I'm a new owner of a 2012 SEL Focus, I guess. While at the dealership last Saturday, the salesman had negotiated a deal on a Focus at another dealership. But before we filled out the paperwork, he tells us that he has a Focus in stock that had the same options but with an upgraded interior that he'd love to make a deal on, and we can take delivery today![thumb]

So we look at, but not drive, the car. Sure enough, same options with an upgraded interior. Fine, says I, and we start the paperwork. [hihi]

While putting my name on the last of the dozen forms we are required to fill out, he comes in and tells us that he has some bad news. He tells us that the battery has died and he won't have the car ready until Monday. Disappointed, but, ok, would have had to wait for delivery of the other car too.[confused]

Then today, Monday, no call, no call, so I finally call. Um, the car's battery was fine, but the AC compressor had seized up. I'm thinking, really, that can look like a dead battery?[scratch]

Worried that I've been duped and am getting a lemon. Am I crazy?[8]

Refuse the delivery and go elsewhere.

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^^^^^^ agree

RUN. Too much issues. These cars should be front line lot ready. I would find another, and soon why your still excited, so you dont go back to the original problem car.

I am selling my SEL. ;)

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We had a couple of SE's come in brand new with seized up compressors, and when you turn the ac on it kills the car as if the battery had died, so they aren't lying to you. It is a problem and Ford currently has a TSB (technical service bulletin) out on it, and if it gets worse there will likely be a recall. It was a defect with the supplier of ac compressors to Ford, so don't worry, your car isn't a lemon.

I am selling my SEL. ;)

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lol, PA is a long way from CA. Why are you selling?

This entire story from your salesman is totally bogus.
NEVER sign ANYTHING whatsoever unless you have a car in front of you.
What this salesman did was criminal.
They HAVE NO CAR!!! the salesman lied to you 100%
Do not go back their.
Getting you to sign paperwork with no car is a trick.
A dirty trick.
IF you go back and the salesman tells you some other issues say let me see the car.
They certainly WILL make some excuse no customer is allowed in service area. that is a lie. If you are accompanied by staff, you can go. See the car.
I bet they did not even have a car.
Personally i would tell the salesman up front you want the manager, and complain about fraud, and a lawsuit...

We had a couple of SE's come in brand new with seized up compressors, and when you turn the ac on it kills the car as if the battery had died, so they aren't lying to you. It is a problem and Ford currently has a TSB (technical service bulletin) out on it, and if it gets worse there will likely be a recall. It was a defect with the supplier of ac compressors to Ford, so don't worry, your car isn't a lemon.

Hey thanks! Sounds like you work for a Ford Dealership. Glad you can confirm the story. [hihi]

Yes I do, haha. I have to keep a couple AC compressors in my parts department because of this problem. One of the sales persons Focuses did this the very first time they drove it. As soon as she turned the ac on, the car died. They took it in the shop and when they turned the ac off, the car worked fine.

I am selling my SEL. ;)

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Why?

Though the salesman was honest,
- the inspection of the car was lacking and missed a major problem
- you didn't drive the car
- they didn't follow up with you as they said they would, and should have

My feeling is though the car may be sound, the dealership isn't (blanket blame). From that standpoint I would refuse the car and take my business elsewhere.

Though the salesman was honest,
- the inspection of the car was lacking and missed a major problem
- you didn't drive the car
- they didn't follow up with you as they said they would, and should have

My feeling is though the car may be sound, the dealership isn't (blanket blame). From that standpoint I would refuse the car and take my business elsewhere.

Nice summary.
I've signed over my Infiniti G35, signed a contract that says I can't break the Focus contract (but the dealership has the right cancel), and will need to enter into arbitration to walk away. Oh what a fool I am.[bash]

I second or third the AC compressor thing. while I don't specifically know about fords suppliers, I installed a new AC compressor on an Acura the other day only to have it do the same. wtf is going on? quality control really that bad these days?

Nice summary.
I've signed over my Infiniti G35, signed a contract that says I can't break the Focus contract (but the dealership has the right cancel), and will need to enter into arbitration to walk away. Oh what a fool I am.[bash]

Most state laws allow you a grace period for new car purchases. I don't know what it is in CA but here in MN it's 3 days or 300 miles to return a car (for full refund),,, though I'm not sure if it's 3 business days or 3 calendar days.
Food for thought.

Yep, there has been a crack down on their sales operations around the country to fill the holes in "Lemon Laws". I'd check the California Dept of Transportation, or just Google CA Lemon Laws for more information. Its best to know your rights before you go talking about something if that is the route you want to take.

Best of luck. The car is probably ok aside of this minor issue. I'd expect a good dealership to get right on it and repair the car ASAP instead of missing out on a sale.

Most state laws allow you a grace period for new car purchases. I don't know what it is in CA but here in MN it's 3 days or 300 miles to return a car (for full refund),,, though I'm not sure if it's 3 business days or 3 calendar days.
Food for thought.

Used to be a car salesman, most people have the 3 day rule wrong, doesn't apply when YOU go to the dealer, only door-to-door sales have a grace period usually.

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lol, PA is a long way from CA. Why are you selling?

$700 to ship a car insured from PA to CA. ;)

See below for explanation.

Why?

I am looking at another vehicle; have about five different ones I'm considering.

Either the car gets sold; or I trade it in.

Also, waiting on my friend to get the ST at his dealership so I can sit in one and feel it.

Could be the guy is bsing.