How do I talk my girlfriend out of an unreliable car???
Posted by cbcarguy@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 486 comments
My girlfriend wants a Bronco sport , I keep trying to steer here away from it because of how unreliable the 1.5 3 cylinder is.
I told her if she wants one to try and save up a bit more and get a badlands that has the 2.0 engine because it’s much more reliable and has been around a long time
She keeps saying she doesn’t want that high of a trim level and even told me “ then why do they keep selling the car if it’s not good??? “
How do I explain it to her??? I don’t want her spending the money on a car just for the engine to go out at 50k miles
Im a ford guy till death but even I know the 3 cylinder engines are trash
doc_55lk@reddit
Sometimes you gotta let them fuck around and find out tbh.
Upstairs_Bad897@reddit
I came here to say this exactly. If your significant other refuses to take your advice what the fuck can you do anyways
doc_55lk@reddit
Exactly.
If they don't wanna listen to you then just let them do what they want. If they put it back on you then was that really a good relationship in the first place?
Upstairs_Bad897@reddit
It boils down to bad communication and that always wrecks a relationship faster then anything in my experience. If two people can’t constructively talk things out then it’s fucked basically
doc_55lk@reddit
Yes
Apart-Confusion-1501@reddit
Alot of people, at least what I've seemed to observe just from the general public and what they buy and choose to drive , without even talking to them is ,and I'm not saying I'm correct.just a huntch ,especially the younger generation,it seems ,go in to car buying ,, because hey it looks nice / cool , got all the bells and whistles, and got keep up with what everyone else has, whatever that the trend may be ,that they see others driving,and think , I gotta have it . Without ever really doing research before,going and buying ,on the reliability of it that they are wanting,or looking at , including but not limited too, payments, the duration of a loan ,insurance cost,for different makes/ models. Cost to maintain it over time ,including cost of parts and components,and complexity of different builds ,as well gas mileage,cosmetic build quality, mechanical build quality, make ,manufacture reputation,and probably the list goes on. The salesmen ,are trained to spot this and the lack of knowledge in their buying experiences,,,and some people the ones who believe they can afford it or what they are looking at ,,, have just begun to come into the used / new car market and even driving,and those salesmen know it especially when you let on to such ,and especially the seasoned salseman ,they don't care ,and even feed on whatever is drawing the customer to it . I believe this is a lot of the reason alot of people are finding themselves in regret, disappointment, and over their heads financially and othwise after they've made the purchase.
doc_55lk@reddit
Yea that's how most people buy cars, because cars are just appliances to them. They put the same amount of effort into it as they do with a toaster.
Apart-Confusion-1501@reddit
Lol , so seems ,for sure👍
ThrustingBeaner@reddit
It wouldn’t be a problem if it was some random or friend, but if they get married he’s gonna be the one dealing with the consequences in the long run
AloneCreme5670@reddit
My wife has one it's horrible hasn't had any issues yet but we're screwed when it does especially cuz Canadian economy bs
LUXOR54@reddit
How can a vehicle simultaneously be horrible, yet not have given you any issues?
Josey_whalez@reddit
I rented one in Costa Rica last year, first time ever driving one, and it’s legit terrible. Wanted the cheapest thing that had decent ground clearance because of the roads out in the rural areas. Didn’t realize until I was checking the car out that I could’ve had a hilux for like 150 more. My mistake. That thing sucked. I’d never rent one again and would try hard to talk anyone I know out of buying one.
dontworryitsme4real@reddit
It broke down on you while renting it?
MisterBones7@reddit
I think he means that it drove very poorly, not that it was unreliable on his case. Different conversations, really.
HerefortheTuna@reddit
I have hated almost every rental car I’ve ever had.
The only two I liked were a charger AWD V6 and a mustang GT
But usually I get a basic cheap rental like a versa or Chevy trax- cars so bad that I would never buy them
McBeaster@reddit
I got a Chevy Impala premier as a rental once and liked it so much I bought a Buick LaCrosse lol
Own_Candidate9553@reddit
Similarly, I got a Buick Regal for a long term rental once. Would never think to buy one, but really enjoyed it. It's solidly an old person car, it drove like a cloud, you basically never felt a bump.
Getting it up to highway speeds on an on ramp was pretty exciting, though. It's so heavy, the V6 would just go nuts, and you just hold on.
Mother-Compote-2062@reddit
My parents have a 2017 Lacrosse, those are excellent cars. Super nice interior and 300HP...
cshmn@reddit
I owned a 2013 Cadillac XTS with FWD and the 3.6 v6, which is about the same underneath as those impalas but with magnaride shocks and a nicer interior. I really liked that car. It was quick, fuel efficient with a kick-ass stereo and it felt really well put together inside with lots of premium materials. I'd buy another if the right deal came along.
I bought that car certified pre owned, 5 years old with 25,000 km on it out of a dealer in Regina, SK for $25000. Looking at FB marketplace these days just makes me sick at how expensive shit is now.
HerefortheTuna@reddit
I once went on a date where I ubered and after she gave me a ride in her rental car and we hooked up in the back of that impala. The last one they made was actually decent but of course they killed it.
HotWafer1@reddit
It does pay to hire multiple of one car though if you do start liking them
About 10 years ago I rented a golf tsi DSG from Hertz and thought the car was really good. Had put it on my next car list until I got another rental golf and it sucked - the gearbox was rubbish and it was awful.
Still the reason I didn't end up with a Skoda superb or Passat because that golf was in the back of my mind
HerefortheTuna@reddit
Yeah I feel that. Just the cars that I usually want to buy are Japanese sporty cars and SUVs- currently we have 2 4Runners, a CX-9, and a GR86.
I hate touchscreens and too much tech so I probably will keep my GR86 for a long time and just drive my 5G 4Runner and buy a newer 5G 4Runner when that one gets too old and swap my parts over…
Mother-Compote-2062@reddit
That's historically been the case with me too but we've had a bunch of rentals recently through our warranty provider while our car is in the shop. The local Enterprise has been letting us take whatever doesn't already have a reservation on it for their corporate rate. We've had a Mustang Ecoboost Premium convertible, Wrangler Sahara, VW GTI, Grand Cherokee 4xe, some pretty interesting stuff for $55/day lol.
Demonslayer2011@reddit
Careful with the Cherokee. They have battery issues. As in they randomly catch fire.
Mother-Compote-2062@reddit
I'll keep that in mind. Only had that for two days, I was surprised how nice the interior was and it drove very well for a hybrid. Still wouldn't buy a Stellantis product and maybe will steer clear of that one if offered again.
HerefortheTuna@reddit
Yeah I always ask to upgrade. That’s how I got the charger and the mustang I had reserved a Renault one but they didn’t have it so offered me eco boost vert or the GT as a no charge upgrade.
dontworryitsme4real@reddit
Yeah I rented pt cruiser once and hated it but not for mechanical reasons.
Environmental-Gap380@reddit
I rented a Chevy HHR. It was the last car in Emerald Aisle on the trip. I should have waited for something else to be brought around. The steering was soooooo loose, and it had so little acceleration, that I was worried getting on the highway. 0-60 someday, and if I ever got to the speed, the brakes were very soft. I was pushing the pedal so hard, I thought I was going to break it.
Melkor404@reddit
Please elaborate how it sucked. What problems did you experience? Curious
twoheadedhorseman@reddit
Did you find that it struggled to go up any of the hills? This was me this week and I had to have it on sport mode always to make it up the hills
GlitteringPen3949@reddit
It’s based on the escape I believe
doc_55lk@reddit
Could be that the car just sucks to drive and be in. Kinda like my driving instructor's Corolla.
I'm sure it hasn't given him any issues but I genuinely don't think I've driven a more dreadful piece of shit in my entire life.
LUXOR54@reddit
That's pretty much the entire point of a Corolla.
Won't give you issues, boring as shit to drive, and that's exactly what it's supposed to be. It's not like they're marketing it as a spirited driving machine.
macos12345@reddit
For me the Corolla is just to low the ground and lacks power
LUXOR54@reddit
That doesn't make it a terrible vehicle
macos12345@reddit
Not saying it’s Terrible I just don’t see the point of it
LUXOR54@reddit
The point of it is that it's a mass market vehicle for those who don't need excess ground clearance or excess power (vast majority of the driving population
macos12345@reddit
I’m not talking excess power just saying it need decent power and it need to be a bit more off the ground
Camo138@reddit
The Corolla is the perfect car for Npcs who actually don’t give a shit
MinniePearl@reddit
😂 What are Npcs?
Dazzling-Rest8332@reddit
Drive a Toyota Yaris and you will see the corolla has plenty of power
LUXOR54@reddit
It doesn't need more power, and doesn't need to be anymore off the ground. If you're looking for those characteristics then you're not shopping for a Corolla.
Elteon3030@reddit
I'll say it's terrible. Poor visibility because all of the pillars are massive now, cluttered UI, the cheap plastic you can hear with your eyes... It felt like I was asking permission to accelerate, and it was unsure. The transmission has too many gears and it's auto, so it doesn't really know what to do with them. Weird complaint I know but it's just true.
macos12345@reddit
Like a Camry is better same reabilty and less drone and low to the ground
doc_55lk@reddit
This is a different discussion to the one I was trying to have.
-_V0RT3X_-@reddit
I think he's talking about the cars gas consumption
jaybird6638@reddit
How have you made it this far in life 🤣
LUXOR54@reddit
I wouldn't consider a vehicle that has given you zero issues to be a terrible vehicle.
Might have poor driving dynamics, but that doesn't make a vehicle terrible.
OperationAsshat@reddit
So because one individual hasn't had any issues means the vehicle isn't terrible? Sounds like you don't understand outliers and why mechanical failures occur.
LUXOR54@reddit
Yes, that's exactly what it means. That specific individual vehicle isn't terrible.
The model as a whole? Sure, some can absolutely be problematic. But to say that you own a vehicle, claim that it's terrible, then immediately say you've had zero issues with it whatsoever is silly.
OperationAsshat@reddit
You do realize that there are many drivers who are both ignorant to blatant signs of issues and don't drive their vehicle anywhere near it's expected usage, right? I don't think you understand how this actually works and why vehicles do/don't break at any instant.
One person claiming they don't have issues is worth nothing when the issues are so well documented.
TheWhogg@reddit
A car can be both mechanically sound at the moment and horrible in that it’s expected longevity is poor and it’s nasty to drive. I drove a 3 cyl Opel while in UK. I genuinely thought the engine had failed. No, they are meant to feel like that.
SurlyJohn009@reddit
YET...the 3 cylinder turbo is a very small boosted engine. That is the engine Ford uses in the Bronco Sport, which is basically a Bronco body on a car frame. That is a a lot of stress on a small engine. They don't last.
The 2.0 Litre is a much better setup, the 2.7 twin turbo V-6 had issues also. The 2.0 litre is actually the best engine offered.
AloneCreme5670@reddit
Ford lol 😂 I'm a Toyota guy
clintj1975@reddit
You know it's coming. It's inevitable. And yet, you can do nothing but watch and wait for that noise that says "this won't be cheap..."
