- First Name
- AJ
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2020
- Threads
- 16
- Messages
- 172
- Reaction score
- 373
- Location
- Washington State
- Vehicle(s)
- Honda Element
- Your Bronco Model
- Badlands
- Thread starter
- #1
Been interested in the bronco since it was unveiled last year but didn’t decide reserve until July. Since then I’ve been debating on whether to convert a MY22 order or to get something else. I’ve test driven 2 Broncos prior to this and enjoyed it but 1 local dealer has (as of 2 days ago) a 76 person waitlist for a 24hr test drive. I got on in late august at #36 and over the weekend got a call I was up.
I took this rapid red (I think) wild track and drove straight to the beach in central FL. Here you can drive on the beach which is essentially a trump supporter car show. The attention you get driving them right now is insane. People flagging me down driving, taking pictures and just hearing the excitement from the enthusiasts was quite infectious.
I owned a 2001 wrangler out of high school as my second car and enjoyed it. Have been interested a new wrangler/gladiator. But after having the bronco for 24 hr I’m pretty much sold. It feels very similar to my grandfather‘s 20’ Ranger but with a softer suspension which, compared to the gladiator, feels way better on the road. Plenty of power for these crazy FL drivers and merging/ lane changing on the interstate was a breeze.
Florida is as flat as a pancake so nothing really challenge the capability other than one dune I found with a decent incline and a light trail that in, 2H the bronco on 35s ate for breakfast before I had to turn her in.
Pros:
1. If you like attention ( I admittedly love the spotlight) this car as of 10/7/21 gives you that, I felt taller, more attractive, and more adventurous ever time I donned the wheel
2. Peppy: 2.7 hauls that hefty steed with enthusiasm. Turbo lag is of course a thing but I wouldn’t buy this thing to speed. Not my thing
3. Sex appeal: Its sexy with its balance of retro appeal with modern convenience. This red wasn’t on my radar but it looks so good in person I’d considering ordering mine in this same hue.
4. Tech: 12 inch screen is beautiful and wireless CarPlay makes it particularly anoying driving a 2008 daily driver
5. Fun Factor: I’m not a car enthusiast, but into lifestyle vehicles as I enjoy the outdoors.
Cons
Sound: I’m not sure if my test vehicle had the BO upgraded system but the sound was awful. Especially considering my 08 Honda system sounds far better and I paid 9K for it as opposed to 60K.
interior: Compared to the new Jeep’s I looked at not as nice inside. Bronco materials are noticeably cheap feeling with mostly hard plastic throughout. Not the premium feel I expected in this Land Rover pricepoint. Thought I like the utilitarian vibe.
Soft Top: Doing 80mph is noisy but that’s like sayin driving a Harley has a lot of wind noise. No S#$§3! but Honestly the convenience of Being able to pull the top forward (especially in Florida when it can start pouring out of nowhere). I honestly would select this even though I initially reserved a hardtop, MIC top problems aside. But the soft top was squeaky hitting bumps. Not overly annoying but noticeable when I wasn‘t blaring Van Halen with the salt air caressing my face.
I don’t have one: I had so much fun I debated leaving my 2 houses, friends, and family. Then re-learning Spanish and driving it to Mexico and never returning.
Conclusion: Having an extended demo of the bronco has swayed me back to converting my order. My main hang up is the mpg. I undestand it’s a hulking block of a vehicle on big off-road tires, but a hybrid version would be ideal for me. Regardless, the fun I had over the weekend has reignited my bronco fire to the extent that I may not be able wait for a more conservative drivetrain.
Mom looks tinier than ever…
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