by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Ford Bronco, or as it should perhaps be known, the Ford Delay, has suffered yet another, well, delay. Unfortunately, issues with the vehicle’s hardtop continue to develop. Recently, the Blue Oval has said that the supplier for the Bronco’s hardtops, Webasto, has made some errors. Issues have varied widely, but the bottom line is a lot of these tops simply aren’t up to snuff, and owners have noticed. Now, Ford is going to replace them.

Despite delays, Ford is doing the right thing

A Bronco on the assembly line | Bill Pugliano via Getty Images

The folks at Ford really have been trying their hardest to get the Ford Bronco out to consumers. Hell, they’re being bought up faster than the Blue Oval can build them. At a certain point, there just isn’t much you can do. It’s like ordering something online. You’ve paid, and now you have to wait. However, even if there isn’t much you can do, you’d still be upset at a defective product and expect Amazon to make it right.

That’s exactly the situation Ford is in now. They didn’t make the Bronco’s hardtops themselves, but as the owners of the Bronco brand, it’s on the Blue Oval to make it right. Earlier, Ford sent out a letter to Bronco owners telling them “We’ll replace your hardtop if it’s defective, and if you’ve ordered one you’ll have to wait until the tops are done properly.” Frankly, that’s about all Ford can do. However, it certainly isn’t putting a damper on any of the hype surrounding the brand’s Jeep competitor.

First-year vehicles can often have quality issues

Peeling headliner on a new Bronco hardtop
Peeling headliner on a new Bronco | Bronco6G Forum

To be honest, this isn’t an unheard-of problem in the automotive industry. There’s often issues with new vehicles during the first year or so of production, doubly so if it’s a totally new model like the Ford Bronco. For example, 6th-generation Volkswagen GTI models are notorious for timing chain failures, but only in the first few years of production. Unfortunately, the issues seen by owners are exacerbated by extreme conditions like water and intense humidity.

That’s a bit rough, as those are the very things owners expect an off-roader SUV to be able to handle with ease. Instead, it’s tarnished the ownership experience for many. So, what does that mean for new Ford Bronco production? As of right now, things are kind of “first come first serve.” The remanufactured Webasto hardtops will be going out to current owners first, and that means Ford won’t be delivering new units until the issues are solved.

How soon will you get your new Ford Bronco?

A 2022 Bronco sits under a banner bearing its name at the Chicago Auto Show
Ford’s Jeep killer | Scott Olson via Getty Images

This, of course, means yet more waiting for hopeful Bronco owners, some of whom have been waiting years for their new SUV to show up in their driveway. If you need that Bronco right now, the best thing to do is to spec yours with the soft top. Who knows, maybe you can retrofit a Webasto hardtop onto your soft one later?

RELATED: People Are Already Flipping Ford Broncos

The post Ford Bronco Hard Top Replacements Are Going to Cause More Delays appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

We’ve come to expect this from dealers with a hot model sitting on their lots. We’re disappointed, nonetheless, and it perpetuates the negative opinion most car buyers have of dealers. And that’s what we have with Ford’s F-150 Raptor; a hot truck that dealers are jacking up prices on.

Right now the first 2021 Raptors are rolling into Ford dealers

2021 Ford Raptor | Ford

Right now Ford dealers are getting their clutches on some of the first deliveries of Ford’s crown jewel. Everyone knows that this third generation will be a great seller just based on the previous models. That includes Ford dealers.

According to Raptor Connection, a new Raptor at Oxmoor Ford in Louisville, Kentucky, is being advertised for $10,000 over sticker price. But even at $90,000, it was there, and then it was gone. It’s no longer on Oxmoor’s website inventory list. Here’s another sale of a marked-up popular vehicle to reinforce dealerships’ crappy behavior. 

A loaded 2021 Raptor out the door minus sales taxes should be right at $80,000. There have been several that have shown up in the $85,000 range. Just like that; what appears to be the MSRP has jumped $5,000. Did Ford change the MSRP, or is this just a sneaky way for dealers to snag an extra five grand?

If you pre-ordered a Raptor, you still might have paid well over sticker

2021 Ford Raptor interior
2021 Ford Raptor | Ford

If you pre-ordered your 2021 model, then you’re golden. You’ll pay whatever the predetermined price is and no more. Even in these times of even ordinary F-150s being hard to find. 

But forums are full of people who have ordered their Raptors through dealers and paid up to $30,000 over MSRP. The general consensus is that it will be hot, so we can sell your ordered Raptor for $30,000 over sticker. So that’s what you’ll pay to order one. 

But for as much as automakers would like to see their dealers get in line, there isn’t much it can do. State franchise laws give car dealers all kinds of indemnification. They’re pretty much free to do as they wish, short of out and out robbery. 

A base model has an MSRP of under $70,000 if you can find one

Orange 2021 Ford Raptor
2021 Ford Raptor | Ford

If any base models are lurking around, their MSRP is under $70,000. So there is a chance you might be able to get one at this price should there become a small spurt of inventory. But, we doubt it.

And don’t forget, at some point, the Raptor R will hit dealers. With 700 hp, it will smoke any of these “pedestrian” Raptors. So maybe you should just kick back and wait for the better Raptor. We’re positive dealers won’t be marking them up. 

RELATED: The 2021 Ford Ranger Raptor Lacks 1 Crucial Feature

The post Ford Dealers Jacking Up F-150 Raptor Prices Bigly appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you’re in the market for a new electric vehicle (EV) with all-wheel drive (AWD), it’s hard to beat what the 2021 Tesla Model Y has to offer. Don’t just take our word for it, though. As a matter of fact, TrueCar reports that when it comes to the best AWD electric vehicles of 2021, this year’s new Tesla Model Y is your best option.

Is there a 2021 Tesla Model Y?