Sorryallthetime@reddit
Dumb luck.
Interesting_Debate57@reddit
This is hardly a burden in the grand scheme of marriage.
jaybird6638@reddit
You must not know what a prenup is
ThrustingBeaner@reddit
It’s not about that, it’s that he as the man in the family is going to be the one doing maintenance on it
Legal_Blueberry5368@reddit
Girls can change oil too, bud, it isn't hard.
Someone choosing a 1.5L Ford though, well, they probably don't and never will.
jaybird6638@reddit
Unless you have a properly setup garage youre not doing anything more than basic maintenance to the vehicle like fluid changes and such
ckeeler11@reddit
Obviously OP would not marry a person willing to make a dumb decision like this.
TunakTun633@reddit
OP should keep that in mind while he’s still just dating.
He can’t control her behavior. If there’s a pattern of ill-advised and unilateral choices like this, it’s worth asking if this is something you’re okay with for the rest of your life.
THExDANKxKNIGHT@reddit
Had to let my sister learn that the hard way with a wrangler. I told her they were shit but she insisted the $55k special edition would be fine. She had it less than 25k miles and got 28k on the trade in.
doc_55lk@reddit
Crazy
THExDANKxKNIGHT@reddit
She would have gotten more on the trade if it didn't need a transfer case.
articulatedbeaver@reddit
Sometimes they don't learn, my ex had an Aspire, Taurus and Rogue.
Pooping_brewer@reddit
Buddy, have you never been the mechainc for your girlfriend? Id be freaking out too
doc_55lk@reddit
Honestly I dumped her before that happened.
However, I stand by the idea that if she decides to make it your problem down the line, she was never the right one for you.
Viking2151@reddit
Shit I fucked around a found out when I thought I was getting a good deal on a Chevy Cruze, what a fucking POS that car has been, I would not try to put the fire out if it caught randomly one day.
doc_55lk@reddit
I hope that car isn't parked close to anything valuable if that happens 😄
BigDogIsland@reddit
Exactly. Wife drives a Jeep grand Cherokee L despite my objections. In Jeeps defense it’s been pretty good so far.
cshmn@reddit
I wouldn't jinx it, they're honestly fine for the most part. Stellantis has issues with parts quality and consistent assembly moreso than outright bad engineering.
It's very much a matter of not ending up with the Monday or Friday built cars in my experience. They're not Toyotas, but they're no worse than GM, Ford, Hyundai, Nissan, Mitsubishi or any of the other eyebrow raising car choices you could think of.
Voeno@reddit
Yep. Learned that with my sister I throughly explained not to buy a Jeep Compass and all the reasons why. She bought it anyway. Fuck em.
RIF_rr3dd1tt@reddit
OP needs to all of a sudden be 100% on board with the shitty 3 cylinder version. His girlfriend will immediately switch to wanting the 4 cylinder one.
zenFyre1@reddit
Yep, just tell her that she needs to save money because she’s never been good with her spending, and take her out to a nice dinner because ‘you are proud that she’s making wise financial decisions’.
Watch her decide to buy the 2.0 the next day…
Jim-248@reddit
And then it's all your fault for not stopping her.
ChemistRemote7182@reddit
If she sticks around long enough it becomes his problem too
Careful_Farmer_2879@reddit
With a five-year warranty?
clintj1975@reddit
I read that as the girlfriend has a five year warranty
Careful_Farmer_2879@reddit
LOL but less bumper to bumper.
Sorryallthetime@reddit
I hope we're not at the stage where a new vehicle only needs to last 5 years. After all they do come with 8 year loans.
Careful_Farmer_2879@reddit
Cars last longer than ever.
jaybird6638@reddit
You would be suprised at how many people view a car thats broken as stright up junk
Mackinnon29E@reddit
What if they don't learn?
Cranks_No_Start@reddit
Unless he convinces her otherwise …
FA <---- She is here at the moment.
FO
Billy7319@reddit
This wins the interwebz today
Pretend_Ad_8465@reddit
Not if you are the one to pick up the pieces when the finding out part comes around.
Tallguystrongman@reddit
Except the finding out part would have to include him not coming to her rescue when she does find out.
snoopcat1995@reddit
Agreed but allowing for trial and error doesn't always guarantee a desired result. Sadly, I speak from experience.
Apollo2068@reddit
TIL the bronco can have a 3 cylinder, which is wild
cbcarguy@reddit (OP)
The baby Bronco does , the big one has a 2.3 Ecoboost 4 cylinder which has been proven as well as a proven 2.7 Ecoboost V6
Germerican1@reddit
"2.7l v6" just makes me sad. I hate every modern car having a puny little engine overworking so hard
bigloser42@reddit
It’s not even a baby bronco, it’s just an escape in a different suit. It has nothing in common with the actual Bronco.
HugeYak4354@reddit
I drove a 2011 Escape for a decade and it was the biggest piece of shit imaginable. Do not buy, do not drive. It only held on that long because my commute was short.
TechnicoloMonochrome@reddit
Was it a 4 cylinder? My wife has had a 2012 with the 3.0 and it's been a damn good car for us. We've had it since 2017. You still see them on the road but it seems like the only ones still being driven are the higher trims with the V6
Eastern-Afternoon538@reddit
Yeah my buddies had a 4.0 and it’s got 250k miles all it needed was a maf sensor
slickrok@reddit
My 2016 was for work and I put about 150k on that sucker in 5 years, a decent amount of it off road. It was great.
HugeYak4354@reddit
It was a 4 cylinder, yeah. Totally anemic powertrain, just awful to drive.
yarglof1@reddit
I had a 2010 hybrid with 350k on it, it was great!
jaybird6638@reddit
The previous owner of the vehicle screwed you over big time thats why you always get a multipoint inspection done on the car before buying especially when the car is legally old enough to drive
DotBitGaming@reddit
Except, you know.... The FUCKING NAME.
kyson1@reddit
I mean they tried that with the Bronco II also, and again, doesn't share anything with a real Bronco besides PART of it's name.
DotBitGaming@reddit
Yeah, that kind of things drives me nuts though. Like it or not, the company that named it, named it Bronco. So it's a Bronco. That's like looking at some guy named Steve and saying he's just John in a different body. Like... What??
kyson1@reddit
No, it's a Bronco Sport, not a Bronco. Two different things. It's like saying George W Bush and George Washington are the same person because part of their name is the same, they aren't.
DotBitGaming@reddit
I was taking about the guy above saying it's just an Escape.
bigloser42@reddit
…the Bronco sport is what I was talking about, and it’s quite literally an escape with different body panels.
DotBitGaming@reddit
It's also a VW Beetle. Just with a different engine, transmission, frame, wheels, body and interior.
Thegrozzbbq@reddit
Actually in a 1000 mile race across the sands in Mexico. Both vehicles mostly stock, the Sport finished first and the full size finished 2nd. Both have off road cred.
Taco_Del_Grande@reddit
Can you provide further detail? I cannot find anything about the Bronco Sport competing in an offroad race in Mexico.
Thegrozzbbq@reddit
https://www.google.com/search?q=bronco+sport+wins+race&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari
serpentman@reddit
That’s not what happened…
I think you are referring to 2024?
http://www.scoring.rebellerally.com/Display_Results.php?Class=4x4&Group=A
Also not what happened on 2025…
https://scoring.rebellerally.com/live/standings.php
Thegrozzbbq@reddit
Not a tough google search really.
Taco_Del_Grande@reddit
I googled "bronco sport beats bronco in offroad race", "bronco sport 1000 mile offroad race", "bronco sport offroad race mexico", and similar other searches. It looks like your comment had the details wrong, so I didn't get accurate results.
umrdyldo@reddit
Revelle Rally maybe idk
NetDork@reddit
I think a stock Bronco Sport tackled Hell's Revenge at Moab, too.
No_Profession4626@reddit
Isnt it 3.2 and 2.7
rhythim313@reddit
Wrong Bronco. OP is talking about thr Bronco Sport, which is an Escape wrapped in a shoebox.
No_Profession4626@reddit
My bad. Don't think I've even seen one, or noticed at least
kyson1@reddit
Definitely not noticed, as they're all over the place. They sell ~100-125k a year.
Dry-Window-2852@reddit
The 2.3 is the ranger ecoboost isn’t it?
cbcarguy@reddit (OP)
It’s in the full size bronco , ranger, Ecoboost Mustang and explorer
savixr@reddit
Thank goodness ford took the mzr design from Mazda for those eco boosts
Happycappybara21@reddit
That’s crazy. Wonder why they haven’t made it with the same hubrid system in the maverick
overindulgent@reddit
I believe the Maverick is AWD and the Bronco sport is not.
bgax76@reddit
Bronco sport is awd. No fwd option.
overindulgent@reddit
Hmmm. Then it is interesting they don’t run that hybrid option.
bsmn69@reddit
They don't make the maverick
Tallguystrongman@reddit
They do. Ford makes it but it’s assembled in Mexico.
ChemistRemote7182@reddit
Ford doesn't make the Ford Maverick?
anonymous123556890@reddit
What are you talking about?
solbrothers@reddit
It would cut into sales of other vehicles
Apollo2068@reddit
“Big”
unfeaxgettable@reddit
It’s worse than you think btw
serpentman@reddit
Bronco Sport… is more Escape than Bronco.
BlueMonday2082@reddit
It’s such an incredibly bad engine…possibly the worst in post-war Ford history.
ExchangeApart2144@reddit
It has been a perfect little car for grandma who used to drive a big bronco in the 80s. Haven’t had any trouble out of it, but I also went ahead and did all warranties as I know trouble will come one day. But it makes her so happy.
BillyRubenJoeBob@reddit
3 cylinder with turbo.
Deeznutzcustomz@reddit
I actually considered a Bronco sport because they look good and we all love those old Broncos and hey it’s back. But a 1.5 3cyl in a vehicle like that? That ain’t right.
Prior_Arm_8810@reddit
"Unreliable"
"Ford guy"
Hey man, i agree but idk if you can talk
/s
Appropriate-Gap34@reddit
As a parent I have to be willing to watch my kid break her arm doing what she loves (gymnastics). You are at that place with your girlfriend. Let her, but convince her to get an extended warranty. Flood and Granger Ford will sell Ford ones cheap online.
Then-Relief9957@reddit
She could buy a Toyota and neither of you would have to worry.
BusDifferent372@reddit
As long as you are not committed to each other financially and share finances then let it ride and let her find out for herself
bmwlocoAirCooled@reddit
As long as your name is not on the title, let her learn. But you are correct. Ford mucked up hugely on the 1.4 3cylinder.
Should have used Subaru 3 cylinder - counter balancer.
Gorgenapper@reddit
Is this the engine with the oil pump belt that's running inside the oil pan, constantly covered in engine oil?
Careful_Farmer_2879@reddit
Leave her alone. Just don’t bail her out.
Men buy unreliable cars that they love all the time. Usually sports cars.
AtomicKoalaJelly@reddit
You've no concept of how relationships work or how what one does affects the other do you?
darkearwig@reddit
It would be maddening to watch someone you care for spend 30k or more on a vehicle that's unreliable when they could have had much better quality for a little bit more
Careful_Farmer_2879@reddit
It’s not just about reliability, or no one would drive anything but a Toyota.
