Advice Needed on Bronco Trade In

[BroncoDymond88]

Hey everyone, will try to keep this short, I'm really on the fence as to what to do.

I had a '21 Antimatter Blue Wildtrak that was totaled. I was very happy with this truck, I even purchased the extended warranty because I thought I would have it for life. I then purchased a '23 Hot Pepper Red Wildtrak. The new truck is great, the new suspension is noticeably softer, but I really miss the color. I haven't been able to find a wrap that matches and it just seems like painting a new vehicle a different color isn't a great option either.

I found a used '21 AMB Badlands with less mileage than my current '23. The problem is, it's extremely far away and I've no way to see it in advance. I spoke with the seller and they are willing to do a trade in swap my '23 for their used '21, I'd even gain some money on my trade in which I could use to lower my monthly payment substantially. I also don't care too much about the suspension since that can be replaced, and the same goes for the soft top. Everything else is exactly the same except the Badlands has the Stay Bar Disconnect.

So I guess my current predicament is, what should I be worried about when dealing with a dealer from out of state like this? Is it possible to have someone inspect the vehicle and provide me with a report? What about transport options to get my vehicle to the location and have that one sent back? Any other considerations I haven't thought of?

I really appreciate any insight!

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[Beach_Bum]

If you are really looking for a '21 AMB WT ask Matt from SRQ Fabrications. Their WT was only used to show their custom front and rear bumpers at shows. It also had Kings, but I think they swapped them out for something else. It is a beautiful rig.

 

[BroncoDymond88]

I think that's a 2 door, looking for a 4 door, thank you though!

 

[Beach_Bum]

Hey everyone, will try to keep this short, I'm really on the fence as to what to do.

I had a '21 Antimatter Blue Wildtrak that was totaled. I was very happy with this truck, I even purchased the extended warranty because I thought I would have it for life. I then purchased a '23 Hot Pepper Red Wildtrak. The new truck is great, the new suspension is noticeably softer, but I really miss the color. I haven't been able to find a wrap that matches and it just seems like painting a new vehicle a different color isn't a great option either.

I found a used '21 AMB Badlands with less mileage than my current '23. The problem is, it's extremely far away and I've no way to see it in advance. I spoke with the seller and they are willing to do a trade in swap my '23 for their used '21, I'd even gain some money on my trade in which I could use to lower my monthly payment substantially. I also don't care too much about the suspension since that can be replaced, and the same goes for the soft top. Everything else is exactly the same except the Badlands has the Stay Bar Disconnect.

So I guess my current predicament is, what should I be worried about when dealing with a dealer from out of state like this? Is it possible to have someone inspect the vehicle and provide me with a report? What about transport options to get my vehicle to the location and have that one sent back? Any other considerations I haven't thought of?

I really appreciate any insight!

My advice for this scenario is to separate the transactions. Yes, there are tax advantages with a trade. But you'll likely get more selling it outright that will satisfy the current note.

In the meantime, buy the AMB Badlands if it meets your scrutiny. If you can't travel to see it in person, then have the dealer flood you with photos and videos. Have them put it on a lift and so you can see the undercarriage. It will tell you how it was cared for by the previous owner. Photos and videos of the engine bay with it running. Suspension is likely on recall. I think the stop sale is only on new inventory with the advance notice recall. Obviously, it is out of factory warranty but the powertrain is still in effect. See if they will throw in the ESP or otherwise get one from Granger.

The dealer likely has transport services that they use. But if they don't, then I would recommend Road Runner transport. You make the arrangements for the vehicle to be picked up. Vehicle won't be released until all the paperwork is completed.

 

[Bugkillah]

Badlands all day, and less miles, fly and buy baby.

 

[Aknobronco]

Hey everyone, will try to keep this short, I'm really on the fence as to what to do.

I had a '21 Antimatter Blue Wildtrak that was totaled. I was very happy with this truck, I even purchased the extended warranty because I thought I would have it for life. I then purchased a '23 Hot Pepper Red Wildtrak. The new truck is great, the new suspension is noticeably softer, but I really miss the color. I haven't been able to find a wrap that matches and it just seems like painting a new vehicle a different color isn't a great option either.

I found a used '21 AMB Badlands with less mileage than my current '23. The problem is, it's extremely far away and I've no way to see it in advance. I spoke with the seller and they are willing to do a trade in swap my '23 for their used '21, I'd even gain some money on my trade in which I could use to lower my monthly payment substantially. I also don't care too much about the suspension since that can be replaced, and the same goes for the soft top. Everything else is exactly the same except the Badlands has the Stay Bar Disconnect.

So I guess my current predicament is, what should I be worried about when dealing with a dealer from out of state like this? Is it possible to have someone inspect the vehicle and provide me with a report? What about transport options to get my vehicle to the location and have that one sent back? Any other considerations I haven't thought of?

I really appreciate any insight!

I would never even consider going back a few years old model bronco for trade. Only trade up not down.

Yucks, the thought of giving up a good running vehicle for a used unknown vehicle give me the bumps.

Beware long distance purchase that stealership are well known not to disclose hidden issues.

Why not wrap your current ride with the color u like?

Anyway good luck!

 

[MNBigfoot]

The BLs doesn't have the upgraded rack, if that makes a difference. Sas Badlands (gearing)?

 

[MNBigfoot]

Also cross reference the build dates, with the bad valve(?) dates.

 

[BroncoDymond88]

I could make the argument that it's a trade up because the color is better and it has fewer miles, same everything else.

