IF you could do it all over... what would you buy?

[SMMD]

23 Lariat. Exceeded my expectations. No problems so far. Wouldn’t change anything.

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[chillaban]

Doing it all over again in terms of going back to October 2022? Definitely the Lightning still, it was the only thing that fit my bill and I'm super satisfied with it.

Today? If I didn't have a Lightning what would I get? That might be more complicated. Well 2 weeks ago I took delivery of an Escalade IQ to replace an older Tesla and honestly I'd probably just have gotten that without the Lightning. Still am happy to have the Lightning and Escalade currently.

A lot of that is on me -- I don't actually use the Lightning as a truck terribly often, I just have horrible joints thanks to a chronic disease and appreciate the spacious upright seating position of the Lightning. And the Escalade is simply more comfortable for both the front passengers as well as the 5 others in the back rows!

I really don't have anything to complain about with the Lightning, if anything it's a great sign that in 2025 there's several other options for both large electric SUVs and pickup trucks!

 

[Jseis]

My S.O. bought me the Lightning because it matched my eyes. I didn’t argue.

 

[Lucky Larry]

I love the lightning and would buy another. I think i would buy a flash next time as i can live without the extra toys in the Lariat and Platinum.

 

[jbirdzee]

I'd buy another Lightning, but it would be a Lariat or Platinum. After learning more about battery longevity these days I'm also less afraid to also look at the used market. I have a very similar story to @B177y. I went from a MachE AWD Premium to a 2023 Pro Extended range with max tow. I purchased a leftover in early 2024 - it was a great price and I had a strong trade in value for the MME.

To cancel out any savings from this "great find" I added the factory:
-Lightbar in front
-Heated steering wheel and SCCM
-HD Radio
-360 Camera and front washer
-Homelink Visor driver side and lighted vanity mirror on passenger side
-Leather seats from Lariat
-Heated rear seats, controls, module, and center armrest
-Rain sensing wipers
-Running boards
-Passive keyless entry

Then had my bumpers and door handles painted at a collision shop to match the truck like the higher trims have.

I enjoy working on cars (adding/modding to new cars anyway, not so much eating the rust while working on old ones) but the ubiquitous information and parts for the F150, coupled with my inability to sit still, has made this truck an erector set in my garage. I don't want to add up how much I spent; it will just substantiate my mistake.

In general I gravitate towards Ford products because of the availability of FDRS/Forscan keeping me away from the dealership - so Tesla/GM were never a consideration for me.

 

[Henry Ford]

Years ago I was under my 2010 F150 Lariat changing the oil. After burning myself on the catalytic converter I had an epiphany; you could fit a lot of batteries in a truck and have a nice cargo space where the engine was. If someone ever builds an electric truck, I thought, that would be the perfect vehicle for me.

I put a deposit down within minutes of the reservation system opening and received a call from my dealership the first day they could take orders but in January 2022 I wasn't yet confident in my financial situation and deferred my order.

By November 2022 I had more financial security and realized the original EV tax credit was set to expire in January 2023 and I wouldn't qualify for the new plan so I started calling around. There were mannequins available but dealerships were charging premiums that sometimes exceeded the tax credit. This isn't going to work out I thought.

In early December 2022 I found out my local dealer had a blue Lariat I could test drive. To that point I had gotten a 100 meter acceleration ride at the Detroit Auto show but hadn't driven a Lightning or even ridden in one on the road.

I was ready to buy the blue truck after the test drive but it wouldn't be available for sale until after the tax credit expired and they wanted $5k extra. I increased the intensity of my search and found a Rapid Red™ Platinum available with no mark-up. With A-plan and the tax credit I thought it was a pretty good deal!

In hindsight it was not a good financial deal but I get so much joy from my truck that I consider it a good life deal. The truck does everything I ask it to do easily and very comfortably. I would not have purchased a Platinum if I'd purchased any later. It's an early truck so it's not decontented.

Even today there isn't another EV I'd rather have. The GMC Sierra EV is the closest to fitting my needs (wants, if I'm being honest) but the bigger frunk on the Lightning and Android Auto is more important than range to me. I could go on and on about why my Lightning is perfect for me.

Anyway, I got lucky. I found a vehicle that meets my needs and brings me joy at a price I am comfortable with. I wouldn't change a thing.

 

[Lightning Bronson]

Probaky would've hunted down a MY22 Platinum so I don't have anything deleted and have the massage chairs.

Other than that, Naw. Best truck ever.

 

[rhscnative]

I bought an XLT Extended Range last March and then had leather seat covers put on. If someone wants to save some $$$, get the XLT (or now the Flash) and your dealer or local upholstery shop will put leather seat covers on for like 12-15 hundred which isn't bad at all because if they do a good job they will look like factory. There is really nothing on the Lariat or Platinum I feel like I missed out on except the B&O sound system but that is included in the flash now.

 

[No Oil HaHa]

I wouldn’t change a thing. My Lightning is currently in the body shop from an accident so I’ve been in my ICE F-150 for 3 straight weeks. It makes me realize how much I miss the Lightning. My backseat is a mess with everything that normally is in the frunk.

 

[Wesley]

Yes for us.

 

[Dan C]

Since I don't have a time machine I can't change what I paid for my 23Lariat er. It is a great truck and there has been no battery revolution to attract me to another model or make

 

[rikster63]

I'm very happy with my leftover '23 XLT SR that I purchased in May of 24 for around $47k with 60 months of 0% financing). It's been flawless for me, and I always enjoy the ride and practicality of it. I was torn between the SR and the ER at the time, and decided to save the money and get the SR, which fits my own use case just fine (around town only, no trips). The ER might have been an overall smarter deal at the time (for an additional $8-10k, I think), due to the reduced depreciation potential, but I still think I made the right call on the SR for my needs.

 

[kf59]

Kick your son out and tell him to walk the next time he ogles a CyberYuk. If I could go back, I’d have waited a few months for a 2024 with heat pump. When on an occasional road trip, I think “the ER and adaptive cruise sure would be nice,” but that’s so seldom it isn’t worth the extra cost.

 

[Thudson]

I bought 70% on research, 30% on a whim. It was literally the next day that I realized I probably could have gotten a flash for damn near the same price. Had a different dealership instead of my XLT. Granted, I love that I have 9.6 KW pro power, but I really want adaptive cruise control. I'm getting ready to buy the parts to add that, but the biggest downside is not having the extra battery from the flash. I only get about 200 mi on a full charge.

 

[wilco]

Hello from the Netherlands, I bought the Fort Lightning two weeks ago and I like it very much. I drove a RAM 1500 for five years and now I am very happy with this machine. it looks beautiful next to my wife's mach-e. I wouldn't change a thing

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