This is a new car with a 5-year warranty. OP is going to be have three more long-term relationships by the time his current girlfriend is shelling out money on major repairs.
darkearwig@reddit
It's literally the same car with a more reliable engine in it. This isn't asking to change brands or models, it's literally just advising on a better engine for the same vehicle. This isn't even in the same ballpark as your statement, but surely you realize that.
Careful_Farmer_2879@reddit
OP provided his advice. Now it is his time to shut uppppp.
darkearwig@reddit
It doesn't sound like she has understood his point.
slickrok@reddit
So effing what?
And someone disagreeing doesn't mean they didn't understand. Someone just saying no and not wanting to do what you would do, means nothing. Controlling is ugly. Give an opinion, the reasons, and back tf out. Period. Don't do that crap to people, it's not your life.
Over_Explanation1790@reddit
That's not universally true.
And there is a difference between buying a $100 item that is junk and buying a $30,000 item that is junk, especially when there are additional costs of ownership, even when functioning normally, assuming one can afford $100 and not $30,000.
I disagree with your last sentence for this reason: it's not the OP's life if the person who made the mistake does not involve the OP in addressing the problem. But if the person now needs rides and gets stranded, etc and involves the OP, then it DOES become the OP's life.
No good SO would hear of their SO being in distress and saying to them "It's not my life".
darkearwig@reddit
If someone was gonna buy a turd and they said "why would they sell feces? That doesn't make sense" I would 100% do everything I can to make sure they don't buy said turd
Careful_Farmer_2879@reddit
Everything?
darkearwig@reddit
Yep, even that
Careful_Farmer_2879@reddit
Yeah? You’d slash her tires so she can’t go to the dealership? Hide her wallet? Chain her to a radiator?
extrafrostingtoday@reddit
That's not the point. You gave them the information. It's up to them to make the decision. They're allowed to like what they like no matter the reasoning behind it.
motoMACKzwei@reddit
You’re right, she is allowed to. She just better not come crying to OP with all its issues, that’s her problem to deal with now. I also see an issue with OP’s girlfriend not really taking into consideration OP’s opinion and knowledge…she’s allowed to buy as she pleases, he’s also allowed to leave.
Careful_Farmer_2879@reddit
Buy the car he wants or he’s leaving?
motoMACKzwei@reddit
It’s not about buying the car he wants. Your significant other is supposed to take your opinion into consideration when making decisions that will impact both of your futures. Having a piece of shit car can be a major stressor between them going forward, as well as a financial burden. Having a shitty car is incredibly expensive, time consuming, and stressful when you need a vehicle.
Careful_Farmer_2879@reddit
Considered and rejected though. Ball is now in OP’s court. Trying to control her at this point is not OK.
motoMACKzwei@reddit
You’re reaching. If you want a successful relationship, you need to make these decisions together, even before marriage. Marriage is just making what you have legal, there shouldn’t be any changes past that. If you’re waiting until marriage to work as one, it’s a bit late.
Careful_Farmer_2879@reddit
OP is not succeeding here
motoMACKzwei@reddit
We agree on that.
motorwerkx@reddit
He's pointing her towards the same thing but without the reliability issues. She doesn't like the 3 cylinder, she likes the price tag. She won't like having it in the garage all of the time.
Don't get me wrong, is say my piece and let her blow her money on a hunk of shit. I wouldn't let it be my problem when it's inevitably a problem. Not everyone is that callous and uncairng though. It's hard for some people to watch the people they care about make a mistake. Especially one that is so easy to avoid. She can have what she wants and for a little more money it will be significantly more reliable.
Careful_Farmer_2879@reddit
Do you drive a Toyota Camry? How would you like living with someone who wouldn’t shut up about it?
darkearwig@reddit
You keep trying to equate this to a totally different scenario. A different engine option isn't telling someone to go to a different vehicle make or model. Telling someone that a variant of what they are buying is way more dependable is a kind thing to do. Much like how you can't seem to grasp this concept, the girlfriend can't seem to fathom the difference in engines.
Careful_Farmer_2879@reddit
I understand it plenty. The information was given. And repeated. Probably a third or forth time. This is no longer kindness.
Mundane-External3462@reddit
New toyotas are junk. Most of the manufacturers make at least a few decent vehicles (GM not included)
kyson1@reddit
Except Toyota hasn't been Toyota reliable in a long time, especially not post-COVID, and they don't sell vehicles to satisfy all categories of vehicles that people need.
deleriumtriggr@reddit
This was me with my bmw. Not much for problems - every time I drive it, it makes my day better. I budgeted about 10k for a major repair one day.
Wrong_Supermarket007@reddit
you wouldn’t let a girlfriend do crack and say it’s ok, it’s their choice
Colonol-Panic@reddit
I would
MaddiQ1@reddit
But you won’t stop them from doing it. These things make me think not letting them vote was not without thought
slickrok@reddit
Tf is wrong with you
slickrok@reddit
Um, you can't STOP them, any more than you can force a drunk to quit or a smoker to stop. Get real. You don't have control over, or a say in, anyone else unless they ask and agree.
JSTootell@reddit
Speaking as a guy who intentionally bought a Wrangler...
😂
Neat-Relationship345@reddit
Cars and women just don’t mix. Let her make the call. I wouldn’t get entangled in any of her finances regardless of your relationship status.
Neat-Relationship345@reddit
Should have prefaced that by saying 95% of women don't mix well with cars. When a single female enters a car lot for a purchase she is taken to the cleaners more than you can imagine. Daughter told me she was buying a car. I said I will give you one piece of advice. Have your financing or money in hand before you walk on the lot. Nope. Saw the contract. Paid MSRP plus a huge addendum on a Kia. Saw the contract in the glove box and almost vomited. 19.99% APR stretched over 6 years from the friendly finance manager. There were high fives all around as she pulled out of the dealership.
Next thing you will tell me is that women are good at buying tires. Sorry, their not.
slickrok@reddit
Guess who ain't so gud at spelling, man?
Careful_Farmer_2879@reddit
Men buy unreliable cars all the time, bud.
mikeysd123@reddit
Typically the men buying unreliable sports cars are wrenching on said cars themselves and usually will have a reliable daily driver…
Sure it’s covered by the dealer if something happens but no one likes having their car stuck in the shop for god knows how long potentially. I agree with you though i’d let her find out.
StuffIanWrote@reddit
Agreed and echoing the warranty part. If the one she gets is a headache, she’ll almost certainly trade it for something else before the warranty runs up. This is something to present facts on once, then let her make an adult decision.
And also, the internet amplifies every issue with every vehicle. (Actually, just every issue. Not just with vehicles.) I had a 2014 Ford Focus as my primary car from 2018 to 2024. It had a DCT transmission that generally speaking was bad enough to involve litigation and Ford admitting it wasn’t a good design. Mine had the clutches done once in 170,000+ miles. I still see tons of those things on the road.
I’m not defending that transmission. But I’m using it as an example of something that gets overblown, particularly by people who’ve never had one. People wanting to sound smart online will speak of it as if every one of them gets a new transmission every 5000 miles when the engine oil is changed.
Heykurat@reddit
This is the correct response. It's her money to spend, but be very clear that you are not her safety net when she starts having problems with the car. You are not her transportation. She can take an Uber.
CaptainZhon@reddit
You can’t. The only way they will learn is self-learn. Unfortunately you will be directly tied to it.
Dadskander@reddit
I had some friends who spent $700k building a brand new house, custom build. We congratulated them, then asked if they'd like my wife to look over the plans for them to see if there were any considerations to think of. Free advice.
My wife is a licensed professional Architect. Having an actual architect look over the design of a home with a fine tooth comb is thousands of dollars.
They turned us down. Biggest expense of their life and they just kinda #YOLO'd it, then acted surprised when there was a coat closet forgotten, windows that should open that didn't, huge areas of the house lacked any natural light, and about a dozen other fuckups that they must now live with for the next few decades.
You can give extremely good advice to people, be it for small things or big, and you just kinda have to smile and nod while they do fuck all about it and steam right ahead off that cliff.
Gorgenapper@reddit
You can't help friends with advice, I have learned this. With this one friend, I noticed that when he tied his shoelaces, he tied them in the same direction twice and kept complaining that the laces came undone too easily.
Without thinking about it, I suggested that he tied them one direction, then reverse the laces and tie in the other, the forces will counteract one another and the laces will not come undone. He looked at me like I was trying to teach him how to do a basic life skill (not really the intent) and said he had been doing what he did for his whole life.
I mean, it's just tying shoelaces and not like financial advice, or architectural review, but from there on I basically let him do whatever he wanted even if it was clearly going to screw him over (ie. buying GICs that pay 3% over 5 years when his goal was to grow the money for retirement).
Another friend looked at a replacement car and I tried to steer him to a Toyota. He bought a Hyundai and now it's falling apart after only 4 years. I don't say anything about this stuff anymore.
YeahIGotNuthin@reddit
“Why do they keep selling the car if it’s not any good?”
BECAUSE THEY MAKE MONEY THAT WAY.
PEOPLE USED TO SELL MILK THAT HAD WATER WITH TALC MIXED IN, before FDA existed and that was made illegal, because it’s cheaper to sell it that way
Choice_Branch_4196@reddit
Just look at all the Stellantis products. Or maybe the Pinto...
kyson1@reddit
Pinto is a great car, as long as you don't get rear ended.
Choice_Branch_4196@reddit
But rather than fix the issue, Ford "did the math" thinking it would be cheaper to keep selling something bad than fixing it. Historical issue.
unclejoe1917@reddit
And if they could get away with making it even shittier, they would.
dalekaup@reddit
Also talc contains asbestos. Yummy.
Talentless_Cooking@reddit
But it tastes so good!
Get_your_grape_juice@reddit
It tastes as best as it can!
PrefrontalCortexNow@reddit
Bro, we had lead in our paint and gas
Tumbleweed1708@reddit
Pull up all of the research and consumer reviews on it. If she can't get the logic....
bigred83@reddit
As a master tech for the last 20 years. Everyone asks my opinion. I give it to them. They’re going to do what they want to do. Let them live their lives
Whiyefox21@reddit
How do you feel about the maverick hybrids?
bigred83@reddit
I don’t know much about them honestly. If they use the same rear end as the baby broncos be careful, they keep those things at stock at the ford dealer near me 🤣
william_f_murray@reddit
They do indeed use the exact same t-case/driveshaft/diff setup.
CompasslessPigeon@reddit
Not the guy above, but the maverick hybrid and EB both have pretty good reliability metrics. The eCVT that the hybrid uses is based on the prius design and is considered bullet proof.
I have an EB personally. Its been spectacular. Occasionally the software can get a little buggy on the infotainment system, but the same was true in my civic and my forester.
