If you add up the INVOICE price for your vehicle you'll see that it is only $26,217. So the dealer would be making over $1,700 profit on your deal at the price he quoted you which is about 6.5% over invoice. Edmunds recommends buying at a price about 3% over invoice. The dealer isn't doing you any favors as far as price goes.
Since the Sport Trac is new, some dealers might not want to get down to 3% over invoice so you might have to decide if you're willing to put the extra cash in the dealer's pocket in order to drive one now.
I have been doing a little haggling strictly via email and got the 4wd with sport group, cloth package, moonroof, tonneau, and cage, plus convenience group. I came up with about 26,144 in invoice totals plus destination of $550 - total $26,694. The dealership also mentioned a $155 regional advertising fee imposed at the factory and a charge for 14 gallons of gas - I figure it all adds up to about $26,877. After all that, they offered me a price of $27,200 + T&T - not bad I think. They came down from the original quote of $27,600. I still think they are making the 3% holdback off the msrp plus a few bucks - that's ok. I feel like they are working with me. Anyone see any better?
Has anyone taken possession of or seen a 4WD Sport Trac at a dealership? The dealerships in the St. Louis MO area say that the 4WDs aren't available yet. I've visited three dealers and got the same story.
Here in Wisconsin at our dealer my wife and I saw a Sport Trac. It looked real nice, it caught my wife's eye as we were taking delivery of our new F350 SD. We went over to look at it, it had the leather interior and my wife who dosen't like most of the SUV's or care much for trucks either, actually liked the looks of the Sport Trac alot and may even consider buying one when her Camary lease ends this fall.
I have not heard of any 4x4s in this area (eastern Nebraska) and I have called many of the dealerships. They are in limited production right now I've heard, but some should be arriving within the next few weeks. You're best bet would be to order one.
When our dealership got in the 1st Sport Trac, 3 people wanted it. The guy that got it paid over sticker (dumb!). We ordered one (Feb 22) with Comfort, Convenience and Premium Sport Group, with the cargo cage. It is not 4wd. We are paying $300 over invoice ($23,529). Better to order and get better deal. They said it would take 6 to 10 weeks to get here.
Lambchop, Did you have to haggle a lot to get that great deal of only $300 over MSRP? I'm thinking about getting a new Ranger or Sport Trac, is ordering it the best way to go?
i test drove a 4x4 last saturday, march 11, although i didn't use the 4x4 feature. this baby was the mandarin gold, which is really a unique color, but you have to like it. only difference i noted was a switch on the dash to go from 2wd to either 4wdhigh or 4wdlow. i would describe the ride as truck-like, but i am a car owner and have never owned a truck or suv. i like the looks of the sport trac though, and still am considering getting one. i'm in northeast ohio.
We didn't have to haggle very much. Went to two dealers. Both were willing to deal. The one that offered $300 over invoice we have bought 2 regular Explorers from and they know we are serious about the purchase. The MSRP was $25630. I picked the Island Blue color.
Looking for some help! i have a loaded 4x4 ST arriving this week and the dealer and am worried about the gas mileage. These things really are heavy-4400+pounds! The Explorer 4x4, 4 door = @3800 lbs. I test drove one and was dissappointd in its performance (as compared to a 4 door 4X4 explorer). The dealer gave me a great deal on it, but I'm not sure I would be happy with its performance, esp if it sucks down gas because of its heft!
The 2001 Ford Ranger Edge with the 4.0 OHC is looking better (but i will miss some the ST bells and whistles).
Just picked up the little brochure on the Sport Trac and it makes me want one even more. I've owned a 4 door Explorer and liked it, but I'm not sure I need a bed on the back like the Sport Trac has. I will probably order a Sport Trac--hopefully I won't wish I would've gotten another regular 4 door Explorer when the new models come out in the fall. I'm having a tough time deciding b/t the Deep Wedgewood Blue and the Black. Anyone seen both or either and have any comments? Thanks!
I just purchased my 4x2 sport trac last week. everything is great except the ride. I feel every bump and crack on the road. has anyone else had this experience.
