My salesman told the tale last week of the Tarus that was built, moved to the staging area and then set there for a month...I gather the dealership lost money on it to make the buyer happy. So maybe ford is getting some hits for this... and I miss being able to make my weekly call to VOPC....just when I got my vin #!
If you are a member of Farm Bureau (they sell auto insurance, etc.) for (I believe) 30 days prior to ordering your Super Duty, you will get a $500 rebate from Ford.
You don't have to be a farmer or anything like that to be a member ... it costs me $30 per year for an associate membership (business tax deductable) and $315/6 months (2K F-250 Lariat CC 4x4 v-10 auto etc.) for $500 deductable comp/collision and $300,000 liability, which is a good price for Oklahoma.
My Super Duty was delivered 12/29/99 and I haven't received my check as of yet but it should be in any day now. I will let everyone know when that happens. Happy Motoring!
gossamar... send that recipe on! my email's on my profile. appreciate that.
Well, the beast is FINALLY sitting in our driveway! And ALL the "haves" were right it WAS worth every bit of the wait! What an awesome, AWESOME truck! Drove the 250 miles from Tampa to West Palm Beach (FL) without a hitch. Didn't use the cruise (except for checking it out) & varied the speed between 55 & 75 all the way. Very little city driving on the trip (maybe 30 miles or so) but no where near ready for a fill up on the 29 gal tank (computer say's I've still got 120 miles to empty not too bad for very first tankful). Noted also that this truck catches some eyes, that's for sure. Yep. The 4.1 diff gives 2300 rpm at 70mph in 6th gear.
Only problem noted (saw this on the extended drive home didn't notice it at checkout) but will have a dealer in this area correct it the steering wheel is canted about 5 degrees clockwise when of course, it ought to be neutral (horizontal). Could be alignment (but there's no "pull" left or right) or they just missed a tooth or so when the steering wheel was installed. But everything else checks out (even the front shipping shims we're removed from the leafs). The other item we didn't care for was the inclusion of those clearance lights in the Lariat package. We would have preferred not having those lights as it's just one more thing to go wrong that serves no useful function from what we can discern (some like the "looks"... but I'm not one of them). But we agree with Crazyelvis... the combo of crew cab & short bed gives the truck a "sporty" look that you don't "feel" with the long bed (even though for most, the long bed is a lot more practical (9 gallons more on the fuel capacity too)). Maybe the reason for that sporty look is that the combo isn't common... our .02 on this anyway.
I've not used Ford's cruise control functions but let it be known that they are vastly superior to GM's "stick" with tiny "switches & buttons" approach. Not only is the system a lot more intuitive... the system works at least as good as I do (and I consider myself a very "steady state" type of driver... no abrupt maneuvering ).
The tranny is "stiff" as can be expected & driving the psd takes some getting used to... quite different than a gasser, and admittedly; I'm still a little "rough" around the edges. Well, out to make some more keys, install a hide-a-key box somewhere; do the "son-of-a-gun" (made by STP.. awesome vinyl, leather, plastic protectant) treatment on the interior. Oh. Don't use this stuff on vinyl floors though, or you'll bust your [non-permissible content removed] on egress (slippery)! It was pointed out somewhere on the board that the electronic entry doesn't work if the vehicle is running. Bummer. This means you can't leave the psd running (for that 7-10 minute turbo cool down) unattended. Although that practice is illegal in FL it's not a practical law in regard to stick shifts sitting in neutral (with the parking brake set, of course). I have a great tendency to ignore idiocy laws.
Tell you what, this dealer has their STUFF together (the delay in delivery after build was no fault of theirs). The service dept is open 24 hours M-F and the weekends are open like most dealerships during the week.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If anyone is thinking about ordering a Y2K you had better GET YOUR ORDER IN QUICKLY! Ford's just about filled up on orders for the 2000 model year. If you don't get your order in sometime in the next 2 weeks you'll have a LONG (approx 5 MONTH!) wait as your truck will be a 2001 model. Our salesperson (Ken English) had NO reason to lie about this... and he's a straight shooter from the getgo, besides. All Ford dealers have been notified . These trucks are HOT and Ford seriously underestimated how many would be sold. They just can NOT build enough of them. Check with your intended dealer(s) to verify this. But all the hype about not being able to build enough of these, ain't no rumor! the clock is against them.
Lewac - congrats on your pick-up (of your pick-up). I have 3800 miles on my psd 6spd and the shifting does loosen some. The low gear was difficult at first but no problem now. Also, the engine seems to get quieter - just a pleasant rumble now when it idles. Enjoy! (17.8 MPG on my last tank - highest so far is 18.8) ------------------------------------------------ 00 F350-XLT SC/LB/PSD/6SPD/TT/PTT Mirrors/LINE-X/WdgWdBlue.
I can't resist offering my congrats on your finally - delivery. Hope you continue to be as pumped about that truck as you are now. Only makes me a little more excited about being a have, I'm only days away, supposedly. Glad to hear that you're happy with the CC SWB which is what I opted for for the same reason, not to mention a little more payload and a somewhat smaller turning radius. Fitting in my garage helps too!! Enjoy, you've been awfully patient!
