Buy off lot, or continue to wait, what would you do?

Polaris425

Are you suggesting not a Bronco (or Ford) at all? Or just not the 2023 "used" one I found? I rode in a buddies Sequoia TRD_Pro today and... WOW... is all I can saw...

It's a free country. I'm just thinking why pay more for inferior service. I may go Toyota, they use the most American parts anyway. Or I may just go with certified pre owned in the future so I'm not delusional about coverages and I can take it to any mechanic I want rather then a Ford cracker jack certified shop. Just because I've loved and owned over 20 Ford's in slightly over 20 years of driving (5 of which I still own) doesn't mean I need to keep giving them my business if they're not willing to keep earning it.

A51E5B

This is common, Ford doesn't reimburse the dealer for their time if the concern isn't verified first. If the TSB doesn't fix your concern, they are out for that time they have to pay their tech. The reason they need your vehicle for that length of time is because they have to work it into their current workflow and there may be a line of vehicles ahead of you.

Not trying to be rude but this sounds like a crock and an easy way for an unscrupulous dealer to pad the billing sheet.

I am not leaving my Bronco at a dealer for 2 to 3 days because they need to 'troubleshoot' an issue that is word for word exactly as the TSB states. A day? Sure, but 2-3 days? PASS! Sounds like the potential for a massive scam, at the expense of the Bronco owners time, to me..

Also, the issue is intermittent and I can go a few days w/o it happening. So the dealer can keep it for 3 days, not see the issue happen, bill Ford for xxx 'troubleshooting' hours and then tell me sorry Charlie, we can't find the issue.

They get paid for bogus 'troubleshooting' hours, I go w/o car for 3 days and NOTHING gets fixed... When all they needed to do was follow the TSB and whamo, done in an hour, fixed, and customer on their way..

A51E5B

Are you planning a 12" screen swap? You realize those APIMs are VIN specific, right?

Yes.. It's an infotainment system and they program all the details via VIN before it's shipped.. I am not worried about issues as Infotainment have been doing these types of systems for years..

https://infotainment.com/shop/inter...ade-with-wireless-apple-carplay-android-auto/

raqball

Not trying to be rude but this sounds like a crock and an easy way for an unscrupulous dealer to pad the billing sheet.

I am not leaving my Bronco at a dealer for 2 to 3 days because they need to 'troubleshoot' an issue that is word for word exactly as the TSB states. A day? Sure, but 2-3 days? PASS! Sounds like the potential for a massive scam, at the expense of the Bronco owners time, to me..

Also, the issue is intermittent and I can go a few days w/o it happening. So the dealer can keep it for 3 days, not see the issue happen, bill Ford for xxx 'troubleshooting' hours and then tell me sorry Charlie, we can't find the issue.

They get paid for bogus 'troubleshooting' hours, I go w/o car for 3 days and NOTHING gets fixed... When all they needed to do was follow the TSB and whamo, done in an hour, fixed, and customer on their way..


Yes.. It's an infotainment system and they program all the details via VIN before it's shipped.. I am not worried about issues as Infotainment have been doing these types of systems for years..

https://infotainment.com/shop/inter...ade-with-wireless-apple-carplay-android-auto/

Spot on with the padding of billable hours.

OrangecrushBronco

Spot on with the padding of billable hours.

I am sure it happens with most dealers and not just Ford dealers.. I am just confused as to why they need my Bronco for 2-3 days for a TSB that is spot on and exact to my issue and the fix appears to take about an hour.

The fix:

• Test battery (replace if bad)
• Update APIM Module via USB stick

The above 1 hour or so fix = Takes 2 to 3 days... LOL

OrangecrushBronco

It's a free country. I'm just thinking why pay more for inferior service. I may go Toyota, they use the most American parts anyway. Or I may just go with certified pre owned in the future so I'm not delusional about coverages and I can take it to any mechanic I want rather then a Ford cracker jack certified shop. Just because I've loved and owned over 20 Ford's in slightly over 20 years of driving (5 of which I still own) doesn't mean I need to keep giving them my business if they're not willing to keep earning it.

Well, I have bad news for you. I have friends with TACOs, and friends with Jeeps. All have the same complaints. Lots of "issues"/recalls, etc. and dealers who are backed up in their service departments. For example, I have a buddy with a Jeep Wrangler 4xe and his hardtop leaks when it rains. He pointed this put to his dealer, and the dealer said when you bring it in for your next service we will fix it. He brought it in for service, and was then told that there are so many leaking Jeeps that Jeep has decided that they aren't going to cover that under warranty. (BTW, that's BS, I told him to call Jeep, which was another saga) but he finally convinced his dealer to fix it. They kept it for a week, and no loner either. The point is, I hear the same stories with all kinds of dealerships. The only one I've had any luck with lately is my wife's BMW dealership. but then if you jump in the BMW forums you find that ours is the exception with them as well.

Bottom line is that this is the world we are living in now and the grass isn't greener on the other side.

raqball

I am sure it happens with most dealers and not just Ford dealers.. I am just confused as to why they need my Bronco for 2-3 days for a TSB that is spot on and exact to my issue and the fix appears to take about an hour.

The fix:

• Test battery (replace if bad)
• Update APIM Module via USB stick

The above 1 hour or so fix = Takes 2 to 3 days... LOL

It doesn't take them 2-3 days to fix it. You have to drop it off there so it can wait in line to be fixed. It's not like they have mechanics sitting around waiting for your car. Sounds like your dealership's service department is pretty busy. (and yes I know that there are better ways of handling it, but that's the system as far as I know).

JoergH

It doesn't take them 2-3 days to fix it.

Yes it does..

They will have my car for a simple TSB repair and I do not have it. The actual repair takes about 1 whopping hour but it will take them 2-3 days to accomplish it and that's IF the issue happens when they decide to finally look at it..

Apologies to the OP for getting off-topic with this..

I had a 2021 Tacoma TRD off-road. Had zero issues and the local dealer took very good care of me when I went in for services. I never waited more than an hour. I guess we just have a good one. My wife just bought a Highlander from them.

Polaris425

I had a 2021 Tacoma TRD off-road. Had zero issues and the local dealer took very good care of me when I went in for services. I never waited more than an hour. I guess we just have a good one. My wife just bought a Highlander from them.

Like I said, I have a great BMW dealership as well. They do exist out there. But they aren't as busy in their service department and have kept my wife's car for a day or two for a simple repair as well.

But, hey, I'm not trying to convince you of anything. If you or anyone wants to buy something else, by all means go for it. I'm just trying to say that the grass isn't always greener on the other side now a-days. Personally, my experience with my Bronco has been good *knock on wood*. And I can't tell you how much fun both my wife and I have had since buying it. As she says, it's not just a car, it's a a lifestyle. We've been to group events, met great people, and run some fun trails.

JoergH

Well, I have bad news for you. I have friends with TACOs, and friends with Jeeps. All have the same complaints. Lots of "issues"/recalls, etc. and dealers who are backed up in their service departments. For example, I have a buddy with a Jeep Wrangler 4xe and his hardtop leaks when it rains. He pointed this put to his dealer, and the dealer said when you bring it in for your next service we will fix it. He brought it in for service, and was then told that there are so many leaking Jeeps that Jeep has decided that they aren't going to cover that under warranty. (BTW, that's BS, I told him to call Jeep, which was another saga) but he finally convinced his dealer to fix it. They kept it for a week, and no loner either. The point is, I hear the same stories with all kinds of dealerships. The only one I've had any luck with lately is my wife's BMW dealership. but then if you jump in the BMW forums you find that ours is the exception with them as well.

Bottom line is that this is the world we are living in now and the grass isn't greener on the other side.

Maybe. Ultimately if I have to worry about a useless warranty and constant recalls I'd be much happier daily driving a 60s muscle car and be done with it. NO new car is ever worth the price of admission. We pay for reliability and peace of mind but if every month there's another recall that could keep your vehicle in a shop for 3 days or 6 months , being anyone's guess what's the bloody point?

raqball

I am sure it happens with most dealers and not just Ford dealers.. I am just confused as to why they need my Bronco for 2-3 days for a TSB that is spot on and exact to my issue and the fix appears to take about an hour.

The fix:

• Test battery (replace if bad)
• Update APIM Module via USB stick

The above 1 hour or so fix = Takes 2 to 3 days... LOL

There are OBD2 handhelds that will do more then just read codes. My OBD reader will tell me in 20 seconds if the battery is good, bad or needs charging, another 20 seconds and I will know if the alternator is good or not. I'm starting to see why Ford dealerships are shuttering up left and right.

I must have a really good dealer. I have only been in one time to have the FP Procal installed so I could keep my warrantee. Made an appointment and three days later It took 45 minutes while I waited and was done for ..... wait for it...... NO CHARGE!

Unicorn

I must have a really good dealer. I have only been in one time to have the FP Procal installed so I could keep my warrantee. Made an appointment and three days later It took 45 minutes while I waited and was done for ..... wait for it...... NO CHARGE!

The dealer closest to me is the one who said leave it for 2-3 days.. The dealer where I purchased it from is about an hour away and they said they could do it same day but the 1st available appointment they had was for April 17th..

I have the 12" upgrade kit getting installed on the 11th so I wait and see how it behaves after that. I did schedule for the 17th at the dealer I purchased the Bronco from and can always cancel it if the new screen upgrade resolves the issue.

The problem is that the issue is intermittent.. I could leave it at a dealer for 3 days and when they finally decide to look at it maybe it is not happening. They'll then claim they don't see the issue, will not do the TSB, and will hand the Bronco back to me with nothing resolved. Rinse and repeat dropping it off at dealer for 3 days a time until by some miracle the issue happens during their 10 minutes of troubleshooting it.

This could go on for several attempts, all where I have to leave it for 3 days at a time. If they would just do the freaking TSB, the problem would be over..

raqball

The dealer closest to me is the one who said leave it for 2-3 days.. The dealer where I purchased it from is about an hour away and they said they could do it same day but the 1st available appointment they had was for April 17th..