Elitepikachu@reddit
Customer wants to wind up in a ditch? We'll It's not my car so idc.
bigred83@reddit
I’ve told plenty of people their car is unsafe to drive, for multitudes of reasons. Brakes, tires, suspension, etc. I’ve made it clear on their inspection, video and on the repair order. I’ve seen people load their families into those same cars they refused to fix. You can’t fix stupid.
theaveragegazoo@reddit
I own a dealership, the 2.0 is also shit if it makes you feel better.
swiss-y@reddit
Show her the facts, the bronco sport is THE most unsold car in lots across America. No one wants them.
TitanPolus@reddit
If you can convince her to lease one that might be a solid compromise.
poho110@reddit
I'd explain it like this, Mc. Donald's sells a lot of burgers. Some people even like them. Doesn't make them good though.
way-of-the-lab@reddit
Those car reliability scores are based on overall car reliability. Could be cars that have a bunch of minor issues, not necessarily motor issues or catastrophic issues.
Though I did just look it up, and that shit seems like a ticking timebomb 🤣🤣🤣
Dude nothing you can do about. Some people only learn the hard way.
Constant_Spite_1476@reddit
Ask her why they sell floppy papper plates when it cant hold a bit of food on its own? Because they can and people buy it.
Id say just make sure she is extremely clear that you warned her and will have no part in paying for anything with it.
EfficientAd7103@reddit
I broke up with a girlfriend who bought one. LOL. what a pos car.
jaspnlv@reddit
You don't. She is operating on feelings and not logic. She wants it because the idea makes her feel good. No amount of logic will combat that. Let her buy it, with her money and tell her in no uncertain terms that the repair cost is her responsibility and the shut up.
Hot-Pea-6049@reddit
Statically the 1.5 will fail faster than the 2.0, EVEN with her doing everything right, even with it being new from factory. If she wants a boxy sport utility vehicle, show her an XJ Cherokee.
NeedleGunMonkey@reddit
Your best bet is to pull up the reliability reports from a good source. Then let it go. It isn’t worth the headache.
logicalpiranha@reddit
The girl or the car?
allgear_noidea@reddit
Yes
unclejoe1917@reddit
Dump her around the 40k mark.
IncoherentAnalyst@reddit
"Honey, I surveyed your exes and compiled the results into what I like to call your 'reliability report'. It does not look good..."
KartoffelLoeffel@reddit
Every day is a day that you choose whether you’re going to be a Peugeot or a Toyota
ShoddyHorse_@reddit
Get her out and driving different things. Bring some miscellaneous screws or similar items and put them in the doors so it rattles when she drives it. Point out that it looks like random screws may have fallen out and reiterate that it’s an unreliable car.
Small bottle of oil or other liquid, drive it and have her park in a random lot, hope out to do a walk around and pour some under the car and point out that it’s leaking.
Ask her to test drive other vehicles and point out all the good features.
Find other reviews and articles online that prove your point and send them to her.
KirroKit@reddit
Explain like this "how much money do you spend on a good vehicle with a sound engine after you buy it? Oil changes. How much do you spend on a vehicle that doesn't have a good engine and continuously needs fixed? Thousands. More money in a vehicle that isn't built to last."
See if the higher trim level has some quality of life features she might like. I don't know anything about Ford Broncos but like rain sensing wipers are amazing. A difference like that may convince her as well.
Higher trim level means higher trade value when she's ready for something else as well. Might not be a huge difference but it's there. It's more up front as well tho.
No-Door-4968@reddit
Counterpoint - she sounds cool. Some people prioritize style and getting what they want over practicality and what color circle consumer reports hands out. I’d rather drive 100,000 miles and have some repairs on something that I genuinely enjoyed than suffer in the RAV4 that’s what I’m “supposed” to drive.
Mundane-External3462@reddit
I love the "why do they sell it if it's not good" after being told why it isn't any good.She's proving the point of why they sell it. Stay away from ALL 3 Cylinders, and preferably do not get a bronco sport as they are one of the biggest piles of junk on the road, coming from a Ford fan.
KartoffelLoeffel@reddit
I have tried SO many times, but it feels like my voice is for decoration
WorkerEquivalent4278@reddit
Not easy. Hopefully she will test drive it and not like something. Otherwise she’s making that not so good and definitely emotional decision. My ex insisted on an Acura MDX that had a huge lease payment and got 2 mpg better than my 50 year old Buick special. Couldn’t talk her out of it either. Just don’t get married anytime soon, as these bad decisions don’t go away.
joemc225@reddit
See if your GF will lease, instead of buy. Then you'll both be happy.
NigeriaSix@reddit
Starting pricing out the maintenance and frequent issues. Put it on paper for her to see what the consequences of her corner cuts will cause
FarArea1814@reddit
Eh they can’t be that bad, use the right oil, don’t abuse the engine or use any of the modes like economy or sport, if it’s just a daily driver then she’ll be fine. If you want ANY car to last 200k miles get ready to spend a pretty penny. Me and my dad are engine rebuilders and he just got a bronco sport with the 1.5. We’ve never worked on any engines to know about them but that’s a good sign right? Meanwhile those Honda 1.5s we get 3 a week and they’re 2019s
joeblogs2000@reddit
There’s so many new 2025’s still available, I think that’s a good sign that it’s a shit car
Grand-Mission-9457@reddit
Why fight it. Let her learn, its her money.
ToolObsessed@reddit
Well... if she refuses to listen to simple advice from someone much more knowledgeable than her then I would 100% leave the relationship. Imagine dealing with difficult subjects.
aeternumvaga@reddit
Please remind her and yourself that FORD is an acronym, Found on Road Dead
LetsGoToMichigan@reddit
A non-badlands bronco sport is basically just a 2005 Escape with new badging, except less reliable. All you can do is present the facts, but she's a grown woman and you can't make someone do anything. If her lack of pragmatism in her approach to car buying worries you, keep in mind that this could bleed over into other dimensions of life as a long term partner. This isn't really about her in the end - it's about how you feel about someone making decisions in this way.
ThePoltageist@reddit
Make her test drive one, if she still wants it, lease one new, even trash cars usually make it through the lease period, and if they don’t the dealership will give you a loaner while they fix it on their dime. If she really really still wants it at the end of the lease and you haven’t talked her out of it, you may have to buy it out if she absolutely love it. My lady wanted a Chevy trax, and not one of the newer more reliable years because she doesn’t like how it looks, got her into a vw Tiguan after all was said and done, did have to deal with an issue left by the previous owners decision to take it to a repair shop that doesn’t usually work on vws or did a shitty job working on this one, but after that one major repair it’s just been maintenance stuff.
Infinite-Past7640@reddit
Does she want/need the vehicle for a specific reason or just brand and looks?
Subaru and Toyota have great vehicles if off-roading is the goal. If it’s just the look of the vehicle she is interested in, you are fcked.
somethingwitty94@reddit
As a former ford tech, the only good motor ford has out right now is the NA 3.7L V6.
quast_64@reddit
Just make her sign a declaration that says you tried. but she went with her own considerations. (this might actually make her reconsider/look for more info)
Because everybody knows that when the time comes OP, You would be blamed for this fiasco.
Turbulent-Today830@reddit
Just take it as a 🚩 and move on
Trust me
Heqler@reddit
Is it (1.5) really that bad of an engine? I have a friend who just hit 90,000 miles in his, and it hasn’t had any issues
niccotaglia@reddit
Is it the same 1.5 as the one in the Fiesta ST?
basherrc1234@reddit
Explain this to her if she gets it and it breaks immediately you will not help her get anywhere or help fix it
YandereValkyrie@reddit
Sometimes you gotta let someone have their 'Character building moment' and it's the only way they'll learn..
KatarnsBeard@reddit
Just let her buy it and eventually realise it was the wrong decision, the more you push now the more she pushes back
JehovasWitnesProtect@reddit
Are you going to still be with her in 50K miles?
Independent-Sky-9611@reddit
Get a new girlfriend
Mauceri1990@reddit
Why would they keep selling wood if you can build things out of steel? Because better things cost more and poor people can't buy them, so we need a poor version so we can get the poor people's money too.
TheSmokedPotatoe@reddit
Those engines arnt that bad. I wouldn’t trust one in something that big and heavy mind
Longjumping_Pilot840@reddit
Ask her if she wants to sink 10k+ into a cheap poorly kitted car in 4 years time or spend 5k to have a nicer car now and it not go wrong
Queasy-Dream-4398@reddit
Been through this myself, the Mrs insisted on a VW T-Rock. All I could do was get her to get the larger engine version.
It's already had to go back to the dealer for the aircon, I'm now just waiting for the major issues to begin.
j_eremy@reddit
Start by telling her to "Calm down". I find that works every time to start a conversation like this.
SurlyJohn009@reddit
My last GF before I got married loved Range Rovers, Land Rovers, all of them. One of the worst SUV brands on the planet, makes Ford look bulletproof.
I showed her the maintenance records from MSN and KBB, even JD Power all saying how unreliable they are. She just disagreed and told me, "You are trying to control my decision." She bought a Range Rover without me, I refused to see her waste that much money. She worked for Nike at the time, I'll come back to this.
She calls me at 1:30 am about a month after purchasing the clunker. It's dead on the side of the road and she is stranded in a fairly sketchy part of town. I go get her, she has the clunker towed to the dealership. Happens 3 more times in about 6 months.
I tell her about Lemon Laws and how her very expensive clunker is eligible. She still argues, she will not admit she wasted $72k on this lemon. Finally I start the process to have it bought back as a true Lemon.
Nike lays her off the next week. She fights with me constantly, saying I am smug and should have stopped her from buying it. I told her I did all I could to inform her, and I got the huge payments removed as they bought back the lemon. She lost about $3,000 total, not bad actually. I finally just called it off.
You can definitely show her the reliablity issues, and try to influ her to buy a better engine model. But you can't change some people's purching habits.
DryClerk4285@reddit
My mom is a Jeep person.. She’s had a Jeep Grand Cherokee my whole life, the 1994 model she had was actually pretty reliable, unfortunately that model skewed her perspective on Jeeps, now Jeep is “The best and most reliable” and she buys nothing but Jeeps.. The issue is she’s now on her 7th? 8th? since 2008 and there’s absolutely no changing her mind no matter how many times I try to tell her how horrible they are.. She just blew $20k on a Compass last year and it’s already been in the shop 3 times for transmission issues.. You just can’t talk sense into some people..
corndoggy67@reddit
Well and with a compass she's not even driving a jeep anymore. It's he same brand but the difference between a new compass and a 94 Grand Cherokee is dramatic. She went from one of their flagship models to an economy 2wd shitbox that's is basically a dodge hornet/Fiat 500x. Woof
Careful_Farmer_2879@reddit
You never should have been that involved in a girlfriend’s finances. Should have broken up well before that.
Marriage, that is different.
SurlyJohn009@reddit
She was talking marriage with me weekly, I completely agree with you. If we were not talking about a long term future, I would have never said word one. Her money to lose.
I'm a "car guy", my father had 8 muscle cars at one point. I learned a lot listening to him and watching him. I married my next gf, Alex knew it was on my mind.
