The idea that a Jeep is overpriced is absurd to me. A body on frame vehicle with unlimited customization options, durability to go well over 300k miles, and insane resale makes them a great value. If you want to talk overpriced just look at ANY sedan. Drive it off the lot and it drops 40% of its value. Price is relative... I’d rather spend $40k on a vehicle with good resale value, durability, and high utility vs $30k on something that has none of those things, or maybe one of them.
Engine durability is fine for the newest generation, but nothing to write home about. Assuming you are leaving the vehicle stock or not wheeling hard, the auto trans and transfer case are bomb proof. Dana solid axles are the same. Frames are the same, interior is simple and durable, and waterproof. Body panels are easily replaceable and have armor options. Any parts other than powertrain that breaks you can basically fix in an auto zone parking lot or on the trail if needed. I get where you’re coming from, just for me personally I realize the fact that a modern SUV is even available for under $40k is a fantastic deal. A modern vehicle is an absolute bargain Vs any time in history. Let’s just compare right now, hey look at what an Eddie Bauer Bronco would’ve cost inflation adjusted!
My only complaint with this take is that wages haven't kept up with inflation. So 37k now is harder to afford than 23k was then.Engine durability is fine for the newest generation, but nothing to write home about. Assuming you are leaving the vehicle stock or not wheeling hard, the auto trans and transfer case are bomb proof. Dana solid axles are the same. Frames are the same, interior is simple and durable, and waterproof. Body panels are easily replaceable and have armor options. Any parts other than powertrain that breaks you can basically fix in an auto zone parking lot or on the trail if needed. I get where you’re coming from, just for me personally I realize the fact that a modern SUV is even available for under $40k is a fantastic deal. A modern vehicle is an absolute bargain Vs any time in history. Let’s just compare right now, hey look at what an Eddie Bauer Bronco would’ve cost inflation adjusted!
A 2021 Bronco is going to be SIGNIFICANTLY better than that 1996 Bronco in EVERY way. Like it’s not even a contest. And it’s the same price (Assuming it’s around $37k!)
Just for reference the jeep has inflated almost exactly the same amount.
Most people’s wages haven’t but auto worker’s wages have. And ford still needs to turn a profit. And pay all the engineers who made this project happen, product testers, focus groups, there was easily a few billion dollars spent on creating the Bronco and ford is not going to make a profit if they sell them on razor thin margins.
Forget the arithmetic for a minute - and focus on 'standard of living'. America's is higher now than ever, although the gap with other countries has narrowed over the last half century.
That's the thinking Ford used to become a single-digit stock; they let the 150 carry all their water. You can have a loss-leader...but it can't be the majority of your product line. If the market wants vinyl seats & roll up windows, someone will meet that need - and make a profit at the same time.
Your right value is subjective. I paid $53k for my Rubicon and think it's worth every penny. And when I pay between $50k - 60k for my new Bronco I'll probably be thinking it's worth every penny. BTW I think you might want to take a test drive in the new gen Rubicon, it's a hole lot more than a simple little runabout. Off road my stock Rubicon is a animal and I mean that in a good way. As far as reliability and quality, it's up to par with my Toyota TRD PRO 4Runner. Once again this is just a subjective opinion from someone that's owned over 20 4 x 4 vehicles and has been offroading for the last 30 years.
I disagree. Ford became a single digit stock because they had crap like the fiesta, focus, and Taurus taking up factory space and wasting their time. And they’ve had to spend billions to retool those plants to make stuff that actually sells. Loss leaders worked great back when cars lasted 3 years and were junk... not so much anymore.
We may actually be in violent agreement. One of the 'phases' American business transitioned through was 'brand value'...when consumers began to associate a given level of product performance with its maker. But that thinking diminished with manufacturing improvements when
Like I said, value is subjective and to each their own. It's not worth that to me but if you're happy with it, that's the main thing.Your right value is subjective. I paid $53k for my Rubicon and think it's worth every penny. And when I pay between $50k - 60k for my new Bronco I'll probably be thinking it's worth every penny. BTW I think you might want to take a test drive in the new gen Rubicon, it's a hole lot more than a simple little runabout. Off road my stock Rubicon is a animal and I mean that in a good way. As far as reliability and quality, it's up to par with my Toyota TRD PRO 4Runner. Once again this is just a subjective opinion from someone that's owned over 20 4 x 4 vehicles and has been offroading for the last 30 years.
Bottom line is Ford is going to price the Bronco at their target market were ever that may be. If you an afford one buy it, if you can't afford one don't buy it. Other options is wait for a used ones to come on the market. When I was younger I owned plenty of used vehicles and worked my butt off to buy them. My theory is if you want something bad enough, work hard to get it and not complain that it's over priced.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Lol
It’s simple, click on Rubicon and add the least options you can (hard top, tow package) and you’re done. If you are in the I want to build it myself crowd, start with a Sport or Sport S, a few more options, buy it, and then over time throw out the axles and suspension and start building.
