Grey

My wife has had her '07 MKX - Black/Black for several months. My daughter (son's wife) wanted to get rid of her Nissan, so I traded it in, along with my F150 on a New '07 Edge SEL with the big package - Black/ Stone interior. Love both vehicles - very powerful and solid feeling.

I'll post comparitive and subjective evaluations of both vehicles as we begin to put some miles on the

Edge. In our short drive last night, I could tell that the seat in the Edge is not as firm as the MKX's. Also, the passenger seat is not power and it seems to sit very low when far back in the track.

Both vehicles have SIRIUS and 18" wheels/tires and neither have BAMR or Nav. We shuffle the Garmin back and forth between vehicles when we are traveling.

I'm looking at a way to add homelink to the Edge - I have a module and may put it in the dash tray area over the radio.

"Absolutely correct, except that an issued PIN is good for 1 year from the date of issue, not until the end of the year."

Akirby- I cancel any open pins at the end of the year so I don't get surprised by an old one using up one of this years allotment. Are you saying I could provide 4 pins at the end of 2007 for use in early 2008 and they not count against the 2008 allotment when used? I didn't think so, but I don't know for sure.

If that is the case, I have left some on the table.

I've about given up on trying to explain some of the elements of vehicle cost. Seems like everyone has their own ideas about how much profit a dealer should make on a sale and they believe what they see in a forum is the absolute truth. Goes back to "If you think you got a great deal, then you did!"

A real X-Plan pin is usually good to the end of the year or until the sponsor cancels it. If canceled, it does not count against the sponsors allowable pins. Pin eligibility starts over every January.

When BON was promoting the wholesale bastardazation of the plan, they would tell you to use it in 30 days or it would be cancelled.

Now that Ford has slapped their hands and are watching the requests, the activity has slowed down.

I've given out over 100 pins through the years - mostly to neighbors to get them out of a competitive vehicle and some to family members who can't use A/Z plan pins (nephews, etc.) Several dealers told my sponsored customers that they would sell them a vehicle at X-Plan price without the pin. They bought the deal only to find out later that if they had used the pin, there were other incentives they would have been eligible for. The dealer pocketed the incentives and the customer paid more than they should have (at least in my mind.)

But, it raises the age old question - "What is a fair profit on a high ticket item?" If you promise a salesperson a comission that is greater than the profit you make on a vehicle then you have multiple problems.

"If you want to make a small fortune, take a big fortune and invest in a car dealership."

Did you give them your name, address, social security number (last 4)?

Could be a come-on.

When there are incentives, almoct any dealer would sell at X-Plan and keep the incentives.

Sounds like something in the transmission failed and locked up the drive wheels.

Nice looking - my wife drives an '07 Black on Black. Yours will be a real eye catcher.

The white inserts look good but will require a little more attention. Wet (or any new) blue jeans are a definate No-No. Keep some good leather cleaner and preservative around. I had a full white leather interior in a Mustang GT convertible. You will know when to clean it.

Hope you enjoy it as much as we do ours. :happy feet:

If you have an engine problem - ticking, knocking, seized, the service department will look for the cause. If the lubrication "system" or cooling system created the concern, then the chances are that the vehicle was improperly maintained or products were used that did not meet the specifications required by the engine manufacturer. Oil samples will be taken and sent in for inspection.

If the engine is sludged, has been run dry or overheated, the repair cost should usually be on you. If you have a fist full of receipts for maintenance at the corner lube shop or parts store, they will likely suggest you contact them for their warranty coverage. It is the owner's responsibility to ensure the products used on their vehicles meet the Ford Specs. if they intend to maintain their factory or Extended Service Plan warranty.

I've seen a lot of engines ruined by improper products and maintenance practices. Chances are it won't happen to any of us, but even well intentioned owners can fall prey to snake oil and imitation product salespeople.

I'm trying to figure out where you would use the 5W-30 Amsoil. It doesn't meet the Ford Spec for the MKX or Edge.

Virtually all oils have tracers in them so manufacturers/refiners know if it was their product or not, if there is a problem.

The Amsoil 0W20 and the Motorcraft 5W20 have close to the same viscosity at 40 and 100 degrees C.

The 5W30 Amsoil is way too thick for our engines - 10.6 vs. 8.8 at 100 degrees C. and 57.3 vs. 49 at 40 Degrees C.

I like the idea of a 0W20, especially in colder climates, to reduce start-up wear. But contrary to popular belief, thicker oil at running temps is not a good idea. Pressure does not = lubrication.

Flow = lubrication. Oil is also part of the cooling system for our engines. Restrict flow and add heat.

The engine lubrication engineers at Ford were some of the smartest people I have met. I'm going with their recommendations.

Be sure and get a copy of Amsoil's warranty, since you will be out of Ford warranty for lubrication related issues after 7,500 miles.

Wow, see, there you go. I forgot to check their "Damn" computer. Did it also say what the roll out dates were for the incentives and advertising?

Florida must have different incentives than Atlanta. Not many people would be eligible for the $1,000 rebate in this market.

Yeah, I know the guy is a jerk!

 

I told him this forum describes people taking delivery and ordering guide.

 

I spoke with the manager and he has the same story, but he is an idiot and I will not be doing business with him.

 

SO!

 

When is the ACTUAL ROLL OUT DATE FOR THE EDGE concerning rebates, advertising, etc?????

 

Thanks

 

ixlar8

They started down the line 9/17. Perhaps you were asking questions that they would have no way of knowing. Information on issues like incentives and advertising are not available to dealers until they are released from Ford. Ordering guides have been out for months.

I get the feeling you overwhelmed them with your vast knowledge on the subject.

What is it you wanted to know?

