There is something you can do with the VIN..there is a phone number you can call and it will tell you where your car stands with production. Look under the Ford Escape Club messages at Yahoo.com! Also, I tried many dealers in the area, No ones got what I want...the dealer supposedly checked around the area too. My question is why is your car taking4 months to be built?
Thanks, but I tried going through the messages at the Ford Escape Club & could not find a # to call. Could you pass the # to me on THIS message board? I would greatly appreciate it. Also, it's only 2 months (Jan. 14th) today! Thank again k9cop1
I've scanned all the posts since #172 and I'm wondering where the A-Plan prices can be found, since the X is A-Plan + 4%. Also, I'm leaning more towards a Taurus, since Ford is offering 3.9% for 60 months. Is it pretty much standard that any eligible Ford on the X-Plan can be bought for $100 under invoice? Or is it more under invoice for vehicles (like the Taurus) that are "less in demand" than vehicles like the Escape?
I finally get my 4X4 XLT, Toreador Red Escape. I can't wait. I got it with the privacy glass, tape player, 16" aluminum wheels, and V6 engine. I'm paying $21,800 minus $1,800 for a credit card rebate, and the graduation rebate. So, around $20,000 is this a good price? Thanks!!
I ordered a escape on March 1 and paid $50 over invoice and the fleet manager told me it would take about 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of the escape. I spoke to the fleet manager on 3/16 and he told that my escape is scheduled to be built on 3/19 and will be delivered to me on or about 4/9. I was surprised but pleased. I have spoken to other owners of escapes and they all told me nothing but good things about the escape. I truly believe that Ford hit a home run on this vehicle. If you have any feedback I will be glad to respond.
The A plan price is found on the lower right hand side of the 'dealer invoice" X paln price on a Taurus or an escape is approx. $200.00 under the dealer invoice price.The added plus useing the X plan is that the dealer cannot "ADD" and "Additional Charges".this usually save you another couple of hundred dollars.
thanks! a day or so after asking, I found another forum in the Smart Shopper topic called Ford Partner Program......(need some help) that's been able to set me straight...
I just got an email quote from www.autovantage.com on a 2001 Escape for $100 over invoice. Has anyone dealt with Auto Vantage and is this a good deal? Thanks!
I got my Escape back from having the fuel smell problem fixed. It is performing very well and we love it. Took it on a 3 hour trip and it was fantastic! We couldnt be happier with it!
Serious Help Needed!!! I just ordered my 2WD Xlt 3.0L loaded Escape (except side air bags) two and a half weeks ago with an invoice price of $23,196; 1% over invoice. My dealer has agreed to allow me elgibility for the X plan via the EAA Ford partnership. My step brother works for Ford and we are trying to get an employee plan rate. How do we go about this? They are not aware my brother is an employee. Which plan would this fall under? Would I be elgible for both? I am also a recent grad and plan to use this rebate too. I hear with this grad rebate I am also elgible for a 120 day deferred payment. How will my trade-in be effected by using these options?
Oh yeah, Does anyone know when the Xlt sport package will be available? I want that roof rack. With all of the other options already ordered, could this package help decrease the price even more?
The way I understand it, only Ford employees themselves can qualify for the A Plan, and 4 immediate family members per year can get the X Plan.
But I could be mistaken. You could check out Aplanheadquarters.com to see if they have more details.
Your step brother could buy your car using his A plan, but I think it has to stay in his name at least 6 mos. Personally, I was happy enough with the X plan that I got with my Escape XLT.
Family members (of the Ford employee) eligible for A-Plan purchase are: spouse parents (including spouse's) sons and daughters (including in-laws and step children) grandchildren brothers and sisters (including in-laws, half and step) All other family members not included above, are ineligible.
The Ford Partner Program......(need some help) message board has some discussions along these lines. Steve Host Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
I just bought an Escape and have a question I hope someone could answer. I'm getting alot of wind noise and I think it's coming from the roof rack. It's very distracting even with the windows closed and the radio on. I have moved the roof bars back a bit, and it took some of the noise away, but it's still there.
Does anyone have any suggestions? I like the car otherwise.
I have been seeing this truck around. I am not a Ford person at all. As a matter of fact, I would never own a Ford. But...... The Escape looks like a very nice truck. I think Ford did a nice job with it. I have yet to drive one. The posts on the truck seem to be positive. I wish Ford all the luck in the world and I am sure for those who own them or who are thinking about it, you will have good luck with it. The price seems to be about right. I think Ford may have hit a home run with this one. Good job Ford!