Hopeful_Morning_469@reddit
Best advice just tell her to sell it before the warranty is up. People like the cars they like. And then they need to drive them for a year or two to realize how much they actually hate them. She might realize that car sucks if she doesn’t like it years before the warranty is even up.
sam56778@reddit
Good luck. My wife has a 2015 Sorento with a 2.4. I’ve already replaced the engine once. I tried and tried to get her to sell it. She won’t budge.
zinten789@reddit
Buy a used real bronco
TenurialMarlin7@reddit
You can only help so far reccomend other cars if not. Or hate to break it to you. Let her get on with it. Otherwise it’s I’ll be your fault.
Both_Painter_9186@reddit
A lot of women when a man - especially their significant other - tells them to do or not to do something they really want to do or not do - automatically default to thinking the man’s being a mysogonyst prick and immediately close off. It doesn’t matter if the mans intentions are 100% genuine to protect them or help them out. It could literally be “hey hun, I was in this EXACT SAME SITUATION once before and something bad happened because I did THE THING YOU’RE ABOUT TO DO, you should do this instead.” They don’t care. The only solutions are to let them FAFO, or find a friend who they’ll listen to and tell them your concern and ask them to mention it.
jse000@reddit
“ then why do they keep selling the car if it’s not good??? “
Your girl seems not very smart.
cbcarguy@reddit (OP)
She’s not a car person at all while I have a whole collection of model mustangs and broncos , so there’s that
jse000@reddit
I'm not a fishing person, but I could probably make a decent go at buying a fishing pole that won't break with maybe 30 minutes of research.
MPR78@reddit
The correct answer is "because uninformed people like you keep buying them"
TorkSpex@reddit
My wife was in a similar boat. She wanted the Big Bronco with the 2.3T. That thing was just so loud and unrefined and too expensive with few feature. The 3 banger baby Bronco was also unrefined. When you get to the Badlands, you get the balanced 2.0T and interior ANC along with the fake Mustang sound track. But the ANC and power really made it a more refined experience. Luckily they wanted $43k for a turd Bronco Sport. She's also luckily no dummy and got the CRV Hybrid Touring for $38k. Soo much nicer of a vehicle with decent gas mileage. Glad I dodged having either of those Ford turds in my driveway.
Mother-Compote-2062@reddit
Dang, going from the big Bronco to a CRV Hybrid is one hell of a turn.
TorkSpex@reddit
Ya it is. She has a bit of remorse as the Big Bronco she could take the top off. The CR-V is nice, but a bit boring inside. It's phenomenal to drive on road (we do zero off roading, but I bet the AWD would keep up with the Bronco Sport.) The hybrid system is fairly unique in how seemless it is. I drove a 2026 RAV-4 and it was about as unrefined as the 3-cylinder Bronco Sport. I liked the Hybrid system so much on the CR-V that I bought a Civic Hybrid Sport for my kid. It's much peppier in a 3200 pound car vs an almost 4000 pound one.
Mother-Compote-2062@reddit
They need to bring back soft top or removable hardtop SUVs that aren't purpose built off roaders like the Bronco/Wrangler. Remember the Geo Tracker/Suzuki Sidekick, the Isuzu Amigo, the 1st Gen 4Runner? Hell, even the 1st Gen RAV4 had a soft top if you went for the 2 door.
MaintenanceAnnual263@reddit
*nice reference to boats
sir_thatguy@reddit
Shop around for a decent extended warranty. My credit union offered one when I bought my last vehicle through them. It was actually reasonable but then again, I was buying a Tacoma.
Tractorguy69@reddit
Show her the jd powers ratings and similar, even just google the year and model like this (2025 Bronco reliability and issues) https://www.google.com/search?q=2025+Ford+Bronco+reliability+and+issues&client=safari&hs=xNzp&sca_esv=27673ac106d4cf34&hl=en-ca&ei=q80batO_J4um0PEPn-_20AE&biw=320&bih=561&oq=2025+Ford+Bronco+reliability+and+issues&gs_lp=EhNtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1zZXJwIicyMDI1IEZvcmQgQnJvbmNvIHJlbGlhYmlsaXR5IGFuZCBpc3N1ZXMyCBAAGIAEGKIEMgUQABjvBTIFEAAY7wUyCBAAGIAEGKIEMggQABiABBiiBEi6wANQ9KkCWNe3A3AGeAGQAQCYAdEBoAGCH6oBBjQuMjcuMbgBA8gBAPgBAZgCJqAC4yDCAgoQABiwAxjWBBhHwgICECnCAggQABiiBBiJBcICBBAhGAqYAwCIBgGQBgiSBwY2LjMxLjGgB5t8sgcGMC4zMS4xuAe8IMIHCDAuMy4zMy4yyAe4AYAIAA&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-serp#lfId=ChxjMe clearly there’s are not great vehicles and it isn’t even mentioning the 3 cylinder engine, but rather the V6 which historically in other chassis has been problematic. Of she won’t listen they’re likely isn’t anything you can do and she’ll need to learn the hard way.
FreeSp1r1ted@reddit
My ex m-wife was like that.
She insisted on a mini cooper. I kept pushing for a BmW M3 with naturally aspirated v8. I begged her to just go a test drive. Got the - Don’t force your opinion on me crap.
One day, we are pulling next to a car and she says, wow! I how I can but that car.
I told her - That’s the M3 convertible I offered to buy for you.
Run away as quickly as possible.
atcaw94@reddit
A Mini Cooper over an M3 convertible?... 😆 Hell, I'll marry you for an M3 vert, lol.
PracticableSolution@reddit
I’ve been married for three decades. Do not pick your significant other’s cars for them. Offer advice when asked, honest opinions when forced, and support them with whatever they choose regardless. Trust me on this.
If it’s not her choice, every little thing that is even perceived as an issue with the car will be your fault. If it his her choice and she loves it, it could shit transmission gears and she will still love it.
atcaw94@reddit
Been married 45 years, good advice. Although I'm lucky, the wife actually listens when it comes to cars. I wrenched on my own cars until I got to old, lol. Helps also that she listens to our youngest son, who's a mechanic.
Illustrious_One_3364@reddit
I was trying to get my girlfriend out of Citroen ds3 with a 1.4 vti engine. Every euro mechanic knows that the engines are shit. First week alternator stoped working and the coolant pump started leaking. Then it was the seat belt not retracting. Now shes waiting for me to pull the head off because the 4th cylinder has 2 bar of compression. Still doesnt realize her mistake...
Chrisju22@reddit
How are you gonna try to talk someone out of an unreliable car but also say you’re a ford guy 😭
UpbeatPhilosophySJ@reddit
I’m having visions of Hulk Hogan talking about seeing his soon to be ex’s car being driven by her boyfriend going the other way down the street.
No_Cherry_1423@reddit
They fixed the 3 cylinder calm down
CaliforniaNavyDude@reddit
Ford had a lawsuit over how apocalypticly bad the transmission was in the Fiesta and Focus. It was so bad, they quick making them after that generation. Hundreds of thousands of premature failures and a $3 billion dollar loss for them settling all the problems the transmission caused. It had 6 years they made it, even though problems became apparent maybe a year into its release.
Ford will make a bad car through its entire planned model run without fixing it.
Kqzxh-900355@reddit
You pick a different gf
DotBitGaming@reddit
A car? Like a whole ass car with a 1.5L engine? And an SUV to boot? Is it even made out of metal? Or just canvas and balsa wood like the original Wright Flyer? I'd be more concerned she won't reach highway speeds from a stand still with a short ramp.
StrawberyVillain@reddit
The bronco sport is just a shitty car to begin with. Like what even is the target audience of it.
ScaryfatkidGT@reddit
2021’s-2024’s could option the 2.0 on lower trims…
Otherwise cough up the difference for the badlands for her? Or search constantly and find a deal on a badlands?
Interesting-Rough528@reddit
My daughters have had four between the two of them. No issues. Two bronco sports and two escapes. I guess it might be the luck of the draw.
TheDecoyDuck@reddit
If it's got a warranty just make sure she gets all services documented and if it goes out before warranty, no problem. I'd get rid of it after warranty tho.
Soithascometothistoo@reddit
Tell her she can buy it and then, when something happens, she's not allowed to get mad when you give her the old "I told you so".
I've got one brewing with my wife when she insisted on a Nissan Kicks
mikewilson2020@reddit
If its a wet belt you can get a chain conversion from chainpro in uk
WuTangwhite426@reddit
Ask her if she knows more about cars than you. If she acknowledges she doesn't, ask her why she won't take the advice of someone with more experience and knowledge. Doesn't sound smart to me.
If she didn't use logic and reason to come up with her idea you won't be able to use logic and reason to convince her she's wrong or right
toybuilder@reddit
Find something that she's more discriminating about... Coffee, clothing, cosmetics, computers, cookware, etc. Then ask if buying the low quality item is the best decision or if it mattress sense to spend a little more for quality.
Different_Cherry8326@reddit
Pretty much any new car should last at least 10 years or 100,000 miles with routine maintenance only, and probably substantially longer than that.
Neat-Relationship345@reddit
Whaaat? Those days are long gone. 22-25 Toyota Tundras are blowing motors in as little as 5K miles. Recall to replace over 100K bad engines. But GM is even worse. Transmissions going south at 20-30K miles, dynamic fuel management system creating lifter failures, and the top of the line 6.2 liter V8 having main bearing and connecting rod failure in less than 50K miles. The entire line of Chevy and GMC trucks and full sized SUV’s are complete garbage with a laundry list of TSB’s and multiple class action lawsuits. Getting to 100K miles without a major issue would now take some luck.
kingdick900@reddit
Ummmmmmmm you don't my guy, she's gonna buy it then blame you for letting her buy it once it breaks down lmfao 🤣
Bug_406@reddit
You don't. Mine now has a Murano and the internet tells me the CVT will eat itself any minute now. I have a 2019 Cummins i bought new during the lock down stuff (the price was really good), and the internet also told me it's the worst Cummins ever. 100k no hiccups. Your mileage may vary..
Fwiw, I've heard the 2025+ no longer use the wet belt for the oil pump, so that's a plus.
IntelligentRevenue39@reddit
Could be worse ... it could be a Stellantis vehicle, like any flavor of Jeep.
JSTootell@reddit
Yeah only a moron buys one of those.
(Shit, I'm one of them)
plainsfiddle@reddit
not taking your advice is a red flag. If you're feeling kind, you can articulate this clearly so she has a chance to course correct.
NumerousMango2256@reddit
Put it on a lease. My gf wants a heritage. I’m a Toyota guy and everything to my core is against it but it’s gonna make her happy. At least on a lease maintenance won’t be too much of a hassle.
WoodenNet8388@reddit
You tell her it’s a very unreliable car and will most likely cost her a ton of money. After that, she gets to make her own decisions because yall aren’t married so it’s up to her for now
Better_Particular146@reddit
The Vehicle she wants might be awesome.
solidturtle54@reddit
Get the raptor r, not the 1.5
Bandito04@reddit
Idk man my bronco 3 cylinder has been flawless. General life advice, but let go of your preconceived notions.
