Help this new buyer choose a Bronco!

oldskool

Jul 30, 2024

Hello all

Perused a few threads, y'all look like a good group of folks. I'm in the market for a 2 door Bronco and hoping to get some input from vets, newbies and the like. This is 'kinda' replacing my 2007 FJ Sun Fusion which I still love at 206K miles. I was an early adopter and tried out all the new accessories as they came along and appreciated the DIY community as I chose a bare bones 6 cyl automatic as a building platform. This go around I not sure I need the same Old Man Emu-type lift but I do want the DIY options as opposed to being forced by package.

I'm not stuck on 2023 or 2024, which 'might' help since there are a few 2023's locally. But I'm also willing to go pickup the right one. I'm looking at lower trims as my starting point and adding my own stuff from there as it makes sense. If one is available that's close, I'm good w/ that as long as I'm not paying for don't cares.

Requirements
- 2 door
- Manual (save the sticks)
- Hardtop
- Heated front seats
- Aux switches (or the ability to get them on there easily)

Nice to haves
- I would LOVE to have a Heritage Edition Azure, Cactus, or Race Red. If not Heritage, I'm not stuck on the package necessarily and Big Bend or Diamond could work.

Things I would like to add soon after purchase
- Molle storage in tailgate.
- Some version of sliders. I like the Rough Country. I prefer a low-profile like I had on my FJ. Mostly it protect mine from door dings.
- 2" tow hitch. Is it better to buy it installed? I was able to install it myself on the FJ.
- Roof rack for snowboards and similar. I don't need ARB-level strength for a tent. Is there a better aftermarket option?

Addition Quesions
- Also, what would be the major reasons to go w/ a '24 over a '23? I read that the screen is bigger, which actually helps my old eyes.
- I'm not going full rock crawler. Is it still worth it to find HOSS 2.0?

Thanks in advance for the helpful responses.

UserError, WeakNinja

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Jul 30, 2024

oldskool
Hello all

Perused a few threads, y'all look like a good group of folks. I'm in the market for a 2 door Bronco and hoping to get some input from vets, newbies and the like. This is 'kinda' replacing my 2007 FJ Sun Fusion which I still love at 206K miles. I was an early adopter and tried out all the new accessories as they came along and appreciated the DIY community as I chose a bare bones 6 cyl automatic as a building platform. This go around I not sure I need the same Old Man Emu-type lift but I do want the DIY options as opposed to being forced by package.

I'm not stuck on 2023 or 2024, which 'might' help since there are a few 2023's locally. But I'm also willing to go pickup the right one. I'm looking at lower trims as my starting point and adding my own stuff from there as it makes sense. If one is available that's close, I'm good w/ that as long as I'm not paying for don't cares.

Requirements
- 2 door
- Manual (save the sticks)
- Hardtop
- Heated front seats
- Aux switches (or the ability to get them on there easily)

Nice to haves
- I would LOVE to have a Heritage Edition Azure, Cactus, or Race Red. If not Heritage, I'm not stuck on the package necessarily and Big Bend or Diamond could work.

Things I would like to add soon after purchase
- Molle storage in tailgate.
- Some version of sliders. I like the Rough Country. I prefer a low-profile like I had on my FJ. Mostly it protect mine from door dings.
- 2" tow hitch. Is it better to buy it installed? I was able to install it myself on the FJ.
- Roof rack for snowboards and similar. I don't need ARB-level strength for a tent. Is there a better aftermarket option?

Addition Quesions
- Also, what would be the major reasons to go w/ a '24 over a '23? I read that the screen is bigger, which actually helps my old eyes.
- I'm not going full rock crawler. Is it still worth it to find HOSS 2.0?

Thanks in advance for the helpful responses.

Welcome…
From your requirement list (full disclosure I own a ‘23 four door outer banks)
- 2 Door…. Self explanatory
- Manual- this will limit your engine choice, and in 24 will eliminate some trim levels
- Hardtop- YES, in my opinion
- Heated front seats… Maybe in med trim, but guessing you will need high or lux (in 23)…. 24 is different…
- Auxiliary switches- VERY expensive to add if not ordered (>$1000)

If I were doing as you are, I would start at Ford.com, price and build a Bronco the way I wanted it, and then check inventory for 23’s or 24’s that might be on the lot now…. From what I’ve seen here in the PNW 23’s are pretty much gone, and all they’re selling are 24’s.

If you want the upgrade look without all the work the Sasquatch package was a good value for me.

If I could find a ‘23 with what I wanted on it, I would grab it in a heartbeat.

ps- @Sven has a two door with a manual…. And an aftermarket rack, and he’s done a number of mods…. I would pick his brain…. Keep in mind, with @Sven , you have to talk REAL slow…. ROFL

Riding OB1, 23 4- door Outer Banks, SAS, MOD, MIC, Lux, Ordered 10/20/22, delivered 1/13/23

Chief Ron, TK1215

Jul 30, 2024

Welcome to Bronco Nation!! Yeah, Coming from your FJ, don't think Sasquatch would disappoint - Hope you can find that Heritage!

