Ask a Ford salesman anything (Incentives, Inventory, etc)

[imccrea]

Originally Posted by mongie

He claims for qualified clients he can waive the acquisition fee... Sounds strange?

Very, more like wave security deposit. To be honest some Ford sales guys aren't very familiar with leases as Ford didn't have them for a few years. I worked Mazda for 18 months which leases like crazy and they've never waved a acquisition fee ever.

[redav]

I just found this forum a few days ago, & I want to thank everyone who's contributed. It's very informative.

I am car shopping, and the Focus is high on my list. I expect to buy in a few months. I've read through most of this thread, but there are some things that I just don't get. (I understand that since my expected buy-date is so far away, there's no telling what incentives or inventory will be available, so I won't ask specifics about those things.)

I am not familiar with all the names & types of incentives that posters have mentioned: private cash, x-plan, z-plan, financing rebates, FMC, brochure coupon, etc. Maybe it has already been answered, but exactly what are these rebates, how are they different, how do they work, and are they typical? (I believe I qualify for x-plan because I work for GE. How would I get a PIN? I am also a member at Sam's & Costco.) Does Ford have a buyer loyalty program (a discount for existing Ford owners)?

If I buy a Focus, I'd get a hatch in either an SEL or Ti. I'd be completely satisfied with the SEL+301A, but it isn't available in yellow. I really like the race red, too, but I am identified by a "little yellow car." All my friends would be utterly lost if I ever changed.

So if I opt for the yellow, it bumps me up to the Ti+400A, and then I'd throw in the Y-spoked wheels, too. (I'd rather have 16" wheels, but the Ti doesn't have them. The Y-spoked ones look much better than the std Ti ones, so I'm sure I could sell/swap them for some 16s. Does the Ti use the same brakes as the SEL? Would there be any issue swapping out the wheels?) I'm debating whether it's worth the extra cost to move up trim levels--I know the Ti has keyless ignition, and I think it has sport seats while the SEL doesn't. How else are they different? I'd also consider the electric Focus if Ford would ever release some real info on it.

There are few SEL & Ti models around here (Houston, 77070), and virtually no yellow ones. It seems like all the higher-end Foci are loaded with extras (nav, leather, moonroof) that I don't want. Is this trend likely to continue? Is it likely that I'd find what I'm looking for on the lot, or would it definitely be custom? Has the yellow blaze or race red been affected by paint shortages?

Thanks again.

[Rodthagodx]

This is by far the best thread I've seen for Ford cars and I really appreciate the time you have been putting in here. That said here's my situation. I'm planning on purchasing a new Ford Fiesta 2011. I chose the car I wanted, went to the dealership and then of course stumbled across all the rebates while wandering the lot on my phone. I put a deposit down but held off on finalizing the purchase in hopes of receiving a $750 rebate. Two days ago i ordered a Fiesta brochure hoping to get a $750 voucher quickly and I'm still waiting and haven't received any emails like others said they have (granted this is a short amount of time I've heard of people receiving them in two days.) This should stack with the $500 rebate included in my purchase already but it's almost June and I haven't receive anything from Ford. Any ideas on what the June incentives will be? I would hate to not receive a voucher and lose on the $500 rebate just because i'm waiting (not to mention the car). I know they can be location based my zipcode is 02886. In addition, is there any other rebate I should try to use as well (ie joining sam's club or costco just to get the additional rebate something not too crazy but manageble). Thank you for your time and have a good day!

[lrbr30022]

Originally Posted by redav

I am not familiar with all the names & types of incentives that posters have mentioned: private cash, x-plan, z-plan, financing rebates, FMC, brochure coupon, etc.

I can only speak to the privacy cash. When you go online and request Ford mail you a brochure, most folks get a $750 privacy cash offer in their brochure. This offer is only good for 60 days so you need to time it right.

[cpogordon]

Originally Posted by lrbr30022

I can only speak to the privacy cash. When you go online and request Ford mail you a brochure, most folks get a $750 privacy cash offer in their brochure. This offer is only good for 60 days so you need to time it right.

And that is 60 days from the date you requested it, not 60 days from when you get it.

[kolhaun]

Hi,
I have Focus 2002 ZTS 2.0. English is not my mother language and I struggle a bit with technical terminology. I want to replace cooling system hoses (all) but do not know how they are called in English. Could you help and send me a list / name of all hoses so I could search them on the amazon. Thanks in advance

[imccrea]

Most dealers will order loaded up SEL and Titanium as the majority of customers will want this. I would recommend ordering one to get everything you want.
We also won't order many Yellow Blaze as it is a tough sell color.

X-Plan is def. the way to go for pricing, no negotiation needed and just sign paperwork when it shows up.

