Thoughts on possible deceptive business practice?

[Mosnowman]

I'm just curious about this situation and would appreciate any expert advice. I only recently discovered I don't have a Sasquatch package on a 2023 Bronco Badlands I bought new from a large dealership. It was implied that it was a Sasquatch model. I really knew nothing about what that actually mean't, other than supposedly an upgrade. I was under the impression I had a Badlands Squatch until a relative purchased a new Bronco Badlands Squatch. He commented on my smaller wheels and rims. This started me looking into it.

Without judgement please weigh in.

I used chatgpt to look into how to tell the difference. Yeah I'm clueless. After checking axle gears and tire size, it bacame obvious it isn't a Squatch. So why did I think it was? 2 reasons.

1. Salesman implied it. - Yeah I know, it was a car salesman, so why did you believe him.

2. See picture attached. This is what I really would like some thoughts on, specifically if they comitted fraud, or at least deceptive business practices?

Why would the sticker on the drivers side say "Sasquatch" and the passenger side not? Based upon my research this sticker should not be on it?

Finally...I'm not interested in buying any swampland, just educated on this.

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[BigBlue7]

Those are Badlands wheels, which come stock with 33s. Sasquatch comes with different wheels and 35" tires (and different suspension components as well)

 

[CalvinT]

Why would the sticker on the drivers side say "Sasquatch" and the passenger side not? Based upon my research this sticker should not be on it?

The factory screwed up and no one caught it. It doesn't make sense for a dealer to change one and not the other if they were trying mislead customers.

You definitely have a standard Badlands.

The salesman's lack of knowledge was on a par with yours. He was looking at the emblem. Like too many salesmen, he didn't know what he was selling.

What does your paperwork say? If it says Sasquatch, you have a clear case of fraud and they can be prosecuted. Unfortunately you can't tell from the VIN if a Bronco is Sasquatch or not.

 

[JediMcMuffin]

Personally I've come to believe the standard Badlands is a better choice than the BadSquatch at least if the vehicle is also a daily driver.

 

[lmarchetti]

Looks like it got the wrong badging on one side. You could probably warranty the badge to get the right one if you care.

As long as you didn't pay the mark-up for the optional package I don't think its fraud.
If you haven't noticed till now, you probably don't need the larger tires anyway.

Options are clearly listed on the window sticker, consider it a lesson learned and still enjoy the bronco, you are not missing out on much!

 

[Imaginary Friend]

Personally I've come to believe the standard Badlands is a better choice than the BadSquatch at least if the vehicle is also a daily driver.

The standard BL wheels are better looking too, IMO.

OP, salesmen generally don't know jack about what they're selling, so I'm afraid you're the victim of a factory screw-up with the stickers.

 

[CalvinT]

Personally I've come to believe the standard Badlands is a better choice than the BadSquatch at least if the vehicle is also a daily driver.

I agree. Plus replacement tires are cheaper.

I got to thinking. A question for the OP. Has the driver's side fender been replaced or repainted? That could explain the Sasquatch emblem.

edit: I just read the original post again. The OP bought new so the Manroney sticker (window sticker from the factory) is most reliable.

The Sasquatch emblem has to be a factory error.

 

[Silver-Bolt]

The window sticker would have told the story.

 

[GPPBronco]

Chat GPT didn’t magically solve this puzzle? Weird.

Badges mean less than the window sticker. What did that say?

If the incorrect badge is the only manufacturing defect on your Bronco (and you didn’t overpay for a non-sas Badlands), consider yourself lucky.

 

[GnormalGnome]

Did you actually pay for a sasquatch package?
Or did you just think you did?

If it's not on the window sticker and added to the price, it doesn't matter what any badges say.

 

[crenca]

Did you keep your window sticker or any paperwork (possibly electronic) , and if so was the Sasquatch package line item on the options list?

Also be happy with what you have, as the base Badlands is a great Bronco and your not utilizing the extra 6.7% of off-road capabilities Sasquatch adds in any case.

 

[Dral97]

Salespeople are generally not into the autos like we are, they're just into selling them. Like others said, probably saw the sticker and went with it without looking into it further. Why would they? They made the sale (again, what they care abut).

Probably not purposeful deceptive sales practice. If it makes you feel better, get back to the salesperson (or their manager) and let them know of their mistake. Pass what you learned on to them.

 

[DALOLA]

As others have pointed out, we need to see your paperwork & window sticker to make sense of it. It could be all that is fine, and you & the sales person just thought it was a Sas. On the other hand, if the window sticker and/or paperwork indicates such, along with a markup for the package, that's an entirely different situation, that might require legal representation.

So, OP, we need paperwork....

 

[MayhemMike]

I can’t comment on this issue without upsetting someone. Enjoy your Bronco.

 

[allagash24]

Sounds like a mistake on them and yourself unfortunately.
I do think it’s weird to have one sticker but I’m sure it is a honest mistake. Unless as others have said the window sticker says it has the Sasquatch or you paid the extra cost for it.

As a non-Sasquatch badlands owner, I think it is kind of a testament to the stance and size of the badlands compared to the Sasquatch. If it took you this long to notice that is saying something! No offense intended

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