According to edmunds, the weight of a regular 4 door 4x4 explorer is 4,113 lbs. Not the 3,800 lbs that you stated.
While the Sport Trac 4x4 is heavier with a weight of $4,332 lbs, I don't think that you'd see much of a decrease in mpg because of that 219 lb weight difference.
I'm interested in purchasing a 4x4 sport trac with the following options: moonroof, premium sport group, convenience group, 6 disc cd changer, cloth group, cargo cage, tonneau cover, skid plate, and limited slip rear axle with 4.10. Can anyone give me an invoice price for this? I'm thinking around 27,000 with the 3% over invoice. Is this right?
I'm interested in purchasing a 4x4 sport trac with the following options: moonroof, premium sport group, convenience group, 6 disc cd changer, cloth group, cargo cage, tonneau cover, skid plate, and limited slip rear axle with 4.10. Can anyone give me an invoice price for this? I'm thinking around 27,000 with the 3% over invoice. Is this right?
hey lambchop, how is the island blue? is it a true blue color, or does it have some green in it? i like blue, but think the wedgewood blue is too dark and drab. i'm having trouble deciding between the island blue and the toreador red. what do you say?
The island blue is not a "true blue". It is more of a teal color. The wedgewood almost looks black, I didn't like it at all. I saw an Island Blue one in the sunlight and it was beautiful!
I saw the Island Blue and didn't like it one bit, but I don't really care for teal in the first place. I'm still undecided b/t Deep Wedgewood Blue and Black. I saw the Blue in a magazine and it looked really nice, but I've heard it looks purple in the sunlight from more than one person. I guess I'll wait to see the colors in person. All around I think the color choices for the Sport Trac could be a lot better--anyone agree? I can't believe anyone would get that Mandarin Gold. The Harvest Gold looks really nice though. I wish the Wedgewood Blue was more of a true "navy" color.
the invoice on the unit you are looking for is $26781. I am going to sign the papers on a 4x4 tommorrow. It is deep wedgewood blue, with: limited slip 4.10, premium sport group, convienence group, leather comfort group, moon roof, cargo cage, and 6-disc in-dash cd changer.
Just purchased a Sport Trac on 3/11/00. Initially, we had in mind the 2001 F-150 SuperCrew and had placed the order at the local dealer. My wife saw an ad later that night and wanted to see it. When we went back to the dealer next day and inquired about when they will have the ST available, we were told that they had just received an ST and a Sport the previous night. My wife fell in love with the ST. We cancelled the F-150 order and purchased the Toreador Red ST fully equipped with all the bells and whistles. The MSRP was $26,265. After about 6 hours of haggling with prices, we purchased it for about 8% over invoice (high demand and limited supply, dealer refused to go down in price any further). I checked with other dealers within a 100 mi radius of where we live and were told that only one ST and Sport were shipped to each dealer to test sales. All ST were sold the same day they arrived.
Bought one 3/15/00 from Empire Ford Abington VA. Got it below list (but not by much, that's ok got a good trade) and it is the only Sporty I have ever seen in the whole area (East Tenn, NW NC, SW VA, SE KY). LOVE it!! Everywhere I go I am mobbed. Ride is superb, 4x4 functions perfectly and I got one with everything but the 6 disc and leather. I especially love the cloth seat material. This thing is gonna sell like hot cakes. GM needs to get the Avalanche out there or once again they are gonna be suckin' hind [non-permissible content removed]. Plan to buy the 6 disc, rear stainless bed extender, bed cover as they come available. Was gonna buy a truck but one ride convinced me. Has the storage room I need and the 4 person comfort ride that is mandatory in this class.
Your're right about being mobbed. My wife drives it to work every day and has people constanly asking her what kind of car/pickup she's driving. Heads turn when she drives by or stops at a stoplight. We haven't seen one in our area or within less of 100 mile radius. I heard some San Diego dealers are only carrying a few ST's and Sports.
HI! I saw the All Track Explorer for the first time today in San Juan. They look cherry but you know the price will kill my desires to get one ($31,700). The colors were bronze and black. I think the black will really do it. I own a Y2K Ranger XL Sport and I very happy with it so far.
