Newbie Needs Acquisition Advice!

[Truck2]

Hi Folks -

First time poster on this forum. I own and am really enjoying a new [six months old] Maverick, but plan to purchase a Ranger - owing to the need for greater towing capacity. Hence the reason for this inquiry…

Based on a couple weeks of searching and dealer outreach, my purchase options seem to be (1) find the elusive 2022 vehicle with features close to those I am looking for, pay sticker price plus silly dealer fee and [sillier still] dealer accessory add-on fees, but take delivery right away…or (2) custom order exactly what I want at or below sticker and without the add-ons…but with delivery date TBD.

I don’t need the vehicle right away, but do need to take possession before the end of the year; if this is a reasonable possibility, I would be inclined to custom order.

I have no doubt that with enough time and patience I might find most of the answers to my questions below on this forum, so I apologize for any inefficiency or overlap with existing posts. That said, my questions are pretty specific so I thought a fresh post might make sense. Here goes:

1 What is the estimated lead time on truck orders placed now-ish? I understand that in this day and age there are no guarantees, but would love any informed estimates.

2 If one orders a 2023 custom Ranger properly spec’d, will it come equipped with some of the new features I’ve seen online, for instance the bigger/rectangular touch screen?

3 Which dealerships on the east coast (preferably Southeast; I’m in South Florida but will make it work most anywhere east of the Mississippi for the right price) are offering the best deals and the best customer service on custom orders?

4 I was fortunate to get 4% below invoice on the Maverick. What are folks seeing in terms of pricing on custom orders for Rangers? Best dealers to order from in my region?

5 Same as above but anyone getting better deals on purchasing from existing inventory? The Ford search tool is not that great, so finding a dealer with big inventory and fair pricing would help. Would love to know what folks are seeing.

6 I expect to keep the vehicle for about two years. Four wheel drive is helpful but not essential, and my hunch is that the 4x2 with locking differential would be quite adequate for my needs. That said, two related questions: (A) in typical boat towing/boat ramp launching scenarios, does 4x4 offer a meaningful advantage, and (B) does 4x2 affect resale value in a negative way?

Thank you in advance for your advice and feedback; it is much appreciated!

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[Jbrubakerjr]

Hi Folks -

First time poster on this forum. I own and am really enjoying a new [six months old] Maverick, but plan to purchase a Ranger - owing to the need for greater towing capacity. Hence the reason for this inquiry…

Based on a couple weeks of searching and dealer outreach, my purchase options seem to be (1) find the elusive 2022 vehicle with features close to those I am looking for, pay sticker price plus silly dealer fee and [sillier still] dealer accessory add-on fees, but take delivery right away…or (2) custom order exactly what I want at or below sticker and without the add-ons…but with delivery date TBD.

I don’t need the vehicle right away, but do need to take possession before the end of the year; if this is a reasonable possibility, I would be inclined to custom order.

I have no doubt that with enough time and patience I might find most of the answers to my questions below on this forum, so I apologize for any inefficiency or overlap with existing posts. That said, my questions are pretty specific so I thought a fresh post might make sense. Here goes:

1 What is the estimated lead time on truck orders placed now-ish? I understand that in this day and age there are no guarantees, but would love any informed estimates.

2 If one orders a 2023 custom Ranger properly spec’d, will it come equipped with some of the new features I’ve seen online, for instance the bigger/rectangular touch screen?

3 Which dealerships on the east coast (preferably Southeast; I’m in South Florida but will make it work most anywhere east of the Mississippi for the right price) are offering the best deals and the best customer service on custom orders?

4 I was fortunate to get 4% below invoice on the Maverick. What are folks seeing in terms of pricing on custom orders for Rangers? Best dealers to order from in my region?

5 Same as above but anyone getting better deals on purchasing from existing inventory? The Ford search tool is not that great, so finding a dealer with big inventory and fair pricing would help. Would love to know what folks are seeing.

6 I expect to keep the vehicle for about two years. Four wheel drive is helpful but not essential, and my hunch is that the 4x2 with locking differential would be quite adequate for my needs. That said, two related questions: (A) in typical boat towing/boat ramp launching scenarios, does 4x4 offer a meaningful advantage, and (B) does 4x2 affect resale value in a negative way?

Thank you in advance for your advice and feedback; it is much appreciated!

