I’ve always thought buying a new car wasn’t for me. The quick drop in value made me hesitate. But after dreaming of a Bronco since they were announced, and seeing how they hold value, I saved up and decided to go for a new one. Now I’m ready to buy a 4-door hardtop Outer Banks and I can pay for it outright. Lately, I’ve noticed the Bronco market in the PNW is stabilizing. New ones are available for less than MSRP, and used ones have dropped in price. I’m looking at two options: a 2022 model with 22k miles for $40k or a new 2024 for $48.5. Both have similar features. What would you do? Save $8k and get the 2022 or invest in a brand new one? Should I keep looking for better deals? My instinct says buy new, but I want to hear from those who have experience.
This is a tough one… everyone has their own take on it.
You’re in a great position since you can pay cash. Many worry about depreciation because of car loans, but you don’t have to think about that.
I usually buy new for a couple of reasons:
- I like being the only owner so I don’t deal with previous owner issues.
- I hate making payments and keep my cars for 15-25 years, so resale value doesn’t matter much to me.
Both options are solid and worth checking out. You might be able to find a better deal. For reference, I got my '22 Big Bend with 3,500 miles last year for $43k. I would hesitate on the '22 since the warranty is running out soon, but it’s not a total dealbreaker. Having that extra warranty time is nice. Keep looking, you may find something good within a couple thousand dollars.
With the prices so close, I’d go for the new one. You’ll get a better warranty with the 2024.
Lin said:
With the prices so close, I’d go for the new one. You’ll get a better warranty with the 2024.
I haven’t heard many stories of people needing the warranty. Do you know of any common issues? I’ve heard the 6-cylinder can have more problems than the 4.
@Zeek
I haven’t heard of any major issues. It’s just one of those things where it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Lin said:
@Zeek
I haven’t heard of any major issues. It’s just one of those things where it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Still frustrated from my last car… I paid for the extended warranty and my only claim was for a gasket that cost 64 cents.
@Zeek
Haha… the only time I used a car warranty was for a broken sun visor. I still want the warranty because the first time I don’t get one could be when something major breaks.
I bought my '23 Bronco new. It’s the first new car I’ve ever bought. I never thought I’d buy new, but with how the used market was, it almost felt silly to buy used.
Both options you have look good. I really like the peace of mind of buying new, especially having that three-year warranty.
I had to use my warranty when my back window seals were coming loose and rattling. It was fully covered.
So, is $8k worth three years of peace of mind for you? It might be. I think you could also find a better used deal if you keep looking.
Regardless, seems like a great choice either way. I love my Bronco! Enjoy it!
@Laken
Yeah, I’m leaning 70/30 toward new right now. Sadly, the PNW seems to be one of the last places where Bronco prices are still high. Some dealers are still asking over or right at MSRP. A few are starting to offer deals. I’m hoping that with the 2025 models being announced, more deals will pop up.
@Zeek
That’s frustrating. I wouldn’t pay over MSRP either. If you can wait a bit, holding out until the '25s come out might be wise. You could snag a basically new '24 for a better price.
@Zeek
I’m in the PNW too. I ended up buying new out of state and had it delivered. It was still cheaper. You just have to find a good deal and a dealer who can send you nice photos and videos!
Oli said:
@Zeek
I’m in the PNW too. I ended up buying new out of state and had it delivered. It was still cheaper. You just have to find a good deal and a dealer who can send you nice photos and videos!
Who did you buy from?
@Zeek
Long McArthur Ford in Kansas. They were great to deal with and do a lot of out-of-state sales, so it was super easy.
Buy new for the warranty. Or use the extra cash for tires, a lift, or whatever mods you want.
Used. My 2022 is worth half of what I paid.