Lewac, I'm pretty sure the clearance lights are an option with the Lariat package, HOWEVER, they are not optional equipment with the duallys. It's my understanding that the clearance lights are required for vehicles that are over a certain width and the duallys exceed that width. I could be wrong.
Thanks to all for the bedliner info. I went to the line-x website(thanks Brutus) and entered my state...no luck. I entered the next state...one dealer, a long way away. Entered as far south as Massachusetts, and there was only one dealer there as well way down at the botom of the state. I am going to call the 800 number tomorrow to see if there is indeed a Maine dealer somewhere. Sounds like a better solution than a slide-in.
I have read here that there are standard rail protectors on the Lariat as well as (according to Lewac...congrats by the way!) clearance lights. Clearance lights aren't standard on the Lariat are they? All my info says they are an option even with the Lariat. And will my Lariat come with rail protectors? I always check this site at night so my dealership is closed.
cowpokes-Hey, where've you been? We are horse hunting here in the state o'Maine, and I am wishing I had the kind of horses available here that are out west....quiet, calm, dependable trail companions. Is your dog for sale...?
Thanks. I'll try to get in touch with Rhino. I still will try the Line-X number. Sounds like most folks like that brand better or maybe it is just a regional thing. I'll let you know what I find.
I've got a F350 CC Lariat 4x4 SRW V10 auto LB on order and am not getting the clearance lights. They are an option.
I've been ordered for 3 months. At last check prior to the banishment from the VOPC I was still clean and unscheduled. Dealer info like pulling teeth.
Interesting to note lewac's comments regarding the demand for the SD - seems contrary to Ford slowing down the line from 10.7 hours per shift to 10 hours as we learned some posts ago (and on Ford-Diesel). Something doesn't mesh to me with the conflicting directions. Every salesman and dealer I spoke with when ordering told me they could sell any SD they could get. One dealer just south of the VA border in NC is getting trucks from Canada to sell. I too would think Ford would be cranking them out as fast as possible, especially when they are clearing approx average of $7K per unit (they can afford to give us the duffel bags - which by the way I am still waiting for).
I know everybody says it is worth the wait, but enough is enough. Like Carly Simon sings ..... Anticipation
Check out the Ford Motor company Site, Then register in the owners connection, you can do with just an order number, I did. There you will get access to an 800 number where you can check on the status of your vehicle and ask any other questions you have. My dealer told me I could see my truck around the 14th of this month after ordering it back on 9/27/99. I checked with the owners connection and they told me it was scheduled to be made the week of the 14-21 of Feb. This is 2 months beyond my delivery date at signing of my order. Personally I like the clearance lights I ordered on my cab. but some like red too, it's a matter of choice. Talk at ya later.
congrats......We were all pretty sure you would "like" your new beast as soon as you saw it. We will have to see if anyone can top your delivery time!! Everyone is saying..."not me...not me!!" I am still avg. 12.5 mpg city (00 V10 250 CC SB Lariat)....it actually went up to 12.7 early this morning on my way to St. Pete. I happened to see a the guy who does my detailing on our cars today. he has a 00 F350 PSD dually...don't know his gear ratio....talked to him a traffic light today...he said he is getting about 13.5 mpg in the city...seemed kinda low to me....I'll have to get his gear ratio next time I get a detail..... Again....congrats lewac.....
first the good news, my f-250 sd sc v-10 lariat 4x4 island blue cc met just hit 1,000 miles and i'm getting ready to change the oil. i have 6 quarts of castrol 5w30 and a motorcraft fl-820s, i got under the truck today to take a good look at it and i noticed that ford put a drain plug on the tranny pan "allright" that makes the job easy. but i also noticed that stamped on the tranny pan it says "gasket can be reused" does all the trannys say that now a days? it beats getting tranny fluid all over the place.
now the bad news while parked at work last wednesday a guy who works in my building backed into my truck denting and scrapping the drivers side of the bed "from the rear mudflap to the bumper. well low and behold i didnt notice it till 3 days latter when i went to wash it. i knew who did it when i looked at the back of his van and my paint was on it. he says "he didnt know he hit it" but he's not putting up a fight cause i filed a police report on it as a hit and run and he saw my paint on his rear bumper. so now i have to bring it in and get an appraisal on the 10th. from what the insurance guy told me there so backed up i was lucky to get a date then to bring it in and have them look at it. i just hope they can match up the paint being that the truck is so new only a month old. i plan on taking it to pierce collision in natick, mass they put my lund visor on and have done work for me in the past. i hope no one else has had to go thru this yet with there super duty.?