 

[Brian_B]

I mean, you do what you wanna do, it's your time and money and effort. I really can't see trading a HOSS 3 Wildtrak for a sway bar disco and some skid plates, but... some people are particular about the color and I'll accept that, and accept that I'm not one of them.

They don't exactly make AMB Broncos anymore, so I kinda get the attachment. And it's not like there's been a whole slew of QOL improvements or revamps or remodels between 2021 and 2023- although you can make a really strong argument for HOSS 3, that has changed a good deal in that time period.

That said...

I can't really see going back to a 2021 when you have a 2023 in hand, and in another rare color. The 2023 Wildtrak HOSS 3 is very sought after. And HPR is discontinued as well. And, so is the entire Wildtrak trim line... for that matter.

I'd say if you were going to do this, first off, I think it's kinda crazy and not something I would ever do, but it's not my money and you do you, if the color means that much... but second off, I would agree with @Beach_Bum - do this as two separate transactions, and you are likely to come out ahead (cash-wise, not necessarily Bronco-Wise).

 

[BroncoDymond88]

I mean, you do what you wanna do, it's your time and money and effort. I really can't see trading a HOSS 3 Wildtrak for a sway bar disco and some skid plates, but... some people are particular about the color and I'll accept that, and accept that I'm not one of them.

They don't exactly make AMB Broncos anymore, so I kinda get the attachment. And it's not like there's been a whole slew of QOL improvements or revamps or remodels between 2021 and 2023- although you can make a really strong argument for HOSS 3, that has changed a good deal in that time period.

That said...

I can't really see going back to a 2021 when you have a 2023 in hand, and in another rare color. The 2023 Wildtrak HOSS 3 is very sought after. And HPR is discontinued as well. And, so is the entire Wildtrak trim line... for that matter.

I'd say if you were going to do this, first off, I think it's kinda crazy and not something I would ever do, but it's not my money and you do you, if the color means that much... but second off, I would agree with @Beach_Bum - do this as two separate transactions, and you are likely to come out ahead (cash-wise, not necessarily Bronco-Wise).

Thanks for the additional insight. I was thinking all I really needed to upgrade is the shocks. There was a thread on here earlier about some dorp in Bilsteins that are possibly even better than the Fox's.

I didn't mention, maybe it'll matters, it has less than 10k miles on it. I consider that almost new, and may not find a deal like that again.

 

[TheShark]

Also cross reference the build dates, with the bad valve(?) dates.

That was my first thought. Check to see if the build date of the engine falls into the hot zone for the bad valves. Of course if the Bronco has 30k or more miles on it already you are probably ok.
You could also ask for someone on the forum that lives near the Bronco to take a look for you and give an evaluation. I'm sure you can probably find someone for beer money. Since it's a '21 it's likely the warranty is up so you are probably on the hook for any issues.

 

[STuff1]

I would never trade my 23 wild track for any badlands, let alone an older one from an unknown source. The BL is great if your main thing is off roading or crawling. It uses more gas, has a rougher ride and what you “gain” is only good for off road. I had a 24 BL here but I much preferred the ride in my 23 WT. Regrets can be a SOB. I’ve had my WT for 13 months and have 15k miles on it. No real issues besides the rear defroster tab falling off and the initial tires could not balance. It’s also my daily driver and love it (2 dr). So if you’re an off road hobbyist kind of guy, and are using the Bronco for that, the BL rocks. Everything else, the WT is a much nicer ride and mine is averaging between 20-21mpg for the year. You’d be taking a huge risk as well. Lots of shady dealers out there.

 

[userdude]

Thanks for the additional insight. I was thinking all I really needed to upgrade is the shocks. There was a thread on here earlier about some dorp in Bilsteins that are possibly even better than the Fox's.

I didn't mention, maybe it'll matters, it has less than 10k miles on it. I consider that almost new, and may not find a deal like that again.

There are three Bilstein shocks you can get for your Bronco: 5112's, 6112's and 8112's. The 5112's are cheapest but don't outcompete the HOSS 3.0 Foxes. The 6112's are about $2k + install, again not better than the Foxes. And the 8112's retail for $7700 (but sell for around $5700) + install. The latter outperform everything but maybe CDEV. (Note I omitted the BL's ESC-V's.)

I kinda wonder if the drop-in ones you've heard about are the 8112's.

 

[Ninjak]

Hmm this is an interesting proposal. You want an AMB colour, and Badlands is a good RIG to build off of. The issue here is what is the details of the BL. You cannot find that out until you see it for yourself. Getting some money back out of the deal also sweetens the pot.

Some cons are going down two years. I have a 21 BL lux package that I have built into an extremely capable RIG that I would be very hard-pressed to trade in on a 25. That includes a BRaptore. The aftermarket now has caught up to and even surpassed the genre, so anything you want to gain can be bought. The difference between a 21 and 23 is minuscule. Yes the Wildtrack has better suspension and rack. That can be purchased. Beyond that, nothing. To note, the Wildtrack is now a model some may be interested in because it is no longer available. So who knows? It may turn into a collector's item.

Another way to go about this is to change the colour of your Wildtrack, upgrade to what you want on the Wildtrack, (disco) and enjoy. Though you may save some money by lowering your payments, this still comes down to what type of loan you have and what the principle is. But this would turn into another thread altogether.

To end, I would say go take a good look at the 21 BL. If it is what you want, go through it with a fine-tooth comb. Then make sure the finance is correct, and then make a decision.

Good luck.

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