2021 Ford Bronco Dealer Markups Are Already a Problem

by Gabrielle DeSantis

2021 Ford Bronco owners have displayed otherworldly patience and grace. Now potential buyers face even more frustration as units finally make it to dealerships. Like the Kia Telluride, outrageous Bronco markups have been seen in response to the massive demand for this SUV.

Delays have driven up demand for the 2021 Ford Bronco

2021 Ford Bronco | Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images

The 2021 Ford Bronco has faced multiple delays since its intended release this spring. Supply chain interruptions impact frustrated buyers, but issues with Webatso are at the heart of the most prolonged delays. The supplier is responsible for manufacturing the SUV’s hardtop roof.

Ford has made an effort to be transparent with buyers about what’s keeping these trucks off the showroom floor. These communications have sometimes been unconventional, including late-night registered letters. To prevent further frustration, Ford has put a temporary hold on communications regarding the Webasto supply issues. The automaker says it will resume communications when the situation stabilizes.

The automaker now estimates hardtop options ordered in 2021 will be available in 2023. Buyers have the opportunity to amend their orders to soft-top models, which have already begun to be delivered. Ford has even offered complimentary conversion kits to allow buyers to switch to soft-top now and convert later.

Bronco pricing reflects the demand for the SUV

Demand for the 2021 Ford Bronco has been high since the announcement of the SUV. The first edition sold out within hours, even after Ford extended the production run. This demand has lead to some dealerships marking up prices.

Whether the demand is high or low, dealerships will mark up prices. Increased demand can increase these markups beyond typical market trends. At least one dealership in California offers the Bronco First Edition at a staggering $79,115, an entire $20,000 above MSRP.

This extreme markup isn’t an outlier. In the current volatile market, supplies are low, and demand is high. Dealerships have used markup to control sales of popular models. The Kia Telluride saw high markup as well.

What can you do to protect yourself from dealership markup?

A black 2021 Ford Bronco SUV on display outdoors
2021 Ford Bronco | Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images

With inventories at historic lows and demand on the rise, high dealership markup isn’t likely to go anywhere. Buyers need to learn how to spot an inflated price to navigate the current market. Knowing how much markup to expect before going to the dealership can prevent sticker shock.

Thorough price research should be the first step in any car buying process. Buyers should learn the suggested retail price and what others in their region are paying. Comparing those figures to a dealer’s asking price can highlight frivolous upcharges.

One of the surest ways to avoid paying a high markup is not a strategy most buyers want to hear. Simply waiting out the demand is the best way to pay retail price. In this case, buyers have already been waiting and may choose to pay the difference.

Bronco fans are still excited to see the SUV starting to hit the streets after so many delays. Dealers know the demand will stay high as more Broncos roll off the production line. Broncos could have high markup at dealerships, but savvy buyers can spot it with some research.

RELATED: Critics Agree: The 2021 Ford Bronco Is Absolutely the Real Deal

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Bentley Flying Spur Plug-In Hybrid Has a Shocking Powertrain

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The future is electric, and every vehicle, from affordable compact sedans to pickup trucks to luxury cars, is undergoing shocking changes. We are a long way from the late 90’s Toyota Prius. Now it seems like every day an automaker is announcing a new electric or hybrid vehicle. Bentley’s latest plug-in hybrid, the Bentley Flying Spur, is looking to help electrify its lineup.

The evolution of hybrid vehicles

The Toyota Prius | Toyota

The Toyota Prius gets a lot of hate, but it was revolutionary in many ways. The hybrid arrived in the late 90s and opened up a world of possibilities. Unfortunately, it was ahead of its time and was the subject of ridicule as a result. The Prius was seen as impractical and lacking by many. Little did we know it would be the stepping stone that would lead to some of today’s most innovative vehicles.

Today plug-in hybrids are becoming popularized. Hybrids generate electricity from braking and internal combustion engines, while plug-in hybrids can be refueled similarly to gas-powered vehicles. Instead of a gas station, a plug-in hybrid pulls up to a charging station to refuel. Charging stations were also seen as impractical because of long charging times, but companies like Tesla have streamlined charging stations.

