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Comments
And these issues are also then forwarded to the dealers if it's believed that it may affect ones that have already left the factory?
Just checking, since I may try to snag one over the holidays. Hopefully this dealership will consider dealing on one. They had over a dozen in stock, which is far more than any dealership I've seen down here have in stock.
Who knows, maybe upon analyzing the issue they see it's nothing. This "checking" goes on for various reasons...maybe a line worker had a concern, maybe the supplier saw a defect on a part they are supplying, maybe a worker saw a scratch on something, etc. Could be various things.
Is there a such a thing as special ordering an exterior color?
Say at LTD in Silver?
Also - re the hold on AWD above. Would that have been taken in to consideration when we were given a Jan build date? Seems logical but wasn't sure.
I agree with the low choices on the options package. I think Ford is trying to copy the Japanese order process. The choices get very limited, but, they seem to sell the cars anyway.
This would be our first American car in a long time. One reason I am being so cautious.
Happy Holidays.
ANT14, do you know where on the chasis these cracks are being found. I only ask so those already purchased can review their own vehicles.
AWD, seems they are checking the emergency brake cables...just checking, so far they haven't found anything.
The limited choices on groups, colors, etc. makes it much easier to find/build the vehicle. Also means that when the vehicle is at the dealership, and they are running one of those "Only if it's on the lot" specials, then the vehicle comes a bit more loaded and chances are it'll make the customer happy. It reduces build complexity.
That's another reason we can't order a special color for the vehicle, other than what's available. Also makes it easier for Ford's dealerships/worker's etc, to spot certain cars. Example: Limited (means it's monotone)... Eddie Bauer (on the Explorer for example) as 2 tone exterior, etc.
So yesterday at 1400mi I took it to service and they said that they had to replace a dragging brake caliper assembly for the smell and a bushing and coil on the left rear to fix the creaking noise. Now today, the day after being at the dealer, the charging system light comes on and the alternator is only producing 11.7volts! Which makes me suspect the smell was a burning alternator, not brakes!
This the day before I drive the family 600mi. for a family vacation, which has to be cancelled because the dealer is closed and I would not trust driving that piece of junk that far in that condition. I’ve had 3 Fords in the past and thought they had really got it right with the Freestyle, but I guess not. How can you pay $30,000 for a car and have this many poor quality problems!
Anyone else had these problems or had to deal with this?
Confused?
Gee sounds like I'm on a color (R)Ant today. Sorry man, your the best.
Merry Christmas everyone. Put a smile on your families faces.
I too have gone about 2,300 km (1,400 mi) in our Limited AWD Freestyle but have had absolutely no problems. We've had it since mid-November and it is a great vehicle.
Went out several times the day of our snow/freezing rain storm (Dec. 23rd) and I couldn't believe how well it handled! No matter what I did to initiate spinning wheels I could not get it to happen. Traction is great.
This is our first Ford and I am happy to this point. My previous vehicle was the first year of the 2nd generation Mazda MPV and I never regretted the purchase.
I don't think that I would hold back making your purchase of a Freestyle.
Too bad. I really wanted to buy American.
I wouldn't classify all Freestyles as junk, simply because some folks have had problems. Yes, first year models of anything (cars, computers, dishwashers, whatever) tend to have more problems as part of introducing a new design, but that's to be somewhat expected.
Until I see a larger trend of numerous Freestyle owners having QA problems, I'd reserve judgement on the model or manufacturer. And keep in mind, most folks don't say anything if their product is fine -- they just use it. ;-)
I will watch closely for any problems and post anything that comes up--but so far seems to be built well, drives very nice
It seems to me like some of your problems may be from the dealer's service skill.
1) If a brake caliper was dragging, there should be some marks left on your rotor. If you see none, I would be suspicious of that diagnosis.
2) An alternator problem the day after dealer service is also suspicious - especially after 1400 miles of no alternator problems. All it takes is a bent pin in the alternator harness, or changing the voltage regulator set point(??? - short?) to cause such problems.
Is it always at 11.7 volts, or does it vary after each start? Have you driven the Freestyle during the weekend for any purpose? Just curious if the voltage issue is consistent.
It doesn't bring your vacation back, but it is possible that not all of the quality issues originated at the factory. Good luck at the dealer's place this week. It may have almost been worth trying the 24 hour "roadside service" while the dealer was closed to see if the alternate service was any better.
That made me laugh, but yes it's ironic. As I've mentioned before, I've tried quite a bit to trick the AWD system into spinning, and so far no luck. Understanding the dynamics, I know why it won't but I keep trying to. Glad you have good reflexes.
The 4x4 System in the Jeep (I believe it's QuadraTrac?) is easily fooled. Unfortuantely for many, they believe all 4x4 systems are created equal, and they are really not.
Do those of you that have a Freestyle agree? Do any of you have the 7 passenger seating and use the third row constantly? Is it a hassle for the kids to operate the seat to get to the third row?
Also, a lot of third party publications question whether the engine is powerful enough for this vehicle. In reading previous postings, it seems that none of you who have purchased the Freestyle have any issues with engine power. Why is this always mentioned as a negative in some of the reviews that I have read?
Also, are unheated leather seats fine in a cold climate? I'd prefer an SEL with leather, but see that you can't get heated leather. I've never had leather seats before, so I don't know if this should this be an issue?
Thanks!!
Leather is great from the point of view of clean up and spills not seeping into the foam of the cushion. I used to hate the bum warmers that my wife loves but somehow I'm softening to them and used them often in Mass. Even so they take time to warm up and and I just use them to take the chill off the leather. I love the SEL colors but trend towards the full set of features including bum warmers from the LTD.
