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I tell them all the same thing and that's that Ford should show their customers a little respect and tell them up front that there will be an 8 month wait. It wasn't the wait that was the problem for me -- it was continually being given excuses and never knowing when it would really arrive.
Thanks.
If you scan the previous messages in this file, you'll see lots of woe from folks that were promised a truck with a 60 day delivery time, and it took them much longer to get it in. I'm not convinced the availability of the batteries, the critical element for producing these vehicles, will be any better this year. If the price of gas spikes to $4.00 a gallon, that will only drive the demand for these puppies that much higher.
If they're available now, and they're of the type you want, I would buy it. The ones you will likely find on the dealer's lots will be fully tricked out, since they make more money that way. If you want the basic capability without frills (no leather, no Navigation system, no moonroof), you'll probably have to order it special. The 08 and 09 models will be very similar, since, there's not much in the works planned for design changes that I can see. 2008 was a major design turn for the truck.
There will likely be at least a 4-month gap betweeen when you can order (May) and when Ford starts delivery (late September at the earliest). Unless Denver is radically different from the DC area, don't think you're going to get a great deal below MSRP, either.
My $0.02 worth.
I guess I will wait for the 2009.
They had about 20 FEH, 10 Mercury Mariner, and a half dozen of the Mazda Tribute Hybrids on the lot, ready for sale. The salesman said they sell 7 or 8 a week or so.
I wanted the FWD, but I also wanted the Premium package - I like the backup sensors and the leather. I didn't want the moonroof or navigation. They had only one on the lot to my exact desires - the one I now own, a Kiwi Green color. The extra options that came with it were the chrome additions and the side step bumper.
They had a Mercury hybrid I liked, but it was $1700 more, and they were not dealing, so I accepted the AWD. The Mercury rode better, had slightly better seats, had keyless entry on the driver side, audio controls on the stearing wheel, generally better looking interior, and was FWD, but it also had the moonroof and Nav - and no reverse sensors.
I made the switch because we didn't really need the size of the FS, and it only gets 18 or so MPG in town. I realize that there is no way I'll ever make up the difference in price via MPG savings, but I am pleased. To tell the truth, I just plain wanted to own the FEH.
Time will tell on the mileage; I reset the MPG meter when I left the dealer and it is showing 30.5 right now. Having driven a Freestyle for a couple of years has provided me experience with milking a CVT for mileage, and the instant MPG meter provides very good clues as to how to maximize efficiency.
2009 Initial Order Acceptance: 04/17/08
2009 Production Scheduling Begins: 05/15/08
2009 Production Start Up: 06/23/08
He gave me a lot of official paperwork (11 pages) on what options/packages are available for the 2009 Escape (all models). He also printed some screen prints of two "what-if" orders for the FEH and the FEHL (Hybrid Limited, new for 2009).
For the FEH, there are two models: Hybrid and Hybrid Limited. Space (and my hands would get tired typing it all in) doesn't permit me to describe all the changes, but I can provide some details regarding color for the FWD(U49) or 4WD(U59), regardless of whether you choose the Hybrid(700A) or Hybrid Limited(750A):
LS - Light Ice Blue
NZ - Kiwi Green
T9 - Black Pearl
UA - Black Clearcoat
UI - Brilliant Silver
WS - White Suede
No more Tungsten Grey (my choice if I were buying a 2008), for those that care. There are other new colors, but they aren't available for the FEH or FEHL (Limited).
If you want the same 11 pages I was given, ask for the document with the bold "Major Product Changes" in the second line underneath "2009 Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid", dates April 17, 2008.
For what it's worth, I'll probably end up ordering the following:
U59 - 4WD
750A - Hybrid Limited
WS - White Suede exterior
5S - Stone leather interior
Options:
60N or 688 - Navigation system. (688 is a "quick turn-around" code, so I'll have to ask the dealer what the difference is).
187 - side step bars (the wife is short, so I know she'll appreciate them for getting into and out of the vehicle).
According to my dealer, orders are "collected" every Thursday evening, so I don't need to rush into this today, which is fine by me.
Even if the other two dates hold true, I figure I'll be lucky to see the vehicle by October or November, but I knew that going in based upon reports by others in this forum who bought 2008 FEH's.
