I'm new to the site so I have a couple of questions.

The more I read and see the new Lightnings the more I want one.

I'm about ready to head out to the Ford dealership and trade the '97 Explorer in on one.

Couple of questions:

How is it for a daily driver? Mileage? Comfort? etc?

How is it in the snow??

How bad are dealerships marking up prices??

To be honest, the snow issue has me a little worried.

320RWHP, 2WD, and light back end = bad news.

Although, Michigan has had pretty mild winters that last few, you never can tell. Right now it's snowing and they are saying 60's and sunny by the end of the week.

Any help would be appreciated!!

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Chris
1989 Mustang LX

 

How is it for a daily driver? Mileage? Comfort? etc?

I like it for a daily driver, its fun, handle good and rides ok. Mileage, well that is foot dependent, 11-14 mpg. Comfort, I like it, great seats, reasonably adjustable wheel/mirrors/seat, descent control layout, did I mention great seats.


How is it in the snow??
I have only had mine in the snow once, it was not an something I would recommend doing, but as fast as the snow clears in metro detroit, if I wasn't worried about salt, I would drive it year round.

How bad are dealerships marking up prices??

In metro detroit, you should be able to get it for about 1,000 under list, if you would have order one likely about 2,000 under list. But there were 2 dealers that were trying to mark up in metro detroit.

I think PFA and some of the year round Michigan drivers will have some more insight, PFA usaully write later at night.

[This message has been edited by 2000Silverbulletonorder (edited 04-12-2000).]

 

Like Vanderbilt said about his 12 meter, if you have to ask the price you can't afford it. Mine became my daily driver by default when I totalled my Civic. It hurts when I pull up to the gas pump. Getting about 11 mpg, but I drive mostly in-town and have a heavy foot. Hoping it will improve as the motor loosens up. Except for the gas milage I love it, but I live in sunny So. Cal. so snow is not an issue, and rain seldom is. I think if I still lived in the snow belt I would not want to depend on the L. as my daily driver, partly because of the traction issue, but more so because of the salt issue. I'd store the L. and drive a Subaru Legacy or other 4wd vehicle in the winter. Just happy I don't have to deal with that, but the concerns you raise are valid.

 

Hey, you knwo where I am from, snow is not as bad as it may seem. I am more worried about OTHER people's driving habits. If you have studded tires, it shouldn't be a problem. Just watch out for wildlife... The stock tires are suicidal (spell?) in fresh snow though.

 

Hi Guys
I drove mine all throughout winter and had no problems. I put some 16" f-150 wheels with wintermaster+ tires on and everything went great. I love the L, just wish I hadn't had so much trouble with that DAM# intercooler leaking!

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$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
PFA
'99 WHITE LIGHTNIN'
#0873--1 of 866--
RHINO, Soft cover, LoJack, Valentine 1, Mobil 1
Phantom Boost gauge-#5707
Phantom Water temp. gauge-#5737--not in yet
Dual pod for pillar-#15303--not in yet
Plasma Super White headlight and foglight bulbs

'98 Red Lincoln Continental

 

Well,

As far as the comfort, ride, truck overall...I am totally happy with my baby, but for the snow issue...

I live in Denver. I traded in a 98 Offroad and I also had a 96 Ram prior to that. I have driven my truck in the snow several times and you would think that it would be like one big sled...Not the case. I feel safer in my Lightning than I ever did in the other 2 trucks. I hate driving her in the snow because of the salt, chemicals and sand, but she handles for me just fine. Keep in mind you don't want to take corners at 40 or try to break out at like 5000RPM, you have to baby her a little *very little* to get her of to a start but she has yet to leave me stuck or out of control. Just easy on the hills. Oh...and that is WITH the F1s.

CA

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Christy Ann
99WhiteLightningSVTGirl
RookzRook@aol.com
WhiteLightninSVT@aol.com
Have you ever seen an Angel riding a Lightning bolt~
1999.5 White *Fastest Color* SVT Lightning
PSP Air Filter Kit
3568 out of 4000, August 13, 1999
763 out of 866 white
NLOC #398
GirlSpeedRacing Denver Chapter
Denver Rec Truck Tags *I8URCHV*




[This message has been edited by WhiteLightninSVTGirl (edited 04-13-2000).]

