- First Name
- Andy
- Joined
- Aug 13, 2022
- Threads
- 2
- Messages
- 38
- Reaction score
- 72
- Location
- Roseville, California
- Vehicle(s)
- 2013 Ford Focus
- Thread starter
- #1
Hello All,
I've found myself in a bit of a situation and would appreciate any input. I've spent the last 4-5 days scouring this form, reddit and other interwebs to see what i can learn. But any wisdom you can share, I'd appreciate. Note this will be a frist car purchase outside of the family.
1) I'm trying to gather all info possible to ensure Bronco Sport Outer Banks is the right vehicle for me.
-- What are your experiences so far with them?
-- Confidence level of reliability?
-- Fords support of the Vehicle? (i get that this in many cases will vary Dealer to Dealer).
-- What are the repair bills, if any you have needed to pay so far? (cars probs to new for this....but i'll ask).
2) Car purchasing advice in general in this environment?
3) Anything else i've not considered?
Short Version:
-------------
+ Current Ford busted with no ETA on the part needed to fix (talking months to years)
+ Current car market is.....expensive/limited inventory.
+ Stressing myself out...there doesn't seem to be any great options and i don't want to make the wrong decision for a new car purchase.
I put down a refundable deposit for a Outer Banks, Alto Blue, Premium/tech, Trailer sway packaged 2022 Bronco Sport (Dealer ordered). It had almost everything I really wanted except Copilot 360+ Assist. None of listed dealer ordered BS I've found in CA/within 100 miles include it.....build constraint? I asked what the ETA was, there response was "we have no clue, we will call you when it comes in". They are ~100 miles away, but they do not charge over MSRP, and my parents had a good experience buying from them before. This would be my first new car. ETA is "no clue".
Ford does not know when they can fix the cars they sold (getting a TCM was reportedly a problem even before the pandemic) ....nor can they tell when they can build/deliver a new one that already at the end of the model year Prod Cycle....nor does it seem like they actually care....this is way more unknowns then i like. lol
Long Version (background):
-------------------------
My current, and only, car is a 2013 Ford Focus Hatchback: Titanium Trim, with Automatic Dual Clutch Transmission and 87K miles on the odometer. I keep my cars for long as I can and maintain them well. The plan was the Focus would make it to at least 100K and last long enough (even with repairs) for the current economy to settle down. ....nope! The Transmission Control Module (TCM) failed......well known issue, has a lawsuit.
The part is back ordered, with no ETA from Ford. A internet/reddit search shows a new one will take 6-16+ months (yes, months) to arrive.....because the TCMs crap out faster them Ford is building them.......and this was before the pandemic/supply chain problems. The service center won't even try an guesstimate a time frame and buried it behind 4-5 other vehicles in the back of the service storage lot... No loaners or rentals available. Ford has literally left me stranded....
Fortunately: the TCM is covered under an extended 150K/10yr warranty, I work from home, the grocery store is a 5 min bike ride away, and I can occasionally borrow my parents Bolt for a day or two here and there.
Unfortunately: rental/loner from Ford...fat chance, public transportation in Roseville is....limited, depending on uber/lyft is endlessly expensive, most/all car dealers here charge 10K+ over MSRP minimum for the couple of new cars they have....and charge even more money for a used car. I was not planning on buying my first home AND a new car in the same year..... but here I am.
I liked the Fucus for: its MPG (avg 30-32), decent sound (Sony), good seats, fog lights, decent enough cargo.
-> note: i purchased from my Parents in 2017-ish. My first car a base model 2000 Dodge Neon, also bought from parents.
In a new vehicle I really wanted something:
---------------------------------------
Req: NOT overpay.
Req: reliable past 10yrs/100K miles (that will be hindsight)
>> Really i try and stretch my money for as far as i can get it.
Req: MPG no less then the Focus (or close enough). Most of my daily driving is local city streets and highway.
+ more camping worthy (Eagle Scout. It's been years since I've camped, but i want to get back into it.)
+ tow hitch for my Mountain Bike (getting into that)
+ something good in Snow for the limited times we go to Tahoe during a blizzard.
+ Cargo space for a good Lowes/Home depot visit (4'X8' ply and 6-8' dimensional lumber)
+ something very functional yet fun inspiring.
+ good driver assist (adaptive cruise control/Lane centering)
All my research is manufacture/dealer websites and primary users (forums like this one)
Originally I was heavily looking at getting a Hybrid Maverick.
+/- i know its FWD, but it checked off everything else.
+/- still very new....reused platform...but still.
- no fog lights.....wtf....
- unavailable new/WAY overpriced used. ($50K for a used base $28K Mav...fluff that!)
- no way I can count on getting one within 1-2 years (new/MSRP).
- Fords reputation for really poor QC, poor reliability, poor overall Customer Care (no loaners/rentals even on warranty items )
-- i have now hit every check box in said poor reputation.
+ Media and Stock-Holder wise, Ford acknowledges this and are trying to do better..... maybe....?
