Manual, 2DR, VB Badlands -- resell trap?

[Bikeric]

I've been driving what you're searching for for about 2 years now. VB Badlands Non-Sas 2-door 7MT LUX. The only thing I would possibly change is I would have been just fine with HIGH package. The B&O stereo requires extra $$ to upgrade because of the A2B amp wiring, and the "phone charger" is a worthless, almost dangerous addition because it will melt your phone before it ever charges it. I might miss the heated steering wheel in the winter time, but that would be OK with me. HIGH package still gets that 360 degree camera which is well worth the expense.

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[AZ_Liberty]

Normally on an enthusiast vehicle, manuals maintain value much better than autos.

10 year old mustang, manuals sell for a lot more. 10 year old Wrangler, same thing.

Even a bare bones XL trim F-150 from 2004-2008 (last years you could get a stick) sell for a couple thousand more than their automatic counterparts, and sell quickly.

On Bronco, Ford was unable to keep up with Manual demand, with folks having to wait 4+ months extra just for ordering a manual.

LUX is always a resale trap though. Electronic doo-dads retain horrible value.

 

[BigHoof]

I've been driving what you're searching for for about 2 years now. VB Badlands Non-Sas 2-door 7MT LUX. The only thing I would possibly change is I would have been just fine with HIGH package. The B&O stereo requires extra $$ to upgrade because of the A2B amp wiring, and the "phone charger" is a worthless, almost dangerous addition because it will melt your phone before it ever charges it. I might miss the heated steering wheel in the winter time, but that would be OK with me. HIGH package still gets that 360 degree camera which is well worth the expense.

Same here. except for I got the SAS. At the time, LUX was constrained and really didn't offer much benefit other than the built in NAV. High gets you most of the stuff you'd want but hey, if you can find a LUX go for it. Going to be harder to find though than a high. As for resale, the whole market is in turmoil now. Hard to say what it will be like in 5 years. Who knows, they may stop making manuals which would make the 7 speed more rare and valuable.

 

[MJ12]

Hey all --

I am currently in the market for a Bronco. It's going to be a weekender toy. It's only gunna hit pavement for weekend drives and hopefully most of the time just to get to the trail. But, I am not yet skilled enough for high technical trails with things like rock crawling or water fording, etc. and I'll be honest and admit that I probably don't have the risk tolerance for super technical trails anyway.

What I am looking at getting is a 2DR Badlands with a manual and the lux package, because I love manuals but I also love creature comforts. I don't plan to do sasquatch because the Badlands has most of that and is equipped well above my skill level/risk tolerance already.

I've noted that this configuration basically does not exist anywhere near me despite being near world class offroading (Colorado Rockies). The only 2DR manual within a 100 miles of me is at the dealer only because someone ordered it (hah). It's also "just" a black diamond. Even 2DR autos are pretty rare near me.

My original plan was to get a lower trim, because I will never fully utilize the offroad capability, but Ford decided to only put the high creature comforts on the high end offroad and/or 4DR models.

My plan is to keep it for only 3-5 years and then sell, but I am worried this configuration is going to be a bear to resell for a decent price. High end 4x4, manual with lots of creature comforts. What do you all think?

Thanks

In my opinion the Badlands will be more desirable when you go to re sell and as your comfort and skills improve you may get more enjoyment out of its capability.

 

[Syringe]

Got a 2-dr 7 MT Badlands in January, that I ordered (mid package). It's been terrific, and you might not want to give it up in 3-5 years. Or, maybe you will, who knows!

Unless you really, really want the Lux package [my Dad has a Wildtrak with it], I'd say you'd likely be happy with the mid. His heated steering wheel is definitely nice. The other plus (debatable) over the mid-package is the B & O stereo, which is only marginally better than the mid-package unit on my '24. Even a simple speaker upgrade pretty much gets you the sound quality of the B & O, though maybe not ultimate max volume. The wireless charge pad seems to act more or less like a burner on your stove given the heat it exudes, and isn't worth the scratch. I'd say our MGV vs. the leather interior is more practical, as well.

Totally get your trail comments, and non-sasquatch as is mine. It has been on trails a bit, but is really a mountains summer fishing/winter skiing and motorcycle trailer towing vehicle. It's almost hilariously unstoppable in the snow. My '79 was as well, but this one - with lockers - will really get you where you want to go in the Rockies.

Maybe just order what you want? You won't have to wait now like many of us did earlier.