Hi, I just bought a 07 edge sel and my back drivers side door needs to close about another 1/8"+ in order to fit the quarter panel . Can this be adjusted? Thanks

Yep, they can adjust it for you.

Enjoy

I will be interested to know how it went on the purchase, assuming you get the vehicle. Pretty bold of the dealer to guarantee a delivery date when the BAMR and Limited (SYNC) are "High" risk for scheduling.

Sounds like you got a great deal. Good luck. Let us know.

Not you -

You know the drill. I should have said---

"But as long as the buyer thinks the dealer cost is what they find on Edmunds, etc. then good for them."

I don't understand why you would think that a dealer should pass all incentives on to the customer. They usually don't, at least directly. Often they use Factory cash to over value the trade.

But as long as you think the dealer cost is what you find on Edmunds, etc. then good for you.

Often the salesperson won't even know the dealers net cost on a vehicle because it can change daily, by customer and by registation location. The net would only be available to the sales management team at the time of sale.

Non si preocupada. State facendo benissimo. Provo a parlare italiano e non è facile!

Like my late greatgrandfather said ---

"You do, and you'll clean it up!"

Oh - do you mean there is a difference between invoice and MSRP?

Then I guess he meant he got 10% off MSRP + $500 and rebates.

And what's with the criticism of spelling/typing errors? Some of us type with 6 thumbs. That is the small stuff we don't sweat. Right fighters are just bigger targets.

(No preview post was used in this transmission.)

The rules clearly say you have to identify yourself immediately. Normally this isn't a problem but if the dealer was pissed he could probably get your PIN revoked.

I know there are exceptions to every rule, but it always seemed to me that you are generally correct to play by them. I am aware of several plan buyers that decided they didn't have to play by the rules and got charged back the commission that Ford paid to the dealership on their vehicle. (look at the elements that you agree to, in order to get the deal!) The employees that lost their privileges usually got them back after a couple of years. It wouldn't be worth it to me - but I guess I'm a Wuss.

After Ford make such a deal over Blue Oval brokering pins, I'm sure they would like to find instances where the rules were broken, just to make examples.

Glad for you.

Each dealership has their own expectations when ordering a vehicle for a retail customer. Some may not require a deposit and others may want as much as $500. If it is a stange order combination, they might require more. Before your vehicle gets in you should check alternate financing just to make sure you are getting the best interest rate. Check the Credit Unions, your bank, etc.

Depending on when you want the vehicle, you could ask what is in their orderbank already. If it is not serialized, they can respec a stock ordered vehicle to your needs. Remember, the BAMR, 20's and SYNC (therefore Limited) are high risk - ie. demand is outpacing supply of commodities. Any of those can delay your order from being scheduled.

Your payments will start on the sale date to you and your first payment is usually part of the settlement paperwork if you are going through Ford Motor Credit.

I have purchased 4 cars using PIN numbers. I have NEVER told them before the negotiating that I had a PIN.

 

I tell them I'm going to buy but before we do anything else, I want to negotiate for my trade.

 

I never had a problem doing this.

Guess you have been lucky. What if someone was upside down in their trade and the dealership used part of their normal profit to make up the difference (over allow on the trade)? Once the X-Plan pin was revealed and the dealership's cost structure was dramitically changed, they would have every right to back off the trade price quoted.

Then again, they may know you by now.

Grumble, Grumble.... perhaps, it's that I have a large distaste for car salesmen. I suppose it's only me.

I guess you don't really have a dog in this hunt - just wanted to get something off your chest?

Over 40 years ago when I began requesting X-Plans, you needed a V.P. or GSM approval. The qualifications eased up over the years, BUT it is still controlled and the rules are expected to be followed.

Ford clearly says not to offer PINS over the internet to "strangers". That is why Blue Oval has taken down their forum. Sure it happens but they also get caught doing it. Usually when a customer tells their salesperson that they are going fishing for one or got it over a forum. If the customer has not played fair then they might want to turn them in.

The rules require you to alert the dealership that you are buying x-plan before you begin negotiating. Not sure that happened here.

No, it's not ok. They don't need that info. Ford has it right there in their computer so if Ford wanted it then they already have it. All they need is the PIN and your id. Period.

I think the dealer smelled something. The PIN was not given by a friend or neighbor, but obtained in a fashion not approved by Ford. You are correct, they don't need the info, but perhaps they would like to verify their suspicions. They might have backed out of the deal at x-plan so as not to be involved.

A ligitimate x-plan customer should have their approval (pin) before they begin negotiating on a vehicle. Neither Ford or the dealership (especially the salesperson) appreciate an X-plan buyer back dooring the deal.

I've seen instances where dealers will tell a customer that they will give them the X-Plan price, show them the invoice with the x-plan price clearly stated on it and never file for the adjustment from Ford. That way they are free to charge document fees, etc. and keep any allowances for themselves.

Dang, dem's redder'n a baboon's bottom.

There is an inherent problem with X-Plan Pins over the internet. Ford tell us not to offer them unless you really know the vehicle buyer and then only if that will really influence them to buy the vehicle. We can loose our A/Z/D plan privileges if we are caught passing them out to strangers. (That would be bad!)

If you follow what has happened on BlueOval, they have cut back on requests and passing out of PINs. Some employees and retirees have lost their plan privileges over this.

There are a lot of companies that have X-Plan privileges for their employees due to a business relationship with Ford. Ask yours.

So don't count on getting one - might happen - but who knows. Best to find someone that works for Ford and befriend them if your company is not one with X-Plan. Ask around - "Who works for Ford, or Ford Credit, or is retired from Ford?"

does ford still send you a shaker bottle of touchup paint in the mail

If your dealer subscribes to the service, then you will get it. Ask them. Ford does not send them out - just offers a program to dealers if they want to do it for their customers.