What to watch out for in used Broncos?

[badchipmunk]

I'm in the market for a Bronco and there are a bunch of '23 Wildtraks around me that are selling at an attractive discount vs. their '24 counterparts. What I want to know is what I should be looking for when I'm checking them out. At this point I don't know what I don't know, so I'm looking for some guidance from those who have spent more time on the forum or who have '23 Wildtraks themselves.

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[userdude]

You definitely want an 2.3L MT w/e-disco... lol The WT is supposed to be the top-of-the-line "desert" version, so it's already pretty nice: 2.7L 10spd w/Fox 2.5" shocks, upgraded steering components (HOSS 3.0), a "fancier" interior that some people don't like, etc. I don't think Ford really lets you mix and match a lot of the core stuff.

The WildTrak doesn't have that many options compared to the others; it's mostly a package deal. For instance, it has Sasquatch even if it doesn't say so. I would say look for the High package, so you get the 12" screen, and ignore the Lux package, which I feel is overpriced. [Edit: High package was discontinued in 2024; every one gets the 12" screen starting from then.]

If you want to off road with it, maybe look for the Trail Armor rock rails and mod steel bumper options; sometimes that gets added based on how it was optioned.

Also, not sure how this goes on the WT, but the accessory switches are a hard-to-install option and IMO worth it if it has it. I think some people think the tow package isn't really necessary, since you can add it later.

One other thing, the tri-color paint (like Hot Pepper Red) looks awesome, but they can be a problem to fix if you mess up the paint. For me I'm glad I didn't get one. But they are very nice looking rides.

 

[BleednBlue]

New 2023s? If yes, they've been sitting on a lot for a while. Check battery and for flat spots on the tires.

 

[Mjtermini]

New 2023s? If yes, they've been sitting on a lot for a while. Check battery and for flat spots on the tires.

May also want yo consider the Badlands. Great overall capability and comes standard with many great options and features

 

[Fordified1]

Title of the thread says used. Look underneath for off-road damage. Usually the rear lower shock mounts show rock damage first because they are low. Transmission cross members/angle braces (V6 models) are easily damaged also.

 

[userdude]

Title of the thread says used. Look underneath for off-road damage. Usually the rear lower shock mounts show rock damage first because they are low. Transmission cross members/angle braces (V6 models) are easily damaged also.

Interesting. I would think the used 23 WTs wouldn't be discounted that much, while the new ones would be. That's what the post says, although it does specify used in the subject.

Personally, if you look under and see scrapes and/or mud caked on stuff, it was probably off roaded. Also chunks missing from the tires, trail stripes (especially on the top). Here the flat steps that the WT comes with can help prevent a lot of the flung rocks the GY Territories do to the rocker panels. On the interior, torn seats and damaged plastics.

 

[2023bronco]

Look closely at the hard top if it has one. Any bubbles, cracks, spiderwebbing (under the side windows), etc. If you look closely enough and in the right lighting, I'll bet that you won't find any without one of these defects. If you want a hardtop, do yourself a favor and buy a soft top Bronco and then go buy the Turn Offroad hardtop.

 

[Aonarch]

Title of the thread says used. Look underneath for off-road damage. Usually the rear lower shock mounts show rock damage first because they are low. Transmission cross members/angle braces (V6 models) are easily damaged also.

Look closely at the hard top if it has one. Any bubbles, cracks, spiderwebbing (under the side windows), etc. If you look closely enough and in the right lighting, I'll bet that you won't find any without one of these defects. If you want a hardtop, do yourself a favor and buy a soft top Bronco and then go buy the Turn Offroad hardtop.

These.

Plus check the doors and the windows. Open them all, see how they feel.

On the test drive you absolutely need to get up to highway speeds for a couple of miles. A lot of dealerships will have you go on a short little 35 mph loop, most cars feel fine then.

Listen for noise, vibrations, etc.

 

[badchipmunk]

Awesome, thanks y'all. I once had a '91 Wrangler and so I'm quite familiar with the gremlins those could attract. The Bronco is a new one entirely, and I've read there have been some very interesting issues related to the powertrain, but I thought I'd ask to see if folks knew of other gremlins I should look out for. Appreciate it!

 

[G1D1UP]

As a WT owner, I've done several mods to the Bronc. All very cool and completed successfully with no issues. If the vehicle is used, just make sure there aren't any crazy, upside down mods that the character before you might have "attempted" or completed in a shoddy manner. Thinking specifically about wiring items to your on-board aux switches. If you see the Bluetooth disco ball and aux switch-controlled cappuccino maker in the dash... you might wanna run...

 

[MNBigfoot]

I'm in the market for a Bronco and there are a bunch of '23 Wildtraks around me that are selling at an attractive discount vs. their '24 counterparts. What I want to know is what I should be looking for when I'm checking them out. At this point I don't know what I don't know, so I'm looking for some guidance from those who have spent more time on the forum or who have '23 Wildtraks themselves.12"

Why are you set on a Wildtrak? Asking because most of the time they haven't really been that special, and people were spending a lot of money just for the name. For MY 24 all you get with it is shocks and $20 worth of gloss Paint. That surely doesn't seem worth it when you can buy a like equipped Heritage Edition for $10,000 less. It was mentioned earlier to get the High package for the 12" screen, however I believe the starting MY23 all Bronco's have the 12" screen.

 

[userdude]

It was mentioned earlier to get the High package for the 12" screen, however I believe the starting MY23 all Bronco's have the 12" screen.

This is MY24.

 

[MNBigfoot]

This is MY24.

I didn't think you could get a 8" screen in MY23 or MY 24, perhaps I'm mistaken.

 

[userdude]

I didn't think you could get a 8" screen in MY23 or MY 24, perhaps I'm mistaken.

The High package was discontinued in 2024 and with it the 8" screen. I may have mentioned High package in regards to 2024 (I haven't scrolled up to check), if I did I was wrong becuase it's only relevant 21-23.

 

[SierraBronco]

If you see BRONCBUSTER on the tierods and don’t plan on upgrading the factory steering rack, back away or ask for another $2000 off the price to pay for a new rack when it fails

Really that applies to any of the tierod braces, sleeves, or upgrades unless the rack has been upgraded significantly. (Upgraded is not bushings)

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