RE: Ford Ranger Raptor: Driven
Discussion
In short, I am sorely tempted.
I've just had a regular Ranger on a 48 hour (actually 36, thanks Ford) test drive and would like to share my findings.
Background: Family of four (kids 4 and 3) have a Focus ST estate, last car Golf R Wagon and consider myself a complete tart when it comes to what my next car should be. Sometimes it's a Discovery due to the practicality, sometimes another Golf R because that tickes so many boxes but mostly it's Audi RS6
Most of the time I’m the only one in the car, but I often doing the school/nursery run. We tend to use my car on weekends for all the family. Then there's the times when my mum comes to visit or we go over there and any further trip necessitates us using a second car...."5 seats" means 4 when you have to child seats in the car.
Given my many and varied solutions to our "problem" I took the opportunity to try a Ranger for a couple of days.
Firstly forget any issues with regard to luggage or storage space, a truck has a massive boot in case you didn’t know. Trouble is you can’t leave anything in it if it rains.
The Ranger I tried was a 3.2 manual which is classed as a commercial vehicle and eligible for VAT rebate (I wouldn't be eligible). Retail price £30k whereas the Raptor, according to the dealer is £39k and no VAT rebate as it’s not a commercial vehicle - carrying weight much lower than the one tonne commercial vehicle weight.
Performace is adequate, you won't win the traffic light drag race but you won't be embarrassed either.
Interior is adequate. My wife thought it spartan but had forgotten the heated seats, apple carplay and central storage cooling. It did everything you'd need without feeling luxorious.
Ride quality was, for the most part, OK but was a bit 'jiggly' in places. I'd put this down to the suspension which is set up for 1 ton storage and 3 ton towing, so won't be particularly pliant. The Raptor spec is more plaint and road ready.
Interior, is utilitarian and practical. Materials are plasticy but solid and no rattles (I handed the car back with only 500 miles on the clock though).
I had a look at a Raptor in the showroom and have to say the interior had more in common with my Focus ST than the Ranger I'd driven, so definitely addresses the commercial vehicle concerns.
Big plusses for me:
- space for an adult between two child seats, general rear passenger space
- space in the back, and wouldn't have to worry about mud on bikes etc
- may make me a more relaxed driver
- the kids love it
Negatives
- suspension - addressed by Raptor
- interior - addressed by Raptor
- engine / performance - given the looks it has to deliver on performance, not sure the Raptor does
So, when I'm looking to buy in a few months it'll definitely be on the radar but I have serious doubts about the Raptor engine.
Also saw a lot of comments about this being a £50k car. Dealer quoted me £39k and there are no options, only paint (blue is £600)
I've just had a regular Ranger on a 48 hour (actually 36, thanks Ford) test drive and would like to share my findings.
Background: Family of four (kids 4 and 3) have a Focus ST estate, last car Golf R Wagon and consider myself a complete tart when it comes to what my next car should be. Sometimes it's a Discovery due to the practicality, sometimes another Golf R because that tickes so many boxes but mostly it's Audi RS6
Most of the time I’m the only one in the car, but I often doing the school/nursery run. We tend to use my car on weekends for all the family. Then there's the times when my mum comes to visit or we go over there and any further trip necessitates us using a second car...."5 seats" means 4 when you have to child seats in the car.
Given my many and varied solutions to our "problem" I took the opportunity to try a Ranger for a couple of days.
Firstly forget any issues with regard to luggage or storage space, a truck has a massive boot in case you didn’t know. Trouble is you can’t leave anything in it if it rains.
The Ranger I tried was a 3.2 manual which is classed as a commercial vehicle and eligible for VAT rebate (I wouldn't be eligible). Retail price £30k whereas the Raptor, according to the dealer is £39k and no VAT rebate as it’s not a commercial vehicle - carrying weight much lower than the one tonne commercial vehicle weight.
Performace is adequate, you won't win the traffic light drag race but you won't be embarrassed either.
Interior is adequate. My wife thought it spartan but had forgotten the heated seats, apple carplay and central storage cooling. It did everything you'd need without feeling luxorious.
Ride quality was, for the most part, OK but was a bit 'jiggly' in places. I'd put this down to the suspension which is set up for 1 ton storage and 3 ton towing, so won't be particularly pliant. The Raptor spec is more plaint and road ready.
Interior, is utilitarian and practical. Materials are plasticy but solid and no rattles (I handed the car back with only 500 miles on the clock though).
I had a look at a Raptor in the showroom and have to say the interior had more in common with my Focus ST than the Ranger I'd driven, so definitely addresses the commercial vehicle concerns.
