Okay..in my limited amount of new car buying adventures I have been yanked...screwed and robbed(?imho?) So if any one can give me an honest answer and not an humble opinion I would be greatful. Okay here it is...Can or will a salesperson attempt to change figures because of a poor credit rating?...seems like double trouble since I will already be paying a higher interest rate...and seems like I was so desperate and sheepish the last couple of times I just smiled, threw them my checkbook and said Thank you sirs...BUT not this time..BOY O BOY..I am armed with Edmunds and have already got a good price..I just want to be sure nothing changes once they realize I can't pay cash or get the 6.7% financing...I do have a great car that I am trading in..96 Taurus..loaded..and 60000 miles...hope to get maybe 10000 for it..or is that silly?..Help...I need someone to toss me a bone...Thanks...(wag, wag, wag `~~~~~~) Geepsy in Cali
I've only bought two new cars in my life, but I am in the financial industry (commercial - I can't help you get a loan unfortunately) and I know a little bit about how these things work. Here's my advice:
Keep it simple - one thing at a time. A lot of sales people want to have the whole picture on you before they start quoting prices and rates. Make them give you info step by step - first negotiate the price on the new car find out what they will sell it for. Then negotiate the trade-in value on your car, if it's significantly below NADA Trade in value, ask why, and make sure they can give a VALID justification. Then handle the financing end last, get there best rate quote and if you don't like it shop the rate at other financial institutions.
That's how I have done it. NADA's web site is www.nada.com. Good Luck
I ordered my ST with the tonneau on April 03/00. If there is a delay on the tonneau til July 15 would my ST be delivered after the July 15 date or would Ford deliver the truck without the tonneau and I would receive the tonneua later? Thanks for your information.
I ordered a 4x4 ST (with out the tonneau cover)just after the Phoenix auto show on Thanksgiving. The dealer called me today, the new delivery date should be May 4th. Am I the only one with this kind of response time?
We ordered an ST at the end of Feb. with no word on arrival yet. We're hoping for end of April. The good news is that the dealer gave us $100 over invoice. Little town an hour east of Dallas: www.murreymotors.com.
I ordered mine from Berge Ford and I am being told 8 to 10 weeks but have seen some posts for 6 to 8. Maybe it was too soon and they weren't tooled up to start production yet? That is along time to wait though.
Thank you for the response. I was a little early on the order, but Ford was advertising Jan. 2000 delivery. I wrote a nice letter to Jacques Nasser today, to fix his TV ad.s.
I have the best dealer in AZ. helping me out. They have given a loaner to me until my truck shows up, and are selling my F-150 now while I wait. I highly recommend Hudgeons Ford in the little town of Coolidge, AZ. The GM is a great guy.
There are earlier posts on this board that said dealers have stated that if a tonneau cover is ordered with the sport trac it will hold up the delivery of the vehicle because Ford will hold the order until the cover is available. It's probably best to order the vehicle without the cover at this time. Plus July 15 is just another estimated date which could get pushed back as earlier dates have been.
Got 4wd loaded with cargo cage. Paid premium, but $1500 below list. Ordered soft tonneau from Ford and received the next day.($198 list paid $186) good quality, look good. Also order mud flap trailer hitch and bed matt, will be here next week. Hitch unavailable except from Ford at this time(Class III). Love my ST. I have had several explorers, but this is the best.
advise needed! i ordered my 4x2 loaded st with tonneau cover at the end of november. can't wait to get it!! however the longer it takes to come in-the more cash i'll have to put down on it. is the tonneau really worth the wait? i am one of those people who wants everything on it at once-i don't like to wait. heck, i have already ordered some basic accessories so i can put them on the day my st arrives and have a standing appt with my window tinting friend. pretty bad huh? but if the tonneau is worth it then i will keep working the overtime, save more $ and wait.
Stopped by the Ford Dealer yesterday to pick up my tags for my ST and talked to the parts people. They have a class III hitch available! (approx. $120). Special Order and it should be in in a week.
Have not been able to find a Grill Guard yet, would really look sharp on the ST. Any help finding one would be great.
The industry newspaper Automotive News had a big article on the Sport Trac in their April 3rd edition. The title of the article is "SUV-pickup hybrid is early hit for Ford". It reported that the ST is selling EXTREMELY well. Ford already has orders for 39,000 and only plan to build 50,000 this year.
