Sanity Check - hardtop purchase vs trading up

[drewburns998]

So, I wanted to get some opinions here before I do something crazy.

I have a 22 Big Bend (4dr, non-sas, 13k miles). Overall I really enjoy the vehicle, outside of the soft top. So, I’ve planned on snagging something aftermarket (waitlist for the turn off-road one, but considering options). I’d be looking at roughly 5-6k depending on what route I take.

If I trade in my vehicle (or sell to carvana), there’s roughly a 7k difference after taxes, title etc (interest rate is 3% higher compared to what I currently have which definitely matters, but the vehicle won’t be financed long term - roughly 12months).

So, am I crazy for thinking about just swapping for the exact same vehicle that comes with the factory hard top (color might vary and I’m ok with that) for an extra 7k in cost, rather than purchasing an aftermarket hardtop (whenever it’s even available)?

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[Tdub0527]

I recently traded in my Big Bend for a used Badlands with less miles. With MSRPs sky rocketing and the desire to keep Cyber Orange I found a used Badlands with only 6,500 miles I couldn’t pass up.

I got all the bells and whistles I was missing and kept the color. It felt SUPER weird doing but I am so glad I did.

If you are already planning on getting the hardtop and don’t have too many mods you can’t take off I say do it! Great time to be buying.

If you can snag a ‘24 you’d also upgrade to the 12 inch screen and marine grade vinyl seats. Do it!

 

[drewburns998]

I recently traded in my Big Bend for a used Badlands with less miles. With MSRPs sky rocketing and the desire to keep Cyber Orange I found a used Badlands with only 6,500 miles I couldn’t pass up.

I got all the bells and whistles I was missing and kept the color. It felt SUPER weird doing but I am so glad I did.

If you are already planning on getting the hardtop and don’t have too many mods you can’t take off I say do it! Great time to be buying.

If you can snag a ‘24 you’d also upgrade to the 12 inch screen and marine grade vinyl seats. Do it!

can I refer your enthusiasm to my wife to help me out? Thanks for the insight!

 

[Tdub0527]

The 12 inch screen sells itself. Show her that!

 

[GroovyGeek]

Why don't you buy a used 22 with similar miles and hardtop? If you sell to Carvana and buy private party your difference should be closer to $2k.

 

[Beach_Bum]

If your calculation holds true, I would trade for a new Bronco. You reset the odomoeter and factory warranty. Besides the OEM HT that is the impetus for the trade, you also can sell the wife on the 12" screen. In time, those with the 8" screen will look dated.

Yes, there is a sub-set of owners that would prefer no tech and hand-crank windows.

 

[nolimits]

Does your $7k include the additional interest? If not, run the calcs and be sure to include.

If your math is right I would rather spend $7k on a new vehicle with better features than an aftermarket or factory hard top. Mainly because I feel those prices are ridiculous.

Also, no one will give you $7k more for your vehicle + hard top. Maybe $1,800 more minus depreciation. Your new vehicle will also depreciate so you won’t get the full $7k back on it either but you will/should get a better portion back assuming the market doesn’t explode. At which case your F’d either way so it’s a moot point.

 

[jehines3]

Find the cheapest hard top equipped Bronco in a Private party sale, swap tops, and then resell the cheap one with a soft top for a minimal loss. You could also see about Co-Part. I was hoping that someone would make some version close to the MOD top since they are more scarce than a Leprechaun. Alas, no awesome MOD top, so my plan of taking the soft top to upgrade later is stuck exactly where it was 18 months ago when I took delivery. My dream Bronco has a Jeep Sky One touch top. I've scoured Co-Part and had to talk myself out of taking on that adventure.

 

[jrollo7]

So, I wanted to get some opinions here before I do something crazy.

I have a 22 Big Bend (4dr, non-sas, 13k miles). Overall I really enjoy the vehicle, outside of the soft top. So, I’ve planned on snagging something aftermarket (waitlist for the turn off-road one, but considering options). I’d be looking at roughly 5-6k depending on what route I take.

If I trade in my vehicle (or sell to carvana), there’s roughly a 7k difference after taxes, title etc (interest rate is 3% higher compared to what I currently have which definitely matters, but the vehicle won’t be financed long term - roughly 12months).

So, am I crazy for thinking about just swapping for the exact same vehicle that comes with the factory hard top (color might vary and I’m ok with that) for an extra 7k in cost, rather than purchasing an aftermarket hardtop (whenever it’s even available)?

Go new. A new hardtop on current truck is at least +$6k. Go new with hardtop.

 

[604Bronco]

If your calculation holds true, I would trade for a new Bronco. You reset the odomoeter and factory warranty. Besides the OEM HT that is the impetus for the trade, you also can sell the wife on the 12" screen. In time, those with the 8" screen will look dated.

Yes, there is a sub-set of owners that would prefer no tech and hand-crank windows.

Some people are more visual, so let me help the OP:

 

[broncobase1]

It depends on how the numbers work out, and how well you like your current Bronco. I opted to go the aftermarket route, my Turn Offroad (TOR) top is scheduled to be delivered tomorrow! I beleive the TOR top to be superior to OEM (from the reviews and such).

 

[Brian_B]

It depends on how the numbers work out, and how well you like your current Bronco.

Yeah I think this more or less. If you have a lot of aftermarket stuff, it could be a PITA to swap all that stuff around. If you are still mostly stock anyway, then moving to another horse wouldn't be so bad.

For me, it would have made a lot more sense for me to trade up Broncos. But I've been plucking away at the upgrades and by now, I've got more invested in blood., sweat and tears than I do money and it would be difficult for me to part with the gal.

 

[BroncoBoy22]

Generally if the numbers work out I’m in favor of the trade in. However you must also consider the MIC quality issues

 

[broncobase1]

Go new. A new hardtop on current truck is at least +$6k. Go new with hardtop.

Unless you really want new it can be more cost effective to purchase an aftermarket top. It all depends on how the numbers work out and what you can get for your Bronco. Values aren't what they used to be. For me it would cost more than $10,000 to replace my current Bronco, and this is if I get full MSRP (what I paid), which is what Carvana is offering. And don't forget, the artermarket tops are beleived to be superior to OEM.

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