HI! I saw the All Track Explorer for the first time today in San Juan. They look cherry but you know the price will kill my desires to get one ($31,700). The colors were bronze and black. I think the black will really do it. I own a Y2K Ranger XL Sport and I very happy with it so far.
I ordered my Sport Trac on March 6. I called Customer Service and found out I have a build date between April 10-17. I am guessing that shipping would be another 2 weeks or so. So I am looking for it somewhere around May 1. This would make it about 8 weeks which is what my Dealer had said.
I order my Sport Trac on 2/22. They said it is being built Mar 27-31. It is following the same time schedule as what they told wpoe. Guess 8 wks is the magic number. Make mine due on April 18th. It is hard to wait!
Ordered a 4X4 ST with all options less skid plate and block heater. List is $31,100, paid $28,465 which is invoice + $500.
Have read that the longer wheelbase gives a ride better than the Explorer (I have a 98 Eddie Bauer with V8). Read later that ride is harsh like the Ranger. Read even later that ride is good, then read bad. Read above in this thread, ride harsh, then read ride is excellent. YIKES!!!
I haven't driven one (good luck on that!), so guess I'll only know after taking delivery.
I have a 4x2 so there might be a little difference so: I don't feel it rides badly at all. It doesn't transfer much of the little road imperfections, and takes the larger bumps very well, better than most pickups and the regular Explorer. It is also about as quiet as my 98 Taurus.
A dealer just got in a fairly loaded Sport Trac and man did it look nice! Leather, all black, pretty much all the options. I have been trying to decide b/t the black and Wedgewood Blue and it didn't help when I saw a new Wedgewood Blue pickup sitting next to the Sport Trac. It was a little overcast and I couldn't tell which color I liked the best, but the black looked so sharp! I've also heard varying opinions on the ride of the Sport Trac from various reviews and am anxious to test drive it tomorrow. If I like it I think I'm ready to start dealing, but I'm afraid they won't come down much b/c of the demand. One of the articles I read today put down the Sport Trac primarily b/c it will not seem so new once the redesigned 4-door Explorers come out with the new independent rear suspension. I am a little concerned about the changes that may carry over to the Sport Trac the next model year. I get the feeling they will offer a V-8 in the 2002 model among other things. Anyone care to comment on the sound system in the Sport Trac? I really can't wait for the test drive tomorrow!
Have had a chance to make 2 or three short (80-90) mile trips in my sporty. I live in the mountains of NC and it handles very well. My 96 Blazer, a good vehicle in it's own right, pales in comparison. The Sporty seems to corner very flat. I find it easier to take curves a little faster without the associated lean and under/oversteer problems. Handles quite well on the interstate at 70+ gas mileage suffers a little above 65 though. Even if they offered the v-8, I don't believe I'd pay extra for it. The V-6 4.0L is quite peppy. Very happy with the vehicle. Have not fond any obligatory paint blemishes, fabric imperfections or the like. Very well finished from the factory. Went to SAM's club today and had a group around it when I came out of the store. People are very interested in this vehicle. I hope that this helps those of you having questions. The only question I have is the brochure lists the mats as standard and I didn't get any. If you go to buy them they are $132. + tax. A bit steep for floor mats. Does anybody know if they are standard or not?
Your dealer is trying to rip you off if they want to charge you extra for the floormats. I just went to fordvehicles.com and it had the following listed as a standard item:
"Color-keyed carpeted berber floor mats S"
You should go back to the dealer and raise some hell for trying to pull a stunt like that.
Yes, the floor mats are standard equip on all models. Raise hell with your dealer and if that doesn't work go right up the line just like you would with a service problem. (manager, district manager, etc)
Went to purchase a sport trac at my local ford dealer and ended up walking out. I gave them a fair deal but they tried to kill my trade in value, so I hit the road. During my negotiations they hit me with A "Forced Advertising" charge. I cannot find a CLEAR explanation of this charge. Edmunds "How To Buy You Next New Automobile" is not clear on this issue. Step 5a and 5d contradict each other. Does anyone know
If I ORDER the vehicle;
Does the dealer pay Ford the Forced Advertising. or Is that charge NOT on Ordered Vehicles.
