I’m considering getting a Ford Maverick instead of a full-size truck, and it’ll be my first truck.
I’ll mainly use it for light to medium hauling and maybe a little off-roading, mostly for hunting. Otherwise, it’s going to be a regular family car and daily driver.
My worries are about buying something so new, like the Maverick being a first or second-year model. Also, I’d prefer a used truck, but there aren’t really any used Mavericks yet, and pricing gets close to a used F-150 because dealers are marking up Mavericks so much. I’m also unsure about the Maverick’s height. My area floods often, and family members with full-size trucks have relied on that extra clearance.
The fuel economy on the Maverick is a big plus, though, and kind of balances out the other concerns.
I’ve also thought about stretching my budget for an F-150 Lightning and factoring in the money I’d save on gas, but I’m not sure that’s realistic for me right now.
Lex said:
You won’t be able to get a Lightning for a long time. Honestly, I’d go for a new Maverick because used truck prices are crazy right now.
Yeah, I’m seeing used trucks around $20K to $25K for something decent that’s about 10 years old with under 75,000 miles. A Maverick isn’t far off from that.
@Wylder
There’s just a lot of junk in the used market right now. A new Maverick comes with a warranty, which helps. If you go with an F-150, I’d look for one 5-6 years old with around 120K miles, one owner, and a good service history. Both my F-150s hit over 200K miles.
@Lex
The Maverick warranty is only 36K miles, but I figure it should hit 100K without major issues. A used F-150 with less than 75K miles might give me the same. There are a few 5-6 year-old ones with 120K miles in my budget, so I might take your advice. Do you think my assumptions about their longevity are solid? This is my first truck, so I’m guessing a lot here.
@Wylder
Your thinking seems about right. If you take care of the Maverick, it should go past 100K miles easily. An F-150, though, can hit 200K+ if maintained well. My last one is still running at almost 300K with no major issues.
It’s going to be tough to find a 2022 Maverick right now since orders closed months ago. Dealers aren’t keeping many hybrids available either. I’d suggest waiting until the 2023 order books open and placing an order instead of paying a markup for what’s on the lot.
I own a 2022 Maverick. Ordered it in September 2021, got it in December, and paid $1,980 under MSRP because some dealers offer discounts for custom orders. Mine’s an XLT Ecoboost AWD with the 4K tow package, FX4 off-road package, and all-weather floor mats. It cost about $26,800, and I couldn’t find a Ranger or full-size truck close to that price with low mileage. It meets all my needs so far.
My lifetime average MPG is 24.4 with mostly city driving. I’ve gotten 27.8 MPG on longer trips. If fuel economy is a big deal for you, the Maverick hybrid beats the EPA estimates for most owners I’ve seen.
If you’re buying now, I’d say go with the Maverick and plan to keep it for a long time to get the value back. A new Maverick should last you at least a decade.
Vance said:
If you’re buying now, I’d say go with the Maverick and plan to keep it for a long time to get the value back. A new Maverick should last you at least a decade.
Whatever truck I get, I plan to drive it until it’s not worth repairing anymore.
@Wylder
Check out some truck advice channels on YouTube, like Car Wizard. He goes over what trucks to avoid. Some Ford engines, like certain V8s, have known issues. If you’re worried about repairs, buying new might save you some headaches.