I'm actually considering a Bronco instead

[zipzag]

As a max pack waitee I've had time to consider other options. I'm considering a Bronco. Don't love the grill but I have had two great Fords. Anyone else found themselves "on the fence". My primary use is remote recreational travel.

EV is definitely the future, but I'm past the point where finding charging is a remotely interesting activity.

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[CommodoreAmiga]

My personal experience with Ford has not been great... That said, I do have a Lightning reservation and I think they hit it out of the park on the Bronco styling -- definitely a more compelling product than the Jeep. If they had released a PHEV or even just a HEV I would have bought a Bronco. But I don't want to buy another ICE-only vehicle, at this point.

I can't comprehend why any manufacturer releases an ICE-only "new" vehicle, at this point.

 

[kylealden]

If you're truly doing several hundred mile off-grid expeditions (250+ without being near charging infrastructure), a Bronco is probably a good call. It's very capable, a lot cheaper, and obviously doesn't have the range problem.

I'll say, I don't know the trails around the Chicago area well, but in the PNW, the range hassle is only slight, even as somebody who tows occasionally and loves to go overlanding in the Cascades. I'm confident that it will be a non-issue in 1-2 years as infrastructure develops. So I'd bring some skepticism to any concern you have that it's going to be a major problem.

I'd certainly keep your reservation just in case. You could always buy a Bronco and flip it when the Rivian shows up depending on how infrastructure develops. Don't forget the insane equity you've got in your future truck if you're an early reservation holder, especially with a Max Pack.

 

[jjswan33]

Yeah I agree with @CommodoreAmiga I have a pretty rough history with Ford reliability and service. I get the feeling they have gotten better in recent years but haven't been willing to give them a go.

With that said my experiences with Rivian service has not been ideal either.

 

[WrekEE]

I had a 2017 Raptor.. had to get a new transmission with all the problems. Then had issues with the new transmission.. was in the shop 3 months out of the last 6 months that i had it to try and fix. I couldn't drive on the highway transmission kept overheating and transmission kept on jumping gears.. 10-3-5-3-6... random combinations.

I have a 2019 Expedition. Went up to the mtns in Colorado.. transmission started overheating when i reached the Eisenhower tunnel.

I am tired of Ford. I have their extended warranty.. but whats the use when I can't trust it anymore and its always in the shop.


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[emoore]

A Ford Bronco EV would interest me.

 

[NY_Rob]

Nope, sticking with EV's going forward.

Done with oil changes
Done with exhaust systems
Done with spark plugs
Done with gas filters/bad gas
Done with gas stations
Done with transmission issues

 

[ads75]

I was going to try and and hold out for the max pack, but will probably just go large (expected R1T delivery DEC-JAN). I would like the range of the max pack, but not sure it’s worth $10k for 100 miles, and I would like delivery this year to potentially avoid any tax messes if the letter of intent doesn’t work in 2023. If after having the large, I decide it’s not enough, I am not sure 100miles of extra range will be worth it and may just go with a Colorado/Canyon. Or if I decide a max pack is worth it, I will just trade it in or sell it towards max pack in a couple of years.

 

[Blakeney]

Good luck on getting a bronco that isn't insanely over priced. I ordered and reservered 2 months after order banks opened and not a word, Ford is actually WAY WAY worse than Rivian haha Dealers are selling reservation holders orders, they are marking up pre order holders Broncos and telling them if they don't pay they will sell to someone who will etc.. It is a CRAZY mess out there. They're not even taking orders for broncos anymore and have changed the year now to manufacturer 2023's and there is QUITE the line.

 

[KeithPleas]

While I'm still waiting on the R1S...we had dinner with a friend and his wife a couple of weeks ago who showed me his Badlands with now 5K on it. Both of us think it looks great. We drove it a bit and the interior seemed dark and bunker-like - we don't like BM and we didn't like that. He has yet to take any of the top off - will probably never take the back off. He had the typical windshield leak that the dealer fixed, no other issues. He did do the Ford Off-Rodeo training in Moab and is looking forward to it - but he hasn't been off-road yet.

But you can't just walk in and buy one so it requires more planning. They will apparently be opening up for new orders in the 4th quarter for 2023 delivery.

If you're looking at this for off-roading...the Bronco does not have an air suspension (note the thread where it failed for a R1T on the WABDR), it does have a full size 33" spare on the back, and of course it has some top options (dual hard/soft top coming in 2023) and a much more developed 3rd party market. And it's 1/2 the (post adjustment) price.

 

[R1TFTW]

I am sticking with EVs from here on out. Not going back. I have had a 2013 F150 (no trouble, save a intercooler vehicle stall thing one time); a 2016 Explorer, where the dealership didn't put the bottom skid cover back on right and it fell off driving down the road; a 2019 Ford Raptor (dealer didn't change the oil filter on first oil change and I busted them); and lastly a 2020 Ford Explorer platinum. The coolant line busted off at about 5000 miles and all the coolant leaked out. The backup camera will not work reliably and still not working to this day. They want the vehicle for 2 days to repair. I guess my overall experience with FORD hasn't been all that bad, but the Service department here is terrible. I am done with Ford due to this fact. I might have got a lightning, but the price increase at $7000 and the unavailability of the pro detracted me. I was intrigued by the bronco for a bit, but I know I would just get tired of it quickly. I know I won't get tired of the Rivian for a long time. It is the most well rounded vehicle that I have ever had, and feel like the overall best vehicle ever made. I just wish I had a little Manual Transmission in my life from time to time.

 

[zipzag]

Good luck on getting a bronco that isn't insanely over priced. I ordered and reservered 2 months after order banks opened and not a word, Ford is actually WAY WAY worse than Rivian haha Dealers are selling reservation holders orders, they are marking up pre order holders Broncos and telling them if they don't pay they will sell to someone who will etc.. It is a CRAZY mess out there. They're not even taking orders for broncos anymore and have changed the year now to manufacturer 2023's and there is QUITE the line.

Fulfilling orders will take awhile, but Ford is building 10K a month. Slightly used Broncos at near original sticker will likely be available soon.

But I don't really want a vehicle until spring.

 

[mkg3]

Nope, sticking with EV's going forward.

Done with oil changes
Done with exhaust systems
Done with spark plugs
Done with gas filters/bad gas
Done with gas stations
Done with transmission issues

Completely agree. Only EVs for me going forward but selections are slim so its a waiting game. I just want to be young enough to enjoy a true two-seater sports car EV. At the current pace, who knows when. Two to five years before production start is announced....

But, you do realize you're trading those for different issues right? Just not as frequent. When it happens it wont be DYI at all.

 

[AxelR]

So, I have a Gen 3 Raptor. I love it.
I’ve been considering keeping it instead of getting the R1S. No trouble finding gas (so far). I’ll eventually get the S simply because I waited so long but I might just replace our Tesla M3P rather than the Raptor.
i haven’t had any problems and have 15k on it. Lots of actual off-roading. Think my about getting the extended best coverage warranty for 1.3-2k. Seems reasonable with how much I’m driving.
My Ford dealer experience on the service side is pleasant so far.

 

[bjcleaver]

I had a Bronco First Edition, ordered day 1 and received it in November. Lightning Blue exterior, 35's, the works. Looks amazing. But I was one of the unlucky ones with total engine failure. Had the engine replaced in February...and then again in June (different issue but still needed a new engine.) By that point the R1T I had ordered seemed like it might be coming soon so I just waited until it arrived in late August and sold the Bronco. I really loved it when it worked, but after two engine replacements I don't think I would have ever been able to trust it 100% for road trips, off roading, etc. I don't think the '22 model year has the same engine issues that the early '21s are having.

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