FEH with FWD: U49/300A
FEHL with FWD: U49/350A
FEH with 4WD: U59/700A
FEHL with 4WD: U59/750A
Mine was right at 30K, including the Premium package, AWD, and (as I recall) order package 300A. It also has the door steps and the chrome package. MSRP was 31,100. That is including all delivery charges & etc, but not including DMV, taxes, and documentation ($45).
The dealer showed me a paper listing his invoice price of around 29300. The paper also had the "A" plan and "X" plan pricing, so I believe it was accurate.
Since I was trading in a lease I felt the price was fair. The finance person told me that every one (including herself) who saw the deal went back to the sales manager to make sure he had approved the price. I am a repeat customer of the dealership.
I financed through my credit union, but the Ford dealer arranged the whole thing.
I'll be lucky to see this vehicle by late Fall since production scheduling begins 05/15/08 and production start up isn't until 6/23/08. That assumes everything goes smoothly at Ford's plant in KC and battery availability (the item that seems to have biggest impact on delivery date) hasn't gotten worse since people started talking about it on this forum a while back.
MSRP seems to have gone up a fair bit since last year... I'm not looking for anything special but the bare bones model. Still, much that was optional last year looks to be standard this year.
The dealer price btw is also 28+k$
Hope it's legit and works for someone in CA!! Crossing my fingers that my Jetta doesn't break down and I end up needing this steal
http://www.donlen.com/buildstart_trucks_ford.html
I ordered mine last week. Likely won't see anything until January...
Thanks Again
ED
The previously announced May 15th date for scheduling of FEH's is for the gasoline models. The same is true for the June 23rd production start up date.
I ordered my 2009 FEH Limited (U59/750A) on April 20, 2009, just three days into the new order acceptance period and I don't expect to see mine until December at the earliest with January 2009 being more realistic.
Please go back and ask your dealer if the delivery date you were quoted is realistic or was just something they told you to get your business.
I, like many of you, are looking at the 2009 FEH. It will be my first car I purchase on my own. it will quite an investment but I am looking forward to it. I have been to one dealer so far in Orange County. Many of you are curious about pricing so I thought II would help out by posting my invoice (or estimate - the portion says "this is not an invoice." One thing I didn't realize was that leather interior is no longer an option on the FEH - if you want leather, you have to upgrade to the limited. Below is the invoice for the normal FWD FEH:
4 DR FWD Hybrid: $28305
Step bar/Rocker: $345
Power Moonroof: $795
Roof Rack w/bar: $45
Destination and Delivery Charge: $30,185
I'd like to know what you think. It's hard to negotiate for a car that didn't even on the lots yet and needs to be custom built. I will hopefully be getting an estimate for the FEH Limited later on. I was hoping to stay below $30K but it doesn't look like it. My head and wallet hurt just thinking about it. My throat is going dry.
We have a 2005 FE (regular fuel) Limited. When we purchased in late 2004 we drove the FEH - decided not to purchase because, well, the performance. Just test drove a 2008 over the weekend. Just fine. Since there is no rush we'll order the 2009 and wait. Questions:
-Anyone have the 2009 order guide? (the two dealers - first one Costco - Petaluma Ford, second one Marin Ford said this would be the first one ordered.)
-We'd like FWD, whatever package comes with Leather and those damn back-up sensors that have saved my [non-permissible content removed] a couple of times!
-NO Nav. My Blackberry does a great job!
-Whatever stereo comes with an iPod connector (either a true control UI or an output jack) and Bluetooth for the phone. If it doesn't have either one I'd rather install an aftermarket unit w/ CD player, iPod connector and BT.
-Step bars (we have a 5 year old.) Doesn't look like I can take them off a 2005 and install on the 2009. No bolt holes and there is sheet metal in the way (on the 2008's.)
-We have Costco and the x-plan option and I'm awaiting quotes and lead times. \\Am I missing something? Since we are leading the pack here we should compare notes.
-BTW. Why doies Consumer reports give the FE such a low rating????
Regards,
Lou
From what I understand, any 2008 models which are approved before the end of this year will be given rebate cheques, however 2009 models do not qualify!
Just thought I'd put that on the table. I'm not sure if anything similar is happening in the US.
PS - I just received my rebate today! It takes about a month to process and mail out a cheque. For some reason they can send you a letter letting you know they've accepted your application right away, but it takes awhile longer to actually pry the money out of their hands .
I would love to follow-up with folks that have actually placed an order for the 2009's (esp rilian) in Southern Marin (dealer name). Looking for to order guide if you have it.
