Are you sure there's not another '04 within a couple miles of you that you can strike the same deal on?

I know if I went on a test drive and the tranny of the truck puked and the repair required a new tranny, I would not even be thinking about purchasing that truck.

If there was another '04 on the lot (exactly like you wanted) and you had the choice of a new '04 that has never had a problem OR a new '04 that had the tranny replaced (and they give an extednded warranty on), which would you buy?

You have the opportunity to walk away from this deal. You have the upper hand here. If you are dead set on this truck, try to get more out of it. I'm thinking if you purchase this truck, you should be getting about $2000-$3000 of free stuff. Also, if no papers have been signed, why not try to re-negotiate the deal. Take $2500 off of your original deal and see if they bite. Trust me, they don't want that truck on their lot.

If you don't mind, would you tell us the sticker price and the price you can get this truck for as well as the options/color/etc? Then maybe we could assist you in finding another '04 in your area to your liking for the same price, but BRAND NEW.

If you ask your dealer if there's another one around, of course they're going to say "no."

 

I have been using forddirect.com for quite sometime to search inventories. It has proven to be very accurate for the most part. My requirements are pretty strict, so it limits my choices. The following were MUST HAVES for my truck:
FX4, grey, blue, or silver only
grey seats (prefer bench)
rear slider (power or manual)
35.7gal tank
18" wheels
tow package
I searched every dealer in Colorado, plus dealers in ABQ, SLC, Cheyenne, Amarillo, Lubbock, and KC. None of the dealers around here are willing to trade for an 04 and still give a "below-invoice plus rebates" deal. In short, I only found about a half-dozen of these trucks. Three of them have sold since mine has been in the shop.

This one was $35,400 MSRP, I paid $24,900 + TTL...no trade involved. It also has LT tires, reverse sensing, and 6-disc CD, all of which were on my "nice to have" list.

The other dealers with similar trucks were not willing to touch this deal, and even said that the deal couldn't be "for real" and I would be tricked into a higher price in the end (which I wasn't). One dealer all but said I was lying to them about the price I was trying to get them to match.

So, yes, I am fairly certain I can't find another nearby for a simliar price.

 

Who carres if the Tranny split in half and fell out on the highway!!!At this point he is getting a BRAND NEW TRANNY right from Ford. Its just unrealistic to say "dont buy the truck because it has tranny problems" Thats crazy. It had a bad tranny, new one (not rebuilt or reparied) is installed, now the truck is like new again.

Good job Grumpsy, take the truck , thank them for there help and support and have a great relationship with your dealer in the future and enjoy your new truck!

 

If the truck is the one you want, you are getting a great deal, and on top of all that they are going to give you a free extended warranty then sign the paperwork. It is a no-brainer.

 

grumpsy, sounds like it is working out well in the end. You still have the truck you really like, and you have more protection than you did when you bought it. Can't get much better for the inconvienence you've experienced. Best of luck-

 

Sounds like you know what you want. Not to directly disagree with easterisland but a 30 year comparison is not very realistic. At the end of a typical 5 year loan an 05 with the same specs will always be worth more than an 04. I do agree that KBB is not really the definative answer but the street value will also be reflected by the year. imho.

 

Didn't this truck crap two trannies? If so, I would insist on a thorough test drive/trial period before finalizing the deal. Otherwise, sounds like a good deal assuming this get's fixed.

 

Since you said, "The extra year on the KBB makes a differance on the resale value. An 05 is always going to sell for more than an 04. fwiw." I was just responding to what you wrote. If you hadn't of used the word always I could have agreed with you.

Anyway a 2005 for sale by private owner with the same miles, options and condition as a 2004 will not have a $3k difference in street value in 5 years.

 

You are right I did say always. People should 'always' be careful about making blanket statement like that. It is impossible to know the exact value at the end of 5 years but the 05 should at least be worth more than the $1500 differance in rebates for a SCREW for example. Just something to consider.

 

The first "fix" was just replacing the blown seal at 96 miles. Then it blew the same seal again at 101 miles. That's when the tranny got replaced. So, it really only crapped one tranny.

Anyway, I have driven it roughly 100 miles since picking it up Friday afternoon, and all seems well. It looks like I had the one bad tranny out of thousands of good trucks. Maybe I should buy a lotto ticket...?

I'll report back at 500 miles, which should be later this week.

 

Congrats grumps. I hope thats the only man. defect you ever have to deal with on what sounds to be a sweet ride...Kevin
That one is very deserving of three nanners!