More Initial Impressions with slightly different perspective

[RedHotFuzz]

Maybe this one?
https://www.caranddriver.com/land-rover/defender-80

That solves only 1 of the 4 issues I have with the Defender.

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[The Driving Viking]

• I’m not wild about how big it feels (like it might not go some places a Jeep would go)
• Interior materials did not impress me generally (I think our Jeep’s interior is nicer)
• Specifically, MGV felt much cheaper to me than I expected
• “Leather” wrapped steering wheel feels super cheap, like not even good pleather.
• Just does not feel like a $50k vehicle (and the two there were probably that or more) This is exactly why I went with Base + Sasquatch. I'm buying a utilitarian Off-roading vehicle I don't need any fancy interior creature comforts. And in this type of vehicle how nice did you think the upgraded interior would really be? My Build Base + Sasquatch 2.7 Ecoboost, Automatic transmission 2 door is Basically a Wildtrack with 2 less Goat modes, no signature head lights and a slightly less upscale interior for 8 to $10k less. Yes please.

 

[Wolfeman]

My biggest concern right now is MGV vs leather. I hate that you give up rear cupholders with the MGV, as I do have two boys (10 and 14) that ride in the back. Most people seem to agree that the MGV feels great but OP here sure doesn't share that same sentiment.

I just feel that with this type of vehicle, the MGV with the TPU washout floor is the way to go.

 

[Gamecock]

"... and the roof doesn't come off." For me that's the ball game. Defender is no longer an option after losing the key removable top feature.

If that open air piece isn't a must have option, I wouldn't be shopping Bronco. It's an open air vehicle with one direct competitor, and you have to put it into that perspective when looking at it. I think it's a better value at every trim level, but particularly in the high trim levels (Badlands v. Rubicon) than its competitor.

 

[KANE COUNTY ILLINOIS]

I'm scheduled to view same day and location. I'll be the homeless looking guy, due to no haircut since WFH COVID started, hiding under a green Colorado State University ball cap.

Kool! I will be wearing an Aurora University Alumni shirt or ball cap. I'm scheduled at noon!

 

[Deleted member 9326]

Folks buying the hammer because it looks cool, and they like the idea/image of hitting nails, but won't actually hit nails? Time will tell how well that works out.

Isn't that like 90% of car buyers?

 

[shieldsy]

King Ranch Bronco coming in 2025 ya'll!

Be here before you know it!

 

[Sighlense]

Oyt!

That’s part of the reason I think that camera up front and on the mirrors showing wheel path will be so valuable.

I'm starting to think the same thing. In most of the videos i have seen it's seems there is quite often a loss of vision up front. High package might be a must.

 

[Natai]

It absolutely blows my mind that the Bronco is as cheap as it is. The increased safety content, technology and engineering prowess put into the 6th generation is unbelievable compared to any other generation, and at a price that compares to 1980 pricing.

For the folks complaining about how expensive Bronco is, the inflation-adjusted base price in today's dollars for each generation is listed below. One can also infer that as you go up trim level and add content, the prices will continue to climb. For every dope on here who spouts off something along the lines of "If they are going to get me to buy a $50K Bronco, it better darn well do (insert outlandish claim here)", I think of these prices, and how utterly stupid arguments are that somehow $50K in 2020 (or 2022 ) is somehow an astronomically expensive vehicle.

Agreed. People balk at spending $50k on a vehicle today because they remember when that was getting you a high-end luxury vehicle, but it's easy to forget how much prices have changed.

I do wonder how much the reaction to the Bronco might be different if the top package was called Tech instead of Lux...

Once you spec out parts and labor, Badlands has a very real business case for being so expensive over base.

The number of times I've seen people commenting online that they are going to save a lot of money by getting a Base and upgrading everything aftermarket worries me a bit.

If you are planning to really spec out some amazing rig with significantly greater capability than the factory options, then it's true. But when people are just talking about a lift, lockers, and a sway bar disconnect... seems like a bad decision to me.

First, I seriously doubt most people are going to be able to match the level of integration that Ford has achieved making these features work with the rest of the vehicle. Second, I'm not sure how some features are going to be available aftermarket anytime soon at a reasonable price point. Sure, you can add a sway bar disconnect, but one you can easily engage/disengage from inside the vehicle... under load... and have it auto engage at speed?

Of course, lots of people seem to just enjoy making lots of modification, to the point where it's less about making the vehicle more capable. We've all seen how impressed professional drivers are with the stock capability. It's already plenty capable for most.

And then there's the fact that I don't mind paying a bit more to get extra features out of the gate. If I'm already going to spend $40k+, I'd rather spend $50k get all the extra features I want.

 

[Boxer4]

I think you misunderstood me, I'm not talking about the great "utilitarian truck interior" needing to be any nicer, I'm speaking about higher quality, more durable MATERIALS, plastics, leather and cloth. Many of us want our "old school" style Bronco to last 10 to 20 years, cheap MATERIALS will crack, sag and tear in that time frame.

Yea- I was being somewhat sarcastic. Yes, quality finishes at this price point and century.

 

[Efthreeoh]

Agreed. People balk at spending $50k on a vehicle today because they remember when that was getting you a high-end luxury vehicle, but it's easy to forget how much prices have changed.

I do wonder how much the reaction to the Bronco might be different if the top package was called Tech instead of Lux...

The number of times I've seen people commenting online that they are going to save a lot of money by getting a Base and upgrading everything aftermarket worries me a bit.

If you are planning to really spec out some amazing rig with significantly greater capability than the factory options, then it's true. But when people are just talking about a lift, lockers, and a sway bar disconnect... seems like a bad decision to me.

First, I seriously doubt most people are going to be able to match the level of integration that Ford has achieved making these features work with the rest of the vehicle. Second, I'm not sure how some features are going to be available aftermarket anytime soon at a reasonable price point. Sure, you can add a sway bar disconnect, but one you can easily engage/disengage from inside the vehicle... under load... and have it auto engage at speed?

Of course, lots of people seem to just enjoy making lots of modification, to the point where it's less about making the vehicle more capable. We've all seen how impressed professional drivers are with the stock capability. It's already plenty capable for most.

And then there's the fact that I don't mind paying a bit more to get extra features out of the gate. If I'm already going to spend $40k+, I'd rather spend $50k get all the extra features I want.

And that's the point of the trim levels. My first interaction with the Bronco was after the B&P was out. I looked over the various trims. The 2-door Black Diamond had exactly the content I wanted. I upgraded to the advanced transfer case for $795. That's it. I wanted vinyl seats, no carpet, and a hard top. And a rear locking diff. It was equiped perfectly. For an easy coast rig, it's about all you need. And it's all factory, integrated, and warranted. What's not to like?

The Bad Lands has more stuff but I don't need the front diff and auto sway bar, so it's not worth the extra $4K.

 

[Barlos]

High package. It is the Drive in ready, built in popcorn popper package.

I thought it was a piece of thooth from the last trail run.

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