Some markets are getting more than MSRP for them. Ford has decided to not launch television advertising until at least May now because the demand is so strong already. They want the dealers to have more units before the spots hit on TV.
Responding to number #348 The Bage Co. (www.bageco.com)has a Hidden Hitch available for the Sporty but its only a class 1. I have e-mailed them for further information about it. Is the one from ford made like a hidden hitch tube type or is it a square type? Thier's is $101.00. If you do order from your Ford dealer please share the part number with us.
Lasvegan - I believe that the hitch listed on that site is actually a Class III hitch. It says that most hitches are class III except when otherwise noted, and if you look, wherever there appears to be an exception to the Class III rule, there is more information that tells what type of hitch it really is.
Example: 2000 FOCUS Sedan (Class I Round Tube, 1 1/4" Drawbar) In this case the focus hitch is a class I, so it was specified as so. There are no additional specifications for the ST hitch, so I would assume it's a class III hitch... Don't know for sure though.
That was my same take on the hitch available at (www.bageco.com). I think it is a Class III. I was worried about two things though. First, Will it be in the way when you have to lower the spare. Secondly, is it pre-drilled to match the frame on the ST.
If anyone tries this, please post how well it fits.
Ordered my 4x2 ST in late February. Black with everything but cargo gate and tonneau cover. Was told it would take about 6-8 weeks. Found out the production date was 4/10. Expect it to come in this week (I hope). Like many here, I can't wait to get it. My 1st SUV. Paying $150 over invoice. Got several quotes using various internet services. Was actually vary easy and started with $400-$500 over invoice in the Buffalo area. So, if you know your prices, are willing to wait and keep negotiating, you can probably get it for for about $150-$300 over invoice. Of course you'll take a hit on any trade. Best to sell it yourself if you can.
Didn't order the tonneau cover since it would have delayed the order. Didn't want that. Could get it later through Ford or aftermarket when its available. Craig002 - my dealer told me the reason for the delay on the 4x4 was a problem with the four wheel drive. Ford even took back the 4x4s that had arrived at the dealer.
Looking to buy the Sport Trac and am interested in its real world towing capabilities. Would be towing 2800lb to 3000lb fully loaded travel trailer. Seems that it would do well, but am concerned that this towing would actually be strain and leave me driving 50mph. Any feedback. Thanks.
I had heard there was a delay in building the 4x4's, but had not heard of a call back of delivered stock. I have now been told, I have a solid delivery date of May 4th. The Third time is the charm.
I ordered my 4x4 ST around Feb 21 and recieved it on April 14th (about 8 weeks). I gave up an F150 4x2 for the ST for better ride, smaller size, more comfort. So far I love the vehicle. From what I have gathered, in the S. Jersey and Eastern PA areas, most of the dealers stock are 4x2's but 4x4's are trickling in. Consequently, 4x2 are not very popular in this area, so if they are not 4x4's they are not flying out the door. My order was not delayed due to it being a 4x4.
I paid 2.5% over invoice and it was the smoothest car purchase I ever made. Everything was done on the Internet, from negotiating price to financing. If you are in the S. Jersey area check out www.echelonford.com and ask for Pat C. They were great to deal with.
I live in the northeast pa region, my dealer here has had a total of 5 4x4's, first they got a gold one, I guess it was a demo, cause they had it a while, that one had a cloth interior, I checked back later that week,(back in march) and they had 2 more, a black and island blue one sitting there, both of them were fully loaded, with leather and moonroof, also 4x4. These two sold within the next week after that. But the original gold one was still there, having over a 100 miles on it. (so it had to be a demo!) So I then just checked today, and the original gold one was gone but two new st's have arrived, once again a blue one and a gold one. I can tell they are different because the gold one now has leather, and the old blue one is sitting in a neighbors driveway. So all of the ones that I have seen have been 4x4's and haven't seen any reason for them to take them back.
Hello, I have had my ST for about 3-4 weeks and have 1000 miles on it. I live in Lincoln, NE and we had a consistent light rain here today. Put my hand up by the back seat Oh Sh*t handle and it was all wet along the edges of where the plastic meets the fabric. It was very wet all the way back to the middle of the back window all along the left half of the truck where the two sections meet near the roof. Has anyone else noticed this problem? I was thinking it could possibly be coming in through the holes drilled for the roof rack? Not sure. Also my keyless entry has quit working in the last week. Not a big deal maybe a faulty battery, but still. Also, one of my tires has had a slow leak since I purchased it and the dealer said they couldn't find a leak. None of these are a big problem except for the water leak and it angers me! Has anyone else noticed this? Just wanted to update everyone on these problems. This sucks b/c I really like this truck!