Various_Bandicoot437@reddit
It’s not like every bronco is going to have extra issues. If you were to go by the escape reddit my old 2.0 escape was a time bomb from the beginning but I never had any major issues even at 200k miles and 10 years old.
strikecat18@reddit
“Why do they sell them if they aren’t good” would have me reconsidering if this person is smart enough for me to date.
katmcflame@reddit
Maybe show her the exceedingly poor NHTSA ratings on those cars? They’re cute, but I wouldn’t want to be in an accident in one.
Beauty_iz_hername79@reddit
Car decisions should never be an emotional decision. Encourage her to do extensive research on that model and trim level and the facts should speak for themselves. She’s not listening to you because she feels you’re just telling her what to do. But if she reads the reviews from actual consumers and reminded that this is a major purchase, hopefully, that person sway her away from the Bronco.
Aratix@reddit
Get a Toyota
JudgmentWestern3171@reddit
You can’t talk her out of it. You’re just a guy. She’s gonna do it and it will be the most reliable car she’s ever owned. Just to spite you so she can say I told you so. It’s the way of life.
iceroadtrucker2010@reddit
Make sure she gets a good extended warranty
Emergency_Rabbit9662@reddit
I was gonna pull up the consumer reports score for the Bronco sport but they actually recommend it? Predicted reliability got a 65/100 which is in the green and above average. I wouldn't get any Ford product and I'm surprised CR recommends it
wolphrevolution@reddit
What site did you ise i only find that are out of 5
Emergency_Rabbit9662@reddit
It's consumer reports. (https://www.consumerreports.org) You have to have a membership to view their ratings. I would send a picture of it here but I can't attach anything
wolphrevolution@reddit
Can you check what the rating is for a 4runner sr5 2000 ? There is no way i am paying for a membership but i am curious
Emergency_Rabbit9662@reddit
47/100 for overall reliability (around average), but very high 89/100 for overall owners satisfaction
wolphrevolution@reddit
The reliability is very weird, they where recognise to be understructable ( the worse being the automatic transmission getting water in it but working just fine anyway and frame rust, that did get a recall so maybe its that ) but the owner satifaction checks out
Emergency_Rabbit9662@reddit
yeah i'm not too sure
BreadiestBoi@reddit
“Why do they keep selling the car if it’s not good?” People like this…. Exist?…..
Educational_Bench290@reddit
'Why do they keep selling a car if it's no good?' A good question. Let's go ask Stellantis, they should know the answer.
star08273@reddit
if she’s going to buy a new junk vehicle, let her. the 2.0 is only proven to be junk as well. better if the rear end goes out at 80k miles on a 30k vehicle instead of a 45k vehicle. thank God your girlfriend isn’t into jeeps
cbcarguy@reddit (OP)
Her mom had a wrangler and now has a Bronco , her grandpa does vehicle transport for a ford dealership so he drives them all and gives her feedback so all she knows is Bronco sport and Bronco , plus it looks cute to her
dalekaup@reddit
Maverick with 2.5 L hybrid would be the best option.
cbcarguy@reddit (OP)
Tried to show her the maverick and the first words out of her mouth were “eww that’s ugly”
oldfartjr@reddit
Well… she’s right.
zenFyre1@reddit
Agreed. A maverick is many things, but a pretty truck isn’t one of them.
dalekaup@reddit
"Come on honey, I've never called you ugly."
JuicieBrucie@reddit
“Why do they keep selling the car?” Because morons keep buying it, and it’s profitable.
“Why would people keep jumping off that cliff if it isn’t good?” type of question.
Thyname@reddit
I only have my wife a choice of 3 vehicles and took her test driving.
4 Toyota v6’s in a row and the. She picked her own as it’s a Hyundai suv. It’s not bad but…
exoraydna@reddit
Do the real cost math and show her. Ask her how long she’s planning on owning the car, check what warranties would be on it if any, then do the actual cost of ownership math plus the price of the car for that term and do the same for anything else you recommend her.
cbcarguy@reddit (OP)
I asked her “ what if you need a bigger car later on? “ ( children , lifestyle and etc.) and she said “ I’ll cross that bridge when I get there “
nsfbr11@reddit
That engine is not unreliable. The original ones were, but the issues were addressed. If it is new, there is no reason for her not to get the model she wants. Better mileage too.
isthis_thing_on@reddit
You're talking about an engine that's less than 3 years old. How can we actually know how reliable it is?
B-rad747@reddit
Yeah at the store I work at we’ve serviced and sold a ton of used ones and I honestly don’t think we’ve ever had to do any major engine repairs. The rear wheel drive units tend to be the most common expensive repair we have to do on those.
no-cars-good-bikes@reddit
yeah I looked it up before my mom bought one, the bronco sport never got the terrible version of the three cylinder . she's been super happy with it. transmissions can still grenade though so I'm just getting ready for that.
Terrible_Use7872@reddit
The three cylinder was always ok, it was the 4 cylinder 1.5l was the problem. And the 8 speed is much better than the 6 was.
HerefortheTuna@reddit
Show her the resale value versus a RAV4 after 5 years
JustaYnLivin@reddit
You don't. You gave her your opinion thats all she needs. She ain't your wife and as long as you don’t have any financial obligations on the purchase let her go for it just recommend the extended warranty. Have that cup of tea ready for when the time comes.
hellokitty1603@reddit
You get rid of the gf
LoneWitie@reddit
If she has her mind set just try and have her get an extended warranty on it that covers the engine
cbcarguy@reddit (OP)
That’s good to know , I wasn’t aware about of that
She’d be getting a new one so leftover new 25 or new 26
She currently has a 2015 ford focus that’s on its 2nd transmission and has 100k miles on it
TheStig827@reddit
“then why do they keep selling the car if it’s not good???“ "Honey, they kept selling your focus, and it's needed 2 transmissions in under 100k miles. Why do you think Ford wouldn't keep doing that?"
TrvthReloaded@reddit
100k miles on the second transmission or 2 transmissions on a car with 100k miles?
cbcarguy@reddit (OP)
The car was her brothers before he gave it to her , he bought the car from a family friend who owned a dealership, he bought the car at an auction to sell to him and he gave her the car when she started driving when he got a new truck , so the car has a very mysterious history
LoneWitie@reddit
If its a focus it had the power shift transmission so it would be 2 within 100k lol
LoneWitie@reddit
Those power shift transmissions were seriously garbage
Ford has made a major push under Jim Farley to improve reliability and it seems like its starting to work. They figured out the 3.5 issues on the F150 and got the 10 speed figured out. Its too early to know if the redesign on the 3 cylinder will do the trick but I trust them more right now than any other domestic manufacturer
bsmn69@reddit
This reeks of Subaru 2.5dohc
Accurate_Summer_1761@reddit
Bronco sport is such a waste of time tbh. Its an escape lol.
PinkGreen666@reddit
Seems like you can get a Badlands with less than 100k miles for between $20k-$25k which is also what a lot of the 3cyls are going for. Find her a good one of those, that should help.
Ok_Narwhal6356@reddit
Tell her your ex had one and you had lots of good memories in it.
Cyber_Slyme@reddit
Don’t buy it for her
PlusPresentation680@reddit
I think you are exaggerating. “Engine to go out at 50k miles” as if that is guaranteed is like wildly inaccurate and misleading. The car has slightly above average reliability ratings by available metrics and every model year is better than the last. The only truly bad model year was 2021. That was a bad car. But every year since has been fine.
KeekuBrigabroo@reddit
Watch this video with her, start to finish. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvwP3vFAaw8
jrileyy229@reddit
Well, you insist she buys the extended warranty through Ford
bhalter80@reddit
Even if you convince her you'll never be "right". She's not ready to accept the message so best put your work into something productive.
You can point her in the direction of good questions to ask, web forums to learn more about the car she's in love with etc... but right now you're just crapping on her dream. This isn't going to help you or the relationship
GlitteringPen3949@reddit
Got to the Car Wizards YouTube channel and look up the episode he did some months ago about a Bronco sport that had a cracked exhaust manifold that let water. Go into the head and turbo. It was over $10k to repair and it was out of warranty. He did some looking and found out it was not an isolated issue. Hard nope for me. Plus anything by Ford in the last ten years has been so badly done they have had the highest rates of recalls and warranty work an order of magnitude worse then the 2nd worse manufacturer! Meh for me.
ValuableInternal1435@reddit
Just watch lots of videos of their problems with her. Not only are they junk, but they're also ugly. Amd as for why they sell so many? Aside from them being cheaper honestly have no clue, they're ugly junk.
Shoddy-Assist7011@reddit
Give her proof - like articles from trustworthy sources and not just your opinion. If she's smart, she'll listen. But like another poster said, she'll FAFO.
Majestic-Sprinkles68@reddit
tell her the Bronco sport is ghey and she should buy a real bronco. Problem solved.
Sea-Rip3902@reddit
Women make the dumbest car choices. Jeeps and Broncos are trash.
Accomplished-witchMD@reddit
If she can afford future issues let her be. My partner pointed me to ugly cars too. I was considering a mini. He complained about reliability and practicality and tried to point me to ugly ass crossovers and suv's for reliability and practicality. I bought a TDI beetle. She's expensive in repairs and maintenance but I love her. I've had this car 10years, he still thinks its impractical and unreliable. (I would also like a Bronco but dont like the engine specs I would go with an older model and rebuild/replace the engine if I had the time).
SurlyJohn009@reddit
TDI engined VWs were the subject of Dieselgate. They lost thousands in value due to VW cheating the emissions systems.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/dieselgate-10-years-later-the-scandal-that-killed-diesel-and-gave-birth-to-the-electric-revolution/ar-AA1RbidF
Accomplished-witchMD@reddit
Nope! I didnt buy it for the resale value or as an asset. Also lucky the used car market is so fucked comparable mileage TDI beetles are selling for $9k. I bought her for $13k. For a car guy sub yall can be strangely against cars that are for fun and vibes (unless its a miata). I enjoy driving and tinkering on my cute car. Not everything is about numbers.
EYAYSLOP@reddit
Don't you turn in bed at night thinking if only you bought a more reliable car 😂
Careful_Farmer_2879@reddit
Knew a lady with a Mini. It was her favorite car ever, never a major issue. She put 30,000 miles on it over 10 years in her small suburban town.
Some people measure in miles, others in years of enjoyment. Yeah, tell that lady she shouldn’t have enjoyed her favorite car every day for a decade.
Accomplished-witchMD@reddit
My beetle has been with me through 10years 120k miles. She's been driven up muddy mountain lanes that other small cars couldn't manage. She's pulled me through snow and storms. I hauled soil and wood and furniture all in this adorable little hatchback. This car will have to explode or be pried from my hands.
nueroticalyme@reddit
I am currently replacing a cylinder head on one of these with 70k miles. The dealer near me has seen 3 more of the cylinder heads fail in the last month. $4500. Wet belt inside the motor. Cvt.
Individual_Watch_111@reddit
tell her youll help pitch in just a little bit if she buys the 4cyl or even 6cyl. Literally like the 1.5 3cyl is so fucking garbage. Show her this post.
