Your last statement pretty much sum it up with what's going on with today's world.The real problem is that even among cars that increase in value over time, they rarely outpace the same money invested. And when insurance, maintenance, repairs, etc., are added in (things often forgotten when the "I paid $x for it back in..." sentence is spoken), the numbers are even less favorable. Auctions like to use the phrase "Only 1 of 72" (or whatever), when applying the body style, the strange options checklist, the color of the car, and of the interior, etc. What is truly valuable in rarity is the few that were produced, period. Think tens or hundreds. Even low thousands isn't really rare. That, and usually vehicles that weren't cheap to begin with.
That's not to say that you couldn't someday sell your Bronco for more than you paid. But it probably won't give you a better rate of return than an index mutual fund. I think you should care for it, but enjoy it more than 200-300 miles per year. That would be a waste.
Unless ford decides to "un-rare" them like they did with the Base model.I don’t know about that. And certainly as time marches on, specs like Everglades and a manual Heritage will be rare birds.
This brings up a good point: the early JK's had a horribly mismatched engine (the old pushrod minivan six) with a gawd-awful torque curve. It was virtually undrivable with the supplied automatic. 2012 was the first year with the PentaStar, which made it, well, USABLE. How a given year and trim is equipped may certainly figure in to things in the future. Heck, it may be that our ancestors look upon the direct-injected-only 2.3L four cylinder as barbaric.It's been 18 years since the Wrangler JK came out with a 2 and the new 4 door option. I don't see a 2007 JK 2-dr being worth anything special. In fact a 4-dr is probably in more demand the way 2-dr anything seems out of favor with anyone except Bronco enthusiasts. They don't make a 2-dr BD anymore, but I don't expect any extra value on that for mine down the road.
Most dealers, aside from Bronco mega dealers Kendall and Granger, don't stock manuals.If the 6G becomes anywhere near as iconic as the original you have a winner. I can't imagine the 7MT being around for longer than the next democrat gets elected president as they will likely further doom manuals with environmental restrictions.
I don't see any manuals on the lots around Chicagoland and I checked 10 dealers near me, which suggests only build to order and I'm guessing those are the vehicles that won't see the resale market vs. the soccer mom vehicles will will acquire miles but be on a dealer lot with 70-100k miles.
If you don't abuse it, don't drive a lot of miles and don't permanently mod it I would guess potential 70s Land Cruiser values.
The big risk is the fragility of the electronics as even 10 year old vehicles the screens and electronics look awful both dated and potentially wonky.
We wouldn't have considered a Bronco or any other vehicle ESPECIALLY a Ford without a manual transmission. My wife would've bought a newer used Xterra to replace hers that had 225k+ miles.Most dealers, aside from Bronco mega dealers Kendall and Granger, don't stock manuals.
But there are plenty of people ordering them. I enjoy mine greatly. The manual delivers a different and far more engaging driving experience..
I had my local dealer do a search to find my 2-door manual Big Bend in Nov 2024, and we had to go out-of-state to pick it up. I guess someone ordered it, then had to bail upon delivery. It's my understanding that there were even less 2-door manuals made in 2025 in total, in only two trims (excluding the Stropp which insanely is now exclusively 4-door for 2026).Most dealers, aside from Bronco mega dealers Kendall and Granger, don't stock manuals.
But there are plenty of people ordering them. I enjoy mine greatly. The manual delivers a different and far more engaging driving experience..
This, 100%.Rarity does not always equal value, especially in automobiles. They are a horrible investment. Some model's value can keep up with inflation but few ever increase in value.
Could that truck double or triple in value someday? Maybe.
Should you put it on blocks, waiting for the hoped for increase? No.
You would get a much better return putting $37k in an index fund and letting it sit for 30 years, rather than hoping some future millionaire yearns for a yellow Bronco.
The real value in your Bronco will come from using it.
I had a similar experience with the one that I bought here in Pittsburgh in November of 2024 which I ended up purchasing when Ford changed my 2025 order from a Big Bend 2-door manual to a Base 2-door manual because the 2025 Big Bend was no longer being offered with a 2-door - mine also was ordered by someone who later changed his mind and I am so glad that he did.I had my local dealer do a search to find my 2-door manual Big Bend in Nov 2024, and we had to go out-of-state to pick it up. I guess someone ordered it, then had to bail upon delivery. It's my understanding that there were even less 2-door manuals made in 2025 in total, in only two trims (excluding the Stropp which insanely is now exclusively 4-door for 2026).
I agree about the driving experience; I drove an auto (because I HAD to) at the Tennessee OffRodeo last June, and it bucked and surged just when I needed it not to. I felt like I didn't have control over the vehicle; especially when coming out of a creek bed or facing an unexpected change in incline. The instructor didn't cover the use of manuals (even though several raised their hands when asked if they had one). All the Bronco mules there were automatics, and it was clear we supposed to suck it up. Not one mention of that incredible 45:1 crawl gear, the ability to modulate the clutch under rapidly-changing traction situations, etc. Another thing: the other manual guys I talked to felt the same way. They had driven manual Jeeps, like me, for years. But at the OffRoadeo we had to instead share the love with the cookie-cutter 4-door autos with all the robot nannies.
I'm just done arguing the merits of a short wheelbase with a manual. For those that feel the same way, it is probably is best to just order one while you still can.