Now that the technology exists to make electric and hybrid vehicles more practical, plenty of automakers are joining the party and rolling out their new models. Companies like Ford have introduced electric versions of some of their most popular models. Plug-in hybrids appear to be one of the trendiest new options for lineups. Bentley has decided it’s time for a plug-in hybrid of its own.

Bentley’s shift to electric

A Bentley Flying Spur car is on display during the 18th Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition at China Import and Export Fair Complex on November 20, 2020 in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province of China.
Bentley Flying Spur | Li Yu/VCG via Getty Images

Bentley has publically claimed that it would have a fully electric vehicle lineup by 2030. The Bentley Bentayga is a great start, but the automaker is still leaps and bounds away from its goal. Enter the Bentley Flying Spur Plug-in Hybrid. The Bentley Flying Spur was released in 2006 as a four-door version of the Bentley Continental GT coupe.

The Bentley Flying spur has always been fast, stylish, and too expensive for the average consumer. It is a luxury car amongst luxury cars, experienced by only the elite and affluent. Electric vehicle and hybrid options have gradually become more affordable, but the Bentley Flying Spur Plug-in Hybrid proves there are hybrid options for those with expensive tastes as well.

Bentley Flying Spur Plug-in Hybrid

A green Bentley Flying Spur Plug-in Hybrid.
The Bentley Flying Spur | Bentley Motors

The Bentley Flying Spur Plug-in hybrid uses a twin-turbo V6 engine and an electric motor. According to Car and Driver, it makes 536 horsepower. It is estimated to travel 25 miles on just electricity. Bentley claims that the Flying Spur Plug-in hybrid can go from 0-60 miles per hour in just 4.1 seconds.

The Bentley Flying Spur Plug-in Hybrid could be the beginning of a huge decade for Bentley as they roll out more hybrid and electric vehicles. Bentley has started with two of their most popular models. Chances are the Flying Spur Plug-in hybrid will sell well thanks to its strong powertrain and quick acceleration. Bentley created a hybrid without the limitations of most EVs in terms of power. The electric-only range may not be anything to write home about yet, but the automaker has made a solid first and second attempt at transitioning to eco-friendly vehicles.

RELATED: Pricey 2022 Bentley Continental GT Speed Delivers on Promises

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Did You Know Winnebago Owns This Classic Boat Manufacturer?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

For more than 60 years, Winnebago Industries has been manufacturing RVs in the United States. Based in Forest City, Iowa, the company produces popular motorhomes such as the Minnie Winnie, Outlook, and Journey Class A diesel pusher.

But in 2018, the industry leader acquired an iconic recreational boat manufacturing company. Many don’t realize the well-known watercraft supplier, respected among boatbuilders, is owned by Winnebago Industries.

Winnebago gets into the boat business

Winnebago Industries owns Chris-Craft | Eve Edelheit/Bloomberg via Getty Images

A few years ago, Winnebago, a leading outdoor lifestyle product manufacturer, announced its plans to purchase the legendary Chris-Craft boating line. Both recreational companies share similarities, including a commitment to providing quality services and products.

Winnebago Industries President and CEO Michael Happe said in a press release: “Chris-Craft marks Winnebago’s first entry into the marine market.”

He added, “This acquisition aligns with our strategic initiative to further diversify Winnebago Industries within the outdoor lifestyle market and gives us a strong base on which to build an additional revenue platform over time.”

The RV and marine industries naturally exist through the creation of outdoor lifestyle products, sharing similar demographics. Many consumers are interested in owning a boat and an RV to enhance their leisure activities.

Chris-Craft President Stephen Heese said, “We look forward to further developing our storied brand while leveraging Winnebago’s capital and resources to accelerate our growth and continue delivering an exceptional product experience for our dealers and customers.”

History of the iconic boatbuilder

Established in 1874, Chris-Craft is known for the superior craftsmanship and quality that goes into its extensive product line. Headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, the boatbuilder offers premium fiberglass vessels such as the Capri, Corsair, and Catalina, ranging from 21 feet to 38 feet long.

Rich in history, the legendary boatbuilder began making wooden boats around the same time Henry Ford introduced the automobile. Innovative designs led to record-breaking speeds, unsurpassed comfort, and supreme performance.
 
