Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
And it won't take much. It could be something as big as the world coming out of ressession and needing gasoline or it could be middle east unrest. I'm hoping for the first but betting on the second as a sure thing.
The Prius is ok for the most part, but for a family with 3 kids, it just doesn't cut it, the Camry or Fusion does.
The thoughts of the Prius ownership and 50mpg is interesting but I found the Camry Hybrid to be overall a very nice package and comfortable. The new Prius interest will make me check it out and the FFE is of interest too. I can get discounts on the FFE so that is a plus. I'll be in the market anywhere between now and November when my lease runs out.
Ford will be severely limited in getting these to the general population due to battery supply constraints. 25000 units is the annual production goal. This is about 1 vehcle per dealer every 60 days. Or IOW the larger stores will get several and the smaller stores will get none. In addition unfortunately unless things pick up all vehicles above $25000 are going to be sitting for a good long time.
Will the 2010 TCH have the next generation hybrid system?
i doubt if any dealer will be doing that for quite a while.
I will probably push that question. I have a Ford dealer that has appreciated the repeat business. Since it will be a small market for them they may rather take the discount on one car than lose many sales down the road. If they could get a hundred then they may be greedy, but if they only get three or four a year then it's not really a money maker for them.
I'm always willing to walk on a deal and the salespeople I have worked with know I won't come back. Ever.
The new ETA for the first FFH at the local ford dealer is now 3/2/09. Which sounds more reasonable than 2/16th, but I'll believe it when I get to test drive it.
(Not 'Atkins', unless it's on a diet! Oops)
My answer if I buy a Ford Fusion Hybrid I get it all. First I help the only one of the big three not asking me to give them my tax dollars. Second I do my small bit for the environment. Third I get the most economical hybrid available (MSRP $19,270) at 41 MPG. Fourth I get a tax credit on the sales Tax (around $1400). Fifth and finally If I buy by 31 March 2009, I get a $3400 Hybrid car Credit.
Here’s the problem, you just can’t do it. The car is not available, dealers won’t even give you an estimate on when it will be. What they do say is forget about 31 March.
Okay so lets try another one, love the look of the Mazda Tribute Hybrid. Sorry only available in California.
How about the Ford Escape it hits the mark although a lot more expensive (MSRP $39,000 mileage Mpg 25). After a lengthy search I actually find one near Charlotte where I can pick it up for $54,000.
Hmmm guess it isn’t going to happen. Frankly I would really like it to be a Ford or if not a company where Ford holds a 40% stake. The other two big three took the government handout and still may fail.
Well where do I go now?
http://www.fordvehicles.com/features/news/detail/index.asp?id=1714
How's this for false advertising, spent 30 minutes on line with Ford marketing the confirmed NO WAY to get the $3400 Tax Credit...the vehicle is not available untill June (maybe)
Ford is advertising this vehicle heavy right now. It will be in showrooms by next week.
As for the FEH, there are plenty available. If you don't have them in your area, just order it from a dealership in California. You will get it at invoice (or less) plus about $500 to ship the vehicle to your doorstep. I did the same thing several years ago when I was getting a raw deal on an Odyssey mini van locally. I bought it for $2500 less from a Honda dealer in Ohio. We still have the vehicle in our garage.
My local CA Ford dealer said I had to take delivery of the FFH by Mar. 31 to get the full tax credit, not just place my order by then.
Have you both confirmed this with your dealers?
zrobl1's post #369 above says:
"How's this for false advertising, spent 30 minutes on line with Ford marketing the confirmed NO WAY to get the $3400 Tax Credit...the vehicle is not available untill June (maybe)"
Ford is saying that an order placed for the vehicle by 3/31 qualifies for the credit so long as that same vehicle is purchased. Here is the exact language from the Ford Motor Regional manager in a memo to his dealers (my salesman sent me a copy):
"Tax Credit Update
Since Ford Motor Company reached the 60,000 vehicle threshold in the 4th Quarter of 2008, under current federal law the tax credit amounts are reduced by 50% beginning April 1, 2009 and by an additional 25% beginning October 1, 2009. No tax credit amount is available for hybrids after March 31, 2010. Customers who order or purchase any Hybrids by 3/31/09 will remain eligible for the full tax credit amounts. (This applies to Retail Orders of Fusion/Milan Hybrid.)"
