I'm trying to decide between two Lightnings: a virtually new 2003 with low miles (less than 7K) and a brand new one with 20 miles. Besides not owning a new Truck, is there anything that doesn't transfer from an SVT benefits standpoint or a Ford factory warranty?

Sold by local reputable dealership, but it's not a ford dealer.

If I wanted an extended Ford Warranty, could I buy one for the used car after the sale?

The used one is a preferred color choice, so I'm trying to decide, otherwise, I'd simply buy new.

Thanks.

 

I suppose it depends on the price.

some people "only buy used" because it normally saves some money.

some people like to buy new.

I'd prefer a new one if I could afford it.

with the rebates, special interest rates, incentives currently available, there's no reason not to get the new one.

beefcake had two of them available in cincinati ohio yesterday for under 24,000 dollars if you could get A plan pricing.

even without A-plan, they would still only be somewhere in the high 20s.

all warranty and svt customer service perks (wash and loaner) will transfer.

if you wanted to purchase a Ford extended warranty, then I believe that they are available for purchase up until the factory warranty expires, maybe longer.

either way, good luck.

later,
chris

 

You will have all the benefits of a new SVT Lighting with the used 03. You will have the factory warranty of 3yrs/36,000 miles and you will have the SVT benefits of a loaner car if your truck needs to be in for service other then something like an oil change. In other words any benefits you would receive with a brand new Lightning you will receive with the 03.

Yes, you can by a Ford Extended warranty on a used Ford vehicle that is still under factory warranty. So you could wait until 35,999 or 2 years 11 months and 29 days, and still be able to purchase the Ford Extended warranty.

If you have any questions you can call SVT at 1-800-FORD-SVT (367-3788)


* EDIT:

The factory warranty of 3yrs/36,000 miles on the 03 would have started from the original purchase date so you would have to find out when that was. The dealer should be able to help you find that out.

 

SuperFords and XLT,

Thanks for the replies. Will make my decision shortly and report back!

Looking forward to joining the Lightning crowd!

 

an excellent point to consider.

get the VIN and the dealership (or somebody here) can run OASIS and tell you when the "WARRANTY START DATE" was.

for example, my truck is an 2003 model.

but I took delivery on December 28th, 2002.

the 3 years / 36K miles starts on the day the first owner signed the papers to own the truck.

an '03 could have been sold as early as November or December 2002.

so theoretically, the used truck could possibly have as little as 1 year and 2 months of warranty remaining (worst case scenario).

good luck.

you haven't given prices, but I still say go for the new one.

later,
chris

 

What are they colors?

I would go with the used one if its the color you want. I bought mine used in 2000 with 7K miles on it. Just look to see if its been chipped or if it has any mods on it. If it looks like its been taken care of (good rubber on rear tires) then go used, you'll save alot of $$$

Jon

 

About the warranties.......
Having a warranty really sounded like a swell idea - and then I got the truck. It is so easy to make it just stinking fast (which, of course, voids the warranty) that I think the initial dollar outlay should be your first criteria. Why? Because, if you are on this site, you are not going to leave it alone.

 

Superfords,

What's an Oasis report. It's clearly some sort of owner/maintenance record, but how is this done? Do you have to go to a dealer? If so why would they do that?

Thanks.

 

Also remember if you purchase a new Lightning, figure on losing about 5K driving off the lot........or any new car/truck.

If you are planning of modding like a madman........buy used. Because before too long you'll be in the motor/trans.

An Oasis report is the factory records on the truck by way of the vin number of any work that was done to the truck at any dealership.

 

I think that's one of the most important points to consider.

My truck has probably $6k + in mods. When I bought it, it was less than a year old and only had 6,000 miles on it. It already had $3k + in mods on it. I think I made out ok with what I paid for it because it was and still is MINT. Although I didn't plan to do any additional mods, I got bit by the bug. Hence, $3,000 later, here we are. Had I bought a new truck back in '02, I would have paid probably 3.5K + more than I did. Add the $6,000 + in mods to that and I think you get my point.

And if that's the route you think you may go, don't even worry about the warranty.

Best of luck!

 

With just about any normal (non-sports car/truck) car/truck on the road, I would buy used. I am just scared that a person like me owned the truck originally and beat the snot out of it. At least I can vouch for what maintenance, etc was performed on the truck.

Good luck.

 

i read a post today... wither here of NLOC.net that they had Brand new 04 for $25,5000.

 

http://www.nloc.net/forum/showthread.php?threadid=79025

there you go

 

I-Meanace,

I'm following on this now, thanks for the tip. This price beats the price for the used truck!

Rob Clark
Wash DC

 

Thanks to I-Meanace for the tip!

I flew from Wash DC yesterday to Raleigh/Durham and picked me up a brand new very shiny red 2004 Lightning for $25,900. Note, though, I found the dealership I used was Crossroads Ford. If you want to find one of your own, please ask for Skeeter Johnson.

So after spending a summer of trying to decide on a purchase, the great deal I-Meanace put me in touch with sealed the deal.

Rob Clark
Wash DC
R/C Helicopter Flier