Dump $8k into a Base or Trade for BaseSquatch?

[Tidewater]

Go SAS. Lots of value in the front end/gears and suspension

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[zerk4321]

Trade for the Base Sasquatch.

 

[ramblinwreck]

You can have a better suspension and wheels / tires for significantly less than $8k on the base. Yeah you’re missing out on the lockers but it’s still an extremely capable machine.

You are missing out on suspension, lockers, larger axles, advanced transfer case, warranty, gearing and resale value. It’s honestly a dumb move to not buy the Sasquatch, even if you do end up swapping wheels.

 

[VoltageDrop]

Have you not seen the base sasquatch fender badge? I'll say no more.

 

[Brnzbronc]

If your gonna do a lot of wheeling then upgrade, if your not save the money

 

[indio22]

Dumb question of the day, but let's imagine I have a 2022 4-door base hardtop I could trade for a new 2023 basesquatch for an added $8k. Builds are completely the same except year, color (A51 to Cactus Gray) and the Squatch package.

Would $8k be better spent on building out the non-Squatch or am I crazy to even consider this? Use case would be for general travel and overland camping, winter skiing, and Moab/Southern Utah trails. The potential the Squatch offers for more capability off pavement is what really has me leaning that direction, but, if I am honest, it may be overkill for 98% of what I need. I currently have no experience with more technical rock crawling.

With stock gearing, I would only go up to 33s on the base and add a 2" lift. Also add new wheels, a roof rack, aftermarket bumper, skid plates, and maybe eventually an air locker on the rear. I like the idea of customizing to create something unique, but getting a Squatch hardtop in 2023 is not to be trifled with.

Where would you put the money? New basesquatch or aftermarket build on what I currently have? Best case would be to keep both, but I want at least some of my wife's respect! I could also private party sell the A51 base, now or later, but not sure if the market is still holding.

If you're spending the extra 8k partly on camp and other overland type vehicle gear that you will get good use out of, that Sasquatch doesn't have, then consider the base route.

On the other hand, if you're going to spend 8k to try and mimic Sas components, then my vote is get the Sasquatch. Although Sas sounds mostly like a waste of money based on your stated usage.

Bottom line either way, spend on stuff you will actually use. For real not fantasy. There's not much of a "deal" in buying stuff you'll hardly if ever use.

 

[NVCowboy]

My Sasquatch hasn’t even seen gravel yet. I love it. I’ve seen seen some videos of hardcore wheeling that the locals are doing around here. Hard no. My intended use is hunting along with recreational wheeling on forest service and BLM roads. I’m still very happy to have Sasquatch. I’d trade.

 

[Roger123]

"if I am honest, it may be overkill for 98% of what I need. I currently have no experience with more technical rock crawling"

You answered your own question, keep the base and use the 8K either to pay it off or if it's paid for put it in your retirement account. Or take 1K and upgrade your tires to maybe a set of BL takeoff's. If you'd be financing the 8K then absolutely do not do the deal.

You don't even know if you like off-roading, give it a year and see if you like it or have the time to do it often and then make an informed desicison.

You sound like you have "upgrade fever", take it slow for a bit and see how it plays out. You can get out and have a TON of fun with your current vehicle.

 

[Calm horse]

Squatch! FACTORY WARRANTY! Resale value...axles..gears...cool buttons that you may or may not use..and the badge alone is worth 8k

 

[JojoReady]

The basesquatch you’re looking at better already be built or scheduled with VIN. Basesquatch production for MY23 is ‘balanced out‘ and no more will be scheduled this model year. It’s also very possible that Ford will drop squatch as an option on base and other lower trims in MY24.

 

[Haelous]

You're missing too much from non-SAS to SAS if you want it or are going to use it. Trade. Retrofitting the transfer case will be a huge undertaking and likely have a negative effect on your powertrain warranty.

 

[Quitefrankly]

100 percent SAS and you will be thanking yourself.

not to mention as an A51 owner myself Cactus Grey will have higher resell.

 

[BroncoAZ]

Is this actually a question? Base is awesome, but Base SAS is better in every way except the $8K and MPG.

 

[Broncoblk23]

Go with the Sas. After you spend the 8k if you every decide you want/need axles and gearing you’re adding more K’s

 

[NVCowboy]

The basesquatch you’re looking at better already be built or scheduled with VIN. Basesquatch production for MY23 is ‘balanced out‘ and no more will be scheduled this model year. It’s also very possible that Ford will drop squatch as an option on base and other lower trims in MY24.

I’d never considered your last statement, but it makes logical sense in this climate (I’m not in favor, but it makes sense). If they added locker as an available option to Base, that’d keep the howling down (one, maybe two decibels). It’d sure change the Bronco universe as we’ve come to know it. Might result in the following trim levels like some members have suggested:

Bronco (just Bronco, combines Base and Big Bend) No SQ
Badlands (Optional swaybar disco, combine BL & BD) SQ Available.
Outerbanks - Squatch Available
Wildtrak (Hoss 3.0 Glory)
Special Trims

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