Big plusses for me:
- space for an adult between two child seats, general rear passenger space
- space in the back, and wouldn't have to worry about mud on bikes etc
- may make me a more relaxed driver
- the kids love it
Negatives
- suspension - addressed by Raptor
- interior - addressed by Raptor
- engine / performance - given the looks it has to deliver on performance, not sure the Raptor does
So, when I'm looking to buy in a few months it'll definitely be on the radar but I have serious doubts about the Raptor engine.
Also saw a lot of comments about this being a £50k car. Dealer quoted me £39k and there are no options, only paint (blue is £600)
Edited by Hackney on Saturday 13th July 00:33
Edited by Hackney on Sunday 14th July 23:32
Hackney said:
In short, I am sorely tempted.
Big plusses for me:
- space for an adult between two child seats in the back
- space in the back, and wouldn't have to worry about mud on bikes etc
- may make me a more relaxed driver
- the kids love it
Negatives
- suspension - addressed by Raptor
- interior - addressed by Raptor
- engine / performance - given the looks it has to deliver on performance, not sure the Raptor does
So, when I'm looking to buy in a few months it'll definitely be on the radar but I have serious doubts about the Raptor engine.
For the money you'll likely be paying, why not buy a 2nd hand, proper Raptor?Big plusses for me:
- space for an adult between two child seats in the back
- space in the back, and wouldn't have to worry about mud on bikes etc
- may make me a more relaxed driver
- the kids love it
Negatives
- suspension - addressed by Raptor
- interior - addressed by Raptor
- engine / performance - given the looks it has to deliver on performance, not sure the Raptor does
So, when I'm looking to buy in a few months it'll definitely be on the radar but I have serious doubts about the Raptor engine.
Edited by Hackney on Saturday 13th July 00:33
Hackney said:
In short, I am sorely tempted.
I've just had a regular Ranger on a 48 hour (actually 36, thanks Ford) test drive and would like to share my findings.
Background: Family of four (kids 4 and 3) have a Focus ST estate, last car Golf R Wagon and consider myself a complete tart when it comes to what car should come next. Sometimes it's Discovery due to the practicality, sometimes another Golf R because that tickes so many boxes but mostly it's Audi RS6
Most of the time it's me in the car, often doing the school/nursery run, we use my car on weekends and then there's the periods when my mum comes to visit or we go over there and any further trip necessitates us using a second car...."5 seats" means 4 when you have to child seats in the car.
Given my many and varied solutions to our "problem" I took the opportunity to try a Ranger for a couple of days.
Firstly forget any issues with regard to luggage or interior space.
The Ranger I tried was a 3.2 manual which is classed as a commercial vehicle and eligible for VAT rebate (I wouldn't be eligible)
Performace is adequate, you won't win the traffic light drag race but you won't be embarassed either, nor on the road.
Interior... a combination of basic and adequate. My wife thought it spartan but had forgotten the heated seats, apple carplay and central storage cooling. It did everything you'd need without feeling luxorious.
Ride quality was, for the most part, OK but was a bit 'jiggly' in places. I'd put this down to the suspension which is set up for 1 ton storage and 3 ton towing, so won't be particularly pliant. The Raptor spec, which is non-VAT compliant due to spec - is more plaint and road ready.
Interior, is utilitarian and practical. Materials are plasticy but solid and no rattles (I handed the car back with 500 miles on the clock).
I had a look at a Raptor in the showroom and have to say it was more like my Focus ST than the Ranger I''d driven, so definitely addresses the commercial vehicle concerns. The Raptor interior was much more car'like with seats not disimilar to the focus. The Ranger I tested had Ford's Sync 3 which was easy to operate and Apple's car play which is brilliant.
Big plusses for me:
- space for an adult between two child seats in the back
- space in the back, and wouldn't have to worry about mud on bikes etc
- may make me a more relaxed driver
- the kids love it
Negatives
- suspension - addressed by Raptor
- interior - addressed by Raptor
- engine / performance - given the looks it has to deliver on performance, not sure the Raptor does
So, when I'm looking to buy in a few months it'll definitely be on the radar but I have serious doubts about the Raptor engine.
Do it I got a similar special edition pickup and the kids love it - nice utility eg can just throw bikes in the back etc rather than faff around with racks I've just had a regular Ranger on a 48 hour (actually 36, thanks Ford) test drive and would like to share my findings.
