Dilemma

[Tye]

Where pricing goes on the back half of 2025 presents an interesting dilemma for me. I was fortunate enough to be able to get a braptor in 2022 at msrp and with the warranty expiring this year I'm debating do I sell it now and pick up a 2025 in the later part of the year. my biggest concern is the MIC top, especially since none of the extended warranties cover it. I have fully priced out the new mod top, but it's undetermined if any of the hardware or glass can be directly swapped over to it or if all of that needs to be purchased as it's different. The cost of just the shell of the new mod top is $5,582.03 + Shipping. This includes no hardware, no seals, no glass, nothing. It also comes mostly primered so you have to paint it (except for the front split panel over the driver seat and passenger seat).
I'm not interested in any of the hard top options by the aftermarket companies.

So do I want the new top, another three years of warranty, rear vents, and essentially a newer vehicle which won't really cost me much more or do i keep what i have. (i would pull all my mods off except wheels, tires, lift collars, for the next one). I guess the other factor in figuring this out is researching what a 2022 with less than 20k miles would go for.

 

[Ape Factory]

Is your current top in good shape thus far? I'm with you on the aftermarket tops. All are a compromise but so is the original in terms of longevity but not functionality.

I don't see why the glass can't be swapped over to the new top. Shouldn't be an issue if it comes to that. No different than swapping glass on MIC tops which is what's happening to my Braptor as we speak.

If financed, I'd take interest rates into account. Other than the top, I don't see anything that's worth the extra debt. It's not like it's hot in SF or particularly cold (like Canada cold) and do you regularly have passengers in the back seat?

If the current car is reliable (other than the top) and generally holding up, I'd keep it. I can see used car prices rising though so maybe when all is said and done, it makes sense from a monetary standpoint. Lots of unknowns.

I'd say keep the Braptor and hit me up for a Kline inconel exhaust system for your GT3. Just saying.

 

[Bschurr]

@Ape Factory makes very valid points!
@Tye do you have any specific issues/problems with your Raptor or are you just projecting for down the road?

Market conditions will play a huge factor in pricing (for new & used) and during COVID I took the opportunity to thin the herd a bit and sold some toys that I didn’t use a lot for waaaay more than I valued them at (and picked up some additional garage space too). My crystal ball is a bit foggy on 2026 & beyond but highly suspect the beginning of 2026 will be better than the back half of 2025. YMMV

I love my Raptor but it’s not a forever vehicle for me. I typically don’t purchase extended warranties and “self insure” toward future out of pocket repairs. If however, you are having issues or see that items are failing, I would suggest you bail out because hope is never a strategy and problems don’t get better over time nor do they fix themselves!

Lastly, @Ape Factory can I get a nice inconel exhaust for my 911 Turbo Cab too?

 

[Ape Factory]

You can! I actually just delivered a system for a 2024 Turbo S. I'll give you guys the Braptor bro discount too. They even have headers and high flow cats/downpipes in 100, 200 or no cats. Besides inconel, I can supply them in cost-effective stainless steel as well. If you're serious, or just want to see pricing, shoot me an IM.

 

[Tye]

With discounts both my bank and credit union offer, the loan rate on a 2025 Braptor would be similar rate to what i got on my 2022 so that would be a wash. I dont have any specific issues and have meticulously cared for
mine. We all know its a matter of when the top fails, not if. So lets say i have to buy a new mod top and have it painted, and everything swaps over, im at $7500-$8000. If i sell my braptor for low to mid 60s (knowing ill at some point be paying for a new top if i keep it), we are talking 7-10k for 3 year newer braptor (which if i sell later on will fetch better pricing than a 2022). Im not looking to make money on a depreciating asset, this is more about the delta between the 2 potentially being in why not territory, and a few new things (top, rear vents). My little one rides around in the back seat, so better air flow back there wouldn't be a bad thing.

I wish ford would just drop a braptor r, as it would make the decision even easier. (and yes im aware of the godzilla swap juicy motorsports is doing - i talk to jeff regularly and it happens to be my buddies braptor)

 

[Ape Factory]

Take your own time swapping everything over into consideration too.