Need some help and opinions. I'm debating whether or not to buy a new SuperCrew. I've never owned a Ford. I've had my existing vehicle appraised (1997 GMC Sierra X-Cab PU) and the dealer has offered to give me a somewhat fair price. The price they have quoted me was $27,028 (less tax & fee's). The sticker is $30,668.

This includes the following:
Model 2001 F-150 SCrew 2WD-
*5.4L Engine
*XLT package
*tow package
*2 tone paint
*CD changer
*heated seat(s)
*auto trans
*air, cruise, power seat
*17 inch wheels
*3.55(?) rear end

Also, I've read the list of bulletins and owner problems on this site. I don't have a good feeling regarding this purchase. Cracked doors, wiper motors that can catch fire, etc. What's the deal on the radiator problem? Feel free to comment on any or all of this stuff.
Thanks....

 

Jet-X, I was going through this same dilemna about a year ago. I had never owned a Ford before and was very leary of buying one. I still don't consider myself a "Ford Guy", but I must say, I love my truck!! Yes I have had a few problems with it, but nothing major that the dealer has not corrected. Remember, on this board a lot of people post whenever they have problems, but think of all the owners that you don't hear from that are loving their trucks and are having no problems at all. This truck fit all of my needs, especially for the price. Try and get the same truck from Chevy or Dodge, but plan on adding at least $5000. And they don't even look as good!! I do not regret buying it at all - 11 months and 30,000 miles later!!!

 

I really like my 2001 Super Crew. I bought it about a month and a half ago, no problems. I had a 97 expy and the fit and finish are comparable. I checked mine over prior to purchase pretty well and the overall quality of mine is excellent so far. Keep in mind, guys and gals on this site are truck nuts (myself included) and are very picky.
Dave

 

I have had my SCrew since January and really like it. I haven't had any problems so far. There are a few issues with the paint quality, though nothing that I wanted to have repaired.

One of the things that you might keep in mind is that while people do bring up a various problems, I would bet that they affect only a very small minority of owners. Ford sold over a 100000 F series trucks in October. Based upon my personal observations, it seems that the percentage of SCrews is increasing. Most of the people on this board are very picky about their trucks and still seem to be very happy with them.

I don't think you will be disappointed if you buy a SCrew.

 

FWIW, 2 of the 3 issues you mention shouldn't worry you. The door crack problem can not and will not affect SuperCrew F-150's or Expeditions which share a door that is different in design to the door on regular and extended cab F-150 models. Those had cracks that appeared on the lower trailing edge of the window and if you look this area has a completely different design on the Expt/SCrew doors. Furthermore the RC/EC doors have been redesigned to fix the problem now.

The wiper motor recall affected very few units and all of those should have been sold (and repaired) now.

The radiator issue might affect you. They replaced the existing 1sh " and 2.02 2-core radiators around 2000 with new-design 1.02 and 1.42" 1-core units. They seemed to include the 1.42 on the 7700 F-150 and Expedition but didn't include it on the regular GVWR F-150. Probably a typo but they are pulling a CYA and saying that the 1.02 is adequate. I don't buy it and now have a 1.42. Have the dealer swap it out or find out how much a 1.42 costs at the service department and insist that the purchase price of the vehicle is reduced by that amount if they refuse.

FWIW, I love mine, other than a minor exhaust leak mine has run great, has no rattles, the paint looks good, and hasn't given me any troubles in the 12 months I have owned it.

 

Hey Jet,

Looks like the dealer is giving you a little over invoice price. Invoice price is usually about 88% of sticker for F-150s. That can vary just a little for different models but varies widely with different truck series like the Expy. I would tell them 0% for sixty months and $500 below invoice price and see what they do. Try not to mix your trade with the purchase of your new truck if you can help it.

As for the Screw, I've had problems with mine but I'm still in love with it. I've had a 2001 Taurus rental for two days and I'm already missing the damn thing even with it's blimishes and short commings. After all, looks like everything I complained about is going to get fixed but not sure on my radiator. Supposedly, if you purchase after May something of this year, you have no leg to stand on with the radiator issue. You might get a long way with telling your dealer you'll buy his left over 2001 stock if he makes good on the radiator and sells at below invoice. If you get that deal, everyone will be proud of you including me.

Good Luck and yes you will not regret buying a Screw.

DaveMan

 

Jet X:

It is impossible to say if you are getting a good deal without doing some research. Without some research on your part, you may be leaving money on the table.

Try www.cars.com. You can enter the vehicle and options you want and it will show you the dealer invoice. It will even allow you to automatically send an email to the dealers in an area where you live requesting quotes. That is how I bought my truck. It allowed me to comparison shop without even leaving home. Having this information is powerful in negotiations. At the time I bought my truck, Ford was offering a $500 rebate. With the rebate, I paid about $400 under invoice. I also received a good trade on my car.

The difference can be substantial. With trade, the difference between the highest and lowest sealer was $2,500 for me!

As someone else said here. Get a price on the truck seperate from the car. If you think the dealer is screwing you on the trade, try going to CarMax - www.carmax.com, if there is one where you live. They will give you a free written appraisel on your car that guarantees they will buy it from you for that price in the next seven days.

Having all the information you can get gives you a lot of power when negotiating with the dealer and really allows you to determine if you are getting a fair deal.

As for me, I love my SuperCrew. I don't know how I ever lived without it. It does a lot of tasks well - a comfortable passenger car and a good work truck. I did have the transmission replaced because it went bad at 9K miles but Ford did right by me. Everything was paid for including the tow and a loaner car.

Good Luck.

 

Get the Screw...you will love it. I have had mine for 3 weeks and just love driving it.. Here in Omaha we got 700 below invoice for a 2002 model.

1. www.edmunds.com - find invoice vs msrp
2. get under invoice price
3. then deduct your trade

Good luck!

 

Watch Carmaxx though, when first started, they were very good on wholesale prices.... now, after losing money for a while, they are not so good, usually 20% under on what they will pay for your vehicle....

 

I bought an '01 SCrew in June--MSRP $34975, paid $29475. Dlr had ad for $5500 off any SCrew on lot. They are now saying $6K off any '01 left. This is with no trade--trade will skew figures if you don't keep it out of the deal. 0% is also available now.

26,700 miles as of today, no problems. No paint blems, but I have mini-radiator.

Buy one, you'll love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Got my Screw in May of 2000. 16,000 miles later and she runs like a dream. Dealer even replaced my radiator. Sticker was 33,450 paid 28,598. That was even when they first hit the street. I'v had 5 F150's over the years and this is the best one yet. Don't fight it my friend, just get it and ride with true American pride!!

 

Go for the truck. I have had a 2001 Supercrew since they hit the lots in early 2000 and have never enjoyed a vehicle so much. Ive owned it for 19 months, have 33,000 miles and I love it. I have not had one of the problems that everyone talks about on here. The posts on this forum have got to be less than 5% of the Supercrew owners in the US. I just ordered a new 2002 King Ranch truck.

On purchase, You should be able to get at least, invoice. I got invoice on mine and a pretty good deal on the trade in. But, it is very true about not confusing the two. I made them agree to a price with me on the new truck, then brought in mine and discussed trade in. If the damn thing gets delivered soon enough I'll have the 4.9%.

Good luck, keep us informed!