Thanks for the heads-up bennb. It's been raining in NJ for 3 days. After reading your post, I checked out the headliner in the back, and right where the roof handle is located, on the drivers side, the head liner is soaked!!!! I have a sun roof, but that area is fine. It must be coming from the roof rack. I will be visiting my Ford dealer very soon.
I would recommend everyone check for this, especially if you don't use the back seat often.
This cover is Ford, even has Ford sticker on corner of cover. Bed mat was ordered to keep stuff from sliding all over cargo area(really slick surface). Class III hitch is cheaper from Ford than aftermarket.
One question, one comment. I actually ordered two STs, identical except one has leather, one has cloth. Dealer will let me take my choice. Any suggestions (console not a concern to me)? Comfort of cloth? Leather? Durability (I have never had leather before)? Comment: At a recent auto show, I played with the tonneau cover. In addition to the water problem mentioned by the Ford engineer (not obviously seen by me), I note that you must REMOVE the tonneau cover to use the cargo cage (or at least unbolt whatever holds it to the box), as the cargo cage extends beyond the mid-point of the box, thereby not allowing itself to flip up without hitting the cover (even when folded back). Interested to hear what anyone has to say on these topics...
I'm also from NJ and its Raining cats and dogs today. So I ran out to check and No Leaks. I felt the entire head liner and so far no leaks.
I did vent the rear window yesterday after a rain storm and as I backed out of the driveway the water left on the roof came pooring in the rear window. Learned my lesson from that one.
I hope the cover redesign allows the cage to flip out without removing the cover. How about it jimsteele43569. Would you know? Did Ford have that fixed?
On the other hand I guess it would be easier to shorten the extender a bit.
I really hope no one else is having these problems. I have an appointment on Monday so we'll see what they say. I wonder if it's just the seal around the outside of the roof rack where the mountings are. Either way I'm a little peeved! The windows fog up all the time now b/c of the humidity and stay fogged up for quite a long time. Also last night my ABS service light came on and stayed up for about 20 minutes. Now it doesn't come on, but geez!
Regarding the leather or cloth option. I know you said you don't care about that console, but the console with the leather is far more useable. Just wait to see which you like the best if you have the option. I think the leather adds a touch of class to the Sport Trac and gives it the luxury/sporty feel, rather than just the sporty feel. Just a thought though--really just a personal preference.
Jimsteele, want to confirm your post that says July 15 for a porduction date on the hard tonneau cover. I ordered March 6 and it is on hold pending commodity release. Of course, the Folks at the Ford Cust Svc center have no idea on the scoop here, nor does the dealership.
Since my lease runs out on my Eddie Bauer Explorer in June... I may be doing the bus. Or, should I pass on the hard tonneau and go the the soft one I've been hearing about within?
I took my ST to the dealer, and they diagnosed and fixed the problem. The drain tube from the sunroof was not connected! Seems like the guy in charge of that task was sleeping the day they built our trucks.
I purchased my ST about a week ago and after 2 days of rain and posts that I have seen here I decided to check my ST. Well I am sad to say that my ST has the leak too back left hand side . Well back to the dealer.
Other then the leak I must say that the ST is great.
Does anyone have a link on the net to purchase the Ford aftermarket parts?
Thats an interesting point. Is there a way the people with the leaky roofs can compare date of Manufacture. Be interesting to see if they are all on the same day. Might have been a new guy on the line. ;-)
As for the cargo cage colliding with the tonneau cover, since it has been about two months, I don't recall exactly, but at least an inch-and-a-half or more. Look at the box itself, there should be two round holes near the center as I remember, I believe those are where the tonneau cover mounts (since it flips in the middle, the cover has to mount dead-center in the bed). So if you flip your cargo cage and imagine something between those two holes, you will see that it will not clear. Ford should have put the cargo cage on a swivel AND slider, thereby allowing the cover to butt up against the tailgate (and thus out of the way), as well as play the role it does now for the small "holding area" and the extender out over the tailgate. That would also have solved the cage/cover conflict. I have requested my dealer delete the tonneau cover option for that reason (as well as the fact that it is holding up production). I figure the after-market will solve that problem better than Ford. Thanks for the comments on the leather and the console; I tend to agree that leather will make it a nicer truck. Any word on 4x4 delays?