Welcome to the forum! Just some thoughts from me:

1) Lead time is determined by a couple things. How do you wan the truck equipped (I have read that Ford is not accepting orders for Lariats with the 501a tech package) and your dealer allocation and current orders in queue. Also, what other add-ons may have constraints (Spray in bed-liner, etc.) That being said, it does seem that the MY23 orders are being scheduled for production more quickly than it seemed the MY22s had been. There is a forum here devoted to those waiting for their MY23 Rangers.

2) I think you are confusing the MY23 Ranger for the NA with the mY23 Ranger for ROW. The MY23 Ranger for NA is still the 5g, so it does not have the larger screen. Those will be MY24 Rangers in NA.

3) I am not sure which dealers in the east are offering the best deal, but Granger in Iowa will do 3% below MSRP. Probably a better question that some can way in on is which dealers to avoid in your area.

4) See #3

5) I have seen other post of deals they were able to get on existing inventory, but most of these vehicles are not sitting on dealer lots for more than a couple weeks, so dealers seem to have the leverage. It may change depending on if you have a trade or not, and how desirable that trade is to the dealer, but the general attitude across dealers seems to be if they don;t sell it to you they will sell it to the next guy tomorrow.

6) I cannot answer that question, as I feel it may be somewhat market specific as well. I think the real question is what fits your need? As far as towing, it may have more to do with the overall suspension, not the 4x4 vs 4x2 drive train. That said, though, if you are going to be in sandy areas with your boat there in FL, you may want the peace of mind of the 4x4.

Hope it is helpful, but there will be many more that will be weighing in!

 

[D Fresh]

You'll never get something ordered from Ford today by the end if the year in this market.

 

[Azhang253]

Hi Folks -

First time poster on this forum. I own and am really enjoying a new [six months old] Maverick, but plan to purchase a Ranger - owing to the need for greater towing capacity. Hence the reason for this inquiry…

Based on a couple weeks of searching and dealer outreach, my purchase options seem to be (1) find the elusive 2022 vehicle with features close to those I am looking for, pay sticker price plus silly dealer fee and [sillier still] dealer accessory add-on fees, but take delivery right away…or (2) custom order exactly what I want at or below sticker and without the add-ons…but with delivery date TBD.

I don’t need the vehicle right away, but do need to take possession before the end of the year; if this is a reasonable possibility, I would be inclined to custom order.

I have no doubt that with enough time and patience I might find most of the answers to my questions below on this forum, so I apologize for any inefficiency or overlap with existing posts. That said, my questions are pretty specific so I thought a fresh post might make sense. Here goes:

1 What is the estimated lead time on truck orders placed now-ish? I understand that in this day and age there are no guarantees, but would love any informed estimates.

2 If one orders a 2023 custom Ranger properly spec’d, will it come equipped with some of the new features I’ve seen online, for instance the bigger/rectangular touch screen?

3 Which dealerships on the east coast (preferably Southeast; I’m in South Florida but will make it work most anywhere east of the Mississippi for the right price) are offering the best deals and the best customer service on custom orders?

4 I was fortunate to get 4% below invoice on the Maverick. What are folks seeing in terms of pricing on custom orders for Rangers? Best dealers to order from in my region?

5 Same as above but anyone getting better deals on purchasing from existing inventory? The Ford search tool is not that great, so finding a dealer with big inventory and fair pricing would help. Would love to know what folks are seeing.

6 I expect to keep the vehicle for about two years. Four wheel drive is helpful but not essential, and my hunch is that the 4x2 with locking differential would be quite adequate for my needs. That said, two related questions: (A) in typical boat towing/boat ramp launching scenarios, does 4x4 offer a meaningful advantage, and (B) does 4x2 affect resale value in a negative way?

Thank you in advance for your advice and feedback; it is much appreciated!

1. I don't think it is likely we will see our 2023 order by the end of the year. Definitely don't bank on it.
2. No bigger screen, that's 2024
3/4. I don't know, but Granger is offering 3% under invoice. If you are a costco member, you can get a good discount with the Costco Auto Purchase program too. I got around 800 dollars under MSRP for a base level (XL 100A). I would have gotten around 1300 off an XLT under x-plan pricing, which to my understanding, is very similar to Costco.
5. Go to some dealerships and ask about Costco pricing or X-Plan pricing on something on the lot. May get lucky!
6. Really depends on where you are. I imagine 4x2 is fine in florida. 4x4 is nice on shitty ramps, so you're not just spinning the rears. Resale value depends on your region. Nobody is going want to buy your 4x2 here in Michigan.

