Bronco Badlands is likely what I'll end up with as well. Maybe a WT. Hell...Maybe an FE if I want it that bad.
This is very, very, very true. If the Bronco is a "lifestyle appearance" vehicle for you to get that "off road" feeling on your daily drive to work is actually a run up the mountains and through the mud, you don't need full-kit vehicles to do so. Get the look with OB and the technology pack and purchase the vehicle you're saying you want, but refusing to consciously identify that you want.
It's as if you don't follow the automotive sector at all, especially brands other than Ford....
You answered your own question:
You read my post totally wrong. The first part was in reference to the OP.
Just breaking your needs down to those fundamental criteria, the Bronco Sport Badlands would fit the bill.
Nope, did not read it wrong, I am the OP
EXACTLY!!! thank you.
I don't want to derail the thread, but I've had the same experience. Toyota has been spot on for me and my family. As for Ford...let's just say it has been a love/hate relationship.
Not trying to argue, but resale is highly influenced by perception. For reference, I wrote buying another Ford off ever again a few months before the Bronco's release (for allowing an employee to voice incorrect political opinions). I was a Ford loyalist. This is not a Ford boy opinion. This is decades of real-world experience. Again, Ford always updates and innovates, which will require learning curves. Something Toyota does not do. I have been an ASE Master Certified Mechanic for 22 years in an independent shop and a Fleet Manager over 3000 trucks, so I've seen it all. There have been Fords that routinely go over a million miles and I personally worked on a few work vehicles gas and diesel that had over half a million on the clock with all the stock running gear. Let's just say that Fords take a little more parts changes. Seems like a small price to pay when you look at the tech and power differences between a 4 runner and Ranger. My guess is anything you have had to address has not left you on the side of the road, which is what reliability really is right? I like small trucks and had a 2005 Ranger 2.3, but I'd never buy one again cause they were slugs. If the new Bronco had a motor like the Toyota or old Ranger, I wouldn't give 20K for a FE. Thankfully with Ford leading the charge on auto development and innovation, we don't have to. As a master certified mechanic that works on all makes, I oppose the opinion that Toyota is better than any other good car company. Seen too much in my time. Are they a bad company? No, are they great? No.
This. The Sport doesn't get enough attention, sadly. It fits the needs of most and I think we'll see some Bronco reservations flipping once the Sport hits the lots. Plenty of off-road capability for the beach, logging road, or lake. If Sticker shock is an issue and you're cross shopping the Rav4 or 4Runner...Sport should be on top of the list.
Oh yeah, if you're just looking for the grille...save the money. There's going to be a flood on the used market once aftermarket companies start getting rid of them. Plus you can always buy one New Stock from the parts counter.
Perception...but also facts. If the reality didn't match up, the perception would quickly change.
