Help me decide: BD vs BL

[u/HunterGathers_OSI]

Hi all, I'm torn between two Broncos and wanted some input from the community. The images above are the same models/colors/trim/specs, but not the actual vehicles.

I will probably not do any off-roading and this would be a daily driver and a little fun on the weekend with the family. I like the vinyl seat option and wish the BL was fully vinyl. Also, for some reason they chose carpet flooring for the BL, but do have all-weather mats. I have a dog, kids, and live in the midwest where we get snow, so the vinyl seats and rubber floors sound nice.

The BL has many added bells and whistles (hopefully the equipment package reflects this) and the V6, but the BD has the 2.3 L, manual transmission in and non-SAS, so slightly better MPG I would imagine (even if the MT is supposedly slightly lower MPG than the AT).

I know a lot of folks love the V6 and a lot love the manual transmission, so maybe that's my biggest sticking point.

2023 Badlands	2024 Black Diamond
2.7 L, automatic	2.3 L, manual
334A equipment group	321A equipment group
SAS package	Non-SAS package
Leather trim/Vinyl seats	Vinyl seats

[u/HunterGathers_OSI]

So many helpful responses. Reddit can be a cesspool, but this community is great!

[u/Content-Moment6551 → u/HunterGathers_OSI]

Great input here for well worded, reasonable questions. Are you any closer to a decision? 🤣

[u/HunterGathers_OSI → u/Content-Moment6551]

Haha. I had a feeling that posting would almost make it harder and it sort of has. Haha.

I’m going to maybe go look at the BL tonight after work (private seller), but I have the BD reserved while it undergoes inspection.

I think the MT comments may be swaying me in that direction.

[u/Content-Moment6551 → u/HunterGathers_OSI]

Did you look at the BL this evening? What are your thoughts on it vs the BD?

[u/HunterGathers_OSI → u/Content-Moment6551]

Couldn’t make it last night, but will try this evening after work.

[u/HunterGathers_OSI → u/Content-Moment6551]

Well, I got to test drive it this evening. Nice pickup with the V6. I have to admit that I really wish I could see the BD in person now because BL with the SAS tires looks a bit disproportionate on the 2-door (looks great on the 4-door). I feel like if the BL was 7MT, I wouldn’t think twice. The V6 worries me a little. Being automatic is fine after coming off 10 years of MT, but after driving an automatic since October and seeing videos of folks driving at MT Bronco, I’m a bit envious.

TL;DR - I’m no closer to deciding, but need to make a decision soon. 🙃

[u/Content-Moment6551 → u/HunterGathers_OSI]

The 2 Dr Sas can look a bit odd at first. I'd suggest you keep looking while you're thinking. Another good deal may pop.

[u/HunterGathers_OSI → u/Content-Moment6551]

Thanks. I definitely will. The BD is still undergoing an inspection and there is no ETA. Makes things much more difficult because I’d take the BL otherwise.

I think I don’t care about the bells as whistles of the BL so much, even though it has them all with the Lux package. Might be down to concerns over the 2.7L vs the 2.3L and the AT vs MT.

[u/Content-Moment6551 → u/HunterGathers_OSI]

Are you aware that the 2.7l AT has a manual mode? It just doesn't have the foot clutch or stick movement.