Anybody Coming from a Maverick?

[magnato1]

Hi All,

I currently have a 2023 Ford Maverick Tremor. It's been a good vehicle, but I had a Bronco Sport before this and the transmission had to be replaced at 16k miles. Maverick has the same transmission and I just can't get past the transmission issues with the 8 speed transmission. I'm constantly worried that it's going to poop out on me. Also, the 4.5 bed is small. Most of the time it's fine, but it does fill up quickly and it's too small for my skis.

I am seriously considering a 4th gen Tacoma and I am wondering if anyone else has moved from a Maverick to a Tacoma and what your experience has been. Any regrets? Particular features about the Maverick that the Tacoma doesn't have?

Also, the seats in the Maverick are small and it is one of my peeves. Can someone measure the length of the front seats and back seats so I can compare to the measurements of the Maverick? I'm specifically referring to the portion of the seat that you sit on, from knees to butt.

If I go the Tacoma route, I am looking at DCLB TRD Off Road with Upgrade Package. I have test driven one, and I liked it, but it's wild to me how big the truck is and how small the passenger area is. My little Maverick has 3 inches more legroom in the back.

I live in the mountains at 8,000 feet, we get between 300-600 inches of snow a year. I live 1 mile from work, so it's not a commuter. I drive down a lot of dirt roads and one of my main concerns with the DCLB is difficulty turning around/maneuvering. The DCLB is 26 inches longer than the Maverick and about 5 inches wider.

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks!

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[Sner]

Apparently your doing far more research into buying a Tacoma than you did in buying a Maverick, Why would one buy another Ford with the same transmission that was in their last vehicle that gave them problems ?

anyway, just buy the Tacoma, you’ll be much happier with it, think that will be the consensus on this forum.

 

[OminousSkitter]

I want to a make sure I understand you correctly. You want a bigger truck to fit your skis and more cargo but want the maneuverability of a smaller truck? Have you considered getting a roof or bed rack?

Don’t get me wrong, I like Tacomas. I think they are better trucks than Mavericks or Rangers. If you otherwise like your current truck, you can find ways to carry your skis that don’t involve trading it for a larger truck. (I’m also a hypocrite here. I went with a long bed in part because my Nordic skis didn’t fit in the short bed.)

For what it’s worth, I know several Broncos that haven’t had transmission issues with way more miles; you might’ve just been unlucky with yours.

 

[bitflogger]

Hi All,

I currently have a 2023 Ford Maverick Tremor. It's been a good vehicle, but I had a Bronco Sport before this and the transmission had to be replaced at 16k miles. Maverick has the same transmission and I just can't get past the transmission issues with the 8 speed transmission. I'm constantly worried that it's going to poop out on me. Also, the 4.5 bed is small. Most of the time it's fine, but it does fill up quickly and it's too small for my skis.

I am seriously considering a 4th gen Tacoma and I am wondering if anyone else has moved from a Maverick to a Tacoma and what your experience has been. Any regrets? Particular features about the Maverick that the Tacoma doesn't have?

Also, the seats in the Maverick are small and it is one of my peeves. Can someone measure the length of the front seats and back seats so I can compare to the measurements of the Maverick? I'm specifically referring to the portion of the seat that you sit on, from knees to butt.

If I go the Tacoma route, I am looking at DCLB TRD Off Road with Upgrade Package. I have test driven one, and I liked it, but it's wild to me how big the truck is and how small the passenger area is. My little Maverick has 3 inches more legroom in the back.

I live in the mountains at 8,000 feet, we get between 300-600 inches of snow a year. I live 1 mile from work, so it's not a commuter. I drive down a lot of dirt roads and one of my main concerns with the DCLB is difficulty turning around/maneuvering. The DCLB is 26 inches longer than the Maverick and about 5 inches wider.

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks!

I only know associates' and test rides in Maverick, like our Tacoma, but would not own one if I didn't have frequent needs for a light truck, and would not own the short beds. They can't carry what our Outback and minivan could. Tacoma back seat is not very friendly but works.

In a period between pickup ownership I'd rent when needed and also pull a trailer when needed. For that snow, I am a powder chaser. The Tacoma with 3PMSF tires is good, but not traction like our AWD wagons.

IMO the Tacoma long beds are great alternatives to bigger pickups. Mine's been a reliable work machine starting its 3rd year. I'd not want it as our only vehicle. I'd not want something always sucking considerably more gasoline if I could avoid it.