This is the first time for me posting in this group. I discovered it in December right after ordering a '00 250 SD, 4x4, reg. cab, 8' bed. (Now that's different!) I got one with XL trim, V8, 4.10ls axle, in wedgewood blue. I test drove the same config. at the dealer before ordering so I knew I would be happy with this set up. I might have bought that one but they sold it the day before I returned with the checkbook. So I've been waiting for the one I really wanted these past two months. I went through many of the "what-ifs" and second guessing myself on the options just as many of you have done. I am a woodworker and this truck will be my work vehicle. I also went with a basic truck to keep the cost lower. I figured I didn't have any "big dogs" or second homes to pull around so I stuck with my choices and I am excited to think I might see it soon. I liked the styling and overall heavy duty components of the SD vs. the 150's. My experiences with ordering have been good. I ordered on December 1 from a local dealer in eastern MA who seemed to treat me well, and the salesperson has called about every week with updates. I used the VOPC to check myself and the recording said the truck was built "week of Jan. 24th with an est. arrival at dealer week of Feb. 7th". The latest message says it's on the choo choo bound for Michigan. Just kidding. It's on the train though. I think things went so well because this was a very common config.; no CC or V10 etc. Thank you all for helping me to pass the time waiting and learning some things about my new truck. I hope I can pass along some useful info. to others in the future. Mainecowgirl, I know it's a long way for you to drive, but I did check out that Line-X dealer in Plymouth, MA. The owner's name is Bob and from what I saw he does an excellent spray job. I saw an old truck he had just finished and he made it look great. I think the Line-X product goes on smoother, there is texture, but no runs and sags like I saw with the Rhino. Bob is a very nice guy to talk with, I think I will use him for my truck. He needs a full day for the complete job. It's true what others have said, you need to look around for a good shop to do this. A company can have the best liner product, but it's no good if the person doing the application is sloppy. I hope this helps.
And I wonder how foolish some of the legal scholars on this site would feel having recommended the SIGN approach if it turned out that the dealership really did just make a mistake. And how do you know whether the sign would be truthful if you don't know what the truth is. Did they really screw stymey, or did one just slip through the cracks? I live in the wild west, but I still ask questions first before firing off a lawsuit.
By the way, and I won't write a treatise for those would-be lawyers on the site who missed that day in torts class, interference with contractual relations does not require that a lie be told--only that the statement be recklessly made and done with malice, spite, or out of revenge.
Last, suing somebody because you think they'll fold due to the downside that it is too expensive to fight the suit in this over-litigious society of ours really makes my point. Don't contribute to our litigious system by being another jerk filing a suit with little or nothing to gain. The courts have better things to do.
Stick to trucks, gentlemen, about which you might know something.
lewac: Congrats on your new arrival. Don't hurt your neck turning around to look at it everytime you park it and walk away...
Mine is on it's way. I've been tracking it progress on the Burlington-Northern web site using the VIN tracing tool. As of 21:33 this evening, my new rig was passing through Havre, Montana on it's way to Kent Washington (south of Seattle). Supposed to arrive in Kent saturday morning.
I've been looking at the railroad maps on the BN web page, and it turns out that once into Washington State, the train can take a Northern route over Steven's Pass or a Southern Route over Snoqualimie Pass. Funny thing is, if the train takes the Northern route, it'll be coming down a set of tracks about 2 miles from my house! I figure I'll know friday night which way the train is coming, and I just may be sitting by the side of the tracks saturday morning trying to get a glimpse of my new baby.
Call me obsessive, but hey, I am a "have not" wanna-be and I can't help it :-)
Question: Is it OK to leave the block heater plugged in more than just overnight ??? Say a couple of days ??? My truck is not my daily driver -- I'm splitting my commute between it and my Jeep because I don't believe it's good to leave either one sit more than a couple of days. Any input ???? Thanks, Paul
Your best bet is to check the Northern route (Stevens Pass) as the Southern route over Snoqualmie Pass no longer exists. It belonged to the Milwaukee R.R. which folded back in 1980 (lines West). B.N. has a second route over Stampeed Pass that ends up in Auburn that was re-opened a couple of years ago but I don't think the triple deckers (auto R.R. cars) can go through the tunnel. Plus to get to the Kent Convoy center your rail car may have to interchange with the U.P. R.R. to get spotted for unloading. Good luck!!!! Paul
Thanks for reminding me about Snoqualmie Pass vs. Stampede Pass. Of course I meant Stampede Pass, as I have ridden the old Milwaukee Road route from North Bend to Cle Elum several times (it's a great summer ride - just bring a light for the old tunnel at the top of the pass), and I know first hand that the rails are gone :-)
According to the maps on the BN site, the joint UP/BN rail lines are south of Tacoma, so I'm hoping that my rig stays snug in it's railcar till the final destination - the less unloads/reloads, the less chance of damage.
I'll be keeping an eye on the route, and I'll post an update when I know more...
I had Line-X install a liner in my truck a month ago and it's beautiful. Would recommend highly. Have seen some other brands and they appear 'cottage-cheesy'. The Line-X finish looks like a wrinkled enamel finish.
There web page is http://www.line-x.com/ and you can search for dealers by zip. If you have a choice, shop around. I got 2 different quotes. Ended up going to the dealer 20 miles farther away and saved $50.
Just had my y2k 250sd cc sb 4x4 auto (whew!) in for its free 3k mile service and free oil change. Only problem I've had with it is a broke cup holder. Must be a lemon, heh heh.
Dying to wash the beast. The truck is black somewhere underneath the salt and road grime. Still got slush/ice on the secondary roads here in VA/DC area and my hose is froze. I will kill the fool who goes up and fingers 'WASH ME' on the side. Know what I mean?
