Extra Risk now?

[3G & 6G]

Even though I haven't been waiting as long as many of you, I've been following along for quite a while now. I like to stay connected to what is going on in the car markets in general, but especially with Ford as I'm a big fan.

Over the last year or so there was talk on other platforms about buying a 'covid' truck - something produced during or near the first waves of shutdowns, and the potential quality issues that on again/off again production flows could introduce. This morphed into all kinds of discussions, but given all the 'new' problems with supply chains (all tiers) it has me wondering if buying a new vehicle now is taking on extra risk.

I don't think consistent labor resources to produce vehicles is where the risk is. To me, it is in the substitution of parts that may or may not meet spec. How long until a supplier (or Ford) makes a part substitution that isn't up to snuff. This could show up in ways we wouldn't suspect - like minor redesigns to use available parts instead of those initally intended. I keep my vehicles for a really long time. I don't want something that won't last as long as I'm used to just so Ford or a supplier can meet sales numbers and/or keep shareholders happy.

On the Super-Duty side of the business, they have already removed options from the configurator. You can't even order upfitter switches anymore. This sucks, but the optimist in me says they are doing that because they can't source the needed components at the quality level they want. How long until they cave, though? You could say it already happened with the early Bronco hardtops. Ship 'em now, we'll fix 'em later...

I'm as excited about getting a Bronco as anyone, but are we taking on extra risk buying new right now? In 4 years are people going to be shying away from '21 and '22 models because of not yet exposed long-term quality issues?

Sponsored

 

[GETSCHWIFTY]

You can’t predict the future. Also it’s a vehicle not a career choice.

 

[Shane78]

Yes and no. Yes it’s a risk buying this specific car to some degree, because it’s a first model year and we all know the litany of issues that have happened thus far. As is semi expected with any new rollout. No I don’t believe it’s a liability buying one simply because it was produced during covid.

 

[Phil]

the main reason why supply is short on parts for cars is that 3rd tier manufacturers had POs canceled by the big auto mfg and/or had covid shut downs which caused them to go out of business for a new company to start manufacturing those parts requires government review ( i think NHSTA or another body) and approval to spec so you can rest assured that the parts meet spec it's getting companies to ramp up production from scratch that is the issue

 

[AZ_BRONC]

I’m locked in to a price from 2020 before inflation, on a vehicle currently selling used for $17k more, with a trade-in with 80k miles and 5 years on it for More than I paid for it. It’s supposed to be built in 2 weeks, which is actually perfect timing for me. It has a three year warranty, has everything I want on it, and was designed pre-COVID. And I’ve wanted another Bronco since the one I had in college in 1989. I’m pretty happy.

 

[Untrained Horse]

Other side of things is there is a smaller supply, which means the value could actually hold better.

 

[Daktari]

I don't care, I'm enjoying my extra risk every single day, roof open, music playing. I'm not gonna spend time worrying about maybes and what ifs, if mine ends up being crap I'll sell it and get something else.
I also don't have any illusions that I'll be keeping this one for 19 years like my Tacoma, way too many computers and sensors in modern cars that I doubt anyone will support or still make 19 years from now, cars are - like anything else outside of maybe real estate - becoming disposable commodities. Expensive, for sure, but if I'd be a betting person, I'd not put my money on anyone making a replacement 12 inch screen for my Bronco 19 years from now. The mac I'm using right now is 10 years old and I can't upgrade the the latests system. I'm sure the same will happen to all modern cars. I'd love to keep this thing for ever, but more realistically, I'll be trading it in for a hybrid model in a couple of years, hopefully more than less. Would be nice to get 10 years out of this one, but I'll be keeping an eye on resale values too.

 

[airishfan]

they always said not to buy the first year of a vehicle so why would the Bronco be any different and are people blaming COVID on crappy build vehicles and if so what about anything made doing COVID time like TVs or houses .

 

[StopsForTacoTrucks]

Many of my friends are management in auto parts manufacturing facilities. Parts are not being held to the same standard, including by former "quality kings" like Toyota. Parts that would have been rejected pre-COVID are now happily accepted. This includes primarily cosmetic defects on parts you don't normally see, but also greater machining tolerances for some wear items.

 

[DogHauler]

Ford proved the risk of having engineers work from home during a major launch was unmanageable. The Bronco launch will be used in business courses for decades as an example of what not to do.

 

[CT203]

You can’t predict the future. Also it’s a vehicle not a career choice.

A career is easier to get out of with no damage than a 50-60k vehicle. I don’t get the comparison.

 

[Raptor911]

OP don’t buy the bronco and let someone else enjoy it. Come back in 4 years and buy one once you trust the workforce

 

[rugbysecondrow]

No.

Even though I haven't been waiting as long as many of you, I've been following along for quite a while now. I like to stay connected to what is going on in the car markets in general, but especially with Ford as I'm a big fan.

Over the last year or so there was talk on other platforms about buying a 'covid' truck - something produced during or near the first waves of shutdowns, and the potential quality issues that on again/off again production flows could introduce. This morphed into all kinds of discussions, but given all the 'new' problems with supply chains (all tiers) it has me wondering if buying a new vehicle now is taking on extra risk.

I don't think consistent labor resources to produce vehicles is where the risk is. To me, it is in the substitution of parts that may or may not meet spec. How long until a supplier (or Ford) makes a part substitution that isn't up to snuff. This could show up in ways we wouldn't suspect - like minor redesigns to use available parts instead of those initally intended. I keep my vehicles for a really long time. I don't want something that won't last as long as I'm used to just so Ford or a supplier can meet sales numbers and/or keep shareholders happy.

On the Super-Duty side of the business, they have already removed options from the configurator. You can't even order upfitter switches anymore. This sucks, but the optimist in me says they are doing that because they can't source the needed components at the quality level they want. How long until they cave, though? You could say it already happened with the early Bronco hardtops. Ship 'em now, we'll fix 'em later...

I'm as excited about getting a Bronco as anyone, but are we taking on extra risk buying new right now? In 4 years are people going to be shying away from '21 and '22 models because of not yet exposed long-term quality issues?

 

[Raptor911]

I totally get the comparison. Do you really think someone who has a decent paying job can switch to a completely different line of work and make the same money? Yes you may get lucky but do you really want to bet on your family that you can make the switch?

You can take your 50-60k bronco and sell it in the next 4 years easily and get a good chunk back

A career is easier to get out of with no damage than a 50-60k vehicle. I don’t get the comparison.

 

[GETSCHWIFTY]

A career is easier to get out of with no damage than a 50-60k vehicle. I don’t get the comparison.

k

Sponsored