Quality tends to drop when production ramps up on popular models. Why improve a product if people will pay top dollar for it regardless? Plus, according to this article, new car quality hit a 36-year low recently. The good news is most of the issues are with high-end features that budget models like the Maverick don’t have. The bad news is luxury cars are where most people spend their money.
@Sadie
Really interesting, thanks for sharing that.
Thanks for all the great insights, everyone!
The powertrain’s been around for a while and is solid. My worry is about the corrosion I saw in the video. The exhaust, half-shafts, and knuckles already had rust. The issue is they’ve cut costs in areas we can’t easily see.
I’m keeping my cars long-term (my Subaru is 19 years old and my Miata is 25), and I live in a salt-heavy area. Eventually, things like control arms and bushings will wear out, and rust could make repairs more expensive. My 200k-mile Subaru looks better underneath than the Maverick after a few months.
I’m hoping the aftermarket will offer better exhaust systems in the future. Once I get mine, I’m planning to do some DIY rust prevention and protect the key areas.
@Julia
This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for, thanks! I agree that the powertrain itself seems solid, but the lower-quality parts could become an issue over time. It’s hard to justify a low purchase price if you end up paying a lot for repairs.
That’s why I went for the 8-year extended warranty. Worth the peace of mind.
33k miles, no problems here. I pass everyone else stuck on the side of the road!
The exhaust is pretty cheap, which is expected, but the catalytic converter looks like an easy target for thieves.
Dexter said:
The exhaust is pretty cheap, which is expected, but the catalytic converter looks like an easy target for thieves.
I saw a picture of the hybrid’s catalytic converter placement, and it looks like it would be tough to steal.
Dexter said:
The exhaust is pretty cheap, which is expected, but the catalytic converter looks like an easy target for thieves.
I’m planning to put an aftermarket exhaust on mine anyway. I want that 2.0 engine to really purr!
It’s a Ford, so I think it’s a valid concern.
Not really worried. I’ll do some rust-proofing and move on. Worrying about it won’t help. If you’re waiting for yours and now having second thoughts, you’re overthinking it a bit.
Patricia said:
Not really worried. I’ll do some rust-proofing and move on. Worrying about it won’t help. If you’re waiting for yours and now having second thoughts, you’re overthinking it a bit.
I understand where you’re coming from, but long-term reliability is an ongoing conversation as more people put miles on their trucks and more info becomes available. The video I mentioned in my original post is new, and I think it brings up some valid points. I’d rather gather as much info as I can before making a big financial decision, you know?
@BellaCruiser
I watched that video too. My bigger worry wasn’t the muffler rusting (you’ll know when it needs replacing), but more about the suspension parts being cheap. That said, he did compare it to luxury vehicles, so it’s not entirely bad. What part concerned you the most?
@Rowen
I agree. It’s not so much the rust but the overall cheapness of the materials and design. If the parts last, fine, but I just don’t want to deal with constant repairs because they cut corners. My current car needs frequent repairs, and it’s a hassle.
@BellaCruiser
Totally get that. I’m also waiting on a Maverick and keeping an eye out for updates from people who’ve put a lot of miles on theirs. I’m hoping it holds up, but interior rattles are already popping up in some cases. Chevy’s coming out with a competitor soon, but I worked at a Chevy dealership for 8 months and wouldn’t go near one.
@Rowen
If Toyota comes out with a competitor, I’d be all over it. The hybrid Tacoma next year looks promising if it’s priced right.
BellaCruiser said:
@Rowen
If Toyota comes out with a competitor, I’d be all over it. The hybrid Tacoma next year looks promising if it’s priced right.
The Tacoma’s a bit too big for me, though.
@Zabeen
I hope they release something more compact soon.
BellaCruiser said:
@Zabeen
I hope they release something more compact soon.
Looks like they’re listening. I saw something about a smaller truck possibly getting announced in 2023. Here’s the link.