Everyone pays for Advertising. When I ordered my Sport Trac, on the order printout from the Dealer, there is a entry called REGION MKTG/ADV. I am buying with a fleet discount, so this entry would not be on the order if it was just for the Dealer.
I'm not sure the dealer isn't in complete control of that order printout. They could create the order as if they are buying it for them selfs and then re-due the order in my name to remove the advertising charge. If you read the How to buy guide 5a alludes (although NOT clearly) that ORDERED vehicles are not subject to the charge.
Just tried to dicker on a new Sport Trac EXACTLY like I wanted it. They gave me fair trade on my trade-in and didn't just try to mess the #s around. It basically came down to the fact that he wanted to make around $1500 on the Sport Trac and I was convinced by the #s. I was shown the invoice and it was consistent with Edmund's figures (invoice about $74 more b/c of charges for gas etc). It basically comes down to the fact that they could sell it to someone else for more profit. I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I really liked the truck, but probably won't go for this deal. Not sure why though b/c it's probably one of the best deals I'll get.
Just got back from the 2nd dealer. I walked in expecting to order a vehicle. No dealer in the 30 miles had one with all the options. I had all my specs and part numbers from edmunds. The dealer had received "ONE" Sport Trac THAT MORNING. It was the right color (White/Tan Leather) and had every option I wanted except The Hard Cover and the Bed extender cage. (Both items the dealer could install after market) BUT it was sold to one of the sales people. :-(
5 minutes later the sales person changed their mind (Yea Right) and the bargaining began.
I was prepared to pay 500.00 over invoice + my 4Runner which was kellysbluebook.com @ 9800.00 on a trade. I asked for 9500.00 because it has an exhaust leak and was due for inspection. (It would not pass NJ inspection with the leak) After mucho haggeling and back and forth with the ever so confusing way they present numbers I purchased the vehicle for 750.00 over invoice and got 9500.00 for my 4Runner. (It took me and a calculator 10 minutes to unscrew their numbers and verify it.)
The edmund numbers matched exactly except for the moon roof which was $1 off. Edmunds did not list a $205.00 Forced Advertising fee and 24.50 for 12 US Gallons of gas. The first dealer I tried to buy from hit me with the exact same 2 items for the exact amounts so I [non-permissible content removed]-U-Me they are legit. :-)
I required the dealer add the cover and cage to the sale for invoice. He first suggested I buy if from the parts department when it becomes available. I then reminded him how much the price would be inflated at the parts counter. He laughed (loudly) and agreed. It was added to the price at cost and I was given a "We Owe" (Dealer Owes me) slip listing the cover and cage.
After the signature on the dotted like came the auto prep person. She wanted to sell me Etched glass security and a alarm system. Etched glass price started was $179.00 for the 5 year payout. I declined the etching but choose the over-priced add in alarm which I received for the special rate of $385.00. It was normally $485.00 but just for me... :-) After declining every other option the Glass etching dropped from $179.00 to $129.00 for the same 5 year payout just as I was leaving. I said I would sleep on it. :-)
Didn't do my research properly with the first dealer. I almost screwed up. I forgot to choose the V6 option when I was kellysbluebook.com pricing the 4Runner. I walked out on the first dealer after I was standing firm on 500.00 over invoice and 8750.00 for the 4Runner. They would have to order the Sport Trac for me.
They were standing on 500.00 over invoice plus 8500.00 for the 4 runner. Good thing I walked it saved me 500.00.
I pick it up tomorrow during lunch. I guess I will not see the cage and cover for 8 weeks but who cares they're paid for.
All said; I liked the Dealer. Got very lucky to find ONE in stock that fit my wants. Only paid $250.00 more than I expected. Didn't have to wait 6-8 weeks for delivery.
I'm still curious about the $205.00 Advertising fee. I'll let you know what happens when I get delivery tomorrow. :-)
I'm calling from up in Misssisauga, Ontario CANADA. It seems there is a delay on the tonneau cover for the Sport Trac. Does anyone know who is the supplier of this tonneau- is it Ford or an aftermarket company?
