Buy lower trim and modify to upper trim?

[crzyhawk]

It's not impossible you might need lockers at some point. Although there's also a saying, if you don't know if you need lockers, then you don't need lockers. Personally I'm not a big fan of "what if" buying on vehicles (or most other items). There's some serious overkill and overspending that occurs with that approach.

This is truth. My BB is pretty basic, mid package and paint. If I find I need more capability, then I will decide whether the play is to upgrade what I have, or to get a model with the features I decide I need. Until I believe I need more capability though, a Badlands or Sasquatch would have been a waste of money. Until then, this thing is still likely just as capable or better than anything my Dad owned when I was a kid.

While I believe it's better to have and not need than to need and not have...that applies to my money as well. And I always need more money in my pocket. Money I spent on capability I don't use is just wasted.

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[swamp2]

@swamp2, adding the V6 and Sasquatch to a lower model used to get you all the hard core bits of a WT pre '22.5 or so, sans the bad ass vynl hood sticker and black wheel trim rings that look like hell after you hit your 3rd rock.

Thanks much, I'm not exactly a B6G OG and my understanding of the base vs. WT was obviously post '22.5 when they did come to have significant/consequential differences... And hence my invalid claims in the prior discussion here with @MNBigfoot.

I certainly maintain my primary prior claim that one can not generally construct an aftermarket modification scheme that outperforms the top tier model for less cost than the factory price difference. Of course assuming that the top tier model has a few diverse performance enhancing additions compared to the base model, not just cosmetic ones.

 

[MNBigfoot]

Thanks much, I'm not exactly a B6G OG and my understanding of the base vs. WT was obviously post '22.5 when they did come to have significant/consequential differences... And hence my invalid claims in the prior discussion here with @MNBigfoot.

I certainly maintain my primary prior claim that one can not generally construct an aftermarket modification scheme that outperforms the top tier model for less cost than the factory price difference. Of course assuming that the top tier model has a few diverse performance enhancing additions compared to the base model, not just cosmetic ones.

In 22.5 the WT got the new rack and the Fox suspension (as a $2500 option/which became standard in 23). However in my24 every Sas got the new rack, so it' was it was back to just the shocks that sells for about $2650 through Ford Accessories. To me this it what made the Bronco an incredible value over the Wrangler and the like, where you were forced into a top trim to get the better stuff.
Then Ford screws it all up, and stops production of the Base for awhile, then taking away the 2.7.

 

[swamp2]

Then Ford screws it all up, and stops production of the Base for awhile, then taking away the 2.7.

No bueno, certainly have heard this complaint around here a "few" times...

 

[Oldhippie]

I ordered a base badlands with high package but ended up with a big bend with only v6, Sasquatch and tow just because I worried about the extra tech…plus knowing I was gonna upgrade most everything anyway…while some of those creature features are nice a base has more of them than I need and this thing is primarily an offroad toy to me…and it does pretty good now…but it is way better traveler than I expected and the wife actually likes it for trips as much as her bmw…

 

[ThunderFlash]

Of course assuming that the top tier model has a few diverse performance enhancing additions compared to the base model, not just cosmetic ones.

I agree for the most part. For instance, the OEM Bilsteins are better than most OEM shocks, but they not same quality of Bilstein you can get aftermarket.

I believe the WT suffered for the horrendous supply chain issues early on. I suspect the WT was SUPPOSED TO BE what it ended up as mid-'22 thru '24 model years from the start. I got a good deal on a used early '22 WT because of it, though. It was perfect because I wanted to swap most of those parts out anyhow and I'm still thousands of dollars ahead of buying new.

 

[broncobase1]

So, I bought my 25 badlands in July and of course love it. I have spent most of my life buying the cheapest of anything and driving it till its dead as thats what I could afford.

I see the most common threads online about how to make your base model a raptor and the second most popular would be how to put bigger tires on it. Thats fine but I did research and found that it doesnt pay to buy a lower trim and build up to black diamond, badlands or raptor. Its just cheaper in the first two instances to just buy what you want out of the gate.

Im not going for a look, I was wanting iffroad capability and the biggest things I wanted were front/rear lockers. Trying to swap out axles on a base model is insane cost to get this on your own, I researched and frankly the black diamond is a STEAL at 5k uncharge for what you get.

I kinda went all out and got lux, leather etc making the sticker barely shy of 70 but, I wasn't interested in making a failed attempt at what I wanted.