Regards,
Ursacat
ursacat@hotmail.com
2009 Ford Escape Hybrid (FEH) and 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited (FEHL)
Order codes:
FWD FEH U49/300A
4WD FEH U59/700A
FWD FEHL U49/350A
4WD FEHL U59/750A
Tires:
P23570Rx15 A/S BSW
16" Hybrid unique aluminum (???) - FEH
16" bright machined aluminum (64E) - FEHL
Colors:
White Suede Clearcoat (WS)
Black Pearl Slate Clearcoat Metallic (T9)
Black Clearcoat (UA)
Light Ice Blue Clearcoat Metallic (LS)
Kiwi Green Clearcoat Metallic (NZ)
Brilliant Silver Metalic (UI) "eye"
FEH (LS,NZ,T9,UA,UI,WS)
FEHL (LS,NZ,T9,UA, UI,WS)
Colors NOT available for FEH or FEHL:
Torch Red (D3)
Sport Blue Metallic (U1) "one"
Sterling Grey Metallic (UJ)
Interior:
Ambient Lighting (636) standard on FEHL
Cruise Control (standard on all Escapes)
Ford Sync (standard on both hybrids)
Cloth seating (standard on FEH)
4-wheel Anti-Lock (ABS) std on all Escapes
Leather Confort Package (63G) - Standard on FEHL
Cargo Package (21R) - not sure if available on either FEH or FEHL from information I have
Moon and Tune Value Package (17A) - optional on gasoline Escapes (only?)
Sun and SYNC Value Package (17B) - not sure if available for Hybrids
FEH includes "select XLT content plus "
16" wheels
110 volt AC power point
AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC)
FEHL include "all Hybrid content plus "
Chrome Appearance Package
Luxury and Convenience
- heated front leather seats
- power moon roof
- retractable cargo cover
- SecureCode keyless entry keypad
Navigation System (60N) - option for FEH and FEHL
Options:
Cross Bars, black (615) - FEH (only)
License plate bracket (153) - FEH and FEHL
Side step bars (187) - FEH and FEHL
Moon roof (43M) - FEH (std on FEHL)
I probably butchered the 11 pages in my attempts to condense the information, but at least you have the codes.
the dealer who took my order in Dec 2007 for a 2008 which was for 1st Qtr 2008 delivery (the only 1 his dealership was allocated by FOMOCO) is saying the factory has advised them the unit will be in production 12 May 2008 or thereabouts.
i suspect;
might get a 2008 which someone else couldn't sell
or
might get a 2009 with a resubmitted order after the
factory couldn't make it in the 2008 run.
he (sales manager) said maybe.... i smiled and
said maybenot.
keep in touch.
Ordered Brilliant Silver w/ Stone Leather Interior and added Side Steps. MSRP is $31,675 including destination charge ($695). I signed my contract for $30,800 (including destination) and I'll qualify for at least one $500 rebate on delivery.
The Limited Edition includes everything except Side Steps and the Navigation System.
http://www.donlen.com/buildstart_trucks_ford.html
AND
A reporter is hoping to talk with anyone who bought a used hybrid with over (or near) 100,000 miles on it. Please respond to ctalati@edmunds.com before Friday, May 16, 2008 with your daytime contact information and a few words about your experience.
Thanks,
Jeannine Fallon
Corporate Communications
Edmunds.com
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
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Share your vehicle reviews
I want to order a '09 FEH and am wondering if the dealership where you place an order would make any difference in the time when you receive the vehicle, e.g., if you place an order with a smaller dealership might it be a longer wait than if you placed it with a huge dealership. I would like to support a smaller dealership if the wait would be the same. Any insight???
1. Major Product Changes
2. Major Product Summary
3. Standard Equipment
4. Functional Equipment (shows pictures of wheels)
5. Optional Equipment
6. Color & Trim Availability
7. Package Options/Emissions
8. Powertrain/Dimensions - note: fuel economy is set to "TBD", so don't get your hopes up.
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/05/15/abg-first-drive-2009-ford-escape-hybrid/-
The order of production is:
1. Retail orders
2. Dealer stock
3. Fleet sales
My order shows in the Ford computer as "Clean" but not yet scheduled as of May 14. If it was scheduled on May 15, then it might not post into the computer system until Saturday. He said he'll come in on Saturday, check the computer and get back to me.
Anybody else heard same/different from their dealer?