If you have already ordered your Sport Trac and the tonneau is not ready- could you still receive it after you alread have you Sport Trac?
Thanks to all for suggestions on the floor mats. I'll call tomorrow and start the bitching betty routine "Floor Mats, Floor Mats, Floor Mats" Maybe the run-around is going to be minimal..yeah right. Noticed another neat thing, the vinyl cladding on the lower door sills is real easy to clean. I live on farm and the Firestone 16" AT's throws cow s--- all over the side of the car. With that cladding, simply wipe off. Be interesting to see if the salt and chemicals from snow removal gets trapped in there and causes problems. CD works fine, no hopping or skipping. The climate control was a little wierd to figger out. Only vent positions are one click left of off and the arrow at the feet mark to the right of the off mark. Good flow through. Vent the back glass and pop climate on control on vent and it's pretty comfortable. Very impressed with fog lamps, seem to work very well, lights up the shoulder and that helps here with the deer. The storage pockets behind the seats are very handy. Use mine to cary jumper cables. The carry out nylon bag is still under review. Seems like it could be handy but seems like you loose some storage space. Any who, thanks for all the info. I'll keep group posted on "as the mats turn."
Comments
If you add up the INVOICE price for your vehicle you'll see that it is only $26,217. So the dealer would be making over $1,700 profit on your deal at the price he quoted you which is about 6.5% over invoice. Edmunds recommends buying at a price about 3% over invoice. The dealer isn't doing you any favors as far as price goes.
Since the Sport Trac is new, some dealers might not want to get down to 3% over invoice so you might have to decide if you're willing to put the extra cash in the dealer's pocket in order to drive one now.
So they are in some dealer showrooms now.
Did you have to haggle a lot to get that great deal of only $300 over MSRP? I'm thinking about getting a new Ranger or Sport Trac, is ordering it the best way to go?
The 2001 Ford Ranger Edge with the 4.0 OHC is looking better (but i will miss some the ST bells and whistles).
Tks in advance for your help.
sw
According to edmunds, the weight of a regular 4 door 4x4 explorer is 4,113 lbs. Not the 3,800 lbs that you stated.
While the Sport Trac 4x4 is heavier with a weight of $4,332 lbs, I don't think that you'd see much of a decrease in mpg because of that 219 lb weight difference.
the 4x2 was 25k+..
I was also thinking about the Deep Wedgewood Blue until I saw it in the sunlight. Island Blue is pretty nice.
Also, Is there a Customer Service Phone number for Ford to get a status on a truck that has been ordered?
Plan to buy the 6 disc, rear stainless bed extender, bed cover as they come available. Was gonna buy a truck but one ride convinced me. Has the storage room I need and the 4 person comfort ride that is mandatory in this class.
I saw the All Track Explorer for the first time today in San Juan. They look cherry but you know the price will kill my desires to get one ($31,700). The colors were bronze and black. I think the black will really do it. I own a Y2K Ranger XL Sport and I very happy with it so far.
I saw the All Track Explorer for the first time today in San Juan. They look cherry but you know the price will kill my desires to get one ($31,700). The colors were bronze and black. I think the black will really do it. I own a Y2K Ranger XL Sport and I very happy with it so far.
www.fordvehicles.com
It contains interior/exterior 360 degree pictures, spec information and pictures of some of the options including the tonneau cover.
There is a form to order a brochure as well.
Have read that the longer wheelbase gives a ride better than the Explorer (I have a 98 Eddie Bauer with V8). Read later that ride is harsh like the Ranger. Read even later that ride is good, then read bad. Read above in this thread, ride harsh, then read ride is excellent. YIKES!!!
I haven't driven one (good luck on that!), so guess I'll only know after taking delivery.
Any comments on the ride??? I mean really??
Zderf
Your dealer is trying to rip you off if they want to charge you extra for the floormats. I just went to fordvehicles.com and it had the following listed as a standard item:
"Color-keyed carpeted berber floor mats S"
You should go back to the dealer and raise some hell for trying to pull a stunt like that.