Wow,you brought back some memories for me with your tracking news. I didn't think anything passed through Havre, Montana except me! I was born there, but haven't been back in a couple of decades. I miss it! Live on Long Island in NY now. Nice but not Montana! Mainecowgirl, all SD beds have rail covers to the best of my knowledge. Ref; paint matching for newly scratched SD. Mine arrived with some scratches and the dealer sent it to the local body shop he uses. Color match and blend is perfect. I can't find the spots in any light , at any angle.(2K Woodland Green)
I had the bed of my truck done by Arma-Coat here in WY, won't go into detail again, the real difference between brands of spray-in bed-liners is the shop and most important the gun operator. Look at the trucks they have done in the past, if they won't give you names, they may not have many happy customers. Most want to show off their truck, so if they don't have "references" I would be very leary. I looked into having those beautiful rail covers taken off and having the rails sprayed also, have you looked under your bed rails? there are more holes under that piece of plastic than steel. So instead of doing a major amount of body work to get rid of those wonderful plastic rail covers, I decided to live with them.
Mainecowgirl we can always talk about shipping the big puppy out east, she sure could use some time at a good finishing school out there. Her manners are terrible, she steals beer that is not hers, sticks her nose into every conversation, and announces very loudly if she feels she is not getting her share of attention, grain, candy, brushing, or simply being where the action is. But I think I would have to find another planet to live on if I let her visit out east. Yes there are lot of horses around and with a little home work and research you can some real gems. Sorry for the digression folks, back to truck talk Have Fun Cowpokes
Guess all ya'll that tried to help stymey with all the suggestions got your come-uppance. I was really impressed with all the big words but had to get out Webster to figure out what they meant. Guess that old boy got a sand burr twixt his hiney and missed school the day they learnt folks about "how to win friends and influence folks". Maybe I oughttta be fixin to go back to school so I don't get ignoranter and ignoranter and so I can tell wise folks when I hear them. .02
The Ford Owners Connections looks like it can be a help, once you have your truck, you can tailor it to your truck and keep a record of everything, course from time to time you might want to print the info out, depending on what happens, ford may loose some things, and you may want proof.
I heard on one of the other sites, Ford is back looged 22,000 orders, so I take it the CC makes up 21,999 of those orders.Here we sit twiddling our thumbs.......thinking what I'm going to stuff that ford duffle bag with. I wondering since you guys that have your trucks, maybe you could tell me how much of a drop will I need to be in the 18-20" range for my ball to hitch my Musky Boat to. F250 CC 4x4 HD Supension,265's Lariat (ordered 9/27/99) For being Late Ford did agree on 7.3% financing for 5 yrs. down from there normal 8.7.
The VOPC says my truck ws released from the foreign plant. First I assume they are talking about a Canadian plant and second if it is Canada, does anyone have any experience on how long delivery would normally take to Ohio?
porky: we leave our rigs plugged in all the time when it's cold enough so you could do it if you want to. However, I'd recommend putting it all on a timer since it could get spendy having round the clock plug in. Even with the psd, you'd only need 2-4 hours of plug in time to get it to fire up like normal (and that's up here at 30 to 40 below zero). If you're at or just below zero, a couple of hours tops should do it (psd). If you're running a gasser, I wouldn't even consider plugging in until 10 or 15 below.
porky, ditto what northpole said on the block heater. It really only needs to be plugged in for a few hours, even if it has sat for a few days, but you can leave it plugged in. It will sap your electric bill a bit if you leave it plugged in around the clock.
northpole, how about this nutty weather? Here in Anchorage, we had around a foot of snow on Sunday and Monday, followed by mid 40s and 100+ mph winds yesterday, followed by mixed rain and snow and upper 30s today. Avalanches have had kept the Seward Hwy closed all week. The truck is getting quite the workout. It's amazing how many Chevys you can drive over on the way to work...er,uh....I mean, drive past. Your weather doesn't appear to be quite as interesting up there, but it's downright tropical for you compared to the normal stuff.
jones, spare us the legal lectures. The fact that this situation may have deteriorated to a point of threats by a customer is a poor reflection on the dealership. Whether it was an honest error or not, the dealer made an error that has impacted a paying customer.
The dealer has plenty of options to resolve the issue, still make a profit, and more importantly make the customer happy. Word of mouth is still the best advertising. The dealer should never have let this person leave the dealership without negotiating a reasonable resolution.
As far as what is a reasonable deal, I'd be pushing for a $500 off the previously negotiated price and the purchase of a bug deflector, mud flaps and floor mats at dealer cost. Think about it. The dealer is going to make $500 less profit and loses nothing on the sale of the accessories. You kow he made more than $500 more profit by selling the truck off the showroom floor to a walk-in customer.
If you've waited 3-4+ months for a vehicle that the dealer mistakenly (or intentionally) sold out from under you, and the best they can offer is the same deal and another 3-4+ month wait, that's simply unacceptable. The key to negotiation is information and then using that information as leverage. I'd be pulling out all the stops to ensure the dealer knows that I am aware of my potential avenues of recourse and that all of those avenues will cost him a lot more than it will take to right the wrong (whether intetional or not) with me.
You're getting hung up on the sign and lawsuit issues. The phone call from the dealership to their attorney will likely cost more than it would take to make this customer satisfied. Once they realize, you're not going to go away, they will be much more inclined to reach a reasonable resolution. They're counting on you just walking away, or playing ball with a "these things happen" attitude.
Just out of curiousity, are you in the auto sales business?