Originally Posted by redav

I just found this forum a few days ago, & I want to thank everyone who's contributed. It's very informative.

I am car shopping, and the Focus is high on my list. I expect to buy in a few months. I've read through most of this thread, but there are some things that I just don't get. (I understand that since my expected buy-date is so far away, there's no telling what incentives or inventory will be available, so I won't ask specifics about those things.)

I am not familiar with all the names & types of incentives that posters have mentioned: private cash, x-plan, z-plan, financing rebates, FMC, brochure coupon, etc. Maybe it has already been answered, but exactly what are these rebates, how are they different, how do they work, and are they typical? (I believe I qualify for x-plan because I work for GE. How would I get a PIN? I am also a member at Sam's & Costco.) Does Ford have a buyer loyalty program (a discount for existing Ford owners)?

If I buy a Focus, I'd get a hatch in either an SEL or Ti. I'd be completely satisfied with the SEL+301A, but it isn't available in yellow. I really like the race red, too, but I am identified by a "little yellow car." All my friends would be utterly lost if I ever changed.

So if I opt for the yellow, it bumps me up to the Ti+400A, and then I'd throw in the Y-spoked wheels, too. (I'd rather have 16" wheels, but the Ti doesn't have them. The Y-spoked ones look much better than the std Ti ones, so I'm sure I could sell/swap them for some 16s. Does the Ti use the same brakes as the SEL? Would there be any issue swapping out the wheels?) I'm debating whether it's worth the extra cost to move up trim levels--I know the Ti has keyless ignition, and I think it has sport seats while the SEL doesn't. How else are they different? I'd also consider the electric Focus if Ford would ever release some real info on it.

There are few SEL & Ti models around here (Houston, 77070), and virtually no yellow ones. It seems like all the higher-end Foci are loaded with extras (nav, leather, moonroof) that I don't want. Is this trend likely to continue? Is it likely that I'd find what I'm looking for on the lot, or would it definitely be custom? Has the yellow blaze or race red been affected by paint shortages?

Thanks again.

[imccrea]

Don't know if you will receive a mail-in rebate that quick, usually it's a few weeks or at least 10 days.
No word on June incentives but I know our region is running out of Fiesta's quickly. We are down to 2 on the lot and there are no S sedans left in the state in automatic. I would imagine the $500 carrying over to June but cannot promise.

Good luck.

Originally Posted by Rodthagodx

This is by far the best thread I've seen for Ford cars and I really appreciate the time you have been putting in here. That said here's my situation. I'm planning on purchasing a new Ford Fiesta 2011. I chose the car I wanted, went to the dealership and then of course stumbled across all the rebates while wandering the lot on my phone. I put a deposit down but held off on finalizing the purchase in hopes of receiving a $750 rebate. Two days ago i ordered a Fiesta brochure hoping to get a $750 voucher quickly and I'm still waiting and haven't received any emails like others said they have (granted this is a short amount of time I've heard of people receiving them in two days.) This should stack with the $500 rebate included in my purchase already but it's almost June and I haven't receive anything from Ford. Any ideas on what the June incentives will be? I would hate to not receive a voucher and lose on the $500 rebate just because i'm waiting (not to mention the car). I know they can be location based my zipcode is 02886. In addition, is there any other rebate I should try to use as well (ie joining sam's club or costco just to get the additional rebate something not too crazy but manageble). Thank you for your time and have a good day!

[GhiaFan]

Originally Posted by redav

I'd also consider the electric Focus if Ford would ever release some real info on it
Thanks again.

Focus Electric is due late 2011 (end of November -December)
No pricing announced yet and no info when Ford will open the order banks.
I notice in your location is Houston which is one of the cities Ford has designated to offer the Focus BEV (electric)

Here is a preliminary spec sheet though
http://media.ford.com/images/10031/2...Elec_Specs.pdf

and also link to Ford Electric mini-site http://media.ford.com/mini/2011ces/a...x.html?lang=EN
and
http://www.ford.com/electric/focusel...7m3n0p20110126


hmm maybe another HID source for those new Focus owners wanting to get HID :-)

[imccrea]

I don't see the Electric being a bargin at many dealers. I'm thinking it will hold a premium like a Boss 302 unfortunately making it a bad purchase.

Just my .02.

Originally Posted by GhiaFan

Focus Electric is due late 2011 (end of November -December)
No pricing announced yet and no info when Ford will open the order banks.

Here is a preliminary spec sheet though
http://media.ford.com/images/10031/2...Elec_Specs.pdf

and also link to Ford Electric mini-site http://media.ford.com/mini/2011ces/a...x.html?lang=EN
and
http://www.ford.com/electric/focusel...7m3n0p20110126