If I ORDER the vehicle;
Does the dealer pay Ford the Forced Advertising.
or
Is that charge NOT on Ordered Vehicles.
The advertising fee is probably just another ADP (added dealer profit).
5 minutes later the sales person changed their mind (Yea Right) and the bargaining began.
I was prepared to pay 500.00 over invoice + my 4Runner which was kellysbluebook.com @ 9800.00 on a trade. I asked for 9500.00 because it has an exhaust leak and was due for inspection. (It would not pass NJ inspection with the leak) After mucho haggeling and back and forth with the ever so confusing way they present numbers I purchased the vehicle for 750.00 over invoice and got 9500.00 for my 4Runner. (It took me and a calculator 10 minutes to unscrew their numbers and verify it.)
The edmund numbers matched exactly except for the moon roof which was $1 off. Edmunds did not list a $205.00 Forced Advertising fee and 24.50 for 12 US Gallons of gas. The first dealer I tried to buy from hit me with the exact same 2 items for the exact amounts so I [non-permissible content removed]-U-Me they are legit. :-)
I required the dealer add the cover and cage to the sale for invoice. He first suggested I buy if from the parts department when it becomes available. I then reminded him how much the price would be inflated at the parts counter. He laughed (loudly) and agreed. It was added to the price at cost and I was given a "We Owe" (Dealer Owes me) slip listing the cover and cage.
After the signature on the dotted like came the auto prep person. She wanted to sell me Etched glass security and a alarm system. Etched glass price started was $179.00 for the 5 year payout. I declined the etching but choose the over-priced add in alarm which I received for the special rate of $385.00. It was normally $485.00 but just for me... :-) After declining every other option the Glass etching dropped from $179.00 to $129.00 for the same 5 year payout just as I was leaving. I said I would sleep on it. :-)
Didn't do my research properly with the first dealer. I almost screwed up. I forgot to choose the V6 option when I was kellysbluebook.com pricing the 4Runner. I walked out on the first dealer after I was standing firm on 500.00 over invoice and 8750.00 for the 4Runner. They would have to order the Sport Trac for me.
They were standing on 500.00 over invoice plus 8500.00 for the 4 runner. Good thing I walked it saved me 500.00.
I pick it up tomorrow during lunch. I guess I will not see the cage and cover for 8 weeks but who cares they're paid for.
All said;
I liked the Dealer. Got very lucky to find ONE in stock that fit my wants. Only paid $250.00 more than I expected. Didn't have to wait 6-8 weeks for delivery.
I'm still curious about the $205.00 Advertising fee. I'll let you know what happens when I get delivery tomorrow. :-)
I'm calling from up in Misssisauga, Ontario CANADA. It seems there is a delay on the tonneau cover for the Sport Trac. Does anyone know who is the supplier of this tonneau- is it Ford or an aftermarket company?
If you have already ordered your Sport Trac and the tonneau is not ready- could you still receive it after you alread have you Sport Trac?
Thanks.
Anyone know about G2 K&N air elements and exhaust systems for the Sport Trac. I know Explorer Express is out there but have not seen anything for ST
Talk to you all later.
right. Noticed another neat thing, the vinyl cladding on the lower door sills is real easy to clean. I live on farm and the Firestone 16" AT's
throws cow s--- all over the side of the car. With that cladding, simply wipe off. Be interesting to see if the salt and chemicals from snow removal gets trapped in there and causes problems. CD works fine, no hopping or skipping. The climate control was a little wierd to figger out. Only vent positions are one click left of off and the arrow at the feet mark to the right of the off mark. Good flow through. Vent the back glass and pop climate on control on vent and it's pretty comfortable. Very impressed with fog lamps, seem to work very well, lights up the shoulder and that helps here with the deer. The storage pockets behind the seats are very handy. Use mine to cary jumper cables. The carry out nylon bag is still under review. Seems like it could be handy but seems like you loose some storage space. Any who, thanks for all the info. I'll keep group posted on "as the mats turn."