New Ford Maverick vs Older Truck

Question

Hello, I have a quick question hoping for some advice.

So I don't know anything about vehicles whatsoever, I can't even change the oil on my car honestly. I couldn't tell you the first thing about repairing vehicles. However, I am very money cautious person and care about saving as much money as possible with almost everything in life.

My question, for a person like me who needs a truck, would it be better getting new or used?

I don't need to tow anything over a thousand pounds ever, nothing too bulky so a smaller truck is all that I need. But I do need a truck. Looking at these used trucks, they seem extremely expensive for how many miles they have. And I can't diagnose or fix anything I'm gonna have to take it to a shop if anything goes wrong.

Based on my research the maverick seems to be a pretty good option for me if I'm going new since it's affordable, and smaller with good gas mileage. But it's a new vehicle and I've always heard never buy new.

Based on the information above, what do you guys who obviously know WAY MORE about trucks / vehicles than me think I should do?

Thank you!

Justin Shepherd · Accepted Answer

[quote data-userid="180221654" data-postid="337889"] I don't need to tow anything over a thousand pounds ever, nothing too bulky so a smaller truck is all that I need. But I do need a truck. Looking at these used trucks, they seem extremely expensive for how many miles they have. And I can't diagnose or fix anything I'm gonna have to take it to a shop if anything goes wrong.  [/quote] Ford Mavericks aren't real trucks. They're unibodies. The Ford Maverick is based on the Bronco Sport and they share the same platform. If you're not into vehicles at all, body-on-frame vehicles have an obvious structural frame that is completely separate from its chassis, as with my F-150.  I'd go with an older Honda Ridgeline if you like the style of a truck, without the truck gas mileage. Honda Ridgelines are also unibodies. Everybody and their brother wants a "truck", not a sedan, so you will not find as good of a deal with used trucks as you will sedans.

scottykilmer · Answer

No, I'm not a fan of the Mavericks because they're made in Mexico. You'd be much better off buying a Toyota Tacoma. It's a much better made truck that can last forever

ev_mark · Answer

I’ve been going back and forth on this same comparison for a while. The idea of the new Ford Maverick is appealing on paper: good fuel economy, lower upfront cost, and modern tech, but I still find myself leaning toward older, simpler trucks for long-term ownership. There’s just something reassuring about fewer electronics and easier maintenance, especially if you plan to keep the vehicle for 10+ years.

That said, I can see why the Maverick is getting attention, especially for city driving and light hauling. It feels like a “right-sized” truck instead of the oversized options we’ve gotten used to.

In the end, it really depends on how hard you plan to use it and how long you want to keep it. Would you trust the new Ford Maverick for heavy daily work, or is it more of a lifestyle truck in your view?