As for heated seats, they are a blessing -- we live in NC, but we're up here in Mass for the holidays -- and it's friggin' freezing up here!! ;-)
We had leather seats in our Mazda MPV but they were not heated. My wife loves the heated seats in our Freestyle - they heat the seat cushion and partly up the back and are very quick. Even unheated I do not find the seats in the Freestyle as cold as our previous vehicle (even at -23oC). If you live in a cold climate then I guess I would recommend getting heated seats (if you get leather).
The power issue is definitely something that the reviewers have raised and complained about. You need to take these kind of reviews with the usual 'grain of salt'. Power is NOT a problem with this vehicle.
P.S. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH THE POWER IN THIS VEHICLE! IT MOVES OUT!
Chuck
X-plan price that was quoted to me is $31,010.18, which would be about $300 (or 1%) above invoice. Does that seem correct?
Also, I asked about any other incentives (that I've seen here). Apparently there IS a $500 Holiday Cash Back of $500 through the Finance Department, even though the Ford site doesn't list this. I should be able to get 1.9% for 36 months, too. This is better than paying cash, since CD rates above 2.75% for 36 months are easy to find.
The car isn't actually in stock yet, but it has supposedly left "on the convoy" and they believe it should arrive "any day now".
Really just wanting to confirm this X-plan price (I've done deals very similar to this in the past without having the X-plan available).
Also, if anybody knows the code for one of these $500 or $750 rebates posted here, maybe I could get that, as well? I haven't received any info form Ford on this (even though I have received a brochure from them on the vehicle). For those getting this offer, was it through email? How long did it take to get it?
Somehow I bet I receive it a day or two AFTER getting the car.
He checked with those who do the installs for them, and they reported that the radios with the Aux-In button don't have any provision for hooking anything up to the back of the radio. Apparently the Aux-In button is there just to fill a hole?
On the Limited's, the button is supposed to read "Satellite Radio", and is used to hook up a 3dr party Sirius satellite radio system. Apparently the Audiophile stereo system is Sirius-ready?
I guess I'll find out more once I actually see my vehicle.
Freestyle/Five Hundred Internet Bonus Cash. Exp 1/3/05-
I don't have the 2nd one with me but ask the dealer about that!
Use the email address shown on my business card here, if you don't mind.
http://www.neonlightsimaging.com
Maybe the problem is that when I requested the brochure from Ford, I answered that I was interested in buying in 1 - 3 months, instead of right now! Well, I thought the time-frame was correct until I finally located this vehicle and found out about the extra $500 off and the low financing rates.
Of course, that (or something better) could be available after 1/3, too.
Anyway, if you could forward that email to me, I'd appreciate it. At least it would let me hand the dealer something "official" for him to look into it with.
Also, pricing - our Z plan price was 29522.25 - then we added the power pedal and I'm guessing it is around 29673.23 - can't get confirmation from the dealer until Thurs. We ordered everything except DVD.
What color did you find?
Still no AWD in ATL. Our build date is 1-10. I hope to use the rebates too or maybe they will have another one??
The color I intend to get (assuming it actually arrives here in time) is the Merlot Metallic (red).
Z plan is for retirees, correct?
Looks like my price is about 4.5% higher than yours. I think that's in line with what I'd read about X-plan vs. the A-plan (or whatever the plan is for Ford employees).
I seem to recall that I've always purchased my new Fords for about $100 to $500 above invoice (before any rebates). I seem to recall that the one I got for $100 above invoice actually ended up being about $300 above, due to some other charges. Too long ago to remember clearly, though.
It appears that they also have a blue one (the darker blue) decked out like this here, too. I think it's on one of the other lots, now, though. I think that one's actually on the lot, and not waiting for transportation, though I could be wrong.
I would guess that there will be other rebates after these current ones expire. But, you never know. They might start up again AFTER you take delivery on yours.
I think I read (on this board) that you can call Ford to see if they can apply those other rebates retroactively if you'd ordered. Or perhaps that was on the Dodge Magnum board.
I'm hanging on the rebates I have just in case...however, knowing my luck....
The coupon is in my inbox at work. I will forward it to you tom.
Hope that helps - I'll confirm our pricing Thurs.
Also, noticed for the first time a dealer included the Freestyle in their print ad. However, all of them here are FWD...
Let us know how it goes.
Now to wait for actual delivery of the vehicle. I had hoped to be on my way back home by now, but I guess my vacation will have to be extended.
1. It has the memory option but I have not found a way to have the seats, mirrors, peddles maitain my settings. They always reset to the factory setting when I unlock the car with the keyfob.
2. How the do I get the outside temperature to display?
I am not sure why manufacturers don't provide plug-in's for other audio equipment. As well, I am not sure about satellite radio.
As with other vehicles you get 2 key fobs with the Freestyle. On the Limited they are different (#1 and #2).
You have to set the seat position, mirrors and pedals you want and then push "set" followed by either 1 or 2. If you set the first position as #1 then the key fob #1 will set the seat position when you push the unlock button. The #2 setting for seats, mirrors & pedals will only be initiated when you push the unlock for key fob #2.
Of course you can simply unlock the vehicle and push either 1 or 2 to set the position but I like the key fob feature.
In order to see the outside temperature you need to push the "ext" button on the climate control system (just below the display window)
Since our dump of snow and ice on the 23rd, there are several areas where salt has not quite cut through the ice. The tires perform well but you really do need to be careful (even with winter tires). Yesterday I tried to stop at an intersection on a gentle downward hill (no traffic residential area) but I could not stop just slid...took foot off the brakes and gradually turned the corner with no problem (definitely missed the stop sign though!). We don't use a sand/salt mix in Toronto just salt so I guess the surface was like a wet ice rink. I think that winter tires may have faired better in this situation but I must admit I did not read the conditions well either.