In retrospect, a big bend black diamond would have sufficed as most of its running time is getting me to the office and back

Yes if you really want and need the upgrades I agree its better to go for the higher model, and resale is always better on an unmodified vehicle. That said low models are a better value. My idea of off-roading is getting to the trailhead or ski area. I paid just $36K MSRP for my 22 Base, this included a modular bumper and aux switches but none of the heated seats and auto driving nonsense. No regrets! Even in this configuration I was about the only one that didn't need to be towed out of a ski area parking lot in Utah a couple years ago.

 

[Wyld2dr]

When I was shopping I didn't want carpet, didn't care about leather, 8" screen was fine, heated seats/wheel are non factors, all the cameras aren't necessary. When I actually bought, I love all the things that came upgraded. It went from just a toy to an acceptable second daily driver.

I still made a bunch of modifications, but I'm happy for all the upgrades that would be impossible otherwise.

 

[ThunderFlash]

@indio22, I just got rid of a '67 El Camino that had less technology than my Kabota tractor. There was something very charming about it. Plant your butt firmly in the seat, grab the huge non-power assisted steering wheel, and push the hell out of the pedal and the non-power assisted drum brakes would send a suggestion for the car to slow down. Thankfully, the Powerglide down shift from top gear (2nd) to 1st would help with that suggestion. Things have come a very long way. The point being that car was typical of the period and if you had never experienced power assisted disc brakes, it would seem completely adequate.

I agree that if one never lives with any advancements, they will never bring benefits. I once thought email was going to be complicated and useless, I already had access to a fax machine that replaced the old Telex.

Do I hate all the spam? STOP
YES. STOP
But I wouldn't give it up now. STOP

 

[ejpaul1]

This is truth. My BB is pretty basic, mid package and paint. If I find I need more capability, then I will decide whether the play is to upgrade what I have, or to get a model with the features I decide I need. Until I believe I need more capability though, a Badlands or Sasquatch would have been a waste of money. Until then, this thing is still likely just as capable or better than anything my Dad owned when I was a kid.

While I believe it's better to have and not need than to need and not have...that applies to my money as well. And I always need more money in my pocket. Money I spent on capability I don't use is just wasted.

Dude, your rig is peeerfect, seriously your likely needing some slightly better tires if anything. Most of us truly dont need lockers and swaybar disco if were being honest. I offroad trails most weekends and can assure you that I have to go out of my way to look for spots that require lockers etc.

A BB is really fine and quite capable. Tires make the biggest difference

 

[Deleted member 72780]

A driver slammed into the back of my Bronco, and while he had a few thousand in damages, having no parking or other sensors in my rear bumper, I didn't have to repair anything and went on my way. No time money or aggravation needed repairing functionality I would not use anyway.

Likewise when installing a new front bumper, a lot of the YouTube videos burn time on swapping over the sensor electronics and various issues that can occur. I got to skip all that when installing my front bumper, which was nice.

I could give other examples. A new vehicle is overall more complex in some ways as you mentioned, but that doesn't mean I want to make it even more complex with additional systems I will not use, don't want to pay extra for, and don't want to repair or have some light telling me there is an issue down the road (I tend to keep vehicles a long time).

I had same thing in parking lot of course. They backed in front bumper, broke there plastic bumper and I had no damage. I had accident report but just waived it was wa nothing. They likely hade 2k in body shop markups coming. I just did police report to not have more non-sense from the,

 

[Deleted member 72780]

I say Do it your way and make it yours.

I’m retired military and on a fixed income. So money is tighter.

Purchased my 2024 Big Bend 4dr new off the lot @$43k. Couldn’t afford the Badlands edition i really wanted. Which was over $50k

Mine is 2.3l and came with locker rear axle and up-fitter switches.

My upgrades to make it what i want so far is $2000. I do all my own wrenching. Using new take offs.

i have installed a 2” lift , trailer hitch and Badlands wheels w/K02 tires. Installing ditch lights next week when they arrive. Front bumper will come eventually.

While i know it’s not a Badlands model but it’s fully capable of doing what i need and enjoy.

I do same thing for pull offs nearby and few light parts on ebay.

Just the 4/7 wire OEM hitch itself was 300 new used vs 750 at dealer. Steel OEM bumpers are even better. You are not missing much other than a bill in long run.

One expensive thing I did was armorlite rubber floor upfront and worth it.

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