I called and talked with Matlock today. He has agreed to investigate the dealership in question. I think he has Colombo, Ally McBeal, and Johnny Cochrain on retainer to help him out. Will this dream team suffice you jjones....??? As someone stated....I think lewac....there is NO WAY with all the order paperwork that comes with an ordered truck...can a dealer "mistake" it for one that goes on the lot. Hell, punching the VIN in the dealer computer will identify it as an "ordered vehicle". And geez...jjones....I thought that was how lawyers made a living.... By the way....what type of lawyer are you????? Crazyelvis Esq.
Another suggestion in order to pressure the dealer is to call one of your local TV stations. Here in MA, the Boston area TV stations have reporters who will interview you , obtaining the facts , then go to the dealers (or other abusers) and get their side of the story. Many times this will then be aired during the news. This bad press for them can go a long way in helping you will the battle. Good Luck.
There was a post awhile back about this, and I got the same recording you did. Previous post stated if you have a VIN starting in 1 it's made at Kentucky, starting in 3 - Mexico. Somebody else said they got the same thing and it still had the KY plant sticker on it at delivery. So hopefully you'll see it soon. I heard mine was at the ramp on Tuesday, so if I get it soon and I'm wrong I'll let you know.
Thanks for the info, I try to read as many post as possible but if you miss a few days it seems like you can never catch up. I have read quite a few posts but don't recall reading anything about the Mexico plant. Is there any rhyme or reason to which trucks get built at which plant? It seems odd the KY plant is about 4 hours away and they would build my truck in Mexico. I'll have to get my VIN, I've been using the Order number for everything. I make a post as things progress. Keep us "posted"
can anyone tell me if the super duty has a 1 piece or a 2 piece frame rail? if i remember right the 1999 ford catalog says something about a 2 section framerail for the front that makes it easier to service. when i looked under my truck the front section was all welded up where they would pull it apart. i'm not to worried about it as i dont plow any snow, but what about the people that do, could that cause stress crack in the frame over time where it would come apart.?
as far as mpg the last 2 weeks i got a worst of 7.5 and a good one of 10.5 not to bad for the v-10 it has just over a 1,000 miles i think a 1,089 oh well i have to get back to work now.
Greetings, I think the spray in liner issue might well be a regional thing. Here in Central ILL, RHINO is the preferred brand. I had one sprayed in the back of mine, grey to match the bed caps, and love it!! Stuff doesn't slide, easy to unload stuff(mulch, rock, lumber), easy to clean. If considering, have the 5th wheel hitch installed first then the spray can be used to help seal the holes from the installation. Happy hunting....
bigblue-Thanks for the info on the Plymouth Line-X shop. I was thinking of going there as my sister lives in Arlington, and I could somehow figure out a day in Plymouth. It does sound like folks are happy with Line-X, and it's good to get a name and a recommendation. When and if you get your truck done there post and let me know how it goes.
cowpokes- I was just kidding about big paint. She sounds like a keeper. It's actually a friend looking so I'll let her do the leg work. Thanks for your liner info, too.
jjones-Of all the posts I have read on this forum, and we are talking hundreds, yours is the first, the only ONE, where the only thing gleaned was ego. Knock it off. I have been so consistently impressed with the lack of ego in this forum and the kind, considerate way folks pass on information. Some may get frustrated and vent their agitation and others may give ideas on what could be done, but chances are this forum has given that person an opportunity to get moral support, and they log off to go on and do the right thing.
I bet the profitt margin would go sky high with production in Mexico. And with any insult to anyone of Mexican decent here...Aren't Cheby's the vehicle of choice.....sorry again...couldn't refuse that one....Think of me as a Don Rickles type....everyone is on my hit parade....just ask any lawyers around...... Seriously.....I know GM has production facilities in Mexico...and I was aware of Ford Parts and Accessories facilities in Mexico...but not production plants......Maybe we should call Ross Perot and see if he knows anything about the sucking sound of jobs going south a la NAFTA.... Lewac.....so how do you like the truck today???
Hey you squeaked in before I posted. I am also looking into Rhino as you and Brutus suggested. They may be all over the place here in the State O' Maine. I have all the time in the world to shop around. My order only went in two weeks ago! Thanks.
a. The 5.4L Superduties are blessed with a remote oil filter, placing it right next to the drain plug far away from suspension pieces and frame.. The F150 folks are cussing the oil filter location on their 5.4L rigs..
b. When I back into snow banks, (which we happen to have here in Raleigh NC still), I bend the trailer wiring receptacles.. Any thoughts on how to better protect this, besides being more careful when I back up.. I have't broken them, and I'll be more careful anyway now that I know that they're vulnerable.
Now 6 months without a build date on a F250 CC 4WD PSD Lariat (ordered from Sunset Ford, Phoenix on August 4, 1999). Salesman said dealership is currently waiting on 38 CC deliveries. Went on to say, they would normally contact an order like myself if something similar was delivered and the original orderer dropped -- but then said since my deal was at dealer invoice, they probably would not -- since they could sell it off the lot for as much as $2,000 over invoice.
Can only presume from this conversation, that I am at the bottom of the priority heap for delivery because of the low margin deal. I'm a 1st time buyer at this dealership and it's outside my local community (140 miles away), so I don't see where I have much of any leverage to get the dealership to expedite my order. So I'm just waiting...waiting...waiting...