Toyota Rav4:
+ reputation to be reliable
+ Great MPG (esp. hybrid/prime)
- hard to find at MSRP.....used don't look much better
- uninspiring.....
- Tech is....seemingly weak.
- Adaptive cruise/lane centering is worthless
Toyota Tacoma:
+ Relatives love them
+ reputation to be reliable
+ they are everywhere, cant be that bad
- terrible MPG
- uninspiring.....
- Tech is....seemingly weak.
- Kinda bordering to big for me.
- i don't think i'll utilize the truck bed enough to justify.
- not sure if it will fit into my basic two car garage...
- Adaptive cruise/lane centering is worthless
Subaru
+ MPG matches that of the Fucas
- terrible transmissions, costly to replace......research stopped here.
Ford Ranger:
+/- 25MPG
+/- i'd really want to wait for the redesign and then a few model years to let the bugs get worked out.
- Same bed issue as the Tacoma...not sure it will be properly used.
I've seen a few Bronco Sports in my area, and they did make my head turn. Found this forum and scoured just about every single thread i've found relevant. For the BS was looking at both the Badlands (the engine) and Outerbanks (the critter comforts).
Outbanks squeaked a win vs Bandlands for me because:
Main: availability - dealer had no unspoken for Badlands.
---> Coin toss if It arrives before the TCM.
+ Slight better MPG (compared to Badlands)
+ premium features available with the navy pier interior (i strongly dislike the ebony/brown colors)
+/- Coming from a non EcoBoost/Turbo. 4cyl Ford Focus...acceleration prob's about the same as the 1.5EcoBoost
+/- the Focus doesn't Co-pilot 360 anything...not missing out there (has rear camera).
- slightly worse MPG then the Focus.
I'd rather not change cars in a couple years for desired features (Co-Pilot 360+ Assist). While possible, I do not foresee the car market staying this hot for the amount of time it would take for a new fully spec'd build to arrive (1-2 years?).
All my options here really stink..
1) just wait for a no ETA TCM (many reports 6-16 months) then:
1a.) Sell to Carmax soon as it operational for most money possible.
1b) keep the car with the fear something else will fail/TCM will fail again within 15K miles/a few months (per reports).
2) Wait a "No Clue" amount of time for a new Bronco Sport...just to test drive it....
3) buy a car i like today, but used, for 2X the price of a new one
4) buy any old cheap dumpster fire that would probs be scrapped in any other market condition, and likely need to dump it in a year or two.
To compound things just a bit....i recently moved and do not have any close friends in the area. The ability to go out and meet people my age....apparently depends on being able to leave the house and do Meetups in Sacramento. Also, If the long rambly post here didn't already tell ya, im going bit crazy being feeling like i'm stranded at home (on week two).
I've found myself in a bit of a situation and would appreciate any input. I've spent the last 4-5 days scouring this form, reddit and other interwebs to see what i can learn. But any wisdom you can share, I'd appreciate. Note this will be a frist car purchase outside of the family.
1) I'm trying to gather all info possible to ensure Bronco Sport Outer Banks is the right vehicle for me.
-- What are your experiences so far with them?
-- Confidence level of reliability?
-- Fords support of the Vehicle? (i get that this in many cases will vary Dealer to Dealer).
-- What are the repair bills, if any you have needed to pay so far? (cars probs to new for this....but i'll ask).
2) Car purchasing advice in general in this environment?
3) Anything else i've not considered?
Short Version:
-------------
+ Current Ford busted with no ETA on the part needed to fix (talking months to years)
+ Current car market is.....expensive/limited inventory.
+ Stressing myself out...there doesn't seem to be any great options and i don't want to make the wrong decision for a new car purchase.
I put down a refundable deposit for a Outer Banks, Alto Blue, Premium/tech, Trailer sway packaged 2022 Bronco Sport (Dealer ordered). It had almost everything I really wanted except Copilot 360+ Assist. None of listed dealer ordered BS I've found in CA/within 100 miles include it.....build constraint? I asked what the ETA was, there response was "we have no clue, we will call you when it comes in". They are ~100 miles away, but they do not charge over MSRP, and my parents had a good experience buying from them before. This would be my first new car. ETA is "no clue".
Ford does not know when they can fix the cars they sold (getting a TCM was reportedly a problem even before the pandemic) ....nor can they tell when they can build/deliver a new one that already at the end of the model year Prod Cycle....nor does it seem like they actually care....this is way more unknowns then i like. lol
Long Version (background):
-------------------------
My current, and only, car is a 2013 Ford Focus Hatchback: Titanium Trim, with Automatic Dual Clutch Transmission and 87K miles on the odometer. I keep my cars for long as I can and maintain them well. The plan was the Focus would make it to at least 100K and last long enough (even with repairs) for the current economy to settle down. ....nope! The Transmission Control Module (TCM) failed......well known issue, has a lawsuit.
The part is back ordered, with no ETA from Ford. A internet/reddit search shows a new one will take 6-16+ months (yes, months) to arrive.....because the TCMs crap out faster them Ford is building them.......and this was before the pandemic/supply chain problems. The service center won't even try an guesstimate a time frame and buried it behind 4-5 other vehicles in the back of the service storage lot... No loaners or rentals available. Ford has literally left me stranded....