INTERNET-STRANG3R@reddit
How unreliable is the 1.5 in real life. If all your research is from Reddit posts then you know that only Toyota’s don’t explode at 50k miles. I genuinely don’t know, I’m just asking. The reality is that with very few exceptions most vehicles last 100k miles without any major issues. Someone posted recently about the actual complaints from NHTSA. The top of the list of complaints was the 6F35 transmission from ford and the 3.6 from Chevy. I still see a ton of those vehicles on the road and they are almost all over 10 years old now. BTW, I own a fusion with a 6F35 with 135k miles on it and although it is a bit clunky it works fine. Also I’m on your side the 2.0 is probably worth it but I doubt the world will end if she has her mind made up.
Secret-Ad-8606@reddit
We had one that burned down recently after being sold the other day. Turns out there is an injector recall with no available parts solution. Unsure the range of affected vehicles but it was a 21 bronco. They call it the dragon for a reason I suppose.
No-Fan-530@reddit
I Googled it and it was the Bronco Sport with the 3 cyl. 2021 - 24 model years are affected. Cracked injectors can cause a fire after a fuel leak. Also the 2021 - 23 models can have a 12V (Camel manufactured) battery that degrades causing power loss. And a new one for 2026 is the front lower control arm ball joints are poorly assembled causing steering loss. If you and to buy one the only "safe" year is the 2025 model.
Secret-Ad-8606@reddit
Is that last part true or have they just not had enough time to issue the recalls?
Organic-Baker-4156@reddit
You can't. And if she does it and it turns out you're right you can't say "I told you so". I eventually got a partial understanding of women but it took long enough that I'm at an age where it doesn't matter! Hope you learn sooner when it can do you some good! LOL.
Busterlimes@reddit
Buddy works at Ford, pretty much every engine but the coyote is trash. . . .
Muted-Lettuce4269@reddit
I had a 2023 that I traded in recently that had close to 100k and never had an issue. Did more frequent oil changes than recommended as id do with any newer vehicle but other than that the car was absolutely fine. The coolant intrusion issues you can read about on 1.5l fords are actually the older model 4 cylinder used in the Fusion and Escape. The 3 cyl is a good engine reliability wise.
dashxe@reddit
If she gets ones make sure it’s with a warranty. They go through water pumps every 20k lol. Will most likely have a check engine light before 50k. Good luck! The 2.0 is the way better option, and if anything the 2.5 hybrid in the escape.
e90t@reddit
As long as she’s paying it all on her own, let her live her life and learn the lesson the hard way.
maybach320@reddit
Sometimes they have to learn. My partner wanted a Range Rover, her dad and I both said it’s going to be hell and that we wouldn’t turn a wrench to save her money or even lift a finger to help if the car left her some place. Only thing we successfully did was get her to do a 3 year lease because it the rates were good. 9 months in she wanted out, end result of a 36 month lease was that 17 of those months she was in a loaner rover while they waited on parts or try to solve some seemingly trivial issue.
KittiesRule1968@reddit
As long as your name isn't on it, you don't have to worry about it. Never buy a car with someone you're not married to.
JoiceVaderd@reddit
That's tough. My girlfriend just bought a 10 year old BMW with a 6 cylinder (more reliable than the 4) and I couldn't talk her out of it. Lucky for her, I own older BMWs and love working on them and I'm also a mechanic. So she bought it and I spent a couple weekends working on it. Now, she happily drives her car. It's hard to talk them out of it. Closest you'll come is her experiencing how bad it is, tbh.
bigChrysler@reddit
A friend of mine, who is a retired mechanic, wanted to buy the Bronco Sport with the 3-cylinder. When he went to the dealer, he learned that Ford had put a "stop sale" order on the model with that engine until they figured out some problem they had discovered. He spent the extra money to buy one with the 4-cylinder engine instead. He feels he dodged a bullet by not getting the smaller engine.
M8NSMAN@reddit
On the bright side when the engine fails she can do a LS conversion on it /s
No-Fan-530@reddit
Or even a K swap /s
Hypersion1980@reddit
Did you show her what consumer reports says about the car?
No-Fan-530@reddit
Show her the recall reports on the exact model you want to stay away from. Sometimes you just have to let the facts speak for themselves. Can't deny logic.
Sus_elevator@reddit
lol show her the comments on this post
BreakfastInBedlam@reddit
Bought as brand new 2014 Focus. Ford knew, and had known for years, that the transmission was fucked. Didn't stop them from selling me one.
johnny_boy0281@reddit
Well… I tried to push my girlfriend away from buying a Nissan Kicks. It’s coming up on 200,000 miles with 0 problems. So cross your fingers.
Background_Eye_8373@reddit
tell her to look it up on google or chat so she believes you and if she still doesn’t let her learn a lesson
Personal_Juice_1520@reddit
some advice from an older guy..
don’t try to talk your girlfriend out of the car she wants.
Instead find 2 or 3 positives about the situation and talk about those
“wow it’s going to be great having your Bronco when we go to the beach/mountains/Ikea” ect
“I love the color you picked out” or “these Broncos are great on gas, which is awesome since gas is SO expensive right now”.
Your advice is coming from a good place, and it’s possible the car has some problems down the road.
but the more you tell your girlfriend that she shouldn’t buy the car she wants, the more she feels unsupported and invalidated.
Why don’t you go with her and pay for the extended warranty instead? What a nice gift that will be for her when three years down the road it pays for an expensive repair.
Sometimes it’s better to be happy than to be right. But if you play your cards correctly, sometimes you could be both.
Talentless_Cooking@reddit
Show her a mini doc of the pinto. That should explain it all.
SpamEater007@reddit
Female here. Is there another suv that she finds cute that's more reliable? I don't want to drive a boring or ugly car, so I compromise.
Or, if she's dead set on it, is there some sort of warranty that's legitimate she can purchase with it?
angryman82@reddit
Who cares. Let her buy what she wants and deal with it.
Street_Gain_279@reddit
Show her crash tests. My wife wanted a bronco ended up with xc90 after watching bronco tests
Screwston420@reddit
You tell her no
Brick_Grimes@reddit
I think you’re actually over thinking this a bit. They fixed most of the issues with the coolant getting in the cylinder heads. It’s not nearly as unreliable as you’re making it out to be. Could she get a more reliable vehicle? Sure. RAV4’s, crv’s and such exist and are more reliable. But it certainly isn’t a.. this engine is toast at 50k situation.
ratelbadger@reddit
You could get a dozen unreliable and super fun old broncos for the same price as that POS.
ObjectiveOk2072@reddit
3 cylinders? In a Sport trim? And it makes less power than a CRV?
Why get a car with questionable reliability if it's not even fast?
sweetrobna@reddit
It's basically a ford escape. And you can get a ford escape for a lot less. And the 2.5l hybrid without a turbo, without a cvt transmission would be more reliable long term.
If she is set on the bronco sport a 2.0l would be better. But realistically if she is buying a new car or low mile used and everything is covered by the warranty it will be fine. The vast majority of these cars make it to 200k+ with just minor maintenance.
ku_78@reddit
I learned the hard lesson years ago with a Ford. Never again with that garbage company.
IForgotMyName93@reddit
Just tell her they make new cars like poop so people are buying new cars more often
Hardball1013@reddit
3 cylinder motor has no business in an suv or any vehicle weighing close to 4000lbs.
But I get told im a stickler or that I just hate new vehicles. Both of which are true lmao. But doesnt bias my opinion
JudoNewt@reddit
They sell unreliable cars because they only have to make it good enough to last until the warranty expires. After that every time it breaks down, it costs you to have it fixed at their dealership. Sometimes certain parts will have a shorter warranty than everything else, or they have really sneaky ways of fucking you over on that warranty. Its going to cost money to have it towed to the dealership when it breaks down, its going to cost money when they service it at the dealership, its going to leave her unable to get to work when it breaks down. Tell her not to be a fucking dumbass and buy something reliable unless she wants to pay the initial cost over again on repairs and still have a pos that falls apart prematurely.
Fugidinha@reddit
Then why does china keep selling kidneys if it’s not good
The 3 cylinder on the Toyota GR Yaris is amazing but alas the bronco is not a Toyota so yeah I think the bronco is way to large for that small an engine and will cause problems
wolphrevolution@reddit
Even then ( as a toyota fan even thought mine is 27 years old ) the 3cyl was meh in term or reliability because they ask too much from it, they are changing it for a 4cyl this years or next years cant remember because of that
vendocomprendo@reddit
You can't bro
kslight666@reddit
If you told her your thoughts and she still wants it, and it’s her money, she’s driving it, paying for the maintenance, then I wouldn’t lose sleep over it. She might trade it in before it’s a problem anyway.
kungfuenglish@reddit
More likely than not her bronco will be perfectly fine for years and 100k miles +.
It’s not like over half of them die and blow up at 50k. Do SOME of them? Yea. Sure. So do SOME wagoneers. But not MOST. Not even close. Probably closer to 5%. Or less.
You only hear about the bad outcomes. Not the millions of ones with no problem.
Over-Spite6024@reddit
You can’t do anything man, my dad bought a base model compass for $35k (Canadian) even with my opinion on it and it’s possibly the worst car I’ve ever seen. No problems yet but of course it has less than 2k kms. But I know damn well my $2000 1996 Grand Marquis will drive past that hunk in the junkyard in 2045
wolphrevolution@reddit
My 2500$ CAD toyota 4runner will drive by pretty much the car of my entire family, old is good because you know what was junk because it has been 20 years
HistoryPristine1029@reddit
I’m going through this with my 20 year old right now wanting to buy some stupid crappy expensive car he can’t afford. There’s only so much you can do.
wolphrevolution@reddit
I was the reasonable one with car also 20. Bought a 1999 4runner sr5, reasonable on gas ( could be worse ) and unkillable. Was also 2500 $ CAD. My brother 2 years older bought a rx8 as a first car then did not maintained it properly so the engine blew up ( they can be reliable, you just have to run them in a specific way, wich he did not )
Dillonitis@reddit
Im someone who drives a bronco sport for work in rural montana every single day. I have put over 80k miles on it in 2 years. In that time the only annoying thing is the AC can't keep up when its over 90 degrees. I have a wrangler and outback at home and I have been impressed with its capabilities on and off road rain, snow or shine. My work only does oil changes and tires as far as maintenance and its still chugging along. I would never buy one but I can say it has been just fine and reliable in some sticky situations in snow and mud.
Stock_Block2130@reddit
I cannot imagine a 3 cylinder in a Bronco or a Nissan Rogue. The last 3 cylinder I remember was the Geo Metro. Talk about a piece of garbage.
midwestCD5@reddit
“Why do they keep selling the car if it’s not that good” 😂😂😂😂
She’s got a lot of learning to do. She will hopefully understand the way of the world someday. Also, ford has been doing that for decades 😂
rag_tag_mag@reddit
Idk how to convince her to not get the 3 cylinder, but if you wind up getting her to buy a badlands sport, might as well just get a base full size bronco, they're the same price.
J-Rag-@reddit
Daaaaaaamn a 3 cylinder? Did know any company in the US made a 3 cyl
Chazus@reddit
I had honestly not ever heard of a "3 Cylinder" before until I looked it up. Its a thurbocharged 3Cyl with a balance shaft and automatic cylinder shutoff for cruise. This is like taking every bad mechanical engine aspect and putting it in one car.
