I'm still negotiating for my future KR, and went for a few test drives yesterday (trying to decide between 150 and 250 - 150 won). I encountered the hesitation and asked the salesman if the computer had been flashed to resolve that problem... He had no idea, nor any idea about the TSB. He DID take me down to the service manager who explained that they do NOT normally administer TSB's to new vehicles, but wait for a customer complaint. I guess I should know better, but this surprised the hell out of me.... <BR><BR>
OK, I know they're not going to apply every fix to a truck that isn't broken, but I'd think they'd at least take the truck around the block before they'd let a potential customer take it out for a test drive. And with so may issues addressed by the computer, and the simplicity of a reflash, I'd think that should be routine....<BR><BR>
Anyway, they took the car right into service as I waited, and reflashed it. Vast improvement. Thanks guys, wouldn't have known to suggest a fix but for the info on this forum

 

Think of the expense involved in test driving every vehicle on the lot before releasing it to the customer. It just doesn't make good business sense so they won't do it. They fixed it when you identified it and that's the important thing. AND you learned something and got something done by reading a post on this site.

 

I hear you, but I guess in my dream world, that defines service. I'd like to think that the "techs" would be better able to detect, and be aware of outstanding TSB's, funny sounds, etc. So they're paying their "techs" $25/hr and it takes a quarter hour to drive around the block, that's $6.25 on a $30K vehicle. Besides, they get paid by Ford for fixing anything they find.

 

UnConundrum,

Why did you shy away from the 250? I'm seriously considering the 250 or 350. My guess is that it's not as smooth?

 

Congrats on the new KR UnConundrum

If the service department didn’t put an “Authorized Modifications” sticker somewhere under the hood with your new PCM code you might want to get them to do it because you might need to know what the new code is for future mods like a custom tune.

 

Exactly.... I frequently drive to Montreal from Eastern PA, an 8 hour drive, and comfort is important. I'm currently driving an EXT, and my family's already shaking their heads, LOL. I don't expect a Cadillac ride, but there was clearly a difference between the 150 and 250. I do some plowing for myself and neighbors (nothing commercial) and I was considering the 250 for that purpose. Decided today to just find a beater 250/350 for the plowing and be done with it...

 

Sorry jpdadeo, I didn't get one yet !!! We couldn't come to terms on my trade I have a buddy with a used car lot, so it's going there till I can get a little closer to reality. He offered me only about 65% of Kelly Blue Book wholesale (and that was the lowest of the three online used car estimators). I'm close.... and can't wait.

 

I think my dealer prepped my truck by loosening some bolts on the transmission, so it could blow a seal and dump a gallon of tranny fluid on the freeway before hitting 100 miles.

Oh yeah, and it was washed and had $60 worth of gas.

 

UnConundrum,

Is the hesitation you noticed on acceleration? I have this weird deal on take off from a stop-its almost like a wobbly tire or a slight vibration in the driveline. Went away for a short time, but its back.

I am pretty easy on tip in during acceleration, and I notice it. If I give it lots of fuel, no event. If I try and be very smooth on acceleration, I feel it just until the truck is moving.

 

Thats your clutch packs in the LS diff. man.

 

hum...dealer prep, biggest joke going...a detailer put wax over my dirty hood and than proceaded to buff it, hood is black, you can see the swirl marks from the buffer, I fixed it my self...one item to check is the alignment on any car/truck, tire psi and balance they bounce arround on rail cars and transport trucks, I did get a free tank of flue, 35 gallons worth, that helped.

My sales person was great, he knew next to nothing abought the f-150, but he did take the time to track down info on my questions, looked at a dodge, and that sales person did not know the cubic in on the 5.7, car guy he was...

A good knowledgeable sales person who has a mecanical understanding of ford and gm, dodge, ect is so hard to find...thier bottom line is sales, looked at chevy, salesperson says chevys are better, looked at dodge, says person says dodges are better, even my ford salesperson swore up and down Fords are better....

In the end I made up my on mind, I was sold on the f-150 from the get go.

 

My dealership prep work was satisfactory. Truck was detailed inside and out, all fluid levels were up to snuff, tires were all at 35psi, even the spare, and a full tank of gas. They also gave me two bottles of touch up paint one for each color and lifetime oil/filter and tire rotation. They even threw in tint for the front side windows.

 

I was very happy with the way my dealer preped my truck. Detailed inside and out. Exterior looked nice, tires were so shiny you could almost see your reflection. Mud flaps, with plug for dealership. Full tank of gas in the 35 gallon tank.

It was the 6th new vehicle I've purchased from them. They take customer satisfaction pretty serious. Also has a good service dept.

 

I was very upset with the way the dealer preped (or lack thereof) my truck. The interior was ok, and it had a full tank of gas. I had 2 major complaints. First, the engine/compartment was filthy. I have no idea how it could get so dirty with so few miles, but it did. Second, it had stubborn water spots on the hood & front fenders. As far as the engine compartment, they had it steam cleaned, and it looked great... Regarding the water spots, it took their detail shop 3 times to get it right; every time they brought it back to me, I refused it because they didn't get them all.

 

I have never had the dealer prep my vehicle. Not becuase I really didnt want them to, I just buy so close to the end of the day that they tell me to leave it so they can detail it and I can pick it up tomorrow. I say NO I want it now and just detail it my self.