Does anyone else know anything about the delivery time to the very small dealerships? Ordered mine April 6th, I know I have a while to wait!
Also...since Ford was only going to manufacture 50,000 Sport Tracs this year, would they just stop filling orders till next year after they hit the 50,000 limit? Any info would be great, thanks!
How is the ride quality of your Sport Tracs, on and off the road? Highway versus country roads? How does it compare to other vehicles, SUV's or trucks you have had? Ford claims to have improved the ride over the 2000 Explorer. I am interested in opinions as to how much.
I can say that the ST with OUT the payload package was smoother than my 94 4Runner. I test drove the ST without it. I'm guessing that Fords improved ride is without that package. If your going to test drive the ST, try one with and one without the payload package if you can.
I purchased a ST with the Payload package (it was in stock) its a tiny bit bumpy with just one person in the cab. Put 3-4 adults in and it smooths out again.
I guess I would have to say if your gonna haul heavy loads get the payload package and expect some minor bumps on country roads when your empty. Otherwise the ride is very good.
You didn't ask but; Ground clearance is low. Probably part of that improved ride you referred to. I tried to cross a large curb and hit the skid plates. With the long wheel base and lower ground clearance IMHO its not a very good off road vehicle. Light off roading is ok but don't expect to go over the river and through the woods.
I just received a Sport Trac as a gift. I find it an exceptional ride in the streets of Bethesda, MD. I am awaiting, impatiently, the opportunity to try the ride in the streets of Miami. So far, my second wife and I truly enjoy the spaciousness and comfort of the cab interior. However, the baby screams every time we strap his baby seat in the back. Could it be all the rain you have here? I am hoping that my older son, Elian will keep his mouth shut when he's in the back watching the baby. The way things are going, do you think the Sport Trac will float all the way back to Cuba? I need a cigar. Also, the last car I had, a Trooper 2000 Limited, Elian [non-permissible content removed] all over the fine American leather, and I can't get the stinky poop smell out. Any ideas?
After 6 weeks of waiting. I find out that the dealer has ordered it wrong. The moonroof and the premium package wasn't ordered. The Dealer searched but couldn't find any with the options and color I wanted. No surprise there. So he is ordering it again. The Dealer has a possible buy for the one I turned down already, and that was just a hour ago.
leaky roof people, what has been the fix by the dealers? is the interior ruined?
does anybody know anymore about the hard tonneau availability? is the soft tonneau worth purchasing until the hard tonneau is ready, or should i just wait?
I ordered my ST on April 03/00 and I would just like to see my ST with the hard tonneau for the summer. Late June would be nice but I know that is'nt going to be possible. Hopefully the Ford plant will also correct the drainage problem.
The wire harness is standard, according to the brochure and my dealer. There is a clip under the rear bumper (just to the left of center) that holds the 4 pin harness. If you vehicle does not have one there, I would be interested in knowing. My 4X4 has the clip, but no harness -- it appears to have been omitted during assembly. I'd be interested in knowing whether your vehicle, or anyone else's, also is missing the harness.
Also, for those interested, Hidden Hitch makes a Class III hitch for the Sport Trac that fits great. I ordered mine from 1-800-Hitch-It, and the dealer installed it no charge.
I have over 2000 miles on my ST. The back seat audio only works with head phones and no one else will be able to hear anything nor can you stop the children from playing with it. I e-mail the folks at the Ford Cust Svc center on this. Ford drop the ball on this one. The ST is hard to handle in high wind...maybe with a tonneau cover on it might be better. Does anyone know how the soft tonneau is installed? Can we install it? You can order the soft tonneau now, from the dealership for under $200.00. Still no part number on the cargo cage. I install window vent shades on all 4 doors and it looks sharp. I got them Wal-mart for $40.00.
The rear seat audio can control the front audio. If you push the 3 and 5 preset buttons on the radio a headphone symbol will appear on the radio face enabling the person in the back to control the music for the whole ST. Works nice if you have kids saying change the station all the time. Similarly, if you have friends who just like screwing with stuff it can be shut off by pressing 3 and 5 again and the headphone symbol will disappear and the rear audio control won't work from the backseat.
In regards to the water leak--a few posts back someone already took in their ST and had it repaired. The problem was, I guess, that the drain tube from the moonroof wasn't connected so the water was just draining in the roof. No the interior wasn't ruined--the headliner was just a slight bit damp. You couldn't tell by looking at it, but it felt damp. Water wasn't just pouring in.