Cheers

Chief Ron, Sven

Jul 30, 2024

Yeah, I've been searching on the Ford site but it only allows a 100 mile radius. I've been perusing cars.com as well since they have a more flexible search engine.

Jul 30, 2024

oldskool
Yeah, I've been searching on the Ford site but it only allows a 100 mile radius. I've been perusing cars.com as well since they have a more flexible search engine.

You can move the inventory search engine by changing your location… 100 miles is a bit limiting…

Riding OB1, 23 4- door Outer Banks, SAS, MOD, MIC, Lux, Ordered 10/20/22, delivered 1/13/23

Chief Ron

Jul 30, 2024

Just built a ‘24 Black Diamond with the specs you want and Sasquatch package (and modular bumper)…. Everything except the roof rack…. $54,000ish

Riding OB1, 23 4- door Outer Banks, SAS, MOD, MIC, Lux, Ordered 10/20/22, delivered 1/13/23

Chief Ron

Jul 30, 2024

Looking at 2 doors you're on the right track IMO. Good news is 2 doors all come with the hardtop. I have a 2 door Outer Banks Lux.
23 vs 24 depends on a few things:

23s have incentive discounts that 24s likely won't have yet.

If you get a 23 w/Lux you'll get the large screen in 24 it's standard.

Lux gives you heated seats and steering wheel may be optional w/o Lux.

24s come pre wired for hitch with a Ford Accessories hitch kit,pre 24s are a nightmare to add even for dealerships but again a 23 with factory hitch may be cheaper.

If you want factory aux switches. 100% find a Bronco with them. Adding them is very tedious and $1200.00 minimum. I made this mistake, In addition to other parts you'd have to order and replace the under hood fuse box as the non aux Broncos have the fuse locations dummied with no internals nor leads.

Do you plan on trail driving? 360° gives you a forward facing camera for visibility when cresting hills. Look at the top center of dash and see how many buttons ("hero buttons") are there? Some have disconnects some don't. Do you like the retro headlights? Not all trims have them. Do you care about adaptive cruise control? Lane assist? Some trims have 110V AC 150W outlets some don't. Some trims have more 12v and USB/USB-C plugs then others. So if you offroad/overland or roadtrip enough to warrant more plugs and/or an outlet there's that. I'd definatly research the trims and levels along with options.

The Heritages are nice and I'd imagine they've come down on price since the lots I see Collecting them have them piling up.

What region are you looking in?

Supreme Leader of the Wandering but NOT Lost
2022 OBX Cyber Orange Metallic with random acutriments.

Chief Ron, WeakNinja

Jul 30, 2024

Bluestreak57
You can move the inventory search engine by changing your location… 100 miles is a bit limiting…

Honestly using this feature is not the best unless you want to be steered into what they want to sell and pay top dollar. Search online for dealerships and read through their listings reading the window stickers. Atleast Heritage and Heritage Limited Broncos are easy to spot from the online photos.

Supreme Leader of the Wandering but NOT Lost
2022 OBX Cyber Orange Metallic with random acutriments.

Chief Ron

Jul 30, 2024

OrangecrushBronco
Looking at 2 doors you're on the right track IMO. Good news is 2 doors all come with the hardtop. I have a 2 door Outer Banks Lux.
23 vs 24 depends on a few things:

23s have incentive discounts that 24s likely won't have yet.

If you get a 23 w/Lux you'll get the large screen in 24 it's standard.

Lux gives you heated seats and steering wheel may be optional w/o Lux.

24s come pre wired for hitch with a Ford Accessories hitch kit,pre 24s are a nightmare to add even for dealerships but again a 23 with factory hitch may be cheaper.

If you want factory aux switches. 100% find a Bronco with them. Adding them is very tedious and $1200.00 minimum. I made this mistake, In addition to other parts you'd have to order and replace the under hood fuse box as the non aux Broncos have the fuse locations dummied with no internals nor leads.

Do you plan on trail driving? 360° gives you a forward facing camera for visibility when cresting hills. Look at the top center of dash and see how many buttons ("hero buttons") are there? Some have disconnects some don't. Do you like the retro headlights? Not all trims have them. Do you care about adaptive cruise control? Lane assist? Some trims have 110V AC 150W outlets some don't. Some trims have more 12v and USB/USB-C plugs then others. So if you offroad/overland or roadtrip enough to warrant more plugs and/or an outlet there's that. I'd definatly research the trims and levels along with options.

The Heritages are nice and I'd imagine they've come down on price since the lots I see Collecting them have them piling up.

What region are you looking in?

