Hey can't order the base!? Come on now Ford!

RagnarKon

Yeah they announced they are restricting what you can order in preparation for the next generation Ford Ranger launch. Essentially they're trying to simplify production to give them the most flexibility for the Ranger. (They did the same thing with the Bronco Sport in prep for the Maverick launch.)

Once they absorb the initial influx of Ranger orders I would assume they'll allow you to order one again. I don't know how popular the Ranger will be... but given how popular the Chevy Colorado launch has been I'm guessing the Ranger will also sell very well. If I were to make a complete guess... you'll probably be able to order Base again come winter 2024 for Job 2. Hopefully I'm wrong, and you'll be able to order it once order banks open for 2024.

Porkchop4464

Okay, I get the idea of tightening the belt to make room for other nameplate vehicles, but why cut back the cheapest one to make, and, by my mindset, the most requested model from the beginning, since it is "modable" (BASE)?

Ford! I love the Bronco. I dig everything about it and the vibe, power, looks, feel, and attention paid to it, but come on! There was a time when it seemed every 5th or 6th driveway had a Onefiddy and Bronc without even thinking about it. Why bottleneck it all for the bucks only to turn the product high-end?

Get a lot more made and even out the sales gap-to-buy ratio by getting a lot more in the hands of folks who want them! With the current pricing guide, the average Joe is getting pushed out of his or her purchasing ability! I am not complaining about unwarranted ideas here! 60 to 80- grand for a utility vehicle?

Porkchop4464

Also, again, in case anyone at Ford is listening. PLLLEEEEAAASSSEEEEE... place a twin-turbo 302 small block with forged crank, rods, and pistons, combo deal factory Hooker headers, factory Cherrybomb glass packs, factory Hurst Shifter, and, last but def not least... PLEEEEEASE! A (9) NINE-INCH FORD solid steel rear and front diff set up with true steelies with dog dish caps!

Porkchop4464

The idea, for me, from day one, was to go as cheap as possible and make it mine. Def didn't want any luxury in mine, but did want a bigger engine n beefier suspension. With this, I went with the V6 because I didn't like the idea of 5000 pounds on tiny crank mains and journals; plus I bumped up where it counted on the Squatch to have a decent set of lockers. Seriously tho, how is this exact truck, minus rubber floors, now 11 grand more?

COVID?

Nminus1

Cruising along in my BASE Bronco, does this mean mine is worth more now?? LOL.
Sorry to hear though for my friends who realize like it did the Base plus SAS/V-6 and a few goodies is the deal to be had with the Bronco IMO. Hang in there.

Porkchop4464

So,

Although I had not done so in some time, I used to go on fairly regularly and spec out two-door Broncos, just to see which options and pricing changed from time to time.

Well, I went on the other day to find a glaringly stupid banner explaining, how the "Bronco Base Model is no longer available" because of shortages!?

Really? So... The most stripped-down edition, or, better-placed description, the most utilitarian or non-complex model is the one model that Ford is having issues fulfilling?

Hate to call it all out for what it is folks, but having quite a bit of Ford stock and realizing that somehow through all of these bottlenecks and price issues and sparse availability concerns, they are still raking money in hand over fist, really makes me question whether some of these restraints are being intentionally kept in place or even, dare I say it, being added to benefit Momma Ford (NO BASE MODEL AVAILABLE)? Again... NO BASE MODEL AVVVVAAAAILABLEEE!?
Something is rotten in Denmark.

I know people are going to chime in and tell me I don't l understand the complexity of the yearly expenses and business, and yada, yada, yada, but the fact that my truck, which I waited over 17 months for and paid just over 40 grand with taxes included, and which has a twin-turbo V6, Sasquatch Package, and the Overhead Switch assembly for n extra 175$, can only be had now for a little over 51 grand with taxes, screams something is quite off! How is it the main co can yell at dealers for raising prices 10 to 20 grand, but they do the same only a year later into the production of the same vehicle? Have the same parts become even harder to acquire now-a-days?

Odd! Screams... ploy to nurse ten grand out of a popular product or as the first dealer quoted it when I walked out of that Stealership "Coveted Vehicle Charge."

Broncos have always been noted as utilitarian vehicles. The truck should remain around the originally noted 28 to 50 grand (tops) pricing range.

Damn! I am glad I got mine!

Rant over! And no matter how much some may deem me a jerk, you know I am right!
Pork

Porkchop4464

And finally, because I feel like writing today, as I have noted so many times before, I will trade my Bronco in tomorrow if you decide to switch to the expected original model way back when (see below). God is that just beautiful! Please...