I joined the x-plan several weeks ago with the all intent of ordering an Escape..When I got to the dealer he was willing to sell me off the lot using the x-plan. I didn,t find an escape that I wanted-(they had a dozen). He said I should consider an Explorer XLS--that the payments would be about the same. I checked it out and he was right....The Explorer was about $4,000 more than the Escape that we were thinking of. The Explorer has a $1250 rebate and 2.9% for 60 mos financing. The Escape from Ford was 8.9%(although you can get 7.35% on the internet with good credit) for 60 mos. The Explorer has a track record for many years and they are still working out the bugs on the Escape a first year vehicle. Also, when selling down the road the Explorer will hold it's value better. Plus the Explorer was bigger inside and had some of the plushness and more goodies than the Escape had. The gas mileage is close. An alternitive for those who are thinking about the Escape. For about the same price.........
around the internet about the Explorer being a better value than the Escape. I guess with the new 2002 Explorer right around the corner Ford has chopped the prices and is giving heavy incentives on the Explorer.
In the beginning of March I put my order In for my Yellow XLS, after waiting a month and re-examining the car, I realized I could get the XLT for about 1500 more with all the options i want. Not including my x plan discount...ANd now Ive decided to buy it. I don't recall seeing any posts from people who own the XLS..But I could understand why seeing the small differene in price...I'm calling today to change my order..HOpefully I'll have a delivery date not so far from the last
When I got my Escape in November, the first thing I noticed was the wind noise. After reading the posts on the Escape club and looking at my roof racks, I determined that the front roof rack was installed backwards. When I took this back to the dealer to have corrected, all noise went away. You should check that both the front and rear racks have the slanted side pointing forward. In my case, the blunt side of the front was facing forward totally messing up the aerodynamics of the truck. I hope this works for you.
I've always loved Hondas and have own 2 Accords in the last 5 years and never had a problem with them. I was planning to get another Honda, but my fiance told me about this UV. When I saw it I had to have it. I always said I would never buy anything but a Honda, but along came this vehicle. I'm only 5'1, so the vehicle is not to big and not to small. It fits me,and with a 6 year old it has plenty of room. I love this truck. The dealership had the color and the features I wanted. So there was no need to order and wait on one. Plus the vehicle only had 9 miles on it. I don't know why someone would even compare the Santa be to the Escape. I've read that it has a better warranty, so what you'll need it because the vehicles are crappy. They're just giving you a better warranty so you'll buy more vehicles. They're just covering their backs.
My dad wants to buy an Escape, and I thought I'd help him with a couple of questions he has. I'd like to know Ford's (or Mazda's) motorhome towing policy. Also, I have a follow-up question to 1jimv1's description of the 4x4 system that came up about a month ago.
Does the system have a center differential? I could believe it does not since the "locked" mode only operates up to 18 mph. Because the rear axle only engages as long as there is slip at the front, a center diff may not be necessary. If I'm right, if someone were do drive in circles on asphalt in "locked" mode, below 18 mph - there would be binding. Does the manual advise that "locked" mode only be used off-road? If so, that would be another clue.
As for being towed behind motorhomes - what is Ford's policy? Allowable or not? Is it different for 4x2 and 4x4? For Manual and automatic? Are there speed and distance restrictions? I've found no info about this on the net or in the brochure.
today in the mail, a 400 dollar credit towards any Ford vehicle. I can use any other incentinves or low financing too. This is good until the end of the year. So, I will be keeping my eyes open for good deals in the paper. However, I still believe the best deals will come around late summer/fall...
I have a 2001 Escape XLT with the V6. I have been keeping track of the mileage since I bought it in December and am averaging only 15.5 mpg. That is about 60% city and 40% highway. I use the recommended 87 octane and don't over accelerate unless getting on the expressway in traffic. This seems almost 5 mpg low to me. How is the mileage on other Escape V6's?
Thanks. I'm a member of the "fordescapeclub" now! All I need is a car now!I just got a call from my dealer that he has a "build date" of April 02 & that the car should be here by the END of the month. Considering that I ordered it on Jan.14th, that would make it 3 & 1/2 monthes. A new worlds record? LOL I will try the VOPC as soon as he calls back with the new 'VIN". He said the other one was only a "partial". Wish me luck! Dave
(lreed1) You yourself can qualify! Go back on this discussion here to read posts #172, 171, 210, 263, 264 and others to understand how. I just took delivery using X Plan and it was by far my best and easiest car buying experience ever! Remember, only contact a dealer through the Fleet Sales or their equivalent title.