The way I see it, they are guaranteeing eligibility for the credit (so long as the taxpayer's status allows the credit -- i.e. AMT, total income etc). Check with your dealer again. Ford also put out a press release a couple of weeks ago claiming the same thing.
And don't get me started about electric plugins!!
That wasn't the purpose of the tax credit. The purpose was to encourage more manufacturers to start building hybrids. This means Hyundai could start building hybrids and have an immediate $3400 cost advantage over Toyota and Ford. Consumer demand is already there and the hybrid costs are now reasonable, so there is no need for additional consumer incentives. I'd argue that there is no need for any further mfr enticements, either.
There is no other possible scenario I can think of where you "purchase" a vehicle one month but don't take delivery until several months later.
Seriously :confuse: Why would anyone pay $54K for an Escape Hybrid?????
The car would have to be as efficient as the Fusion Hybrid in comparison to the non hybrid version. This is the first time the IRS has offered $3400 tax credit in this program. That is the maximum amount. The Prius was $3150 and the Camry Hybrid was only $2600. So Ford did a good job on their FFH to get the maximum credit. Too bad most people will not get that much.
Also remember if you are so unfortunate to be hit with AMT on your Federal Taxes, you will not be allowed any tax credits.
The only car I know of with a better tax credit is the Honda GX CNG car that has a $4000 tax credit. Not part of the same program as the diesel & hybrid incentives.
That wasn't the purpose of the tax credit.
You kinda missed the whole point I was making there. With the push for more people to go green by legislatures, IE Cap and Trade, you would think they would have more incentives to purchase a hybrid over a standard car, and one way would be tax credits. So far their stimulus bill doesn't have much at all in it that will stimulate me to buy anything. Economy is money, when people have it, they spend it, when they don't have it, nothing is purchased, so there are no orders for more goods, without those orders, people don't have jobs. Seems simple enough, yet our glorious leaders are constantly missing that whole point. Their bailouts are doing nothing more than crippling the system by letting the bad linger, its like treating a fever with an ice cube, feels good for a little while, but the fever is still there. If there are cars out there that not only save money by using less gas, but can also give you a bigger refund at the end of the year, don't you think more people would be buying? The same should go for cars that get 35+ MPG, a small tax credit for those, and maybe for diesel powered ones. Not only would it help sales, but there would be more fuel efficient cars on the road that way as well. It would spur manufacturers to build more fuel efficient cars then on lines that currently make gas guzzlers. Put the money towards those who would spend it on goods, not piss it away on parties and airplanes.
I understand the desire to have more fuel efficient cars but that will only happen if consumers want them and that can't be legislated.
Is this real?
Your part about "without the tax credit the Prius are not selling" is COMPLETELY FALSE.
We had that conversation the month or two after the tax credit stopped on the Prius and the sales did not "tank" in that period.
THE FAILED ECONOMY combined with NO KIND OF CARS SELLING combined with LOWER GAS PRICES are the reasons that hybrids are not selling.
It has NOTHING to do AT ALL with the end of the Toyota tax credits.
Lets put it this way, If I wanted sports car handling, I would by a sports car. To me the Camry handles like it should, a family sedan. It handles much better than a Crown Vic Sport does, and it has the Performance and Handling package!
The IRS rules give the example of "buying" a vehicle in September but not taking delivery until January and the rebate is what was in effect in September - which supports Ford's position. But you may want to check with your tax advisor to be sure.
Did you work for Madoff or Blagoyevich or something? Do something wrong/illegal if you can get away with it (no audit)? I don't operate that way. I read the law and comply with the letter and/or intent of the law. Period.
I don't think you should be lumping gagrice with being a crook. I agree with gagrice in so far as claiming the tax credit so long as a valid order is placed by 3/31. Ford has OFFICIALLY stated as much. If you see the law as different, then so be it. No one is forcing you to claim the credit.
There is great difference between tax avoidance and tax evasion. Claiming the full credit pursuant to what Ford declares to be a correct reading of the tax code is the former, not the latter.