Background: Family of four (kids 4 and 3) have a Focus ST estate, last car Golf R Wagon and consider myself a complete tart when it comes to what car should come next. Sometimes it's Discovery due to the practicality, sometimes another Golf R because that tickes so many boxes but mostly it's Audi RS6
Most of the time it's me in the car, often doing the school/nursery run, we use my car on weekends and then there's the periods when my mum comes to visit or we go over there and any further trip necessitates us using a second car...."5 seats" means 4 when you have to child seats in the car.
Given my many and varied solutions to our "problem" I took the opportunity to try a Ranger for a couple of days.
Firstly forget any issues with regard to luggage or interior space.
The Ranger I tried was a 3.2 manual which is classed as a commercial vehicle and eligible for VAT rebate (I wouldn't be eligible)
Performace is adequate, you won't win the traffic light drag race but you won't be embarassed either, nor on the road.
Interior... a combination of basic and adequate. My wife thought it spartan but had forgotten the heated seats, apple carplay and central storage cooling. It did everything you'd need without feeling luxorious.
Ride quality was, for the most part, OK but was a bit 'jiggly' in places. I'd put this down to the suspension which is set up for 1 ton storage and 3 ton towing, so won't be particularly pliant. The Raptor spec, which is non-VAT compliant due to spec - is more plaint and road ready.
Interior, is utilitarian and practical. Materials are plasticy but solid and no rattles (I handed the car back with 500 miles on the clock).
I had a look at a Raptor in the showroom and have to say it was more like my Focus ST than the Ranger I''d driven, so definitely addresses the commercial vehicle concerns. The Raptor interior was much more car'like with seats not disimilar to the focus. The Ranger I tested had Ford's Sync 3 which was easy to operate and Apple's car play which is brilliant.
Big plusses for me:
- space for an adult between two child seats in the back
- space in the back, and wouldn't have to worry about mud on bikes etc
- may make me a more relaxed driver
- the kids love it
Negatives
- suspension - addressed by Raptor
- interior - addressed by Raptor
- engine / performance - given the looks it has to deliver on performance, not sure the Raptor does
So, when I'm looking to buy in a few months it'll definitely be on the radar but I have serious doubts about the Raptor engine.
Edited by Hackney on Saturday 13th July 00:33
To the post above re the 3.2, I know the discounts are good on the non rapter ranger but go and test drive the Navara. Had one for 8 months and its a great pickup. I came from the latest Q7 and I thought I would hate driving a pickup as a company car.
Its an all round good pickup , only thing I don't like is the lack of Carplay. But that can be changed easy enough.
Plus it can be purchased for 23k plus VAT after discounts with a 5 year warranty.
We have a 5.0 GT in the household, not sure I would want to risk another Ford as that had a new engine after 800 miles...….
Its an all round good pickup , only thing I don't like is the lack of Carplay. But that can be changed easy enough.
Plus it can be purchased for 23k plus VAT after discounts with a 5 year warranty.
We have a 5.0 GT in the household, not sure I would want to risk another Ford as that had a new engine after 800 miles...….
I’ve cancelled mine. All indications are there being a petrol version next year and I think the price will tank really badly on the diesel version. Every review I’ve seen said it’s great, until you get to the engine, which borderline spoils the driving experience.
Even if they just release a more powerful diesel one, I can’t see it being good news for the residuals. One of the PCP quotes I had on it was a residual value of £13k after 36 months and 30k miles.
Ford’s own PCP came out at £19k. Almost before deliveries of these ones have begun they are already changing something; trucks built from the end of November onwards get updated full LED headlamps rather than the current Xenon units.
In a complete departure from the Ranger, I’ve gone for a Tesla Model 3, which my kids also love, but clearly for different reasons! If they launch a truck with a decent petrol motor, I might still end up with one yet.
Even if they just release a more powerful diesel one, I can’t see it being good news for the residuals. One of the PCP quotes I had on it was a residual value of £13k after 36 months and 30k miles.
Ford’s own PCP came out at £19k. Almost before deliveries of these ones have begun they are already changing something; trucks built from the end of November onwards get updated full LED headlamps rather than the current Xenon units.In a complete departure from the Ranger, I’ve gone for a Tesla Model 3, which my kids also love, but clearly for different reasons! If they launch a truck with a decent petrol motor, I might still end up with one yet.
AdeTuono said:
For the money you'll likely be paying, why not buy a 2nd hand, proper Raptor?
Proper Raptor? Do you mean an F150?If it’s any bigger than the Ranger I think it’s be totally impractical.
