I’ve been thinking about getting my wife a Bronco, but I’m having a hard time committing. How are you all managing to afford something like that? Any tips? My credit is solid, but the monthly payment is the scary part. Cars are just so expensive now. Is it possible to fit a Bronco into a frugal lifestyle, or do you just go for it and not overthink it?
Cars are just getting pricier. I think there are only like three models left under $20k.
Darby said:
Cars are just getting pricier. I think there are only like three models left under $20k.
Under $20k? My Big Bend was $37k.
Darby said:
Cars are just getting pricier. I think there are only like three models left under $20k.
Under $20k? My Big Bend was $37k.
$37k for a Bronco Sport Big Bend?
Are you looking at the full-size Bronco or the Bronco Sport? The Sport is way cheaper since it’s a different vehicle.
For reference, we’re leasing a Bronco Sport Big Bend for just under $380/month (Canadian). We put $2k down, and it felt like a good deal to us.
@Thayer
I bought a new Sport last year. I had the option between a base Sport and a Bronco Sasquatch, which was $6k more. The difference wasn’t that big.
Chen said:
@Thayer
I bought a new Sport last year. I had the option between a base Sport and a Bronco Sasquatch, which was $6k more. The difference wasn’t that big.
I’m looking at Ford’s site right now, and the Sport starts at $39k CAD, while the full-size Bronco starts at $49k CAD. That $10k difference is pretty consistent. The higher trims on the full-size Bronco get really expensive compared to the Sport.
@Thayer
Good to know. I’m definitely looking at the bigger size.
@Thayer
$380/month? How’d you get that price? Mine’s $580/month for a Sport Big Bend with no add-ons.
Fable said:
@Thayer
$380/month? How’d you get that price? Mine’s $580/month for a Sport Big Bend with no add-ons.
It was a promo through a local dealer. It’s financed by a third party, not Ford. The buyout price at the end of the lease will probably be high, but we’re not planning to buy it out. It’s an open lease, though, so if the market value drops, I might be on the hook for the difference. 
It depends on your budget. I didn’t have a car payment for a few years, so I saved some money. I wish I had saved more, though.
Figure out what you can afford each month and try to put down a good chunk as a down payment to keep the payments lower.
@Crosby
What’s your monthly payment, if you don’t mind me asking?
Lex said:
@Crosby
What’s your monthly payment, if you don’t mind me asking?
I put $13k down and pay $400/month for 60 months. Bought new.
Honestly, cars are expensive, but the Bronco Sport isn’t overpriced compared to others. If you can wait, ordering one can help you avoid dealer markups.
Haven said:
Honestly, cars are expensive, but the Bronco Sport isn’t overpriced compared to others. If you can wait, ordering one can help you avoid dealer markups.
I think it’s just my mindset. That kind of money feels huge to me, but I know for some people, it’s not. Maybe it’s a scarcity mindset holding me back.
@Lex
There are used Bronco Sports out there for as low as $27k with around 14k miles. That’s a pretty good deal.
Are you talking about the full-size Bronco? A lot of people went with the Sport because the full-size Bronco was overpriced when it first came out.
Save up and pay cash. Not having a car payment takes away so much stress.
Cedar said:
Save up and pay cash. Not having a car payment takes away so much stress.
I already own three cars outright, and not having a payment is great. The Bronco is the only one I’m even considering financing.
Cedar said:
Save up and pay cash. Not having a car payment takes away so much stress.
We financed ours with a super low interest rate and invested the cash instead. It gives us peace of mind knowing we could pay it off if needed, but for now, the money’s working for us.
Financial security is way more important than a car. With high interest rates, gas prices, and inflation, it’s smart to avoid overextending yourself.