The nostalgia I get from this truck!

[blkSTIG32]

Howzit!! Been lurking around here for a bit—first time posting.

I bought my ’24 XLT AWD EcoBoost a little over a month ago after finding out my Ram 1500 needed a new engine (a lifter completely gave out). I’m honestly amazed at how quickly I fell in love with the Maverick, and a lot of that has to do with how much it reminds me of the VWs I’ve owned in the past. The driving characteristics and tight suspension feel really similar.

I also love how simple the interior is, with real buttons for the radio and HVAC system. That’s a big deal to me—I probably wouldn’t go for a 2025 or newer because of those changes. The interiors of the MK4 and MK5 Golf and Jetta weren’t identical, but they’ve always had a familiar feel that I really appreciate.

I had the Ram for over three years, and I got used to its size. It was fun while it lasted, but the vibrations from the larger tires and the more rugged, body-on-frame setup started to wear on me—not to mention the gas bill. I’ve got some great memories with it, but switching to the Maverick just feels… natural.

One of the biggest things for me is the customization. With all my VWs, I used VAG-COM/VCDS to enable hidden features, and now ForScan scratches that same itch. I’ve already made a few fun changes—tonight I swapped in a Lariat 6.5” cluster.

Makes me feel 20 years younger.


…Crap, is this my midlife crisis car?

Sponsored

 

[rk06382]

Welcome to the Maverick Truck Club forum from Alaska!

Please post pictures of your Maverick.

 

[Cancunbadlands]

Bienvenido Welcome greetings from the #cancunbadlands

I use CARISTA as well

 

[MaverRick]

I went from Ram to Maverick as well but I had the Ram for 19 years! The best part is being able to fit the Mav in my Garage and still have room to get around it!!!

 

[Cherokee]

Comparing a Mav to a VW ?
Thats funny to me. :XD

With its 120” wheelbase I’d be more likely to compare its driving feel to a sedan, like a Honda Accord or a late model LTD.

In my not so humble opinion the truck tuned suspension makes it ride and handle more like a police car, or an M5 Beemer with its flat turning precise steering.

I’ve been carving some corners because I’m about to put on fresh shoes.
This thing tracks well, it’s good at point and shoot and the turbo and eight speed gets
It up out of a corner quite respectably for a
4 banger with a wheel base this long.

 

[Maverick77]

Picked my 2026 Lariat up yesterday. Looking at it in the driveway reminds me very much of my 2004 Ranger extended cab that sat out there for 13 years in the driveway, except this has 4 doors and a slightly shorter bed.

 

[asylus]

Congrats and Welcome! One of the easiest and satisfying rabbit holes you can fall into is the simple interior mods thru mabett or maxzina. I say start with the tailgate dampener. Have fun.

 

[Suzukiridr14]

Howzit!! Been lurking around here for a bit—first time posting.

I bought my ’24 XLT AWD EcoBoost a little over a month ago after finding out my Ram 1500 needed a new engine (a lifter completely gave out). I’m honestly amazed at how quickly I fell in love with the Maverick, and a lot of that has to do with how much it reminds me of the VWs I’ve owned in the past. The driving characteristics and tight suspension feel really similar.

I also love how simple the interior is, with real buttons for the radio and HVAC system. That’s a big deal to me—I probably wouldn’t go for a 2025 or newer because of those changes. The interiors of the MK4 and MK5 Golf and Jetta weren’t identical, but they’ve always had a familiar feel that I really appreciate.

I had the Ram for over three years, and I got used to its size. It was fun while it lasted, but the vibrations from the larger tires and the more rugged, body-on-frame setup started to wear on me—not to mention the gas bill. I’ve got some great memories with it, but switching to the Maverick just feels… natural.

One of the biggest things for me is the customization. With all my VWs, I used VAG-COM/VCDS to enable hidden features, and now ForScan scratches that same itch. I’ve already made a few fun changes—tonight I swapped in a Lariat 6.5” cluster.

Makes me feel 20 years younger.


…Crap, is this my midlife crisis car?

First, welcome to our forum. You will enjoy all the posts that members address on what, and everything that happens when owning a Maverick. I've never belonged to such a group of both, "car guys" and will become "car guys, and gals" in a long time. We look forward to some of your knowledge helping us fix problems that we create ourself by not leaving well enough alone!

 

[Maverick77]

I added a tailgate dampener to my former F-150 that was also a rabbit hole for my wallet. I thought about one for my Maverick but it requires the removal of one of the tie down cleats on the tailgate. I will be using those tie downs for 4X6 timbers, etc.

 

[blkSTIG32]

Congrats and Welcome! One of the easiest and satisfying rabbit holes you can fall into is the simple interior mods thru mabett or maxzina. I say start with the tailgate dampener. Have fun.

I added a tailgate dampener to my former F-150 that was also a rabbit hole for my wallet. I thought about one for my Maverick but it requires the removal of one of the tie down cleats on the tailgate. I will be using those tie downs for 4X6 timbers, etc.

Tailgate damper was the first thing I did. I had one on the ram. It got me thinking if a key fob tailgate unlock is a possible modification with some hardware/harness from an F150 Raptor?

 

[asylus]

I added a tailgate dampener to my former F-150 that was also a rabbit hole for my wallet. I thought about one for my Maverick but it requires the removal of one of the tie down cleats on the tailgate. I will be using those tie downs for 4X6 timbers, etc.

They have replacements you can install for the tiedown that gets removed.

 

[Lane]

They have replacements you can install for the tiedown that gets removed.

I added the tailgate strut and then ended up making this replacement tie-down bracket for mine.

Works well and clears the new tailgate strut and no issues with the cable. Enjoyed making it enough that I keep making more. I have a thread here in the For Sale forum if anyone would like one. I've you've added the tailgate strut, don't lose a tie-down point!

 

[Blue_Max]

Tailgate damper was the first thing I did. I had one on the ram. It got me thinking if a key fob tailgate unlock is a possible modification with some hardware/harness from an F150 Raptor?

The key fob with my '24 XLT unlocks the tailgate when I unlock the truck.

 

[Escapologist]

Comparing a Mav to a VW ?
Thats funny to me. :XD

A decade ago, I was trying to find a diesel Passat Wagon, for economy, versatility and a bit of towing, so don't seem super strange to me. I guess I'm always trying to buy 30/30/3k ... 30+ mpg, 30+ cubefoot with the seats up, and ~3k towing, though several of my past vehicles only did two out of three.

 

[blkSTIG32]

The key fob with my '24 XLT unlocks the tailgate when I unlock the truck.

Unlock yes but open/release the tailgate is what I had in mind.

Sponsored