So if I understand

Nice to have but not deal breakers:
- 360
- Retro headlights
- cruise control
- lane assist (coming from bare bones FJ, I'm used to manual stuff and it's fine)

Non-negotiable
- Lux package
- Sounds like I want the switches pre-installed
- '23 with a hitch or a '24 to be able to add one later

Thanks for the info. Yeah, as I look the it's another $15K just for the Heritage, so if I can keep under $60K, that'd be ideal. I'm in the San Francisco Bay Area but frankly, I'll go anywhere to buy it and drive home.

The 100 mile search is annoying so I'll keep looking on cars.com unless y'all have a better/faster way.

OrangecrushBronco, WeakNinja

Jul 30, 2024

I think I used cars.com and kbb.com to search.
Found mine two States away. $750 to ship it.

The big screen is very nice.
For noise reduction the top should have the carpet (lined).
The OE roof rack requires additional accessories to be functional. Aftermarket would be a good choice.

Chief Ron, Bluestreak57

Jul 30, 2024

#10

I'm in Modesto (central valley) & have seen commercials for Price Ford in Turlock. They have some '23s they're discounting, maybe take a look at what they have? Other dealerships in my area include Heritage Ford, Manteca Ford, Haidlen Ford, & Rush Truck Center (ordered my Badlands from here in '21).

Patience has payed off...

Chief Ron

Jul 30, 2024

#11

Welcome to the Nation.
If you want Lux package I think the only way you can get that with a manual is a Badlands. But you don’t need to Sasquatch a manual badlands you can add wheels tires and lift and be good they have the lower gearing.
The cheapest way to get a Sasquatched Bronco is to get a Heritage. You can get one with a manual too. Not sure if you can Lux a heritage.

Black Diamond is a great starting point to build off of. But you max out at a mid package. I have an Everglades so I have a mid with 12” screen it comes with every thing I need and a few things I will never use. But for trails like hells revenge I am going to add a backup camera and use it as a front camera.

My buddy just bought a MY23 2-door lux (or high) nosquatch badlands 2.3l with 1400 miles on it. It is auto but I have seen a few manuals. The San Antonio area has tons of new and used Broncos. You might try the 78232 zip code for your search.
Good luck!

Bronco Nation 1100. Everglades, Desert Sand
Res: 7/30/20 ordered 1/22/21 reorder 10/15/21 changed to Everglades 3/9/22 schedule 8/29/22 bumped to 9/5; 9/7/22 blend, 9/9 Mods, 9/26/22 completed, 10/7 shipped, 11/3/22 delivery

Jul 30, 2024

#12

I know @TorgSurv is selling his 2DR Race Red Heritage with a manual. It will only have the 8" screen and probably only goes to a Mid-package.
https://thebronconation.com/clubs-n.11/page-13/bn-heritage-club-t.16996/page-13#post-310041

2022 Bronco Badlands, 4D, Hot Pepper Red, 2.7, Squatch, Lux, and MIC.
7/13/2020 10:04pm reservation. Blend 6/16/2022 Delivered 6/26/2022.
Dealership - Stephen's Auto Center.

Chief Ron, Jakob1972

Jul 30, 2024

#13

oldskool
The 100 mile search is annoying so I'll keep looking on cars.com unless y'all have a better/faster way.

You can modify the web address to allow the search to look as far as 500 miles away. Look for "Radius=100" and change the 100 to 500. Any higher than that won't work.

'23 Eruption Green 2-Dr Sas Black Diamond with 2.7L acquired 5/11/23
Arkansas Broncos on Facebook

Chief Ron, oldskool

Jul 30, 2024

#14

broncorob3
You can modify the web address to allow the search to look as far as 500 miles away. Look for "Radius=100" and change the 100 to 500. Any higher than that won't work.

Ah, that's the kind of HTML edit I need...

broncorob3, Jakob1972

Jul 30, 2024

#15

Deano Bronc
I know @TorgSurv is selling his 2DR Race Red Heritage with a manual. It will only have the 8" screen and probably only goes to a Mid-package.
https://thebronconation.com/clubs-n.11/page-13/bn-heritage-club-t.16996/page-13#post-310041

I believe it has been sold

Chief Ron, Deano Bronc

Jul 30, 2024

#16

@oldskool take a look at Serramonte Ford in Colma. I was just there a couple of weeks ago and they have a pretty large selection in stock. Talk to Sean McGloughlin

Chief Ron, Deano Bronc

Jul 30, 2024

#17

I just checked and Serramonte Ford has one for you to look at in Eruption Green. Besides the color I think it checked most of your boxes

Chief Ron, WeakNinja

Jul 30, 2024

#18

TK1215
I just checked and Serramonte Ford has one for you to look at in Eruption Green. Besides the color I think it checked most of your boxes

That would be a nice one. Looks like it doesn’t have the up fitter switches but just about everything else.

Jul 30, 2024

#19

Personally, I go badlands since you want stick, if it was any for that, Outerbanks, but the 24’ only come in 4 door. For the outerbanks that is

23 SAS Badlands 2D Area 51

Jakob1972

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