One last comment from the salesman -- he said part of the long delivery relates to the power stroke engine. He said that Ford made it an option on their new Excursion and badly underestimated the demand, limiting the PSD availability for the superduty.
Hello Again I did know you were kidding, just taking up some word space to brag on her, sorry. We have alot of good horses out here, but we also have alot of ranch horses that know only work and go 100mph, great for riding fences and moving cattle not so great for pleasure or kids. I just hope I win the lotto if my girls want to get into jumping and trials. P.S. Nicely put in responding to jjones!
OK OK on to a truck question, has any one else out there had their 4x4 350 feel like it really hops when itis locked in 4wd much more than, say a 97 HD250? Thanks
Before everyone starts trying to figure out what TWSS means, It means nothing. When I clicked on my SD link this morning I went directly to #413 and that message came up as a continuous string of text that was about 4 screens wide it also said "Your post is not complete. The comment box is required." And that was it. I couldn't scroll up or down or any thing. So I figured why not type something and hit post. Just so happened that my fingers hit TWSS. The results were #414 by "anonymous" After seeing it though I came up with something appropriate. "This Waiting Surely _ucks"
Thank you. We really appreciate all the congrat posts. Still on our first tankful so no mileage check yet; but looks to be running around 16 with a 50/50 mix of city/hwy driving. That's about what we expected with the 4.1 diff when unloaded. We're not going to obtain the "top" mileage due to this ratio (compared with the 3.73).
Brutus & others have the clearance light "option" correct. It IS an option on the lariat, but there's no choice when you have the dually (regardless of trim level). Anyhow, was taking a closer look at them & they're not "bad" looking after all.
Agree with the Rhino/Line-X issue. It's probably a matter of preference along with the actual application. We're going with Line-X because there's a very good installation company about 20 miles away & their price is reasonable for this area ($385 for the short bed) + "T".going to retain the top rail "guards" (they come with the lariat) because of the holes that would be exposed if they were removed.
We also got to get some mud flaps (any suggestions? . Seen a lot of posts a while back but where???). we're getting window vents from the dealer (Gator Ford the locals around here are a joke) because they'll paint them with the Oxford white to match the truck exactly (don't want stainless or some shade of gray or black). Then we've got to install the fiver bed rails & brake... the main reason for purchasing this beast to begin with.
GEICO gave us a hell of deal on the extended (7 year/100K mile) warranty... $1,230. took one look under that hood... no way I'm going to mess with that thing 'til I absolutely have to!
tbender1... what was the original quoted delivery? 8 months? anything less & I'd cancel the deal. here's why: the salesperson telling you that the psd is the "problem" is TOTALLY BOGUS. that's a dealer "jack-a-round" if I ever heard one! sounds like an order placement without any allocation (priority 99... which is just about as bad as a no order). they either don't have allocation (after 6 months?) or they're just selling inventory deals at much better pricing (for them) & are "back-burning" your deal. do you have a DORA/VOC copy? do you have a VIN? The VIN is generally issued a couple of WEEKS after the order (and "ties" YOU to that specific vehicle) is received by Ford IF the dealer has allocation (and most times it's already on the DORA). it will definitely be issued well b4 the build date being scheduled. note that there are many issues that affect a schedule date that are factory related (see ford-diesel.com) but there would not be a factory related holdup on the schedule for 6 months. no way! The numeral uno reason for not obtaining a prompt build date is the lack of dealer allocation for your "general" (model, body style, engine) config. I'd find someone with allocation (you may pay a little more but at least you'll get a truck sometime during your lifetime)! even if you had to travel 1000 miles to find one (which you won't). I know.. 6 months "out-the-window" is a tough "pill", but... don't wait much longer or you may not even get into a Y2K ordered vehicle as these things are HOT! luck to you.
Comments
and I miss being able to make my weekly call to VOPC....just when I got my vin #!
You don't have to be a farmer or anything like that to be a member ... it costs me $30 per year for an associate membership (business tax deductable) and $315/6 months (2K F-250 Lariat CC 4x4 v-10 auto etc.) for $500 deductable comp/collision and $300,000 liability, which is a good price for Oklahoma.
My Super Duty was delivered 12/29/99 and I haven't received my check as of yet but it should be in any day now. I will let everyone know when that happens.
Happy Motoring!
Well, the beast is FINALLY sitting in our driveway! And ALL the "haves" were right it WAS worth every bit of the wait! What an awesome, AWESOME truck! Drove the 250 miles from Tampa to West Palm Beach (FL) without a hitch. Didn't use the cruise (except for checking it out) & varied the speed between 55 & 75 all the way. Very little city driving on the trip (maybe 30 miles or so) but no where near ready for a fill up on the 29 gal tank (computer say's I've still got 120 miles to empty not too bad for very first tankful). Noted also that this truck catches some eyes, that's for sure. Yep. The 4.1 diff gives 2300 rpm at 70mph in 6th gear.
