Are broncos expensive to maintain?

The maintenance costs of broncos vary widely by context. A Ford Bronco generally incurs routine maintenance costs comparable to other modern midsize SUVs, while keeping a horse (a real bronco) can be far more expensive due to boarding, feed, veterinary care, and farrier services. This article breaks down typical costs for both interpretations and explains the main drivers so readers can plan budgets accordingly.

Vehicle: The Ford Bronco

When evaluating the Ford Bronco, the focus is on routine service, tires, brakes, and occasional repairs. The following items represent the main cost categories you’re likely to encounter over a year of typical use.

• Routine maintenance and service intervals (oil changes, fluids, inspections): roughly $100–$250 per service; annual costs depend on mileage and service frequency.


• Tires and brakes: a new set of all-terrain tires can cost $800–$1,500; brake pad and rotor replacement commonly $300–$800 per axle when needed.


• Unplanned repairs and parts: routine wear items can total about $400–$1,000 per year; major component failures are rarer but significantly higher.


• Insurance, registration, and depreciation (ongoing ownership costs): insurance varies by driver and location; maintenance costs do not include depreciation but should be included in total ownership planning.

In short, routine maintenance for a Ford Bronco is generally in line with other modern midsize SUVs. Expect to budget for regular service, tire upkeep, and occasional repairs, with higher costs if you push the vehicle hard off-road or live in areas with extreme conditions.

Factors that drive cost for the Ford Bronco

Model year, drivetrain configuration (two-door vs. four-door, transmission type), engine choice (2.3L EcoBoost vs. 2.7L EcoBoost), warranty coverage, and local labor rates all influence annual maintenance bills. Warranties can offset some routine costs early in ownership, while older or heavily used Broncos may require more frequent servicing.

Broncos as Horses: The Costs of Keeping a Live Bronco

“Broncos” in the equestrian sense refers to live horses, which require ongoing care beyond the initial purchase. Regional price differences can be substantial, and costs can escalate quickly in the wrong circumstances.

Costs of keeping a live horse can add up quickly; here are the major cost components and typical annual ranges to help prospective owners plan.

• Boarding or stable fees: commonly $400–$1,000+ per month, depending on facilities (pasture board vs. stall, turnout, and services).


• Feed and supplements: roughly $100–$300 per month for hay, grain, minerals, and vitamins, depending on hay quality and horse size.


• Hoof care (farrier): visits every 6–8 weeks, typically $40–$150 per visit depending on trimming vs. shoeing; annual range often $360–$1,000.


• Routine veterinary care: vaccinations, dental work, parasite control, and checkups; $200–$600 per year on the low end, with emergencies far higher.


• Insurance: equine mortality and medical insurance can run $200–$700+ per year, depending on coverage and horse value.


• Tack, equipment, and training: initial gear can cost hundreds to thousands; ongoing maintenance includes replacement saddles, blankets, and gear.

Altogether, the annual cost of keeping a horse commonly ranges from about $5,000 to well over $12,000, depending on location, facilities, level of care, and whether the horse is in training or competing. In high-cost regions or for high-value animals, expenses can be higher; in more modest setups, costs can be lower.

What to consider when budgeting

For vehicle owners, budgeting for routine maintenance, tires, and potential repairs is a standard part of car ownership. For horse owners, it’s essential to plan for steady monthly costs plus a reserve for emergencies, as veterinary bills can escalate quickly in a medical crisis.

Summary

Are broncos expensive to maintain? The answer depends on what you mean by bronco. A Ford Bronco’s upkeep is typical for a modern midsize SUV and can be managed with regular service and prudent maintenance. A live horse, however, carries substantially higher and more variable ongoing costs driven by boarding, feed, hoof care, veterinary needs, and insurance. Prospective buyers and owners should assess usage, geography, and risk tolerance, and build a detailed budget before committing to either interpretation of “bronco.”

Why is no one buying Broncos?

And over the last couple of years there are certain models of the Broncos with dealer markups of $5,000 to $10,000. And some even reaching $20,000. Over MSRP. Which has now led to the Broncos.

Do Ford Broncos require a lot of maintenance?

Yes, Ford Broncos can be considered high maintenance, especially when used for off-roading, due to more frequent servicing, higher potential for wear and tear on parts like suspension, and the need for specialized checks. Maintenance costs are generally in line with other off-road SUVs, but rough terrain use will increase expenses over time. Regular, proactive maintenance is crucial to keeping them running reliably and avoiding costly repairs.
 
Why Broncos can be high maintenance

• Off-road wear and tear: The complex off-road systems and components like suspension and axles are subject to greater stress on rugged terrain, which can lead to more frequent repairs and replacements. 
• Frequent checks: Before off-roading, checking tire pressure and vehicle fluids is essential. After tough use, a full inspection of suspension parts and other components is recommended. 
• Specialized fluid and part requirements: Ford recommends using specific fluids and parts, and certain services, like transmission fluid and differential fluid changes, have specific intervals that depend on usage (e.g., 50,000 miles for trail use vs. 100,000 for normal use). 
• Complex systems: The Bronco's advanced technology and off-road systems are performing reasonably well but can sometimes have issues, such as electrical glitches or infotainment problems, that require professional attention. 