Yikes! Just had a look on autotrader, they’re 30-40k more than the Ranger, left hand drive and the one RHD I saw was £150k, that’s why.
If I had £150k to spend on a car I’d get an RS6, a Discovery and a Fiesta ST for the wife and have £30k to run them all with.
Edited by Hackney on Sunday 14th July 23:48
Hackney said:
In short, I am sorely tempted.
I've just had a regular Ranger on a 48 hour (actually 36, thanks Ford) test drive and would like to share my findings.
Background: Family of four (kids 4 and 3) have a Focus ST estate, last car Golf R Wagon and consider myself a complete tart when it comes to what my next car should be. Sometimes it's a Discovery due to the practicality, sometimes another Golf R because that tickes so many boxes but mostly it's Audi RS6
Most of the time I’m the only one in the car, but I often doing the school/nursery run. We tend to use my car on weekends for all the family. Then there's the times when my mum comes to visit or we go over there and any further trip necessitates us using a second car...."5 seats" means 4 when you have to child seats in the car.
Given my many and varied solutions to our "problem" I took the opportunity to try a Ranger for a couple of days.
Firstly forget any issues with regard to luggage or storage space, a truck has a massive boot in case you didn’t know. Trouble is you can’t leave anything in it if it rains.
The Ranger I tried was a 3.2 manual which is classed as a commercial vehicle and eligible for VAT rebate (I wouldn't be eligible). Retail price £30k whereas the Raptor, according to the dealer is £39k and no VAT rebate as it’s not a commercial vehicle - carrying weight much lower than the one tonne commercial vehicle weight.
Performace is adequate, you won't win the traffic light drag race but you won't be embarrassed either.
Interior is adequate. My wife thought it spartan but had forgotten the heated seats, apple carplay and central storage cooling. It did everything you'd need without feeling luxorious.
Ride quality was, for the most part, OK but was a bit 'jiggly' in places. I'd put this down to the suspension which is set up for 1 ton storage and 3 ton towing, so won't be particularly pliant. The Raptor spec is more plaint and road ready.
Interior, is utilitarian and practical. Materials are plasticy but solid and no rattles (I handed the car back with only 500 miles on the clock though).
I had a look at a Raptor in the showroom and have to say the interior had more in common with my Focus ST than the Ranger I'd driven, so definitely addresses the commercial vehicle concerns.
Big plusses for me:
- space for an adult between two child seats, general rear passenger space
- space in the back, and wouldn't have to worry about mud on bikes etc
- may make me a more relaxed driver
- the kids love it
Negatives
- suspension - addressed by Raptor
- interior - addressed by Raptor
- engine / performance - given the looks it has to deliver on performance, not sure the Raptor does
So, when I'm looking to buy in a few months it'll definitely be on the radar but I have serious doubts about the Raptor engine.
Also saw a lot of comments about this being a £50k car. Dealer quoted me £39k and there are no options, only paint (blue is £600)
Only other consideration for me that I couldn’t test was long A road and motorway journeys. I live in Bedfordshire and have a cross country and M4 journey of 185 miles to my office every couple of weeks and customer visits across the country. Would’ve liked to have tested that. I've just had a regular Ranger on a 48 hour (actually 36, thanks Ford) test drive and would like to share my findings.
Background: Family of four (kids 4 and 3) have a Focus ST estate, last car Golf R Wagon and consider myself a complete tart when it comes to what my next car should be. Sometimes it's a Discovery due to the practicality, sometimes another Golf R because that tickes so many boxes but mostly it's Audi RS6
Most of the time I’m the only one in the car, but I often doing the school/nursery run. We tend to use my car on weekends for all the family. Then there's the times when my mum comes to visit or we go over there and any further trip necessitates us using a second car...."5 seats" means 4 when you have to child seats in the car.
Given my many and varied solutions to our "problem" I took the opportunity to try a Ranger for a couple of days.
Firstly forget any issues with regard to luggage or storage space, a truck has a massive boot in case you didn’t know. Trouble is you can’t leave anything in it if it rains.
The Ranger I tried was a 3.2 manual which is classed as a commercial vehicle and eligible for VAT rebate (I wouldn't be eligible). Retail price £30k whereas the Raptor, according to the dealer is £39k and no VAT rebate as it’s not a commercial vehicle - carrying weight much lower than the one tonne commercial vehicle weight.
Performace is adequate, you won't win the traffic light drag race but you won't be embarrassed either.
Interior is adequate. My wife thought it spartan but had forgotten the heated seats, apple carplay and central storage cooling. It did everything you'd need without feeling luxorious.
