Just got another pretty poster from Ford telling what I wonderful truck it is and how I really ought to buy one?

No wonder advertising has a surcharge when they send such things to those who have already purchsed one.

 

When I bought my '01, Ford sent me a blanket with a picture of a truck on it. My cat loves it and hopes Ford throws in a matching scratching post for '04........



Sidebar: Hey jstevens + BigSherm, how much is the FDAF and fuel charge in Md. and did you pay it? I live a mile from Koons Ford in College Park ( yours and BigSherm's favorite!) and have been using them as my test drive guinea pigs. I don't expect to have success buying anything there (haven't in the past), but I am curious who you dealt with. Order time is near........

 

When I ordered back in April they were accepting orders at $100 over invoice. I used the Credit Union Buying Club argument to get this price. They apparently won't do that any more. Bigshem used X-plan.

I originally dealt with Bob Keller whoi was the internet sales manager. He was great but he left and moved to (I think Crustal Ford). I ended up dealing with Simon Boulware the new internet sales manager, both he and the dealer were fairly ok as such things go. I did pay the $100 processing fee in a weak moment (when I picked the truck up!)

I did pay about $ 40.23 for 27 gal of fuel at the standard $1.49 per galleon which was less than the street price. I managed to accidently avoid the FDAF, Ford forgot to invoice it on some early orders according to XCR. They had quoted me a price without it being included. It is $ 295 normally.

I went with Koons as the local "country" dealers out here in the boonies were not sufficiently interested in my business to answer emails through the Ford build site or directly from me.

Bigsherm ?

 

I live (work) in the same area as you and I had no luck whatsoever with KOONS and very little with the other dealers in the area. I tired quickly of the run-around from the salesman. The "You go to another dealer and bring back their price and I'll beat it" crap. Which really means I will not give you my best price until you make me.

I went to LaPlata (Hunt Ford) which is about 45 miles or so from you. The salesman (Travis) was willing to give me his best price right away. $200 over invoice. That was under the price I had set so I now own a loaded Lariat 4x4 SuperCrew.

Also, FWIW, he's been very helpful in obtaining Ford accessories under list after the sale.

 

DON"T GO TO CRYSTAL FORD. They screwed me the first time I went there. Switched paperwork on us, we didn't know it until it was to late.

The second time I went there (They had the only truck I liked), they screwed us again. I've learned my lesson.

I have elsewhere run into 4 different salespeople that worked at that dealership. They all said the same thing, that it was horrible. Management lies and will do anything to make a sale. It appears as though Crystal Ford is known in the local area for their very bad business. Employee turnover is VERY high.

I do a lot of car shopping and looking. As for salespeople, the best place I have been so far is Apple Ford in Columbia. They have given me straight answers and haven't jerked me around. Academy Ford in Laurel is in the number 2 spot.

I have heard terrible things about Apple Ford about their service department though. ( I had a friend who's company had a small fleet of Fords and used Apple Ford for service)

Order time is near for me too. I plan on sending a letter to several dealerships with my configuration. Whoever gives the best price wins (except Crystal Ford). I don't plan on paying more than invoice. The dealership makes almost $1000 at invoice, and that's plenty in my opinion.

 

Hey guys... I know you're referring specifically to 2004's here but, when referencing specific dealerships within a poster thread, you should probably consider starting a new thread down in the DEALERS forum. Just FYI.


RP

 

I only buy a new vehicle every 9 to 11 years. One of the reasons is that dealers generally rank down with lawyers. They are shorted sited in looking only for the quick buck.

This time was not too bad, I think the internet avoids a lot of problems but it also limits "salesmanship" which the dealer does not like.

Next time I am going to IOWA and buy from XCR!

 

You cant win... I ordered my truck from Apple Ford, they made me order AT FULL MSRP. jstevens reffered my to Koon's (Bob Keller) I ordered a second truck at 3% over invoice. Bob Keller (who was great) quit and I have not found a kind word to share about Koon's ford since. I am still having problems with them and sent a long letter to ford about them. If you do go to Koon's, Don't talk to George Johnson, do talk to Jesse, he's a nice guy. As for gas price, I probably paid what jstevens paid, and FDAF, I just handed them my wallet as they gently bent me over the desk

 

Well, you can't complain TOO much...At least they were gentle.

 

Seems we've got a bit off topic here......

But......

I will say that NONE of the dealerships I've stopped into have tried to sell me a truck. Actually, they seem totally disinterested. When I'm looking a trucks on the lot, I want a cheesy salesman to come out and hound me. I've given my cell # to a couple and told them to check on some info (usually something trivial) and get back to me. Nothing! It just doesn't happen. The ones I've bumped into (unable to avoid me) don't know $H!7 about these trucks. It's unbelievable to me. I've educated several (brainless!) who won't follow up on me. I showered, shaved, have a full set of teeth and drove to their lot in a $35K truck and STILL they don't pursue a sale. What gives?

What has happened to salesmen who actually want to sell?

Somebody step up and try to sell me a truck!!!!!!!!

I'm ready!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!