According to Mahogany Bay, “By 1927, Chris-Craft was the world’s largest manufacturer of mahogany boats.” The next 30 years led to rapid expansion, with 10 factories and 5,000 employees. To date, the well-regarded company has produced more than 250,000 quality boats.

Mahogany Bay points out that the formula to success for Chris Craft “is an approach to building boats that combines craftsmanship with efficiency, beauty with practicality, performance with comfort, style with elegance, reliability with longevity, traditional with modern, and most importantly, quality with innovation.”

Future plans for Chris-Craft

Happe, hired to revitalize the Winnebago product line, has successfully acquired several major recreational companies over the past few years. Chief Executive explains how the CEO oversaw the purchases of Grand Design and Newmar to remain competitive in the RV market.

Winnebago’s revenues increased by $2 billion in only five years, currently accounting for more than 12 percent of the market share.

A year after purchasing Chris-Craft, Winnebago announced it had big plans in the works for the boat manufacturer. According to The Courier, “The blueprint for increasing the number of boat models Chris-Craft offers, the size of its plant and its workforce are about the same as they were before the recreational vehicle manufacturer bought the boat maker.”

Winnebago reportedly has plans to “invest multiple eight figures in this business.” Heese noted, “It’s pretty much our same growth plan we had before the acquisition, but now we can execute it more quickly.”

Plans for Chris-Craft include expanding its 17-acre manufacturing plant in Sarasota and adding 250 employees. The company has no plans for new boat lines because it already has 18 models in production.

RELATED: What Type of Wood Are Chris-Craft Boats Made Of?

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Is It Worth It to Buy a Used Car With a Replaced Engine?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

When amidst the car buying process, you may come across a vehicle with a replaced engine. Initially, this may seem like a terrible purchase. However, a replaced or rebuilt motor can provide many benefits. A new motor can also provide many headaches if you’re not careful. There’s some due diligence to be done here if you’re considering a vehicle with a replaced engine, and a few key things to look for.

What to look for in a replaced engine

1966 Jaguar E type Series 1 motor | National Motor Museum via Getty Images

There’s a few things you’ll want to look for in a vehicle with a replaced motor. First, you’ll want to start with a bit of a history lesson. Give the vehicle’s history report a look. Why was the motor replaced? Did someone blow it up out of carelessness? Or was it due to lack of maintenance? Or perhaps an accident?

These are all things you’ll want to know. For example, if the motor died because of previously poor maintenance, it doesn’t bode well for the health of the rest of the vehicle. A new motor does not a reliable car make. The vehicle history report may not reveal all, and you may have to place a call to the shop where the replacement motor was fitted. Like any shop, ensure their work is quality.

The benefits of a swapped motor

Volkswagen's four-cylinder TDI motor in the Golf SportWagen
Volkswagen’s TDI motor | Daniel Acker via Getty Images

So, let’s start with the most obvious. A replaced engine can have benefits, and chief among them is reliability. If you’ve found a vehicle with a new or even newer motor, then the benefit is plain to see. Less miles, less wear. Now, the next benefit is often overlooked, but it can be just as much of a boon as helping your vehicle’s reliability.

There are some instances when you may be able to take advantage of a warranty on a car with a replaced engine. If the job was performed by a manufacturer, they may be willing to extend you a powertrain warranty. Of course, this is the most ideal situation you’ll come across. Now, not only would you have a car with a new motor, but one with a factory warranty on it.

A swapped motor can also be a headache

Audi's four-cylinder TFSI motor in the TT Coupe
Audi’s version of the TDI motor: the TFSI | National Motor Museum via Getty Images

Evidently, there are also quite a lot of downsides and unknowns with a replaced engine. First, there’s who did the work. If things weren’t done right, you’d be better off in a car with an old motor. There’s also the why. Modern engines are designed to last the lifespan of a car. So, what exactly was the previous owner doing to that poor car to pop the motor?

Supposing you’re able to verify the integrity of a car with a replaced motor, it can be a smokin’ deal. Pricing will be ideal, as most will stay away, and you may even end up with a warranty in the best case. The name of the game here is thorough research, so do yours. If you do, you could have a lifetime car on your hands.

RELATED: How to Choose a Quality Mechanic

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