I’m thinking about getting a Ford Maverick, either new or lightly used, as a low-cost truck for handyman work. I mostly need it for hauling branches, materials, and doing light residential property work. I was hoping my old van would last longer so I could wait for a plug-in hybrid or the rumored small Toyota truck, but I need something now.
Is there another option I should consider before going all in on the Maverick? I’ve owned a Prius since 2013, so I like vehicles that can last a long time and be reliable over the years. My biggest concern is: will the Maverick still be a good vehicle 10 years down the line?
The Maverick is a solid truck, but the short bed can be limiting. You might need a rack for things like drywall or long lumber. If you’re hauling big items regularly, a used Transit van might actually be more practical.
@Maxwell
The Maverick’s tailgate can be set halfway down to handle 4x8 sheets, which works well with the wheel well cutouts. It’s not perfect, but better than you’d think for such a small truck.
@Maxwell
I had an Explorer Sport Trac, and while the short bed was fine for smaller jobs, anything bigger—like drywall or long lumber—was a hassle. If you’re dealing with big items regularly, you might want a full-size bed or a van.
The Maverick is great for light jobs, but you might also consider the Hyundai Santa Cruz. It’s not as proven on reliability but offers more towing capacity. If you’re looking at higher Maverick trims, you’re close to the price of base models for body-on-frame trucks like the Tacoma or Frontier, which are more capable overall.
Lennie said: @Chandler
I don’t tow at all, so the bed is all I care about. Do you think spending extra on a Tacoma would pay off in the long run for reliability?
If long-term reliability is your priority, it’s hard to beat a Tacoma. They hold their value for a reason and are built to last.
Lennie said: @Chandler
I don’t tow at all, so the bed is all I care about. Do you think spending extra on a Tacoma would pay off in the long run for reliability?
The Maverick seems reliable based on early feedback. Most modern vehicles, with proper maintenance, should hit 150,000 miles or more without major issues.
The Honda Ridgeline could be worth a look. It’s known for reliability, has great in-bed storage, and drives really well. It’s more comfortable than most trucks.
Ezra said:
The Honda Ridgeline could be worth a look. It’s known for reliability, has great in-bed storage, and drives really well. It’s more comfortable than most trucks.
The Ridgeline also made Consumer Reports’ list for vehicles with the highest percentage reaching over 200k miles. Definitely worth considering.
Ezra said:
The Honda Ridgeline could be worth a look. It’s known for reliability, has great in-bed storage, and drives really well. It’s more comfortable than most trucks.
Ridgelines are nice, but they’re priced like premium trucks. You can often find a full-size pickup for less, which might be a better deal.
@Cairo
True, but if you’re comparing similarly equipped trucks, the Ridgeline offers great value. It excels in comfort and features for daily driving if you’re not doing heavy-duty work.
Ford’s hybrid systems have a good reputation, almost on par with Toyota’s for reliability. If you’re going with the hybrid Maverick, you can expect a dependable powertrain.
Westley said:
Ford’s hybrid systems have a good reputation, almost on par with Toyota’s for reliability. If you’re going with the hybrid Maverick, you can expect a dependable powertrain.
The design is solid, but there have been a few recalls. Something to keep in mind, but nothing too concerning yet.
We considered the Maverick but ended up with a 2015 F150 Lariat. It’s overkill for some jobs, but we’ve hauled everything from pavers to dirt and gone on cross-country trips comfortably. If you can swing it, a slightly bigger truck might save you frustration down the road.
The Maverick’s bed is only 4.5 feet long, which limits its usefulness for some work tasks. If you can make that work, it’s a great option, but for anything bigger, you’ll want something else.