Hesitant to Order Before Test Drive?

[Milamdj]

Am I the only one who is hesitant to jump in on the Bronco without any idea of how it will actually drive, as a daily driver?

Here's some context:
In around 2002/2003, I wanted a crew cab full size Chevy truck. Chevy didn't offer the 1500 Silverado in a crew cab; only in the 2500HD. I was CONVINCED that was what I was going to by. Then I drove it. I HATED the way it drove. It rode like a pogo-stick. The only other option was the Avalanche, which was super ugly, but I drove it anyway. Loved the way Avalanche drove and ended up buying one.

I'm having a hard time with the idea of waiting in line for over a year on a $50k-ish Bronco with no idea of whether I will like the way it will drive or not. I'm currently in a leased 2018 F150 that I'm very happy with. Lease ends in April, but I'm inclined to buy it out. Ford says they'll extend it if I have a Bronco on order.

Thoughts?

Absolutely valid. Ordering a $50k car that you havent sat in, felt the material, experienced the drive....valid point.

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[Mattwings]

Am I the only one who is hesitant to jump in on the Bronco without any idea of how it will actually drive, as a daily driver?

Here's some context:
In around 2002/2003, I wanted a crew cab full size Chevy truck. Chevy didn't offer the 1500 Silverado in a crew cab; only in the 2500HD. I was CONVINCED that was what I was going to by. Then I drove it. I HATED the way it drove. It rode like a pogo-stick. The only other option was the Avalanche, which was super ugly, but I drove it anyway. Loved the way Avalanche drove and ended up buying one.

I'm having a hard time with the idea of waiting in line for over a year on a $50k-ish Bronco with no idea of whether I will like the way it will drive or not. I'm currently in a leased 2018 F150 that I'm very happy with. Lease ends in April, but I'm inclined to buy it out. Ford says they'll extend it if I have a Bronco on order.

Thoughts?

I have an 18 F150 on extended lease (that I love). I am ordering and if I don’t like it, I will buy out the F150. I have to say, for the same price, I think the F150 is a better value. Same basic options, FX4 2.7 with current and seemingly ongoing incentives ends up the same or slightly less than a Bronco Big Bend 2.7 w/locker, hard top and mid package. I am a die hard Bronco fan, have owned 3 and hope the new model is awesome! That being said, if the Bronco doesn’t have better ride and handling than the Jeep, with similar off road ability, I won’t pay the premium. I didn’t pull the trigger on another Jeep after my LJ because the ride, steering and seating position sucked. New models are lipstick on a pig relative to drive and ride dynamics.I did love my Jeep, but as a toy.

 

[jswing]

When you bought your Ranger, did you drive it compared to F150? If so, how did they compare? Ranger wasn't an option in 2018, but I probably wouldn't have considered it anyway, if it had a back seat like the Colorado.

I didnt drive the f150 because I prefer mid size trucks. I don't even need a back seat so I bought the supercab for the longer bed. My neighbor has a f150 with 2.7 that I want to drive to help decide between the 2.3 and 2.7.

 

[jbh8063]

That being said, if the Bronco doesn’t have better ride and handling than the Jeep, with similar off road ability, I won’t pay the premium.

Well, and this begs another question in my mind. I've never really off-roaded, although I have aspirations of moving out of SoCal in the next 3 years to maybe Idaho, so AWD/4WD is on my radar as something to seriously consider on my next vehicle. Is the Bronco overkill unless you're really planning on off-roading?

 

[peterh]

The Granger deal is about to expire and I am tempted. At the same time I know that I will be required to place the order well before I get to test drive it (which may be never) and maybe long before an objective reviewer does. Anyone having pangs of anxiety over this other than me? If so, you going ahead with the order anyway?

 

[Drex]

It is not ideal, but everyone is in the same boat. Put the $100 in, get in line before the huge rush of everyone jumping into the expiring deal and then revisit your decision at your leisure over the next six months. I'm going to convert to an order, also in the Grangetober deal, there will be reviews aplenty before they start building your truck. Then you can choose.

 

[hemiblas]

The Granger deal is about to expire and I am tempted. At the same time I know that I will be required to place the order well before I get to test drive it (which may be never) and maybe long before an objective reviewer does. Anyone having pangs of anxiety over this other than me? If so, you going ahead with the order anyway?

I started a thread on this already. Take a look if you get a chance. The consensus is that it should be a great rig.

 

[PrincipalD]

I think I am going to test drive a Ranger to get somewhat of a feel for the room. The dimensions sound similar. I also have a 2001 Sports Trac and the dimensions are all within an inch or two for width, length, interior room. I predict it will be a much better ride but, like you, get nervous about a car I never drove.

 

[Troy13]

I think it's important to note even if you order you're not committed to buying it. I think dealers are counting on some orders not converting to the reservation holders because that's the only way they'll have stock in hand and they could mark those up.

 

[dejones64]

I trust it will be a great vehicle. It's nice we got to see the videos of them testing it off-road. They beat on it and drove in locations that I will probably never get to. So as a daily driver, camper, light off-roading, I'll be good. Otherwise I'll have the warranty and possibly an extended warranty.

 

[YTFORD]

The wife feels the same way. Since this will be "her" vehicle, she is not happy about not getting to see it, sit in, or drive it in person before buying it.

 

[mostly harmless]

The Granger deal is about to expire and I am tempted. At the same time I know that I will be required to place the order well before I get to test drive it (which may be never) and maybe long before an objective reviewer does. Anyone having pangs of anxiety over this other than me? If so, you going ahead with the order anyway?

You will still be able to test drive before completing the sale. Placing an order is not a commitment to purchasing the vehicle. You will still be able to back out if needed.

Also if you are just now putting in a reservation, there will be plenty of Broncos on the road (and reviews) long before your truck is built.

 

[AzScorpion]

I think I am going to test drive a Ranger to get somewhat of a feel for the room. The dimensions sound similar. I also have a 2001 Sports Trac and the dimensions are all within an inch or two for width, length, interior room. I predict it will be a much better ride but, like you, get nervous about a car I never drove.

If it's any consolation I absolutely love my Ranger! I've had 8- F 150's,1 Silverado and a Tacoma and this is by far my favorite truck. The 2.3 is surprisingly fast and torquey (although mines tuned now) and the drivetrain with the 10 speed auto is super smooth.

As far as being able to test drive one most of Granger's orders will be late 2021 or most likely 2022's so there will be plenty of reviews out by then. Some of the larger dealers might be able to get their hands on a few so it may be possible to test drive one before your vin is pulled. I really want to see all the colors in person before making my finale decision especially seeing that Ford decided to chose the interior accents for us without being able to customize them.

 

[jbh8063]

We've all seen the multitude of YouTube videos... all are walk-arounds; one even said there's no motor in what they were showing. The only driving videos I've seen were the tests at Moab.

 

[Kayci77]

My dealer (Canada) advised that I would need to put in a non-refundable $500 deposit down with my order. Does anyone know if by the time the truck is delivered and if reviews/hands-on are meh, can I simply give up the deposit, or am I contractually obligated to go through with the purchase?

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