The lease is up on my plain 99 F150 and it's obvious that I need a lightning ;-). I've talked to several dealers in Atlanta and here's what I found.
One gave me a price of 39k over the phone and just plain scared me, scratch them.
The other two I talked to gave me the usual 32,460 sticker which I expected.
Most dealers seem to have 01 Lightnings in stock and the production run is higher.
I don't want to detract from the Lightning being the greatest truck in history by penny pinching but shouldn't we be in a buyer's market right now?
I applied to Ford Motor Credit and they offered 8.5 financing. That's with a flawless history with them and good credit. A lease might be worth it with 5000 down and 36 payments of 560, I believe the residual would be 17000. I'm still not sure how they calculate lease payments and residual but I have a feeling that it would be worthwhile to get the residual in stone beforehand on something you'd want to keep.
It's a given that I want the truck but I'm about to be married and have to justify it with a good deal somehow ;-)
Can anyone share 01 buying stories and numbers?

 

I paid $ 1700.00 UNDER Sticker for mine.

------------------
SILVER 2001 LIGHTNING
Built 02/14/01
Picked up 03/03/01
Sportmasters tonneau
Bedrug
Alpine head unit and six disk changer.
JL Audio speakers
Magnaflow muffler
JDM BigMouth Filter.

http://members.tripod.com/donf150/Welcome/id7.html

 

Do a search for FORD SALES (Jim Shaw) thread on how to buy one on the X-plan. I only wish I had known it before I paid sticker for my '00.

------------------
I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.

'84 Alan Record Carbonio, Aerospoke wheels, Campy brakes.

'00 SVT Lightning, silver, built 2/9/00, #133 of 4966, G-tech Pro, JBA headers, 4.10 gears, Swanson chip, Pro-M, NGK plugs, carbon drive shaft, Roadmaster suspension kit, TransGo shift kit,
13.39 @ 102.5

2001 Kevlacat 2400, twin 115 Evinrude FICHT, Raytheon VHF, radar, autopilot and GPS chartplotter/fishfinder.
http://www.zing.com/album/?id=429389...4647875&idx=15

gmvye@pacbell.net

 

My advice: Get the best price you can and GO FOR IT! You only live once!

------------------
1997 XLT Reg. Cab, 4.2L V6, 5spd, Superchipped, '99 Lightning Grill, '99 White Bumper w/Fog Light Kit, K&N Air Filter, Lund Deflector, Dash Mat, Clear Corner Lenses, MagnaFlow Muffler, Hellwig Rear Sway Bar, Edelbrock Shocks, Duraliner, Extang Saber Tonneau, Painted Tailgate Handle, Bell-Tech 2" Rear Drop, Amer. Rac. Atlas Wheels Clad in 275/60/17 Eagle GTII. Likes straightaways, loves twisties.

 

I got X plan on a Cobra convertible (on order) from a dealer in Jacksonville. There are a couple in J'ville that will do it. You can go to the dealer connection at the Ford website and get a list of SVT dealers. If you want reply back and I will dig up the salesman's name.
Tom

 

Mike,
I bought mine from Gene Evans Forn in Union City, south of Atlanta on I85. I bought it on the X Plan for $28790. At the time (a month ago) they had 5 on the lot. Legacy Ford also said they would also honor the X Plan.

------------------
2001 White Lightning
Bought 3/18/01
Tinted Windows (35%)
DJM 2" Drop Shackles
Amp/Sub Woofer
Soft Tonneau Cover

 

I'm looking to buy one too, as soon as my job comes through. I've followed FORDSALES plan to get X-Plan certified. Now I've got the PIN and waiting on membership card. My bet is the dealer that wanted $39 is Gwinnett Place. They say they're selling them at that price! I haven't talked to Gene Evans or Legace Ford yet, but defiently(sp) look into Jim's plan to get X-Plan.

edit...
Just noticed, your're about to get married, me too. July, 21 - Wife; June, 1 - House; Sometime - Lightning! After that, bye bye credit. Just hope the L will still be possible after all that.


[This message has been edited by mocklab (edited 04-16-2001).]

 

Yes, Gwinnett Place wants sticker + $5000. When you guys get your L's, look me up, I also live in Lawrenceville.


------------------
2001 White Lightning
Bought 3/18/01
Tinted Windows (35%)
DJM 2" Drop Shackles
Amp/Sub Woofer
Soft Tonneau Cover

 

All the dealerships in PA and NJ I talked to wouldn't budge off of sticker value, so I ended up paying the $32,460. But its just the laws of supply and demand, so I wasn't mad that I paid sticker. I did get a $1500 extended warranty thrown in for free, so i thought that helped a bit.

------------------
2001 Lightning, Red
Stock right now, but not for long.
"See the Light and hear the Thunder."

 

Mike Simard

Go for the X-plan route for your new Bolt. Also, check out www.e-loan.com for a loan. I got financing at 7.35%. They also have a loan payment calculator. Good luck.

 

Here are the details on the purchase of my 2001 Silver L, bought on 2-2-01. The vast majority of my purchase time was spent via the internet and telephone. A very pleasent experience.

Dealer...................Sringfield Ford, PA
Total Purchase Price.................$30,200
Total Down Payment(inc. trade/tax)....$6,300
Total Amount Financed................$23,900
Finance Rate (via E-Loan)..............7.09%
Length of Term.....................60 Months
Monthly Payment.........................$475

I did the 5 year so that it would be more manageable for myself;however, I have been adding $125 per month to my check to go directly to the principal balance. If I can keep this up, she'll be paid off 13 months early (and I'll save approximately $1500 in interest payments).

I agree, though......if you really want it, and can manage it.......GET IT!!! It is, hands down, THE most awesome, fun, and utilitarian vehicle I've possesed. I really do anticipate driving my Lightning every day.

TOO DAMN COOL......!!!

------------------
Lou
2001 Lightning -Silver-
Born 01.15.01
Delivered 02.02.01
Mods? Me in the Driver's Seat...

 

Nice L spud, I've never seen a white 2001.
Very sharp!!!

 

Mike Simard:
Take one for the team (wallet) and buy one. There won't be a minute where you regret buying the truck (unless you count watching the gas total go up when you are filling up).

------------------
2000 Silver Lightning
#2798 of 4966
Born on date: May 9, 2000
Email: ColinMBurns@hotmail.com



Mods: SnugLid, 20% tint

 

I paid sticker for both my 99 and the 01. And I felt lucky to get the dealer to drop the $3000 "market adjustment". I guess its the ole supply and demand thing. But I would have even more lucky to have bought one on the x-plan. Go for it!

------------------
2001 Silver Bolt...
Adopted 3/24/01...
Red Line Water Wetter... Wet Okole's... Bedrug... JL Ram Air...
Chipless in NJ

 

The deals are out there, NOBODY has to pay sticker! I got my 2000 for $4,400 off sticker. Shop around, & be willing to travel! Lloyd