Has anyone who bought Escape owned an Explorer? How do they compare? I am looking for a smoother ride (I don't go off-road or do any towing) and better handling, but I don't want to spend 35-40 grand for an acura or bmw.
I am thinking of trading my Explorer for the Escape but consumer reports slammed the ride and handling of the latter model.
I Had an Explorer Sport and a Tribute DX. Sucky gas mileage on the Explorer, slightly better on the Trib. No fuel smell on the Explorer 4 tries to fix it on the Trib. Explorer good in deep water poor in snow and shallow water, ditto the Trib. Handling and ride so so in the Explorer. Handling excellent in the Trib, but the ride was like consumer reports said, choppy. Also the steering wheel was slanted to the left in the Explorer along with vibration through the steering wheel when standing still. Ford could not fix it, slanted it the other way. Same slanted steering wheel in the Trib, Mazda was able to fix it. No standing still vibration. On the highway the Explorer's 205 hp provided more passing power then the 2oo hp duretec in the Trib. Cheap interior in the Trib, much better in the Explorer. Good heat in the Explorer, less then ideal in the Trib, takes a long time to warm up. Tires on the Explorer wore out after 5000 miles, much better with Goodyear on the Trib.
Welcome to the The Ford Escape Club! You will find many people there with lots of information and advice (Good & Bad) to help you out. Many of the people are very knowledgable. Then there are people like me that just like to talk! Don't forget you will need your dealer ID to track the vehicle on VOPC.
I got an email saying I could redeem a $50 web cetificate by test driving an Escape. Has anyone else used this offer? I wasn't really considering an Escape because I prefer the styling of the Tribute (plus my first name is Ford and driving a car with my name on it seems cheesy) but after reading about this x-plan I might have to reconsider. From what I hear Tributes are selling close to MSRP. Also does anyone know the price difference between the x-plan and using Sam's Club auto buying service? I bought a Mazda Protege a few years ago through Sam's Club for $200 over invoice minus $1000 rebate and it was a pleasant, no-pressure experience.
I am having a HUGE problem with the dealer I orderd my Escape from...They told me my deposit was refundable if I changed my mind, NOw that I have decided to upgrade the order they are telling me I cant!! They have $500 of my money...Any recommendations? Anyone have a complaint number for ford?
Ford's Customer Assistance Center #: 1-800-392-3673.
Before calling Ford make sure you work the chain at the dealer first -- sales manager, general manager, and the owner. I would think the dealer would be willing to apply this deposit to another purchase, especially an upgrade, in the interest of customer satisfaction. Keep in mind that while Ford certainly has influence over the dealers, they are, in the end, independent businesses.
Well I spoke to the ordering manager and the sales manager, they won't let me talk to the owner. They tell me he says no way will they change my order. I have filed a complaint with Ford but unfortunately, since they are independantly owened, there is nothing Ford can realy do about it. As sad as it is, I'm going to end up suing them for my money...Its a shame all I want is my car... I'm ordering from another dealer next week !
bj02176 you indicated on post#441 that your Explorer tires wore out in 5000 miles. What brand and model were they and what do you attribute the excessive wear to? What year Explorer is it?
The infamous and recalled Firestones. Yes I did receive a recall. Worn nearly bald on the inside front tires. 98 explorer sport, better quality then the esc/trib, just does not handle as well.
I was able to pick up a fully loaded green xlt escape with leather, sunroof, 4x2 for $22,000 right off the delivery truck just by internet shoping different dealers in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. One dealer said they are so hot they could only take $200 off sticker, oh well find another sucker. I researched well before purchase and read about wind noise at 65mph+ I think something has been done, I have very minimal wind noise at 70+. So far very pleased with purchase and the dealer was very great. Grand Prairie Ford, Grand Prairie, Texas Sue Langley, Internet Sales.
I read many posts on the X Plan and am intrigued. I do have a concern and that is: how can I maximize the value of my trade?
With the purchase price of the new vehicle already set, it would seem I would have little, if any, leverage on the trade-in value and the dealer would have little incentive to provide fair consideration.
Any suggestions as to how to optimize the value of my trade with the dealer?
Should I negotiate the entire deal and then introduce the X Plan?
Comments
the Ford Escape Club & could not find a # to call.
Could you pass the # to me on THIS message board?
I would greatly appreciate it.
Also, it's only 2 months (Jan. 14th) today!