How to manage maintenance costs

• Follow the recommended schedule: Adhering to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule in the owner's manual is crucial for longevity and preventing issues. 
• Perform regular DIY checks: Checking fluid levels and tire pressure yourself can catch minor problems before they become expensive repairs. 
• Find cost-effective service options: Compare prices across different garages to find a balance between quality and cost. 
• Consider a maintenance package or warranty: A service plan or extended warranty can cover unexpected repairs, especially for major components. 
• Clean the vehicle regularly: Keeping the vehicle clean, including washing the exterior and interior, can prevent damage from road salt, bird droppings, and other environmental factors. 

How much does it cost to maintain a Bronco?

The average annual Ford Bronco maintenance cost is around $502, but this can vary based on model and usage. Over five years, routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations can range from $2,000 to $4,000. Some owners have reported higher out-of-pocket repair costs due to specific issues with the hard top, engine, and electrical system, potentially pushing the five-year total to over $3,000 for repairs alone. 
Estimated maintenance and repair costs

• Annual cost: Approximately $502 per year for general maintenance and repairs, according to RepairPal. 
• Five-year routine maintenance: An estimated $2,000 to $4,000 over five years for services like oil changes and tire rotations, similar to other compact SUVs. 
• Five-year total (including repairs): Around $3,228, which is less than the industry average for SUVs, notes CarEdge. However, some estimates suggest higher repair costs for certain issues. 
• Potential for higher costs: Issues with the hard top, 2.7L engine, and infotainment system could lead to higher out-of-pocket repair costs, potentially exceeding $3,000 in the first five years alone, according to this YouTube video. 

Factors that influence costs

• Model: Higher-performance models like the Bronco Raptor have different cost structures. For example, one estimate for the 2022 Raptor showed over $3,000 in just repair costs over a certain period, as detailed on Edmunds. 
• Age and mileage: Like most vehicles, costs increase as the vehicle ages and accumulates mileage. 
• Shop and location: Prices for routine services can vary by dealership and geographical area. For instance, one user reported paying around $55 for a synthetic blend oil change or $75 for a full synthetic oil change at their dealership, per this Reddit post. 

Tips to manage costs

• Consider a pre-paid maintenance plan: These plans can lock in a price for future services. For example, one user on Bronco Nation paid about $1400 for a 2-year extension after the initial warranty expired to cover future maintenance. 
• Shop around for service: Compare prices from different dealerships and local mechanics for routine services like oil changes and tire rotations. 
• Bundle insurance policies: If you have other insurance needs, bundling them with your Bronco insurance can lead to cost savings, notes Preston Ford of Keller. 
• Explore additional services: When getting your vehicle serviced, ask about package deals. For example, Ford dealerships often offer a "Works" package that includes an oil change, tire rotation, fluid top-off, and a multi-point inspection for a set price, as mentioned in this Reddit post. 

What are the downsides of the Ford Bronco?

The main cons of the Ford Bronco include poor fuel economy, excessive road and wind noise, and a choppy on-road ride quality. Other drawbacks are its potentially cheap-feeling interior, limited towing capacity, and issues with the hardtop and technology, such as leaking and glitchy software. The high price point is also a significant con for many potential buyers.
 
This video discusses the disadvantages of the Ford Bronco, including its high price and poor handling: 56sSpeed SpectrumYouTube · Nov 8, 2024
Performance and ride quality

• Poor fuel economy: The Bronco is heavy on fuel, making it potentially expensive for daily driving. 
• Noisy cabin: There is excessive wind and road noise due to its off-road design, with some hardtops experiencing leaks. 
• Choppy ride: The ride can be stiff and bouncy over small bumps, especially on paved roads. 
• Limited towing: The towing capacity is relatively low (3,5003 comma 5003,500 lbs), which may not be enough for some needs. 
• Sterile handling: Some reviewers describe the on-road steering as lacking feel and communication. 

Interior and technology

• Utilitarian interior: The interior can feel basic, with some materials feeling cheap and easily scratched. 
• Interior layout issues: There are complaints about the lack of rear A/C vents and cup holders, as well as difficulty folding rear seats. 
• Technology problems: Some users report issues with the infotainment system (Sync 4) being glitchy, the navigation map appearing basic, and a lack of USB ports in the center console. 

Practicality and convenience

• Difficult entry/exit: The high ride height can make it difficult for some people to get in and out of the vehicle. 
• Challenging roof removal: Removing the hardtop panels can be a difficult and heavy task for one person. 
• Manual seat adjustment: The Bronco lacks power-adjustable seats, which some may find inconvenient. 
• High price: The initial cost is high, and ongoing costs for things like insurance can also be higher. 

Other considerations

• Availability issues: Long wait times for new orders have been a problem for some buyers. 
• Quality control: Some reviews mention various quality control issues, such as noisy manual transmissions or general assembly quirks.