 

[DonB]

Hi Folks -

First time poster on this forum. I own and am really enjoying a new [six months old] Maverick, but plan to purchase a Ranger - owing to the need for greater towing capacity. Hence the reason for this inquiry…

Based on a couple weeks of searching and dealer outreach, my purchase options seem to be (1) find the elusive 2022 vehicle with features close to those I am looking for, pay sticker price plus silly dealer fee and [sillier still] dealer accessory add-on fees, but take delivery right away…or (2) custom order exactly what I want at or below sticker and without the add-ons…but with delivery date TBD.

I don’t need the vehicle right away, but do need to take possession before the end of the year; if this is a reasonable possibility, I would be inclined to custom order.

I have no doubt that with enough time and patience I might find most of the answers to my questions below on this forum, so I apologize for any inefficiency or overlap with existing posts. That said, my questions are pretty specific so I thought a fresh post might make sense. Here goes:

1 What is the estimated lead time on truck orders placed now-ish? I understand that in this day and age there are no guarantees, but would love any informed estimates.

2 If one orders a 2023 custom Ranger properly spec’d, will it come equipped with some of the new features I’ve seen online, for instance the bigger/rectangular touch screen?

3 Which dealerships on the east coast (preferably Southeast; I’m in South Florida but will make it work most anywhere east of the Mississippi for the right price) are offering the best deals and the best customer service on custom orders?

4 I was fortunate to get 4% below invoice on the Maverick. What are folks seeing in terms of pricing on custom orders for Rangers? Best dealers to order from in my region?

5 Same as above but anyone getting better deals on purchasing from existing inventory? The Ford search tool is not that great, so finding a dealer with big inventory and fair pricing would help. Would love to know what folks are seeing.

6 I expect to keep the vehicle for about two years. Four wheel drive is helpful but not essential, and my hunch is that the 4x2 with locking differential would be quite adequate for my needs. That said, two related questions: (A) in typical boat towing/boat ramp launching scenarios, does 4x4 offer a meaningful advantage, and (B) does 4x2 affect resale value in a negative way?

Thank you in advance for your advice and feedback; it is much appreciated!

Okay, first thing ya need to do is find a girl with nice cans who doesn't talk so much and like to dress...
Wait?! What thread is this?

 

[Jason B]

Before you jump on a new Ranger that you will keep only two years, why not a used on. Yeah, used prices are high, but not as high as new ones.
Is that Ranger going to be sufficient for your towing needs?

 

[EJH]

You'll never get something ordered from Ford today by the end if the year in this market.

Yup. True. 2023 orders will probably not start production until later in the year (historically it has been around early December). My guess is if you order, you are looking at late January delivery (best case) and more likely later.

Why only keep the Ranger for two years? That is up to you, but a big $$ hit keeping vehicles a short time.

Regarding 2WD or 4WD. If you don't drive on the beach in FL, you are probably ok with 2WD. There have been a few times I use 4WD when towing though. My driveway is steep and I sometimes use 4WD to back it up (4 Lo). Also I have been to gravel campgrounds that have some incline and also needed 4WD to position the trailer w/o spinning the rear wheels. None of these may be an issue in flat Florida.

 

[FusedLogic]

Before you jump on a new Ranger that you will keep only two years, why not a used on. Yeah, used prices are high, but not as high as new ones.
Is that Ranger going to be sufficient for your towing needs?

Another reason to consider buying used is that you'll get a few features that the new models don't have. Nothing earth shattering but there's a thread with the current list of deleted items. As time marches on, Ford seems to drop things from production. Not sure if that's because supply is low or they're just trying to fatten their margins.

 

[TomC]

I'm over in port st lucie. and got my ranger 200 miles North in JAX. No idea where in FL you are, but keep an eye out for CPO Rangers in S Florida. You can probably find a couple w/ features you desire. Threw a couple in, but you get the idea. I'm looking for one for one of my kids, but am waiting for prices to come down. Not a fan of the dealers closest to me, but they have all changes hands in the last 3 or 4 of years.

 

[DonB]

Before you jump on a new Ranger that you will keep only two years, why not a used on. Yeah, used prices are high, but not as high as new ones.
Is that Ranger going to be sufficient for your towing needs?

I got a little over $2,600 off on the price of my new ranger that just came in 4 or 5 days ago.