Only problem noted (saw this on the extended drive home didn't notice it at checkout) but will have a dealer in this area correct it the steering wheel is canted about 5 degrees clockwise when of course, it ought to be neutral (horizontal). Could be alignment (but there's no "pull" left or right) or they just missed a tooth or so when the steering wheel was installed. But everything else checks out (even the front shipping shims we're removed from the leafs). The other item we didn't care for was the inclusion of those clearance lights in the Lariat package. We would have preferred not having those lights as it's just one more thing to go wrong that serves no useful function from what we can discern (some like the "looks"... but I'm not one of them). But we agree with Crazyelvis... the combo of crew cab & short bed gives the truck a "sporty" look that you don't "feel" with the long bed (even though for most, the long bed is a lot more practical (9 gallons more on the fuel capacity too)). Maybe the reason for that sporty look is that the combo isn't common... our .02 on this anyway.
I've not used Ford's cruise control functions but let it be known that they are vastly superior to GM's "stick" with tiny "switches & buttons" approach. Not only is the system a lot more intuitive... the system works at least as good as I do (and I consider myself a very "steady state" type of driver... no abrupt maneuvering ).
The tranny is "stiff" as can be expected & driving the psd takes some getting used to... quite different than a gasser, and admittedly; I'm still a little "rough" around the edges. Well, out to make some more keys, install a hide-a-key box somewhere; do the "son-of-a-gun" (made by STP.. awesome vinyl, leather, plastic protectant) treatment on the interior. Oh. Don't use this stuff on vinyl floors though, or you'll bust your [non-permissible content removed] on egress (slippery)! It was pointed out somewhere on the board that the electronic entry doesn't work if the vehicle is running. Bummer. This means you can't leave the psd running (for that 7-10 minute turbo cool down) unattended. Although that practice is illegal in FL it's not a practical law in regard to stick shifts sitting in neutral (with the parking brake set, of course). I have a great tendency to ignore idiocy laws.
Tell you what, this dealer has their STUFF together (the delay in delivery after build was no fault of theirs). The service dept is open 24 hours M-F and the weekends are open like most dealerships during the week.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If anyone is thinking about ordering a Y2K you had better GET YOUR ORDER IN QUICKLY! Ford's just about filled up on orders for the 2000 model year. If you don't get your order in sometime in the next 2 weeks you'll have a LONG (approx 5 MONTH!) wait as your truck will be a 2001 model. Our salesperson (Ken English) had NO reason to lie about this... and he's a straight shooter from the getgo, besides. All Ford dealers have been notified . These trucks are HOT and Ford seriously underestimated how many would be sold. They just can NOT build enough of them. Check with your intended dealer(s) to verify this. But all the hype about not being able to build enough of these, ain't no rumor! the clock is against them.
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00 F350-XLT SC/LB/PSD/6SPD/TT/PTT Mirrors/LINE-X/WdgWdBlue.
I have read here that there are standard rail protectors on the Lariat as well as (according to Lewac...congrats by the way!) clearance lights. Clearance lights aren't standard on the Lariat are they? All my info says they are an option even with the Lariat. And will my Lariat come with rail protectors? I always check this site at night so my dealership is closed.
cowpokes-Hey, where've you been? We are horse hunting here in the state o'Maine, and I am wishing I had the kind of horses available here that are out west....quiet, calm, dependable trail companions. Is your dog for sale...?
I've been ordered for 3 months. At last check prior to the banishment from the VOPC I was still clean and unscheduled. Dealer info like pulling teeth.
Interesting to note lewac's comments regarding the demand for the SD - seems contrary to Ford slowing down the line from 10.7 hours per shift to 10 hours as we learned some posts ago (and on Ford-Diesel). Something doesn't mesh to me with the conflicting directions. Every salesman and dealer I spoke with when ordering told me they could sell any SD they could get. One dealer just south of the VA border in NC is getting trucks from Canada to sell. I too would think Ford would be cranking them out as fast as possible, especially when they are clearing approx average of $7K per unit (they can afford to give us the duffel bags - which by the way I am still waiting for).
I know everybody says it is worth the wait, but enough is enough. Like Carly Simon sings ..... Anticipation
Again....congrats lewac.....
now the bad news
while parked at work last wednesday a guy who works in my building backed into my truck denting and scrapping the drivers side of the bed "from the rear mudflap to the bumper. well low and behold i didnt notice it till 3 days latter when i went to wash it. i knew who did it when i looked at the back of his van and my paint was on it. he says "he didnt know he hit it" but he's not putting up a fight cause i filed a police report on it as a hit and run and he saw my paint on his rear bumper. so now i have to bring it in and get an appraisal on the 10th. from what the insurance guy told me there so backed up i was lucky to get a date then to bring it in and have them look at it. i just hope they can match up the paint being that the truck is so new only a month old. i plan on taking it to pierce collision in natick, mass they put my lund visor on and have done work for me in the past. i hope no one else has had to go thru this yet with there super duty.?
Ford site: How long has that phone in been there? Curious that no one found it before now isn't it?
goodwin: too bad about the scrape. I saw a SD on a wrecker all caved in the other day and sorta felt bad for the owner.
Mainecowgirl, I know it's a long way for you to drive, but I did check out that Line-X dealer in Plymouth, MA. The owner's name is Bob and from what I saw he does an excellent spray job. I saw an old truck he had just finished and he made it look great. I think the Line-X product goes on smoother, there is texture, but no runs and sags like I saw with the Rhino. Bob is a very nice guy to talk with, I think I will use him for my truck. He needs a full day for the complete job. It's true what others have said, you need to look around for a good shop to do this. A company can have the best liner product, but it's no good if the person doing the application is sloppy. I hope this helps.
