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Comments
It's not perfect, but freebies are like that.
Sam
Yes, I noticed the rise in price as they get closer to the release date. It did hurt, as my "low price" expectations were high. It's the old "demand & supply" rule. They demand a good supply of your dollars!
If you're into Freestyle 35 (larger engine), a year (two?) wait shouldn't be a problem. Maybe they would have bigger rebates then .
How can I tell my Contour not to die on me for a few more months? =(
Sam
(We all can't afford SRX's).
On sunroofs, the first picture of the webshots.com set I posted (message 473, if you get an error, re-try) shows the NYC Auto Show Freestyle with one. I don't know if the sunroof sacrifices the conversation (AKA watch kids) mirror.
The FordVehicles.com Freestyle website has one to their Auto Show.
(FordVehicles.com->cars & vans->future vehicles->Freestyle)
Their videos have one on the Freestyle. The cutaway Freestyle in it also has a sunroof.
Sam
Ironically, Ford is trying to get the vehicle classified as a truck.. This will help Ford with CAFE credits. But there's that RULE I'm trying to find out what it is, that prevents it from having the 2nd row privacy glass.
If it's that much of an issue, have it tinted aftermarket along with the 1st row seats.
Officer Safety. If a police officer can't see in your vehicle while approaching it during a stop creates aprehension for the officer. Basically he's walking up blind as most people don't know what to do or act when stopped by the police: engine off, radio off, phone off, window down, hands on wheel, don't act like an idiot.
Thanks in advance if anyone has the info.
http://www.fordaxz.com/2005orderingguides.htm
What's the need for HID headlights? They should be banned soon anyway. NAV toys I can live without.
Also, the 3.0 is rated at 203hp/207 lb/ft. Those who tow may need more, but I think that is more than enough for my small family. I'm esp. looking forward to MPG #'s.
Don't be suprised if the same CVT in the Murano, ends up in the 500. From some preliminary reports I have read, you could see it being paired with the upcoming 3.5L.
Thus, PROVIDED the CVTs are from the same mfg. (???), it should be OK.
One interesting tidbit is that they mention the CVT as great in snow. I didn't thought of that benefit. That's important to me, as I rather let my wife drive the best-on-snow car. (Hmm... AWD, CVT & Traction Control vs. snow. Poor snow.
Sam
I've spent about the actual worth of the car, $1K+, on 3-4 repairs over the last 2-3 months. It's a '96 L-4 with 102K miles. My mechanic says get rid of it, as he has several clients with 100K Contours. One lady with V-6 replaces brakes every 3-4 months. Ouch.
* It still idles erratic (my mechanic's improved it greatly though).
* The ABS/Traction lights turn on ocassionaly. Seems to be a bad sensor, as everything works OK.
* On my trip to NYC to see the Freestyle (and get you the pictures), it almost over-heated inside the Lincoln Tunnel.
* I just replaced the left front ball bearing and brakes.
My concern on a "newly introduced" vehicle is just having to share Ford's learning experience at the repair bay. The earlier discussions on CVT heightened it.
I'm literally inches away on getting a Mercury Monterey (Freestar twin). It has a good feature set, including AdvanceTrac. I noted on my last post that snow handling is important. The other need is to be a good family vehicle. Thus, my interest on the Freestyle.
Words of Wisdom are welcome. I have a Windstar 2001, so the Monterey would make it two minivans. We still have no children, but we're working on it.
Sam
They show 3rd row seat acting just like the Freestar/Monterey. It's a TAILGATE seat too. A pleasant surprise nonetheless.
Thanks NEDC on the C-MAX/Freestyle transmission comparison.
For those who debate Freestyle 30 vs. 35, may I suggest a lease on 30? You then return it on time for the 35.
Sam
Also, you pay for the use of a car under a lease. Unless the vehicle is used for business OR the manufacturer heavily subsidizes leases (not likely for a new model), you will pay as much or more to lease than you would to buy and then sell the car outright to a private party.
Sam
Anyway, our current family wheels is a '99 Quest with 170 hp. Not particularly fast (or economical for that matter), but it manages to get the job done, and the Freestyle has to be a performance improvement.
Of course, if the 3.5 was available, I would get it, but I don't think having the 3.0 is going too hurt sales too much, although you will lose the V8 or nothing crowd in either case.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
As you can see were set for the Car, but we will probally trade in the escape on a freestyle as an upgrade in space (just depends on the towing amount) We use the Escape more than the Accord as an evrywhere vehicle.
Odie
Most minivans nowadays can pull 3500, the amount an Escape does.
Sam
I missed the first time is her claim on the Duratec/CVT combo. I recalled her touting on extra efficiency, but not her numbers.
She says CVT's efficiency would make the Duratec's 200 ponies act like 250. Please note the Explorer V8 has 239. It would be just a bit more efficient MPG-wise than a 6-speed transmission.
Let's substract the fact that she's marketing the vehicle. Suppose you test drive the Freestyle & a Taurus Duratec Wagon (about same weight & engine). You'll notice "Freebie" will have more power, accelerate more, etc. How much? To be determined.
Sam
Some of the features of the Monterey really made an impact on us, like the heat/cool seats, and so on. I noticed in Marentic's interview they'll do a Mercury Freestyle clone later on the 2005 Model year. There was a short mention about it on this thread. Is there a way to know more about it?
Sam
Sam
If Mercury hasn't even named the car, it'll be out by Model 2006 at the earliest. The plant has its hands full with 3 promising-to-be-popular models. Unexpected higher demand could likely delay delivery more.
My nearby Ford dealer rep said they're expecting the 500 & Freebie to be very popular. Expect token rebates like the 2005 Focus' ($500), just released.
BTW, ZF started transmission manufacture in Feb. F-day (no four-letter word here) is getting closer.
Sam
Whoever heard of a car company saying "We don't think this will sell well and it will have large rebates from day one."?
At the same time, my pictures on webshots were seen 500-600 times.
The "fashion" is now toward utility without the truck.
And Ford had relatively good success entering late an emerging market (Escape on small SUVs).
In short, it may be a bit harder than we would like to get "Freebie" on its first months. (Unless you want to pay top, middle and bottom dollar for it.)
Sam