Thank again
k9cop1
Gary
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
-Chad
Click on "photos", then "FAQ", then "VOPC Instructions"
Contact me there if you need further help. My name there is "cheesehauler"
Good luck
Tony
Hope it helps
Tony
Wade
Oh yeah, Does anyone know when the Xlt sport package will be available? I want that roof rack. With all of the other options
already ordered, could this package help decrease the price even more?
All input is welcome :-)
TBELL
But I could be mistaken. You could check out Aplanheadquarters.com to see if they have more details.
Your step brother could buy your car using his A plan, but I think it has to stay in his name at least 6 mos. Personally, I was happy enough with the X plan that I got with my Escape XLT.
spouse
parents (including spouse's)
sons and daughters (including in-laws and step children)
grandchildren
brothers and sisters (including in-laws, half and step)
All other family members not included above, are ineligible.
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Does anyone have any suggestions? I like the car otherwise.
If that does not work let me know and I will get you the information.
The Phone # for VOPC is 1-800-962-3746
You will need the dealer ID #
you may need the letter - to - number conversion chart (Photo section)
Good Luck,
Tony
intent of ordering an Escape..When I got to the dealer he was willing to sell me off the lot using the x-plan. I didn,t find an escape that I
wanted-(they had a dozen). He said I should consider an Explorer XLS--that the payments would be about the same. I checked it out and he was right....The Explorer was about $4,000 more than
the Escape that we were thinking of. The Explorer
has a $1250 rebate and 2.9% for 60 mos financing.
The Escape from Ford was 8.9%(although you can get
7.35% on the internet with good credit) for 60 mos. The Explorer has a track record for many years and they are still working out the bugs on the Escape a first year vehicle. Also, when selling down the road the Explorer will hold it's value better.
Plus the Explorer was bigger inside and had some of the plushness and more goodies than the Escape had. The gas mileage is close. An alternitive for those who are thinking about the Escape. For about the same price.........
I'm only 5'1, so the vehicle is not to big and not to small. It fits me,and with a 6 year old it has plenty of room. I love this truck. The dealership had the color and the features I wanted. So there was no need to order and wait on one. Plus the vehicle only had 9 miles on it. I don't know why someone would even compare the Santa be to the Escape. I've read that it has a better warranty, so what you'll need it because the vehicles are crappy. They're just giving you a better warranty so you'll buy more vehicles. They're just covering their backs.
Does the system have a center differential? I could believe it does not since the "locked" mode only operates up to 18 mph. Because the rear axle only engages as long as there is slip at the front, a center diff may not be necessary. If I'm right, if someone were do drive in circles on asphalt in "locked" mode, below 18 mph - there would be binding. Does the manual advise that "locked" mode only be used off-road? If so, that would be another clue.
As for being towed behind motorhomes - what is Ford's policy? Allowable or not? Is it different for 4x2 and 4x4? For Manual and automatic? Are there speed and distance restrictions? I've found no info about this on the net or in the brochure.
Thanks
Dan Edmunds
The Escape 4x4 does not have a center diferential.
David
All I need is a car now!I just got a call from my dealer that he has a "build date" of April 02 & that the car should be here by the END of the month. Considering that I ordered it on Jan.14th, that would make it 3 & 1/2 monthes. A new worlds record? LOL
I will try the VOPC as soon as he calls back with the new 'VIN". He said the other one was only a "partial".
Wish me luck!
Dave
How do they compare? I am looking for a smoother ride (I don't go off-road or do any towing) and better handling, but I don't want to spend 35-40 grand for an acura or bmw.
I am thinking of trading my Explorer for the Escape but consumer reports slammed the ride and handling of the latter model.
Any thoughts?
Whew!
Cheap interior in the Trib, much better in the Explorer. Good heat in the Explorer, less then ideal in the Trib, takes a long time to warm up. Tires on the Explorer wore out after 5000 miles, much better with Goodyear on the Trib.
Don't forget you will need your dealer ID to track the vehicle on VOPC.
Good luck,
Tony
Before calling Ford make sure you work the chain at the dealer first -- sales manager, general manager, and the owner. I would think the dealer would be willing to apply this deposit to another purchase, especially an upgrade, in the interest of customer satisfaction. Keep in mind that while Ford certainly has influence over the dealers, they are, in the end, independent businesses.
With the purchase price of the new vehicle already set, it would seem I would have little, if any, leverage on the trade-in value and the dealer would have little incentive to provide fair consideration.
Any suggestions as to how to optimize the value of my trade with the dealer?
Should I negotiate the entire deal and then introduce the X Plan?
Any advice or suggestions appreciated.