 

I figure I'm coming of a Ram 150 Custom Conversion, so anything will be easier to drive.

I am worried about salt though, they tend to be a bit frugal with it when it snows where I live.

 

Mine has almost 23,000 miles of daily driving and I love it (except the $35 fills twice a week). I get 13-15 MPG with medium throttle usage. It's comfortable and rides nice. It goes, stops and turns GREAT. 65 MPH around 270 degree on/off ramps is fun!

I put on Bridgestone P225/75R16 Winter Dualers (through Tire Rack) on Navagator wheels, added 500 pounds of weight over the rear axle and kept the Superchip in the #1 (off) position and had little trouble in a somewhat mild winter.

Paid <MSRP. Dealer (Village Ford in Dearborn) has been very good.

All I want now is the IRS I hear they are developing for the Expedition!

 

Chris89Stang - don't worry about the torque as long as you're somewhat easy with the throttle. Mine doesn't break loose the Winter Dualers as long as I stay out of the boost. In snow, especially when traffic is running >40MPH, I put it in 2nd gear which holds it in 2nd gear, even at rest, so you don't get the 1st gear torque multiplication. Works great.

I would NOT run the F1's. Stopping on any slick surface would be impaired, and that has nothing to do with torque.

[This message has been edited by DHFerguson (edited 04-13-2000).]

 

17000+ daily driver. Great, fun, everybody still looks, faster than almost allllll. These tires are much better in the rain than the firestones on the old L which were ***** and could not be safely driven over 55 on serious wet roads. What's snow????????
Cigar

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99.5 Red Ligntning, Syn Oil.
70 Vette LS-6

 

Hey Chris
Where abouts are you in MI? There are alot of us in the SE area and surrounding areas going down to Milan Dragway this Sat. Check out the "Events.." area on the Message Board.

DH Ferguson
Are you going to make it down?

 

PFA-
I don't see anything under 'Events' for Michigan. I'm opening a unit on Saturday, so I doubt I'll be able to make Milan. What is the time frame?

I saw 2000Silverbulletonorder (he should change his name now) at the FME Open House at the Glass House, er, Henry Ford II World Center, this evening. He only got one run in his first trip. Beat my best time to date.

 

Thanks for the responses!!

If I do trade in the Explorer the Lightning would have to be my daily driver. My 'Stang is my weekend car and I can't afford to have 2 nice weather cars and a daily driver.

The snow issue has me a little worried.

The last RWD vehicle I had for a daily driver was a '95 Ranger with a 4 popper and that thing wasn't too bad in the snow with a couple of cement bags in the bed. But that thing probably didn't have over 100 ft lbs of torque. LOL!

The thing that really stinks is that I just found out the dealer that I do my business with just dropped it's SVT license so I'll have to do some shopping. In the past they have given GREAT deals.

Thanks again!

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Chris
1989 Mustang LX

 

A stock Lightning with stock running gear will not do well in the snow unless you are VERY VERY careful. Even on the inside of the driver door there is a Warning sticker telling you to change your tires for snow or cold weather driving.

-Matt

 

I do not think anyone has mentioned this yet, but there is sticker on the door frame of my 99 Lightning from Ford saying they do not recommend driving in the snow with the stock F1s.

I use my truck for mostly a daily driver except in snowy weather, and I love it. I think it is a completely unique driving experience. Also, with 4670 lb. curb weight, I feel safer in the Lightning than I do in my car (1971 TA) or my other truck (1991 Dodge Dakota @ 3850 lb. curb weight). I also found the Lightning is great in the rain. Not squirrelly at all.

As for the Dealers, the price seems to depend on demand. In some geographic areas, the demand is much greater than others. At least that is my opinion and the opinion of some others on this Board. I have seen here Lightnings sit on a lot for a month or more with an advertised $500 mark-down from MSRP. In some areas, Dealers want MSRP or more, or much more.

Local dealer here has used 99 "L" with low mileage and very clean for a little less than $30K.