2021 Tesla Model Y | Tesla

Yes, as a matter of fact, there is a 2021 Tesla Model Y. This year’s model finds itself among TrueCar’s picks for the best AWD electric vehicles too. Though, TrueCar isn’t the only organization singing the new Tesla Model Y’s praises. Consumer Reports gave this year’s new Tesla Model Y a 90/100 in its road tests. The organization also gave this year’s new Tesla Model Y a five out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating.

Meanwhile, according to U.S. News & World Report, the 2021 Model Y has an “excellent driving range for an EV, and its efficiency ratings are outstanding.” The organization isn’t wrong, either. Opt for the Performance model and enjoy up to 303 miles of EPA-estimated range. And if that’s not enough range to satisfy your daily driving needs? Consider the Long Range model, which delivers an EPA-estimated range of up to 326 miles.

The new Model Y SUV is the best AWD electric vehicle

The interior of the 2021 Tesla Model Y
2021 Tesla Model Y | Tesla

Now, there’s really no denying that the Model Y has a lot going for it. After all, it’s an all-electric SUV that offers up to 326 miles of range. What’s not to like about that? As it turns out, however, that’s not all this Tesla SUV has going for it. In fact, TrueCar reports that the Model Y SUV is the best AWD electric vehicle of 2021.

There are plenty of reasons the 2021 Tesla Model Y was able to land the top spot on TrueCar’s list too. It boasts a spacious interior that provides a maximum of 76 cubic feet of cargo space. It also comes standard with a long list of sought-after features, including 360° rear, side, and forward-facing cameras, a large glass roof, and a 15-inch touchscreen display.

How much does a Tesla Model Y cost?

A white 2021 Tesla Model Y with a surfboard on top
2021 Tesla Model Y | Tesla

As for how much the Tesla Model Y costs? You’ll be pleased to know that this year’s new Model Y is one of the cheapest Tesla models on the market today. Opt for the Long Range model and you can anticipate spending approximately $53,990 on this year’s new model. Upgrade to the Performance model, however, and the Tesla Model Y’s price jumps up to $60,990. 

Is the 2021 Tesla Model Y the right EV for you?

While the Tesla Model Y is both the cheapest Tesla model and TrueCar’s pick for the best AWD electric vehicle, does that mean it’s the right EV for you? Not necessarily. To find out, we recommend getting behind the wheel for a test drive.

RELATED: 12 Best AWD SUVs of 2021 According to U.S. News, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Tops the List

The post The 2021 Tesla Model Y Dominates as the Best AWD Electric Vehicle of 2021 appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Unlike most consumers, tall people have to shop a little harder when it’s time to buy a new car. Fortunately, quite a few used SUVs are great for tall folks, according to Kelley Blue Book. Here’s a look at the top five used SUVs for tall folks.

Kelley Blue Book calls the 2017 to 2019 Chevy Equinox an affordable choice

Kelley Blue Book calls the 2019 Chevy Equinox a top used SUV for tall people | Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Tall folks might be tempted to buy the biggest and newest SUV, but that’s not always necessary. As Kelley Blue Book says, brand-new cars are expensive, and many people can’t afford them. However, there are great used options, and they aren’t necessarily huge SUVs, either. 

Kelley Blue Book’s pick for the fifth-best SUV for tall people is the 2017 to 2019 Chevy Equinox. Pricing can vary based on many factors. However, a used 2017 Equinox, for instance, can start at around $20,000. For that price, tall drivers will get access to a capable compact SUV with 40 inches of front headroom and 39.8 inches of front legroom.

2013 to 2015 Honda Pilot: Bigger is better in this case

The Honda Pilot is a midsize SUV, so it’s roomy in the front and the back. On top of that, as Kelley Blue Book said, the Pilot is known for being reliable, so that’s another reason why it places fourth on KBB’s list.

In any case, because this version of the Pilot has 40 inches of front headroom and 41.4 inches of front legroom, it’s big enough for most tall drivers. Plus, this used SUV is relatively affordable, selling for under $20,000.

Kelley Blue Book likes the redesigned 2019 and 2020 Subaru Forester

Because the 2019 and 2020 Subaru Forester are more recent models, they’re a bit more expensive than older ones. However, a used 2019 Forester starts at only about $24,000, making it affordable for many folks. Additionally, as Kelley Blue Book wrote, these model years were part of a redesign for the Forester.

One of the big changes happened in the interior, and it’s spacious as a result. These Forester models have about 41.2 inches of front headroom and 43.3 inches of front legroom, according to KBB.

The 2016 to 2019 Ford Flex is the runnerup

Used Ford Flex owners will own not only the last of the Flex nameplate but also a spacious SUV. The Flex was a full-size three-row crossover, a great option for large families and tall people.

It can be an affordable option as well — a used Flex from the 2016 to 2019 model years can start somewhere between $24,000 and $30,000, Kelley Blue Book reports. As for driving space, it earned its number-two spot with 41.4 inches of front headroom and 42.9 inches of front legroom.

Kelley Blue Book’s top pick: 2018 to 2020 Nissan Rogue

In first place is the Nissan Rogue, which is a surprise because it’s a compact SUV. Regardless, it’s still slightly roomier for the driver than the full-size Flex. Kelley Blue Book reports that the 2018 to 2020 Rogue boasts 41.6 inches of front headroom and 43 inches of front legroom.

However, KBB notes that Nissan redesigned the Rogue for the 2021 model year, and it’s not as spacious as the used models. But 2018 to 2020 models are not only roomier than the new model but also more affordable. According to Kelley Blue Book, a pre-owned Rogue from those model years can start at around $20,000.

RELATED: New York Is the Only State in America That Loves This Car

The post The Top 5 Best Used SUVs for Tall People According to Kelley Blue Book appeared first on MotorBiscuit.