On one hand, I'm a Designer/Project Manager (PM) by trade. Concepts made into reality, problems I get to solve, specs I'm held to, requirements that need to be met, timeline constraints, scope creep, etc. In a way, I feel like Ford made me a PM for my Model selection - trying to weed out what's best for my use through all the constraints, figure out how to work around any compromises with future upgrades, stay within a budget range, deal with all the deadlines and delays, as well as Ford's own scope creep. On the other hand, my heart and gut play heavily on decisions where "toys" are concerned. So in July my heart reserved a 2dr. Badlands with intended specs of 2.3L, 7MT, MGV and High Package - and the color that grabbed me immediately from the early videos was Cyber Orange.
Between reservation time in July, until order time in January - my brain frantically tried to talk my heart into several other variations that may have made more sense, or been a more responsible build, or even a "safer" color. I even laid out all this beautiful info in the form of spreadsheets, photochops and comparisons in CAD, not to mention sifting through all the data from two popular websites. Hell, at times my brain even tried to talk me out of ordering altogether! I live in NJ for cripes sake! The only rocks are the ones that get kicked up from driving too close to the truck in front of me, and the highest elevations are a joke, with barely any legal places to off-road. The only time I'll need to disengage the sway bar is if I purposely drive over some parking blocks, or tire climb some guy's Jeep for a picture :LOL:
At the end of my 6 month "project", it was finally time to order. My heart basically laughed at the waste of time my brain spent, and I ordered a Cyber Orange 2dr. Badlands with 2.3L, 7MT, MGV and High Package - exactly what I reserved. So long way of answering the question: Why did I chose my model of Bronco? Because the heart wants what the heart wants, and this thing is going to be BADASS! Now while we all wait for our Broncos, my brain gets to figure out fun places in neighboring states to really flex this thing, to take me out of my comfort zone.
Sounds like we have had a similar project and job. I’m a Developer/Sr. Systems Architect/Project Manager/Team Lead... Yeah I work to much and this totally became a project sucking what little time I had left in life. But I’ve been enjoying it! I’ve been wanting a Bronco since I sold my last one in ‘98... such a wait!
I planned out spreadsheets of options. Drove around the state hunting colors at different times of day and weather to ensure the all edge cases were resolved and tested. Drove 2.3L & 2.7L trucks. I planned timelines for items and options to be added even into the future. I think using my wife’s accounting/finance skills was the craziest with all the interest variations and option costs that could be plugged in via linked documents (excel like) of builds. Then there was the added factor that I went straight for the First Edition on reservation day, because I wasn’t sure, but I knew I wanted Lux, 2.7L, Auto, 4 Door, Sway, Tow, and Modular Top! I’m huge on safety features and power, LUX and 2.7L covered those.
I got the First Edition reservation! SWEET! But was it right?? After spending months of going through the builds and research... I just wasn’t sure! Worst of all, my budget was $40k and well no matter how I sliced it OBX, BL, WT, or FE it always ended up in the high $50s.
In the end I’m taking the plunge. Going all in pulling my savings and every scrap of money I can! First Edition it is. This thing will be taking me through Forest trails, Trips across the US (coast to coast), Running the deserts of the Southwest, Mountains all over (Montana, Badlands, Smokies, Ozark's!! here we come!), but also will be a daily driver (assuming we ever go back to the office).
It’s been a journey, which I feel if the start has been this much adventure, what awaits us when these beasts arrive?! :eek: (y) :ROFLMAO::cool:
