2025 Lariat Desert Sand 2.7L

[OmahaBaseball]

Hello from Omaha, NE! Just had my new (to me) 2025 Lariat 4X4 Desert Sand 2.7L dropped off. I've wanted another vehicle for a while now, just struggled knowing what to get. After months of research, forum reviews, YouTube videos, test drives, cold calling dealers after finding something online (Visor.vin and Cars.com), and extensive use of a spreadsheet, I decided this was the year/make/model/trim that I wanted. I feel like I was able to lockdown a decent deal at a Chevy dealer in Southern Pines, NC.

From what I understand, the truck was purchased new from Sanford, NC Ford dealer on March 28, 2026. The buyer had it for less than 2 months and then traded it into the Chevy dealer for a new 2026 full-size truck. The Ranger sat on the lot about 3 months before I bought it. MSRP when it was purchased in March was $56,155 and I bought it for $42,500 with 3,510 miles on it.

It has:

1. 2.7L engine
2. Blackout Package
3. FX4 Off-Road Package
4. Advance Tow
5. Running Boards
6. Side Steps
7. Factory Spray-in Bed Liner
8. Dealer installed Ford Tonneau Cover
9. Ranger All-Weather Floor Mats
10. Ford Paint-Interior Treatment Application / Window Tint

For a vehicle that has 3,510 miles on it, it still has that brand new smell, look, & feel. Warranty started in March 2026, so I did end losing about 5 months of time. I debating whether to purchase an extended warranty through Granger. I reviewed the Carfax report and had an independent local mechanic near the dealer do a full inspection/diagnostic on it before agreeing to buy.

Because I didn't want to drive it home (20+ hours and 1,250+ miles), I arranged for a transporter to haul it for me. When factoring it what it would have cost me in travel/fuel/hotel/food (not to mention adding those miles), it ended up adding about $1,000 to the price.

Overall, I'm excited to drive it and learn all the fun things to do with/to it. It will be mainly used as daily commuter with some weekend fishing with the kayaks. Open to any suggestions on what items are a must-have for the truck.

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[PF145]

I have its twin brother 7100 mi- luv it

 

[RealTruck]

Welcome in! Love the new truck! Sounds like you really put in the footwork to narrow it down. I'm curious to know how that spreadsheet layout looked?

 

[OmahaBaseball]

I don't have it handy right now, but will try to take a snippet to show. Overall, I used the spreadsheet a few different ways. First, it was used to identify the features and options of the various brands in the small to mid-size market. I then used that information for my test drives and reviews, updating as I other questions came up.

Once I settled in on the Ranger, I used the spreadsheet to track what was for sale with the options I had to have and which options I could live without. I really thought that I "had" to have the convenience power package, but after seeing it and reading up on it here on the forum, decided that it was not a must have. Then it was a matter of picking up the phone and start working out deals.

Came really close to picking up a 2025 Lariat 2.3L in Azure Blue close to where I live, but the condition of the truck was not what was depicted online, so I quickly moved on from that one. It took another few weeks of tracking pricing and availability before I was able to lock down the deal in North Carolina. It took some effort to figure out a solid transport service, but in the end it worked out great.

 

[RealTruck]

I don't have it handy right now, but will try to take a snippet to show. Overall, I used the spreadsheet a few different ways. First, it was used to identify the features and options of the various brands in the small to mid-size market. I then used that information for my test drives and reviews, updating as I other questions came up.

Once I settled in on the Ranger, I used the spreadsheet to track what was for sale with the options I had to have and which options I could live without. I really thought that I "had" to have the convenience power package, but after seeing it and reading up on it here on the forum, decided that it was not a must have. Then it was a matter of picking up the phone and start working out deals.

Came really close to picking up a 2025 Lariat 2.3L in Azure Blue close to where I live, but the condition of the truck was not what was depicted online, so I quickly moved on from that one. It took another few weeks of tracking pricing and availability before I was able to lock down the deal in North Carolina. It took some effort to figure out a solid transport service, but in the end it worked out great.

Now that is planning! Impressive, really. Admittedly, my last few upgrades have been walk-ins. I never intend to buy, just test drive and see what's on the lot. I end up leaving with keys in my hand. The FOMO is serious, and I haven't regretted it yet.

 

[Buellsox]

Lookin’ Good & Congrats & Welcome! You found a good one in finding a desert sand, not super common. My buddy’s brother showed up to a BBQ in a new Bronco in that color and once I saw it I knew that was it and the hunt was on up here in WA State. Granted I was hunting for a Raptor, but still that color or bust. Took me 4 months and I had to go south to a dealer nearly in Oregon to find it. The truck in that color gets questions & compliments continuously. Looks super good fully tinted and once all the silver tidbits are painted to match the grill & flares.
That’s one thing I’ve yet to do is color matching the silver beadlock rings to desert tan. The cool toned silver looks awful on the warm toned tan. Total mismatch. The all black setup you’ve landed on is super nice! That’s THE setup with the DT color. The truck also looks super good in a color matched canopy (if that’s your thing) versus going with a modular black unit.
Enjoy & welcome once again!

 

[OmahaBaseball]

@Buellsox - that is a nice setup you have there with the Raptor and topper! Also really like the NIN sticker.

 

[superj]

Welcome!!

My son is stationed in Omaha with the army.

He has a white lariat with Texas plates you may see running around town and I am heading up in October to visit so you may see my truck around for a week or two, mid october.

I would do mud flaps, seat covers, and floor mats first. Than the raptor grill swap and lights, one of my favorite mods.

 

[OmahaBaseball]

@superj - It is likely because I have a Ranger now, but there sure seems to be a healthy number of Rangers in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area. Noticed your signature location, I was just in Corpus last week meeting with the Port. I was able to catch a Hooks game following my meeting; a fun place to watch a game. I really like the new bridge that is built now -- I was not a fan of the old bridge.

 

[superj]

Nice. Yeah, the new bridge is very nice.

I forget what that is called when you start noticing stuff because you have one now.

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