Maverick vs Fathom: What Makes You Switch?

[icegradner]

Smart (or experienced) people NEVER buy a first model year. Somehow, regardless of how much testing and development, first-year models always have tons of problems pop up. Maybe AI inclusion in the R&D will eliminate a lot of those problems, though. I'm patient enough to wait a few years for them to iron stuff out. I think there's only been one recall for my '24 Mav.

I wasn't excited to get the first year of a new model, but I needed a truck and my vehicle was lost in an accident. I was stuck between a rock and hard place, because of COVID the market was bleak and dealers were overcharging for everything. Thankfully my dealership was not overcharging for factory orders, so my Maverick was at MSRP. My only other options in the price range were used trucks that I didn't really want with 150k+ miles on them that were total beaters.

I knew full well going in that I was going to have issues. In the end, other than the hassles early on, it's been a good vehicle. I didn't get a lemon thank goodness, because there are no vehicle lemon laws in Canada.

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[Traegorn]

I mean, if I was buying a new truck today, I'd consider the Fathom for sure. But I've paid off my Maverick and I plan to get at least another seven years out of it. I only need one truck.

When the time comes to replace the Maverick, we'll see if the Fathom is still around, and how much better it's gotten if it is.

 

[LSchicago]

I will consider a Fathom. I am not a SUV guy, nor will I buy a Sedan. These days I have entered a more thrifty stage in life. I'm no longer buying the top trim, I'd rather retain more of my money on a base or mid trim. If I were to buy another F150 I'd get the STX again, for the right content and value.

With coupes being an overpriced rarity these days, that pretty much leaves me with 75% chance of my next vehicle being a small truck, or about 20% a smaller/mid size van for it's capability.

Ford as put out the right info on the fathom. Over 300 miles of range.
Quick as a Mustang Ecoboost.
Starting price $30k.
Suspected mid gate, giving it a Fathom of space in the bed when needed.

Just depends on whether this was hot air, or truly all offered at or near the magical price. If all this requires a $8,000 upgrade, it's a no from me. All available under $35k? I will probably try one.

 

[LSchicago]

Sure. But who got a better value: a Maverick early adopter or someone buying a 2025 for $8-10k more? I don't think I'd replace my Maverick with an identical 2026 for such a price increase

Well considering I made money on my 23, selling it for over sticker, and I paid $500 less than sticker. Drove 28,000 miles for free. Then bought a 25 AWD 4K Hybrid with CP360 and SIBL at $2,450 off sticker 6 months later.

If you subtract the additional options cost, it cost me $1,100 to upgrade from a 23 to a 25 with 28k less miles. And I got the Eruption Grreen I wanted from day one. I'd call that a win!

 

[LSchicago]

Good luck to texas in its desire to be an ai data center mecca -- with it's electrical grid held together by thoughts and prayers.

I'd like to know where the grid is that bad. I have 3 data centers within a mile of me (town next to me), and even though weeks of bad storms have not even had power flicker off. Our Grid in my little town is great.

 

[Surly Old Bill]

Well considering I made money on my 23, selling it for over sticker, and I paid $500 less than sticker. Drove 28,000 miles for free. Then bought a 25 AWD 4K Hybrid with CP360 and SIBL at $2,450 off sticker 6 months later.

If you subtract the additional options cost, it cost me $1,100 to upgrade from a 23 to a 25 with 28k less miles. And I got the Eruption Grreen I wanted from day one. I'd call that a win!

Car street values are a weird thing. I just sold my 2015 Transit(not Connect) for $23k, that I purchased for $26k 10 years ago and put 160k miles on. Then there was the pandemic years, when campervans were all the rage, and I could have MADE $10k on it with 130k miles.

As I mentioned before, these first model years always seem to be more expensive than MSRP in most markets (probably not in fly-over country for the Fathom...), and the unseen issues will pop up and require warranty repair/replacement. Waiting until the 3rd or 4th year usually drops to purchase price and improves the reliability. Case in point; I have a '24 Maverick. I paid less than MSRP, and the only recalls have been unneeded software check-ups. The first TWO years Mavericks were selling for more than MSRP in populated markets, and retaining ABOVE MSRP sales value even with 20-30k miles. And don't get me started on the first year of the Bronco, which often sold for 50-100% more than MSRP with "additional dealer mark-up". And SOLD OUT even with that.

 

[LSchicago]

Car street values are a weird thing. I just sold my 2015 Transit(not Connect) for $23k, that I purchased for $26k 10 years ago and put 160k miles on. Then there was the pandemic years, when campervans were all the rage, and I could have MADE $10k on it with 130k miles.

As I mentioned before, these first model years always seem to be more expensive than MSRP in most markets (probably not in fly-over country for the Fathom...), and the unseen issues will pop up and require warranty repair/replacement. Waiting until the 3rd or 4th year usually drops to purchase price and improves the reliability. Case in point; I have a '24 Maverick. I paid less than MSRP, and the only recalls have been unneeded software check-ups. The first TWO years Mavericks were selling for more than MSRP in populated markets, and retaining ABOVE MSRP sales value even with 20-30k miles. And don't get me started on the first year of the Bronco, which often sold for 50-100% more than MSRP with "additional dealer mark-up". And SOLD OUT even with that.

I hear you. I seriously considered a mint 2019 Transit 3500 high roof dually window van with 20k miles for $28K right before covid. I still kick myself for that. Could've made $15k more 3 moths later. Both my 23 & 25 Mavericks were bought under sticker, and I made money on the 23 with 28,000 miles.

 

[Dave O]

I'd like to know where the grid is that bad. I have 3 data centers within a mile of me (town next to me), and even though weeks of bad storms have not even had power flicker off. Our Grid in my little town is great.

I think data centers improve the power grid’s reliability- they consume lots of energy therefore they are a great revenue generator for the power company - the rule is that you always protect those that pay the most.

 

[LSchicago]

I think data centers improve the power grid’s reliability- they consume lots of energy therefore they are a great revenue generator for the power company - the rule is that you always protect those that pay the most.

Even before they came when there was an empty Panasonic building the grid here was good. Data centers started about 10 years ago. I'd say the power was out only once for more than 8 hours, and about 3-4 times for 1-5 hours in 20 years. Pretty good considering.

 

[JazznSF]

Unlikely to switch to a "plug in" EV until we install solar panels and a battery at our home with sufficient capacity to charge the EV. Charging speed is less of an issue, but highway range for the EV is an important consideration for us as well.

If the EV in question does not meet or exceed the range of either the conventional IC powered vehicles or the hybrid vehicles in our current "fleet" then the purchase of an EV is a hard pass for us.

All of our current vehicles are paid for. The thought of financing a vehicle - at this stage of our lives - is a non-starter as well. The EV would need to be a significant improvement over what we currently drive.

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