That said "then why do they keep selling the car if it’s not good???“
Because people like her keep buying them. A product doesn't have to be good to sell well.
Agile_Lawfulness9678@reddit
If she does not have a lead foot and does not want to pass everyone on the highway and as she gets all the maintenance performed there is nothing wrong with the 1.5 as a daily driver and for peace of mind talk her into getting the extended factory warranty or an aftermarket warranty if buying one used!
BlueMonday2082@reddit
If you’re a “Ford Guy” then you’ll never be able to explain anything to her because you’re guilty of same thing: giving money to a company you KNOW sells junk to its customers. You don’t have a leg to stand on.
None of those Broncos are reliable. There are just some that are more unreliable than others.
puppeto@reddit
I don't understand why Ford doesn't just throw the 2.5L hybrid drivetrain from the Maverick in it. They're on the same C2 platform, wouldn't take much to just unify power trains and have better economy of scale.
cbcarguy@reddit (OP)
I hope they do for 2027 then it would be bulletproof
puppeto@reddit
Guess I'll just keep rocking my Maverick until I add a Bronco Sport into the stable. 179k miles on my hybrid and zero issues.
Much_Essay_9151@reddit
You dont. Shes your gf so its her choice. But in reality, you dont. Because if you talk her into another car she will never be satisfied and if something goes wrong with the other car its going to cause friction
KamIsFam@reddit
Ask her if she's ever bought something from Walmart or Amazon that was garbage and had issues. They sell it because people are willing to buy it, not because it's good.
Some people are naive and buy things for the looks, not because they understand the product. Let her make her own decisions, but keep in mind that this is part of her personality and it's something you'll have be ok with further down the line as you date her. Let her find out for herself, maybe she'll come around once she learns the lesson.
It's ultimately her choice. Don't try and control her, just give her your opinion on the car. It's not worth pushing the issue more than that.
Inevitable-End2384@reddit
Why do they keep selling them? Because there are a lot of other people who ignore the same issue ahe does and pay the price later.
Reynor247@reddit
What year? The 2024-2026 years you'll be fine
string_flickin@reddit
Let her do what she wants if she wont listen then she will learn
jim_br@reddit
So buy her the Ford extended warranty from an online dealer like Flood Ford for your piece of mind.
That_Actuary1727@reddit
Just had one for a rental while my RDX is in the body shop after hitting a deer…I drove it for two weeks and brought it back to Enterprise to trade for something else…what a horrible, uncomfortable car, and cheap in every way!! Uncomfortable seats, one of the worst stereos I’ve heard in a new car in over a decade. Only “pro” is it gets about 28-30mpg on regular, but still not worth it
Stock-Maximum9755@reddit
Talk her into spending the money on a 67 instead.
RichPokeScalper@reddit
Just let her get the damn bronco. You don’t own her.
ShoeFree5756@reddit
Good luck. I have never been able to talk anyone out of a car that they want. People buy cars irrationally. I can’t even talk myself out of a bad car that I want.
Fun_Mastodon3230@reddit
I think this is right.
if its her car to drive, she should buy the one she wants, You can give her some information but then it’s best to let it go…
arbakken@reddit
What's wrong with the 1.5 3 cyl? It's not amazing power but I haven't heard any horror stories about them
cbcarguy@reddit (OP)
The 2021s and 2024s were common to have coolant issues where coolant leaked into the cylinders causing the engine to crap out and they had oil issues also
The20thKa-tet@reddit
Lol. I wouldn’t even get the 2.0 Badlands. We’ve had three for work. One caught on fire around 35k miles. One blew a transmission at 65k and the other had the transmission go at 72k.
espressocycle@reddit
Just let them talk her into the extended warranty and get oil changes every 3,000 miles.
Dynodan22@reddit
Just let em buy it .I bought 2018 4 runner new told her all the short comings and she still wanted it 1 year later bitching about those things lol
JMPhotographik@reddit
The Bronco Sport is not a "trim level" of the Bronco. They are completely different cars, on different chassis, with different powertrains.
Br0boc0p@reddit
OP's talking about different trim levels of the Bronco Sport. It has multiple drivetrain options.
cbcarguy@reddit (OP)
I know the difference , I was saying get a high trim level of the Bronco sport , because the Bronco sport badlands has the 2.0 Ecoboost that’s way more reliable than the 3 cylinder
manatel69@reddit
She can always lease
GeneralJohnStark@reddit
I came her expecting another girlfriend wanting to buy a Wrangler.
Have you asked her why she wants a bronco sport? It's not a Bronco. It's more of a Ford Escape. It doesn't have any cool factor, it's just another little crossover cough cough bulbous hatchback.
Bottom line: Try to find out what she wants and why she's coming to this conclusion.
Careful_Farmer_2879@reddit
I’m in my car every day. If you like it, you like it.
TheGeek00@reddit
Verify your claims with evidence (articles/user reviews) and then drop it. Some battles you can’t win by force. At least you’ll get “I told you so” rights
samceefoo@reddit
If you're not gonna marry her don't worry about it. If she's gonna be your fiancé or wife, then go for it
danscn@reddit
Show her this https://youtu.be/CvwP3vFAaw8?si=5Q6ntMIyHx6rZajx
84UTK07@reddit
Just have here get the El Bandito Bronco instead. It has the 5.2L Ford Predator V-8 engine with a 3.8L Whipple supercharger, which produces around 1,000 HP.
https://www.motortrend.com/features/ford-bronco-el-bandito-4600-first-drive-review
Golf-Guns@reddit
Just ask her to use the AI tool of her choice and ask it about the reliability of the car. Ask her to do general reliability and the engine specifically. Prompt it to compare to the normal bronco with whatever engine you want, a crv or rav4.
Ultimately I have no answers. My BIL called and asked me for recommendations. I recommended against GM and gave suggestions of CX-5, CRV and RAV4. I tried to specifically cite long term reliability and resale value. He ended up calling me excitedly to tell me he bought the Buick version of the Equinox. I guess the 2.0T is better than the 1.5T, but I wouldn't have with my money.
steak5@reddit
Don't try to talk her out of it, if she can afford it, let her buy it. FAFO!
She doesn't need to hear your opinion, and you don't need hers when you shop for a car.
If you are truly worried about it becoming a financial disaster, look for a good extended warranty from Ford.
Sup3r_Necessary@reddit
Just don't cosign the loan and you'll be fine
AdInternational6902@reddit
You can't, cars are emotional and illogical purchases to begin with especially new cars. She as most of the population is, are uneducated about cars and will continue to buy unreliable trash because its "cute" or fits some ridiculous status thing they have going for it. Just make sure you tell her you want 0 financial responsibility involved in that car and you won't help her when it eventually shits the bed.
overindulgent@reddit
Talk her into the Badlands trim. It might cost more now but it will be easier to sell later. People buying 4 or 5 year old well maintained vehicles, don’t want base trim levels. They want the higher trim levels.
Late-Accident-2399@reddit
You need someone to convince her that isnt you. Hard disagreements within couples is soo common. A trusted friend or family member can say the same thing as you: "oh my god, babe. I found out that these cars suck! My hairdresser was telling me how bad they are! Can you beleive that?"
Puzzleheaded-One2881@reddit
I lost it at
> She keeps saying she doesn’t want that high of a trim level and even told me “ then why do they keep selling the car if it’s not good??? “
She must be pretty.
kodog1gaming@reddit
Don’t buy it lease it, she will realize it’s unreliable. And after the lease is up and it isn’t her problem
WestReflection7097@reddit
Never marry her. Tell her you’ll never marry a woman who makes dumb financial decisions.
spacetimebear@reddit
Usuallg I just give my wife the info. Watch her do it anyway. Go horribly wrong. Then i get to gloat for a bit.
stoopidrotary@reddit
I would set a boundary here. Let her know if something breaks you're not going to be the one working on it.
MeyersonAdam@reddit
Get an extended warranty 🤷♂️
gotcha640@reddit
Why make a huge deal out of it?
Offer to help her stay on top of service, drive to and from oil changes and whatever, and if it does go bad, help with that too.
My wife always wanted a VW GTI. It’s a sporty turbo German car. We’ve played this game before. They can be expensive.
It’s huge fun to drive, definitely worth buying what you want if you can afford, and be ready to pay for the experience.
WeinerBarf420@reddit
"how do they keep selling them" because buyers don't listen when they're warned that they're unreliable
Lower_Kick268@reddit
They're not that unreliable, go for it if she likes it
Ok_Button7839@reddit
I wasn't aware a bronco can have a 3 cyl engine, with that side, stay away from new engines, get cars with engines that has a history of at least 3 years or more
kl1n60n3mp0r3r@reddit
Are y’all married?
No?
Then let her make her own mistakes. All you can do is offer an opinion, it’s her money and up to her how she wants to spend it.
Overall_Curve6725@reddit
Supply her with links to facts and then its up to her.
luchin00@reddit
Break up with her bud
GibbsMalinowski@reddit
You can’t, just don’t get legally involved with the car. She’ll learn.
Solid_Equivalent_417@reddit
some battles arent worth the pyrrhic victory.
try and talk her into buying an extended warranty instead,
Whitrzac@reddit
This is one of the few times where paying for the extended factory warranty would be worth it.
It may be an unreliable pos, but at least it will be free to fix.
OkIndependence188@reddit
As a badlands owner definitely try to stear to the 2.0 but sometimes some lessons gotta be learned the hard way
DemoEvolved@reddit
“Here, Kitty Kitty Kitty”
OddTheRed@reddit
They keep selling the car even though it's no good because it's Ford and they'll sell any kind of trash that makes them money. Their Pinto killed 180 people befire they recalled it.
revocer@reddit
This is more of a psychology and communication question than a car guy question.
With that said, try to find something she is super knowledgeable about, and make an analogy of quality with it.
CarlGB@reddit
Just let it happen bro, stay chill, stay smug.
zrad603@reddit
Convince her to buy a real Bronco... Like from 1996
No_Profession4626@reddit
You meant 79
zrad603@reddit
I like the 90's Bronco's.
lrbikeworks@reddit
Her logic is terrible. By her way of thinking no one would smoke cigarettes or ride motorcycles without helmets or have kids by mistake. Unfortunately humans are stupid and can be relied upon to consistently do stupid shit, and assuming what they do makes sense is going to end badly. People buy Dodge trucks in mass quantities ffs. Even used ones.
skwap-em@reddit
I see them everywhere lmao.
Naikrobak@reddit
You can’t win this one. Take the L and move on
Chan_Ch@reddit
It's her money, make her make the mistake, she's an adult.
leftfootbraker@reddit
You have a better shot in convincing her something else is better. Be smart and supportive, that'll be the best.
mattkime@reddit
Point her to an online source of info and otherwise let her make her own decision. People often need to find out for themselves.
spiritual_stoner@reddit
tell her to be prepared to spend an extra few thousand on an engine replacement vs the “upgraded” trim level. diff engine = totally diff ball park. it’s an investment that’ll save her money down the line. do remember, you can only try to help. some people are dead set on knowing what they want, even if it isn’t the best choice