I have the 12" upgrade kit getting installed on the 11th so I wait and see how it behaves after that. I did schedule for the 17th at the dealer I purchased the Bronco from and can always cancel it if the new screen upgrade resolves the issue.

The problem is that the issue is intermittent.. I could leave it at a dealer for 3 days and when they finally decide to look at it maybe it is not happening. They'll then claim they don't see the issue, will not do the TSB, and will hand the Bronco back to me with nothing resolved. Rinse and repeat dropping it off at dealer for 3 days a time until by some miracle the issue happens during their 10 minutes of troubleshooting it.

This could go on for several attempts, all where I have to leave it for 3 days at a time. If they would just do the freaking TSB, the problem would be over..

I get ya... I would be frustrated as well. Like I said, I think I just have a really good dealer. So far I have had absolutely nothing to be frustrated by with my dealer.... and the more that I read your experiences and all these other experiences that everyone else is experiencing, the more I realize how rare my dealer seems to be.

Unicorn

I get ya... I would be frustrated as well. Like I said, I think I just have a really good dealer. So far I have had absolutely nothing to be frustrated by with my dealer.... and the more that I read your experiences and all these other experiences that everyone else is experiencing, the more I realize how rare my dealer seems to be.

Great dealers with awesome service departments are a rare find for any manufacturer, not just Ford..

I wonder if I offer to pay for the time it takes to do the TSB if they will forego the bill padding 'troubleshooting'? I'd happily just pay for an hour of labor and be on my way to be honest..

Maybe I'll check with a 3rd party shop and see if they have the ability to update the APIM Module..

Or maybe I wont even bother as my 12" upgrade kit comes with a new APIM Module that's programmed before they ship it.

raqball

Great dealers with awesome service departments are a rare find for any manufacturer, not just Ford..

I wonder if I offer to pay for the time it takes to do the TSB if they will forego the bill padding 'troubleshooting'? I'd happily just pay for an hour of labor and be on my way to be honest..

Maybe I'll check with a 3rd party shop and see if they have the ability to update the APIM Module..

Also, have a chat with your service manager. Sometimes they can be very reasonable ... and sometimes not. Back to that "good service departments are hard to find".

I didn't consider building/order as I was looking for a 2023. Had a few color choices in mind (White, Auzure Gray, Carbonized Gray, and Cactus Gray) , options I was looking for, and a budget. Looked for dealers around my area and the models that fit my budget. I was leaning towards a Big Bend, but found 3 Black Diamonds in the colors and packages I was interested in. Purchased a Cactus Gray BD 2.7 with Sasquatch and MID Package with 38 miles off the lot. I wanted the Sasquatch Pkg since I wanted the lockers, larger tires, gears, and extra height without having to worry about those mods afterwards. In my mind one and done. Very happy with the price and purchase. Stick to your guns and feel good with the purchase. I negotiated the heck on the price and trade in. Even walked out, dealer called back the next day. Negotiated even more. Came from a Jeep Unlimited Wrangler which I modded myself thru time. IMO dealers all suck and just want your business. Make sure you don't have the Restraint Indicator Lamp Warning, it came on 2 days later. Currently have 700 miles and needs to be serviced. Seems to be a common issue from what I have researched. Other than that, I love being back on the "Dark Side". So, I say buy off the lot.

Service dept at the dealer I purchased from seems to care less about getting me in for the repair. Advisor did mention they were 3 days out and it would take 2-3 days to diagnose. Called a dealer just down the street and they seem to be more than happy to resolve my issue. Hopefully the service visit goes smoothly. Advisor stated it would be diagnosed the same day and the only delay would be if parts need to be ordered. Sad that the dealer I purchased from could care less. I even contacted my salesmen, thought he was gonna help me out, but haven't heard back from him, called this past Tuesday. So yeah, good service is rare to find. Don't get me wrong, very frustrated having to take a new car back in for service as others have mentioned, but it is what it is.

Edited - Late to the party, good luck with your purchase.

BigBender

I completely agree!!
I am going to retire in 75 days.
My list of reasons TO retire is 10X longer than my reasons to keep working.

It's time to be free of work stress and pressure.
We're gonna enjoy our Bronco now and take a long, relaxing vacation. 😄

Congrats and good move! I just retired in January and am loving it. Ordered my 2dr 7spd EG non Squatch Black Diamond on Feb 23rd, have a VIN and build date (Apr 8th), per email, and am looking forward to hitting the road! ENJOY!

Wood J

Congrats and good move! I just retired in January and am loving it. Ordered my 2dr 7spd EG non Squatch Black Diamond on Feb 23rd, have a VIN and build date (Apr 8th), per email, and am looking forward to hitting the road! ENJOY!

Congratulations on your retirement, your pending Bronco, and to joining the BN!

So you ordered less than two months ago and already have a build date? Daggum. I’m definitely canceling and buying the one I found. It has to be something with the dealer I chose. Because there’s nothing special about what I ordered and I’ve seen countless other bronco orders like it get fulfilled, that were ordered After mine.