Is the Ford Maverick a reliable option with affordable repairs? Can it handle hauling things like logs and metal scrap?
The Maverick is good for what it’s designed to do. Think of it as a crossover with a truck bed. If you’re looking for something comfortable with great fuel economy and a truck bed for light-duty hauling, this is a great choice.
However, it’s not meant for heavy towing or off-roading like a traditional body-on-frame truck. If your needs match a suburban lifestyle with occasional weekend projects, it’s perfect.
@Ellis
Thanks for the honesty. I’m not a suburbanite, but I don’t need to tow anything or go off-roading. I just need a truck bed that can handle logs, metal scrap, and other random stuff while keeping repairs affordable.
@Pax
If you’re buying new, you’ll have the warranty, so repairs won’t be a concern for the first few years. Vehicles like the Maverick, Ridgeline, and Santa Cruz are unibody trucks, meaning they’re more like crossovers with a truck bed instead of a trunk. This design gives you better fuel economy and a smoother ride but less capability for towing or serious off-roading.
For your needs, a Maverick should work well. I’d recommend a bed liner to protect the bed from damage—these are easy to find, either from the manufacturer or aftermarket.
If you’re planning to keep it for a long time and are super cautious about reliability, you might consider the Honda Ridgeline for its reputation. That said, I haven’t heard any major issues with the Maverick yet. It’s only been out for a few years, so long-term reliability isn’t clear, but there haven’t been any red flags so far.
@Ellis
Thanks a lot for the detailed info. You’ve been really helpful!
If you’re hauling things like logs and metal scrap, I’d look at an older Ford Ranger or Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon instead.
San said:
If you’re hauling things like logs and metal scrap, I’d look at an older Ford Ranger or Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon instead.
Why do you say that?
Both engines in the Maverick have been around for a while. The hybrid engine has a great track record, but the 2.0L EcoBoost engine has had more mixed reviews.