As an aside, I/we get compliments on the Bronco virtually every time its in public for a gas stop, errands, etc. You might have to await the right person when you want to sell, but it isn't a Yugo - people will want it for its (relatively) trouble-free capability.

 

[voxel]

When I was looking for a 2 Dr Manual - they basically only existed if you special ordered them. I could get either a 2Dr, or 7MT, but not both on a lot. I chose the 7MT. I was looking for a 2Dr MT BD - too bad I don't live near @RagnarKon

I think it all depends on the area. During the crazy peak Bronco prices I saw 2 and 4 door manuals sit on Ford lots for a few weeks then discounted $1K or $2K before sold. Meanwhile, other Broncos with $5K markups were selling.

I think Broncos are primarily used as commuter or beach cars here in FL.

 

[broncobase1]

If I were you I would go for the black diamond, unless you are hung up on having the sway bar disconnect.

I think the ford price increases might be holding the values up a bit higher still. Be curious to see how things depreciate as time goes on and hopefully the prices increase stop or become insignificant

My 23 is still hanging in at 46k from the dealer and 43.8 from carvana. Purhcased for 51k Dec of 23

to the OP - if you can swing it, buy / lease it and get what you want. Enjoy the truck and use it. No telling what market conditions will be like in 4 to 5 years so don't worry about things you can't control!

Yeah -- Both dealers and Carvana are still offering me what I paid for my Base (MSRP) 2.5 years ago. Pretty darn good. When my Bronco was one year old, Carvana was offering $10K more than I paid.

 

[MNBigfoot]

Are you guys actually trying the charge phones in the hotdog heater tray?

 

[Bikeric]

Are you guys actually trying the charge phones in the hotdog heater tray?

That explains it…. The designer of the phone charger was supposed to go to LG or GE for help, but wound up at KitchenAid.

 

[AJKitebrder40]

I'm close to you, but I don't want luxury, Carplay and comfortable seats with a washout interior/floor were the main goals (other than a 7MT). I started with a reservation/order for a '21 Cyber Orange (Yellow) non-SAS Badlands, because at that time you couldn't order SAS with a manual.

Then, '22 I added SAS, and switched to Eruption Green (VB was my 2nd choice once Cyber Orange was gone).

It finally arrived as a '23 in March of 2023, $46k otd, dealer did invoice pricing with all of the price protection. They are really rare, but I love mine. I personally wouldn't want anything on the higher packages, less electronics, less issues basically.

Good luck!

 

[Bikeric]

I just went through the B&P for your build and saw that in 2024 you can’t separate from High and/or LUX. I’ll just say spend the extra $3k over Mid and get it all for $57k(+).

I also noticed it only comes with 1 year of Navigation, whereas mine came with 3 years. I have no idea what will happen when that date passes. Will I have to pay some subscription fee to Ford just to keep it functioning like I bought it???

https://shop.ford.com/configure/bronco/config/summary/Config[|Ford|Bronco|2024|1|1.|334A...PE7...2DR.BLD.]

 

[Gregus73]

I would love to have a 2 door with manual. My wife only gave me the green light for the Bronco if I got 4 door auto, so that is what it was going to be then.

I did not think about resale when I got mine. Great vehicle.

 

[Beach_Bum]

...
I also noticed it only comes with 1 year of Navigation, whereas mine came with 3 years. I have no idea what will happen when that date passes. Will I have to pay some subscription fee to Ford just to keep it functioning like I bought it???
...

The Connected-Built-In (CBI) Navigation included in the prior MY LUX packages or available as a standalone option provides for 3 years of service which includes map updates. After, you would have to pay for map updates. But the difference between the Connected-Built-In nav and the trial nav is that when service ends, the CBI will still work just without map updates. The trial nav "dumbs down" the service so that basic navigation is not available.

 

[JohnnyBronco]

Also meant to say a lease is a good idea, I can run the numbers on that. But I would assume Ford would not be too happy with me doing any permanent mods to a lease?

Depends on the level terms. My Ford lease which ends in two months has zero charge for excess miles or excessive wear as long as i buy it. If you were to return it that's a different ballgame and you will have to repair almost all the damage incurred offroading.

 

[MadMan4BamaNATL]

I love to see 2 Door orders, so please order a new one. Who knows what resale of any vehicle will be in 5 years with all the EV back and fourth.

I also don’t think anyone should feel pressured to feel that only extreme off-roading is required; it’s not. Getting safely to a trailhead is all good and farther out than most, so have some fun with it.

Definately get it the way you want it if ordering. Color, config, whatever, go crazy. I did and have no regrets at all.

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