Ride quality was, for the most part, OK but was a bit 'jiggly' in places. I'd put this down to the suspension which is set up for 1 ton storage and 3 ton towing, so won't be particularly pliant. The Raptor spec is more plaint and road ready.
Interior, is utilitarian and practical. Materials are plasticy but solid and no rattles (I handed the car back with only 500 miles on the clock though).
I had a look at a Raptor in the showroom and have to say the interior had more in common with my Focus ST than the Ranger I'd driven, so definitely addresses the commercial vehicle concerns.
Big plusses for me:
- space for an adult between two child seats, general rear passenger space
- space in the back, and wouldn't have to worry about mud on bikes etc
- may make me a more relaxed driver
- the kids love it
Negatives
- suspension - addressed by Raptor
- interior - addressed by Raptor
- engine / performance - given the looks it has to deliver on performance, not sure the Raptor does
So, when I'm looking to buy in a few months it'll definitely be on the radar but I have serious doubts about the Raptor engine.
Also saw a lot of comments about this being a £50k car. Dealer quoted me £39k and there are no options, only paint (blue is £600)
Edited by Hackney on Saturday 13th July 00:33
Edited by Hackney on Sunday 14th July 23:32
70mph was no problem in the 3.2 Ranger and with more compliant suspension it would’ve been fine I’m sure. The 50-70 performance would be a concern with only a 2 litre diesel though.
Hackney said:
AdeTuono said:
For the money you'll likely be paying, why not buy a 2nd hand, proper Raptor?
Proper Raptor? Do you mean an F150?If it’s any bigger than the Ranger I think it’s be totally impractical.
Yikes! Just had a look on autotrader, they’re 30-40k more than the Ranger, left hand drive and the one RHD I saw was £150k, that’s why.
If I had £150k to spend on a car I’d get an RS6, a Discovery and a Fiesta ST for the wife and have £30k to run them all with.
Edited by Hackney on Sunday 14th July 23:48
Just as an aside; why do people constantly say that anything the size of an F150 is impractical? That's the same as saying that there's no place for Transit vans in the UK., and I rarely see the drivers of them struggling anywhere.
AdeTuono said:
Hence why I mentioned used. I bought my 'totally impractical' F150 Raptor 5 1/ 2 years ago, second hand, for £39000 including VAT. I use it daily, and have just over 90k miles up. It's still worth a good proportion of what I paid. If I was spending £150k, I'm sure I could come up with a list of cars that have no relevance to a stickered-up pick-up too.
Just as an aside; why do people constantly say that anything the size of an F150 is impractical? That's the same as saying that there's no place for Transit vans in the UK., and I rarely see the drivers of them struggling anywhere.
Those were used prices, on Autotrader now. Just as an aside; why do people constantly say that anything the size of an F150 is impractical? That's the same as saying that there's no place for Transit vans in the UK., and I rarely see the drivers of them struggling anywhere.
2014 car £50K + VAT
2017 £72,990
2018 £81600
2014 £49,950
2018 £78k
2029 £89k
All LHD, the one RHD I saw was a 2018 car for £150k
By impractical I mean just being able to get the rear wheels in to a supermarket car park space.
Impractical may be the wrong word, less practical then. Of course there are benefits, 5 usable seats, huge payload etc. But not as convenient for modern parking spaces, driveways etc than a Focus.
AdeTuono said:
...
Just as an aside; why do people constantly say that anything the size of an F150 is impractical? That's the same as saying that there's no place for Transit vans in the UK., and I rarely see the drivers of them struggling anywhere.
Where I live Raptors are quite common; they are fecking huge. I love them but the thought of trying to park one in a standard uk parking space looks like it would be impossible to me. My neighbours is about a foot wider than his garage! Respect to you for managing though... Just as an aside; why do people constantly say that anything the size of an F150 is impractical? That's the same as saying that there's no place for Transit vans in the UK., and I rarely see the drivers of them struggling anywhere.
Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 15th July 16:22
Hackney said:
Those were used prices, on Autotrader now.
2014 car £50K + VAT
2017 £72,990
2018 £81600
2014 £49,950
2018 £78k
2029 £89k
All LHD, the one RHD I saw was a 2018 car for £150k
Better keep hold of mine then. Looks like it's not depreciated at all.2014 car £50K + VAT
2017 £72,990
2018 £81600
2014 £49,950
2018 £78k
2029 £89k
All LHD, the one RHD I saw was a 2018 car for £150k
As for the £150k one; he may as well ask £250k. No-one would ever pay that.
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