 

[fjtotaco]

Hi Magnato1,
I am not coming from a maverick but I would not worry about switching. I have a 6ft bed and love it. Tacoma's are awesome...

 

[DutchFather]

I’ve had many Fords from mavericks, courier, B2000, Tempo, pinto, Mustangs, Escape F100, Fairlane 500 etc.
I switched to Toyota trucks in 1993 and won’t go back. No problems with any Fords but the Tacomas and SR5 series are just better overall and more durable.
I wouldn’t switch just for fear of a mechanical issue with the transmission though but it sounds like you have misgivings about your current ride.

 

[magnato1]

Hi All, and thanks for the responses. I’ve replied to some of your responses below.



Also, if anyone wants to take those seat measurements, I’d be grateful!


1. I did significant research on the Maverick before I purchased. I liked my Bronco Sport, other than the transmission failure, and the Maverick is built on the same platform. I also considered the fact that Ford sells more than 100,000 units annually. The reality is, while there are issues with the 8 speed transmission, most units are probably fine and it was based on that reality that I purchased the Maverick. Admittedly, If it hadn’t already happened to me, I don’t think I’d even be thinking about it. Additionally, I live 135 miles from the nearest Ford dealer, but 43 miles from the nearest Toyota dealer.


2. I do have a rack for the skis and, generally, the Maverick bed suits my needs. The main impetus for change is my general, whether or not rational, lack of confidence in the transmission. But, a benefit to buying the Tacoma will be a real bed that can carry my skis, mountain bike, and larger loads. It may also double as a place to camp. Broncos have the 10 speed transmission, which is also problematic. Last summer, I was trying to get the Maverick in to the dealer because it was shifting oddly and they couldn’t scheduled me, they just put me on a waitlist. They said this was because they were having so many issues with the 10 speed. Thankfully, they just ran some updates for the Maverick and I have not had any issues since.



3. Moving from AWD to 4WD is not something I am stoked about, especially living in the mountains. It’s great to not have to think about whether I need to switch into 4 wheel, and when I need the dedicated action of 4wd and a rear locker, I can engage that in my Tremor. My partner has a 22 Outback, so that’s a great car for road trips and it gives me the ability to have the utility of a truck.

 

[MJB4450]

Between this review and my test drive, I was sold on the Tacoma. I did 1 1/2 year research of ALL the small and mid size trucks before I bought. And as far as transmissions go, I don't even know it's there. It's very smooth and no hunting for gears. Also keep in mind that the SR has 50 horsepower less than all the other trims. And no oil cooler on the SR. Definitely worth going at least SR5.

 

[TacoBirdinNW]

Love my Tacoma. DCLB has the turning radius of a school bus though. I'd go short bed if I could go back because of that, but it's nice to have extra room back there on the rare occasion I do use it for truck stuff.

 

[Ironhide]

A few years back I went to buy a Maverick. Laughed at the size and came home with a F150. Long story short, after a few more trades, I traded for my Tacoma. Should have bought a Tacoma long ago, but I’m glad I ended up with the 4th gen. Take a day, not to buy, but to test drive a few Tacomas. Where about in California are you located?

 

[MT-Taco]

Mine is a June 24 build date. Been rock solid at 46K miles. Not concerned in the slightest about long term reliability.

Good video here. Tim is about as unbiased or brand loyal as they come.

 

[bigcanoe]

I traded an XLT Maverick for my Off Road Tacoma. I needed a bigger bed and more towing capacity. The Maverick got a better MPG (mine was a turbo) was easier to park and had a better radio screen. Not much else is better to my recollection.

 

[Eesh29]

3. Moving from AWD to 4WD is not something I am stoked about, especially living in the mountains. It’s great to not have to think about whether I need to switch into 4 wheel, and when I need the dedicated action of 4wd and a rear locker, I can engage that in my Tremor. My partner has a 22 Outback, so that’s a great car for road trips and it gives me the ability to have the utility of a truck.

The Limited Hybrid is AWD.

 

[IDontWorkForTheWaterCo]

For 95% of people, AWD is better, simpler, with less operator involvement. With part time 4WD, there are things that have to be taken into consideration when using it.

I really liked the idea of the Maverick, especially the hybrid. I came close a couple of years ago too seriously considering one. But after driving one, the super low-rent interior and the fact that my local Ford dealer acted like they were priceless gold nuggets sitting on the lot really turned me off. I did like the way it drove. It had very good road manners. My wife liked it too. But she kept saying, "I can't see you owning a Ford".

 

[TacoBirdinNW]

And the elephant in the room... Styling

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