 

[Truck2]

Incredibly valuable feedback, thanks to all
of you for the advice and assistance. It’s nice to see that this group is as helpful as the Maverick forum. As a new Ranger owner, I hope to return the favor on this forum in the future.

 

[FerdRanger]

have you tried going to the Ford website to build a 2022 Ranger

https://shop.ford.com/configure/ranger/chooseyourpath/

configure what you want, see what's available nearby

there's 25 2022's within a 100 miles of me... I was surprised

 

[Truck2]

I did configure and search for several weeks, eventually expanding the range to 500 miles. Unfortunately, the only vehicles that met my specs seemed to be with dealers who wanted to charge more than sticker price (by adding dealer fees, dealer add-ons, etc). I never seriously pursued used vehicles owing to that upside-down used market (though hopefully it'll still be upside down when it comes time to sell!)

In the end, I was able to get to a fair(-er) price with a dealer a bit further away. It was worth the drive!

First impressions are very positive! Haven't been off-road yet. Pavement ride is rough - but smooths out on highway. Older technology compared to the Maverick is a bit of a disappointment, but that's a small quibble with an otherwise solid truck.

OK, one more quibble on the old tech front: is it possible that they left off that "brake hold" feature that allows you to take your foot off the brake at a stoplight / and to press the gas (and release the brake) that's been standard on most vehicles for the last five years or so? Or is the feature lurking somewhere in those strange menus? Perhaps folks driving on sand dunes and dirt roads have less use for this feature, but for those of us stuck in Florida traffic on the weekdays it was/is a super useful feature! Missing on the '22 Ranger?

In any event, thanks again to all.

 

[Azhang253]

I did configure and search for several weeks, eventually expanding the range to 500 miles. Unfortunately, the only vehicles that met my specs seemed to be with dealers who wanted to charge more than sticker price (by adding dealer fees, dealer add-ons, etc). I never seriously pursued used vehicles owing to that upside-down used market (though hopefully it'll still be upside down when it comes time to sell!)

In the end, I was able to get to a fair(-er) price with a dealer a bit further away. It was worth the drive!

First impressions are very positive! Haven't been off-road yet. Pavement ride is rough - but smooths out on highway. Older technology compared to the Maverick is a bit of a disappointment, but that's a small quibble with an otherwise solid truck.

OK, one more quibble on the old tech front: is it possible that they left off that "brake hold" feature that allows you to take your foot off the brake at a stoplight / and to press the gas (and release the brake) that's been standard on most vehicles for the last five years or so? Or is the feature lurking somewhere in those strange menus? Perhaps folks driving on sand dunes and dirt roads have less use for this feature, but for those of us stuck in Florida traffic on the weekdays it was/is a super useful feature! Missing on the '22 Ranger?

In any event, thanks again to all.

Congrats on getting a Ranger!

I didn't even realize that brake hold was a thing, but a quick google shows that the feature is called Ford Auto Hold. It may be available somewhere in the driver aids section of your menus if it's included in your trim model, but I don't know. I guess look for Auto Hold

 

[Jason B]

That feature is called Hill Assist. It is automatic and can't be switched on or off.

The system makes it easier to pull away when your vehicle is on a slope without the need to use the parking brake.
When the system is active, your vehicle remains stationary on the slope for two to three seconds after you release the brake pedal. This allows time to move your foot from the brake to the accelerator pedal. The system releases the brakes automatically once the engine has developed sufficient torque to prevent your vehicle from rolling down the slope. This is an advantage when pulling away on a slope, for example from a car park ramp, traffic lights or when reversing uphill into a parking space.
The system activates on any slope that causes your vehicle to roll.
Note: There is no warning light to indicate the system is either on or off.
Using Hill Start Assist

1. Press the brake pedal to bring your vehicle to a complete standstill. Keep the brake pedal pressed and shift into first gear when facing uphill or reverse (R) when facing downhill.

1. If the sensors detect that your vehicle is on a slope, the system activates automatically.

1. When you remove your foot from the brake pedal, your vehicle remains on the slope without rolling away for about two to three seconds. This hold time automatically extends if you are in the process of driving off.

1. Drive off in the normal manner. The system releases the brakes automatically.

Note: When you remove your foot from the brake pedal and press the pedal again when the system is active, you will experience significantly reduced brake pedal travel. This is normal.
Switching the System On and Off
Vehicles with Automatic Transmission
You cannot turn the system on or off. When you switch the ignition on, the system automatically turns on.

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