I'm also interested in getting a tonneau, but don't mind waiting as long as it's a quality product. By looks of the bed, you can't have the cargo cage installed while having the cargo separator installed.
Regarding the ride--I think the ST definitely handles better than the Explorer. I have owned a 4 door Explorer before. As far as the ride, I'm not sure. I think the ride is better though. The ST feels much more sturdy than my Explorer did. Hey, it's a truck, it's gonna be a little bumpy. All in all, a very tolerable ride.
Also interested in getting a hitch, but don't really have the need for one yet. Definitely looking into it though. Anyone who has purchased one, keep us up-to-date about what you think about the one you purchased over time.
I was just wondering, has anyone out there ordered a brochure off the web and actually received one? I originally asked for more info back in January, on the preview page for the ST, got tired of waiting so I ordered one from the new ford website where you can actually request a brochure. Well that was about 6 weeks ago, so I ordered another one over the weekend. Still have no brochure, but don't want to go to the dealer, for fear of running into a salesman that i might want to do business with, but not at this present time!! Any suggestions?? I saw one on ebay a few weeks ago, but he was selling it for $10. I would rather wait!! Thanks
Comments
Keep it simple - one thing at a time. A lot of sales people want to have the whole picture on you before they start quoting prices and rates. Make them give you info step by step - first negotiate the price on the new car find out what they will sell it for. Then negotiate the trade-in value on your car, if it's significantly below NADA Trade in value, ask why, and make sure they can give a VALID justification. Then handle the financing end last, get there best rate quote and if you don't like it shop the rate at other financial institutions.
That's how I have done it. NADA's web site is www.nada.com. Good Luck
Thanks for your information.
Thank you for the response. I was a little early on the order, but Ford was advertising Jan. 2000 delivery. I wrote a nice letter to Jacques Nasser today, to fix his TV ad.s.
I have the best dealer in AZ. helping me out. They have given a loaner to me until my truck shows up, and are selling my F-150 now while I wait. I highly recommend Hudgeons Ford in the little town of Coolidge, AZ. The GM is a great guy.
There are earlier posts on this board that said dealers have stated that if a tonneau cover is ordered with the sport trac it will hold up the delivery of the vehicle because Ford will hold the order until the cover is available. It's probably best to order the vehicle without the cover at this time. Plus July 15 is just another estimated date which could get pushed back as earlier dates have been.
tonneau cover at the end of november. can't wait to get it!! however the longer it takes to come in-the more cash i'll have to put down on it. is the tonneau really worth the wait? i am one of those people who wants everything on it at once-i don't like to wait. heck, i have already ordered some basic accessories so i can put them on the day my st arrives and have a standing appt with my window tinting friend. pretty bad huh? but if the tonneau is worth it then i will keep working the overtime, save more $ and wait.
Have not been able to find a Grill Guard yet, would really look sharp on the ST. Any help finding one would be great.
Some markets are getting more than MSRP for them. Ford has decided to not launch television advertising until at least May now because the demand is so strong already. They want the dealers to have more units before the spots hit on TV.
The Bage Co. (www.bageco.com)has a Hidden Hitch available for the Sporty but its only a class 1. I have e-mailed them for further information about it. Is the one from ford made like a hidden hitch tube type or is it a square type? Thier's is $101.00. If you do order from your Ford dealer please share the part number with us.
Thanks
Example: 2000 FOCUS Sedan (Class I Round Tube, 1 1/4" Drawbar) In this case the focus hitch is a class I, so it was specified as so. There are no additional specifications for the ST hitch, so I would assume it's a class III hitch... Don't know for sure though.
If anyone tries this, please post how well it fits.
Thanks, and still looking for Grill Guards!!!
Didn't order the tonneau cover since it would have delayed the order. Didn't want that. Could get it later through Ford or aftermarket when its available. Craig002 - my dealer told me the reason for the delay on the 4x4 was a problem with the four wheel drive. Ford even took back the 4x4s that had arrived at the dealer.
I had heard there was a delay in building the 4x4's, but had not heard of a call back of delivered stock. I have now been told, I have a solid delivery date of May 4th. The Third time is the charm.
Thank you for the information.
