50K vehicle, (and don't go down much for several years after the GT500 still runs $1800 a year) so I have to consider that as well. Really I think the only way I will get a new truck any time soon is if I trade in the GT500. That of course is the mature and reasonable thing to do but I have seldom been accused of either of those.

It sure is tempting though. I saw several on the local lot last week that I think may have been pretty close to a straight trade and I might even make a few bucks on my aftermarket parts.

So glad to hear things haven't changed.

[Dad's72Mach]

So glad to hear things haven't changed.

Well some change. I'm still unreasonable and immature, I've just begun to add cynical and bitter. It's important too grow as an individual.

[Shlbylvr]

Well some change. I'm still unreasonable and immature, I've just begun to add cynical and bitter. It's important too grow as an individual.

:haha:

[The Bone]

Well some change. I'm still unreasonable and immature, I've just begun to add cynical and bitter. It's important too grow as an individual.
Were alot alike

[Darkside]

Well some change. I'm still unreasonable and immature, I've just begun to add cynical and bitter. It's important too grow as an individual.
Welcome to the club

[Black Vert SS]

My drivers seat is starting to show signs of wear after only 21000 mi

[Joe G]

My drivers seat is starting to show signs of wear after only 21000 miAre the black seats, or do they have color inserts?

[Darkside]

My drivers seat is starting to show signs of wear after only 21000 mi

What have you been carrying in your back pockets???

[Black Vert SS]

Ccdw
But that's not the issue
Seat is cracking on the window side. I'm guessing from sun exposure.
All black

[King Cobra]

Ccdw
But that's not the issue
Seat is cracking on the window side. I'm guessing from sun exposure.
All black

After 36,000 miles mine is showing some wear also. I'll try to post some pics soon but it just looks to me the way you would expect leather would normaly wear. No open cracks though.

[Joe G]

Seat is cracking on the window side. I'm guessing from sun exposure.
All blackHopefully TG will weigh in on this, but it's pretty "normal" unless you really go out of your way to make sure to minimize it.

That area is where we typically slide into the seat, so it gets warn pretty easily. With the thin "leather" on our seats, it's easy to wear through it unless you consistantly use a good leather conditioner, protect the seat (sit on a towel) and don't "slide" into the seat when getting in.

[King Cobra]

Hopefully TG will weigh in on this, but it's pretty "normal" unless you really go out of your way to make sure to minimize it.

That area is where we typically slide into the seat, so it gets warn pretty easily. With the thin "leather" on our seats, it's easy to wear through it unless you consistantly use a good leather conditioner, protect the seat (sit on a towel) and don't "slide" into the seat when getting in.

+1


:iagree:

[68fastback]

Hopefully TG will weigh in on this, but it's pretty "normal" unless you really go out of your way to make sure to minimize it.

That area is where we typically slide into the seat, so it gets warn pretty easily. With the thin "leather" on our seats, it's easy to wear through it unless you consistantly use a good leather conditioner, protect the seat (sit on a towel) and don't "slide" into the seat when getting in.

I bet that will help -- keeps it all supple, I think.

[Iceman]

VIN's are starting to come out slowly now. My order has not been pulled but the update for the blue accents is confirmed in.

Waiting is hard...I am not good at it!

[68fastback]

:wtg: ...hope it's soon, Chris!!

[The Bone]

Thats the only problem with ordering one from the factory. it takes time for them to get the order then schedule a build date and then they don't deliver it to the dealer until they have a few cars for them. They dont like to bring dealers one car at a time. I hope you like your truck when it comes in.
When we ordered our SHO we wanted black interior and when it came in it was gray from the waste line up. She was so sad it made her cry. She thught that the headliner should have been black instead of gray. Turns out thats how they all come if you order black interior. It took me a while to talk her into getting the car after waiting about 3 months. She loves the car now but it made her cry 8 months ago.

[mustang loco]

Good news Chris,worth the wait though imo,truck will be very nice!!