I drove by four Ford dealers yesterday (all in a ten mile stretch) . This is in the
SF bay area , and counted TEN 2001 L's . If they make 02's i don't know who is
going to buy them. Back in March these same dealers were marking them up
$5000.00. Now they are all for sale @ MSRP, go figure.

FRITZ, Silver 2001 "L"

 

Unstable economy and gas prices are hurting the dealers. In Feb. I had to drive 230 miles to get an x-plan. 2 weeks later a local KC dealer called and said he now had 5 units and would give me the plan. I think the dealers are alot of times several months behind what we already know on this specific model.

 

I think it must be a California thing, because I see them on the road nearly every day. So much for exclusivity.

I wonder what the geographic breakdown on sales would be? My bet would be CA, TX, MI as the top three...

 

You're probably right on the geographic breakdown thing, but as far as I can tell, every other silver L besides the ones you guys on this board own are shipped directly to New England. I personally KNOW (not just have seen them) 4 other people besides myself that own a Silver L within 10 miles of my house; 3 of the 4 (not including John893) bought theirs after having either seen or taken a ride in mine. Lesson to be learned- let your friends only imagine how fast it is...don't give them a ride or else the Lightnings in your neighborhood will procreate faster than those rabbits in that Visa check card commercial. arrgghh! thanks for letting me vent. later...

 

I really believe one of the biggest problems is that dealers are trying to get too much for the L's. Nobody on their right mind is going to pay $5k over sticker for a L and only a select few are going to pay sticker. If they would sell them for $3-$4k under sticker like every other car on the lot, then they wouldn't have 10 sitting there. Lowering the price now doesn't help because they have already pissed off all their potential customers.
Its not an affordability issue, its a human nature issue. Nobody wants to be a sucker, most people won't pay sticker for a vehicle, everyone wants to feel like they got a deal.

 

Sorry I forgot I live in the sticks.

 

LOL! Be glad you don't live in la-la land

 

I live in the Bay Area and have a 99 Cobra - checking out this site 'cause I may switch over to a Lightning! Anyway, did you go to Swanson, Frontier, Sunnyvalle? Fremont isn't near the other three... Where can I get the best deal? Did you notice what colors were available...

Does anyone know if 2002 L will have any new colors? I'd love to get one in blue... Should I order a 2002 or try and deal on a 2001? Thanks to whoever helps out this newbie! BTW, I am considering selling my 99 Cobra and my 69 Ford Ranger (390/3 spd) classic and "consolidate" to one vehicle...

 

Mike-

I live in the Bay Area, and I purchased my 2000 L from Frontier Ford, and I purchased my 2001 L from Fremont Ford. I paid $3,000 over MSRP for my 2000 L from Frontier Ford (I am an idiot), and I paid exactly MSRP ($32,640) for the 2001 from Fremont Ford. Fremont Ford just recently underwent an ownership change, and the last time I was there they wanted $10k OVER MSRP - What a joke!!! Do not pay more than MSRP for an L!!!!!! I really cannot recommend either dealer in good conscience. If they don't have the color you want in stock, you can order it and at worst case it would take @ 5 weeks. Remember - the white one's are the fastest.

Take it easy,

Dave

 

Thanks for the reponse Dave. I have actually bought 3 new Fords over the years - all of them from Swanson Ford in Los Gatos. Last time I ordered and paid MSRP for the Cobra. Even had to bargain to get that deal (sales guy said everything costs more in the B.A)! Had called Frontier and the SVT salesman quoted me something like $4500 over MSRP.

With the economy in the ****ter I was wondering if dealers are changing their tune. I'll call the salesguy who sold me the Cobra and see what he has to sell me.

 

Mike-

I think that the key is to not sound like you are in a hurry to get your L - tell them that you are not going to pay any more than MSRP and that you will just take your business to another dealer that will sell at MSRP. They would rather make SOME money rather than NONE at all. I am having all sorts of work done to my L in about 2 weeks if you are interested in checking out what can be done.

Take it easy,

Dave
D_Coburn@msn.com

 

I got my 01 at Towne Ford in Redwood City for msrp. They have three there now for msrp, two black one silver.

FRITZ, Silver 2001 "L"

 

I bought my 01 for 27600. on the x-plan from World Ford in Pennsacola. They where MSRP on the lot back in March. Now they have one of each color listed at 37500.

 

GEEZ.. i see maybe one a month around here.. i know of one that lives in my town.. thats it. wish there were more..
wish my friends could afford one.. hell, wish i could afford one.

 

Repeat after me......

Never Pay Over Sticker
Never Pay Over Sticker
Never Pay Over Sticker

I got my 2001 (one of the first in Houston) for $1600 under sticker. You just have to be an ******* and call around. I got this deal over the phone. I called over 30 dealerships, explained to them that I was calling for the lowest price. They know that if you hang up, that they'll never see you.