I paid 2.5% over invoice and it was the smoothest car purchase I ever made. Everything was done on the Internet, from negotiating price to financing. If you are in the S. Jersey area check out www.echelonford.com and ask for Pat C. They were great to deal with.
I would recommend everyone check for this, especially if you don't use the back seat often.
Ford than aftermarket.
I did vent the rear window yesterday after a rain storm and as I backed out of the driveway the water left on the roof came pooring in the rear window. Learned my lesson from that one.
On the other hand I guess it would be easier to shorten the extender a bit.
drperez007
How much did they collide?
Regarding the leather or cloth option. I know you said you don't care about that console, but the console with the leather is far more useable. Just wait to see which you like the best if you have the option. I think the leather adds a touch of class to the Sport Trac and gives it the luxury/sporty feel, rather than just the sporty feel. Just a thought though--really just a personal preference.
Since my lease runs out on my Eddie Bauer Explorer in June... I may be doing the bus. Or, should I pass on the hard tonneau and go the the soft one I've been hearing about within?
Any suggestions????
Thanks Zderf
I purchased my ST about a week ago and after 2 days of rain and posts that I have seen here I decided to check my ST. Well I am sad to say that my ST has the leak too back left hand side
Other then the leak I must say that the ST is great.
Does anyone have a link on the net to purchase the Ford aftermarket parts?
Thanks Chris
Thats an interesting point. Is there a way the people with the leaky roofs can compare date of Manufacture. Be interesting to see if they are all on the same day. Might have been a new guy on the line. ;-)
My truck was built 3/28/00
>Any word on 4x4 delays?
I brought my 4x4 3+ weeks ago.
4-pin trailer tow wire harness.
I haven't found it yet but its been raining so I'm not about to crawl under to find it. Has anyone found it?
wpoe
Also...since Ford was only going to manufacture 50,000 Sport Tracs this year, would they just stop filling orders till next year after they hit the 50,000 limit? Any info would be great, thanks!
I purchased a ST with the Payload package (it was in stock) its a tiny bit bumpy with just one person in the cab. Put 3-4 adults in and it smooths out again.
I guess I would have to say if your gonna haul heavy loads get the payload package and expect some minor bumps on country roads when your empty. Otherwise the ride is very good.
You didn't ask but;
Ground clearance is low. Probably part of that improved ride you referred to. I tried to cross a large curb and hit the skid plates. With the long wheel base and lower ground clearance IMHO its not a very good off road vehicle. Light off roading is ok but don't expect to go over the river and through the woods.
The Dealer searched but couldn't find any with the options and color I wanted. No surprise there. So he is ordering it again.
The Dealer has a possible buy for the one I turned down already, and that was just a hour ago.
wpoe
does anybody know anymore about the hard tonneau availability? is the soft tonneau worth purchasing until the hard tonneau is ready, or should i just wait?
http://www.motortrend.com/april00/ford_sporttrac/ford_sporttrac_f.html
Re: Your inquiry about the trailer wiring harness
The wire harness is standard, according to the brochure and my dealer. There is a clip under the rear bumper (just to the left of center) that holds the 4 pin harness. If you vehicle does not have one there, I would be interested in knowing. My 4X4 has the clip, but no harness -- it appears to have been omitted during assembly. I'd be interested in knowing whether your vehicle, or anyone else's, also is missing the harness.
Also, for those interested, Hidden Hitch makes a Class III hitch for the Sport Trac that fits great. I ordered mine from 1-800-Hitch-It, and the dealer installed it no charge.
In regards to the water leak--a few posts back someone already took in their ST and had it repaired. The problem was, I guess, that the drain tube from the moonroof wasn't connected so the water was just draining in the roof. No the interior wasn't ruined--the headliner was just a slight bit damp. You couldn't tell by looking at it, but it felt damp. Water wasn't just pouring in.
I'm also interested in getting a tonneau, but don't mind waiting as long as it's a quality product. By looks of the bed, you can't have the cargo cage installed while having the cargo separator installed.
Regarding the ride--I think the ST definitely handles better than the Explorer. I have owned a 4 door Explorer before. As far as the ride, I'm not sure. I think the ride is better though. The ST feels much more sturdy than my Explorer did. Hey, it's a truck, it's gonna be a little bumpy. All in all, a very tolerable ride.
Also interested in getting a hitch, but don't really have the need for one yet. Definitely looking into it though. Anyone who has purchased one, keep us up-to-date about what you think about the one you purchased over time.
Thanks for all the great info!