Fortunately: the TCM is covered under an extended 150K/10yr warranty, I work from home, the grocery store is a 5 min bike ride away, and I can occasionally borrow my parents Bolt for a day or two here and there.
Unfortunately: rental/loner from Ford...fat chance, public transportation in Roseville is....limited, depending on uber/lyft is endlessly expensive, most/all car dealers here charge 10K+ over MSRP minimum for the couple of new cars they have....and charge even more money for a used car. I was not planning on buying my first home AND a new car in the same year..... but here I am.
I liked the Fucus for: its MPG (avg 30-32), decent sound (Sony), good seats, fog lights, decent enough cargo.
-> note: i purchased from my Parents in 2017-ish. My first car a base model 2000 Dodge Neon, also bought from parents.
In a new vehicle I really wanted something:
---------------------------------------
Req: NOT overpay.
Req: reliable past 10yrs/100K miles (that will be hindsight)
>> Really i try and stretch my money for as far as i can get it.
Req: MPG no less then the Focus (or close enough). Most of my daily driving is local city streets and highway.
+ more camping worthy (Eagle Scout. It's been years since I've camped, but i want to get back into it.)
+ tow hitch for my Mountain Bike (getting into that)
+ something good in Snow for the limited times we go to Tahoe during a blizzard.
+ Cargo space for a good Lowes/Home depot visit (4'X8' ply and 6-8' dimensional lumber)
+ something very functional yet fun inspiring.
+ good driver assist (adaptive cruise control/Lane centering)
All my research is manufacture/dealer websites and primary users (forums like this one)
Originally I was heavily looking at getting a Hybrid Maverick.
+/- i know its FWD, but it checked off everything else.
+/- still very new....reused platform...but still.
- no fog lights.....wtf....
- unavailable new/WAY overpriced used. ($50K for a used base $28K Mav...fluff that!)
- no way I can count on getting one within 1-2 years (new/MSRP).
- Fords reputation for really poor QC, poor reliability, poor overall Customer Care (no loaners/rentals even on warranty items )
-- i have now hit every check box in said poor reputation.
+ Media and Stock-Holder wise, Ford acknowledges this and are trying to do better..... maybe....?
Toyota Rav4:
+ reputation to be reliable
+ Great MPG (esp. hybrid/prime)
- hard to find at MSRP.....used don't look much better
- uninspiring.....
- Tech is....seemingly weak.
- Adaptive cruise/lane centering is worthless
Toyota Tacoma:
+ Relatives love them
+ reputation to be reliable
+ they are everywhere, cant be that bad
- terrible MPG
- uninspiring.....
- Tech is....seemingly weak.
- Kinda bordering to big for me.
- i don't think i'll utilize the truck bed enough to justify.
- not sure if it will fit into my basic two car garage...
- Adaptive cruise/lane centering is worthless
Subaru
+ MPG matches that of the Fucas
- terrible transmissions, costly to replace......research stopped here.
Ford Ranger:
+/- 25MPG
+/- i'd really want to wait for the redesign and then a few model years to let the bugs get worked out.
- Same bed issue as the Tacoma...not sure it will be properly used.
I've seen a few Bronco Sports in my area, and they did make my head turn. Found this forum and scoured just about every single thread i've found relevant. For the BS was looking at both the Badlands (the engine) and Outerbanks (the critter comforts).
Outbanks squeaked a win vs Bandlands for me because:
Main: availability - dealer had no unspoken for Badlands.
---> Coin toss if It arrives before the TCM.
+ Slight better MPG (compared to Badlands)
+ premium features available with the navy pier interior (i strongly dislike the ebony/brown colors)
+/- Coming from a non EcoBoost/Turbo. 4cyl Ford Focus...acceleration prob's about the same as the 1.5EcoBoost
+/- the Focus doesn't Co-pilot 360 anything...not missing out there (has rear camera).
- slightly worse MPG then the Focus.
I'd rather not change cars in a couple years for desired features (Co-Pilot 360+ Assist). While possible, I do not foresee the car market staying this hot for the amount of time it would take for a new fully spec'd build to arrive (1-2 years?).
All my options here really stink..
1) just wait for a no ETA TCM (many reports 6-16 months) then:
1a.) Sell to Carmax soon as it operational for most money possible.
1b) keep the car with the fear something else will fail/TCM will fail again within 15K miles/a few months (per reports).
2) Wait a "No Clue" amount of time for a new Bronco Sport...just to test drive it....
3) buy a car i like today, but used, for 2X the price of a new one
4) buy any old cheap dumpster fire that would probs be scrapped in any other market condition, and likely need to dump it in a year or two.
To compound things just a bit....i recently moved and do not have any close friends in the area. The ability to go out and meet people my age....apparently depends on being able to leave the house and do Meetups in Sacramento. Also, If the long rambly post here didn't already tell ya, im going bit crazy being feeling like i'm stranded at home (on week two).
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