Dump $8k into a Base or Trade for BaseSquatch?

[WilVis]

Dumb question of the day, but let's imagine I have a 2022 4-door base hardtop I could trade for a new 2023 basesquatch for an added $8k. Builds are completely the same except year, color (A51 to Cactus Gray) and the Squatch package.

Would $8k be better spent on building out the non-Squatch or am I crazy to even consider this? Use case would be for general travel and overland camping, winter skiing, and Moab/Southern Utah trails. The potential the Squatch offers for more capability off pavement is what really has me leaning that direction, but, if I am honest, it may be overkill for 98% of what I need. I currently have no experience with more technical rock crawling.

With stock gearing, I would only go up to 33s on the base and add a 2" lift. Also add new wheels, a roof rack, aftermarket bumper, skid plates, and maybe eventually an air locker on the rear. I like the idea of customizing to create something unique, but getting a Squatch hardtop in 2023 is not to be trifled with.

Where would you put the money? New basesquatch or aftermarket build on what I currently have? Best case would be to keep both, but I want at least some of my wife's respect! I could also private party sell the A51 base, now or later, but not sure if the market is still holding.

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[st3v]

I would pay for the official Ford-engineered solution, which also is covered under warranty. So I vote for trading in for a Sasquatch.

 

[Layman]

I vote trade as well so long as the wife will still let you sleep inside if you go that route. Do the trade, and then you can add to the squatch over time as your budget allows.

 

[MNBigfoot]

So your thoughts are throwing $8k at the Base, and still having the 3.73 gearing, no front locker, no advance 4wd, and the weaker front axles? If so, a Hard NO.

 

[BD6G]

I’m with the trade for the Basesquatch team here as well OP

 

[Teke]

Trade. Gearing, axles and M210 front diff are huge upgrades. When I was looking into all my options awhile back I priced out just upgrading the front axle on a BD to the M210 and it was over $4k.

 

[Cheshire]

SASQUATCH !!!

 

[Ike89]

I took the base sasquatch for the same reason. It's a really decked out platform with a lot of goodies.

 

[the poacher]

Dumb question of the day, but let's imagine I have a 2022 4-door base hardtop I could trade for a new 2023 basesquatch for an added $8k. Builds are completely the same except year, color (A51 to Cactus Gray) and the Squatch package.

Would $8k be better spent on building out the non-Squatch or am I crazy to even consider this? Use case would be for general travel and overland camping, winter skiing, and Moab/Southern Utah trails. The potential the Squatch offers for more capability off pavement is what really has me leaning that direction, but, if I am honest, it may be overkill for 98% of what I need. I currently have no experience with more technical rock crawling.

With stock gearing, I would only go up to 33s on the base and add a 2" lift. Also add new wheels, a roof rack, aftermarket bumper, skid plates, and maybe eventually an air locker on the rear. I like the idea of customizing to create something unique, but getting a Squatch hardtop in 2023 is not to be trifled with.

Where would you put the money? New basesquatch or aftermarket build on what I currently have? Best case would be to keep both, but I want at least some of my wife's respect! I could also private party sell the A51 base, now or later, but not sure if the market is still holding.

Hey VilVis,
Never a dumb question. I would take your 8K and dump it into your base. You will get a way bigger bang for your buck than going the Ford route. Plus you will end up with a very unique Bronco, rather than a run of the mill Basesquatch. IMHO...

 

[rtazz17]

Base

 

[frostyjake]

I'm with everyone saying upgrade to basesquatch. Another thing to consider is you're getting a newer model year with no mileage, so I think $8k is a pretty good deal.

 

[Sooner]

Hey VilVis,
Never a dumb question. I would take your 8K and dump it into your base. You will get a way bigger bang for your buck than going the Ford route. Plus you will end up with a very unique Bronco, rather than a run of the mill Basesquatch. IMHO...

Nothing “run of the mill” about a BaseSquatch!

 

[UM_Ftown]

You can have a better suspension and wheels / tires for significantly less than $8k on the base. Yeah you’re missing out on the lockers but it’s still an extremely capable machine.

 

[Ike89]

You can have a better suspension and wheels / tires for significantly less than $8k on the base. Yeah you’re missing out on the lockers but it’s still an extremely capable machine.

Not just lockers, but gearing as well. For me gearing was something I didn't want to pass up because I knew I would want it down the road.

 

[MFP2241]

BaseSquatch is absolutely the best bang for the buck... no contest!

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