By the way, and I won't write a treatise for those would-be lawyers on the site who missed that day in torts class, interference with contractual relations does not require that a lie be told--only that the statement be recklessly made and done with malice, spite, or out of revenge.
Last, suing somebody because you think they'll fold due to the downside that it is too expensive to fight the suit in this over-litigious society of ours really makes my point. Don't contribute to our litigious system by being another jerk filing a suit with little or nothing to gain. The courts have better things to do.
Stick to trucks, gentlemen, about which you might know something.
Mine is on it's way. I've been tracking it progress on the Burlington-Northern web site using the VIN tracing tool. As of 21:33 this evening, my new rig was passing through Havre, Montana on it's way to Kent Washington (south of Seattle). Supposed to arrive in Kent saturday morning.
I've been looking at the railroad maps on the BN web page, and it turns out that once into Washington State, the train can take a Northern route over Steven's Pass or a Southern Route over Snoqualimie Pass. Funny thing is, if the train takes the Northern route, it'll be coming down a set of tracks about 2 miles from my house! I figure I'll know friday night which way the train is coming, and I just may be sitting by the side of the tracks saturday morning trying to get a glimpse of my new baby.
Call me obsessive, but hey, I am a "have not" wanna-be and I can't help it :-)
According to the maps on the BN site, the joint UP/BN rail lines are south of Tacoma, so I'm hoping that my rig stays snug in it's railcar till the final destination - the less unloads/reloads, the less chance of damage.
I'll be keeping an eye on the route, and I'll post an update when I know more...
There web page is http://www.line-x.com/ and you can search for dealers by zip. If you have a choice, shop around. I got 2 different quotes. Ended up going to the dealer 20 miles farther away and saved $50.
Cost for my SB, under the rails, was $350 + tax.
I decided to leave mine on for now. They can do just a rail spray at a later date if I desire.
Dying to wash the beast. The truck is black somewhere underneath the salt and road grime. Still got slush/ice on the secondary roads here in VA/DC area and my hose is froze. I will kill the fool who goes up and fingers 'WASH ME' on the side. Know what I mean?
I had the bed of my truck done by Arma-Coat here in WY, won't go into detail again, the real difference between brands of spray-in bed-liners is the shop and most important the gun operator. Look at the trucks they have done in the past, if they won't give you names, they may not have many happy customers. Most want to show off their truck, so if they don't have "references" I would be very leary.
I looked into having those beautiful rail covers taken off and having the rails sprayed also, have you looked under your bed rails? there are more holes under that piece of plastic than steel.
So instead of doing a major amount of body work to get rid of those wonderful plastic rail covers, I decided to live with them.
Mainecowgirl we can always talk about shipping the big puppy out east, she sure could use some time at a good finishing school out there. Her manners are terrible, she steals beer that is not hers, sticks her nose into every conversation, and announces very loudly if she feels she is not getting her share of attention, grain, candy, brushing, or simply being where the action is.
But I think I would have to find another planet to live on if I let her visit out east.
Yes there are lot of horses around and with a little home work and research you can some real gems.
Sorry for the digression folks, back to truck talk
Have Fun
Cowpokes
Guess all ya'll that tried to help stymey with all the suggestions got your come-uppance. I was really impressed with all the big words but had to get out Webster to figure out what they meant. Guess that old boy got a sand burr twixt his hiney and missed school the day they learnt folks about "how to win friends and influence folks". Maybe I oughttta be fixin to go back to school so I don't get ignoranter and ignoranter and so I can tell wise folks when I hear them. .02
V-10 auto 10.4 mpg with 4x4 in city
I heard on one of the other sites, Ford is back looged 22,000 orders, so I take it the CC makes up 21,999 of those orders.Here we sit twiddling our thumbs.......thinking what I'm going to stuff that ford duffle bag with. I wondering since you guys that have your trucks, maybe you could tell me how much of a drop will I need to be in the 18-20" range for my ball to hitch my Musky Boat to.
F250 CC 4x4 HD Supension,265's Lariat (ordered 9/27/99) For being Late Ford did agree on 7.3% financing for 5 yrs. down from there normal 8.7.
Thanks, hope to a be "have" soon.
northpole, how about this nutty weather? Here in Anchorage, we had around a foot of snow on Sunday and Monday, followed by mid 40s and 100+ mph winds yesterday, followed by mixed rain and snow and upper 30s today. Avalanches have had kept the Seward Hwy closed all week. The truck is getting quite the workout. It's amazing how many Chevys you can drive over on the way to work...er,uh....I mean, drive past. Your weather doesn't appear to be quite as interesting up there, but it's downright tropical for you compared to the normal stuff.
jones, spare us the legal lectures. The fact that this situation may have deteriorated to a point of threats by a customer is a poor reflection on the dealership. Whether it was an honest error or not, the dealer made an error that has impacted a paying customer.
The dealer has plenty of options to resolve the issue, still make a profit, and more importantly make the customer happy. Word of mouth is still the best advertising. The dealer should never have let this person leave the dealership without negotiating a reasonable resolution.
As far as what is a reasonable deal, I'd be pushing for a $500 off the previously negotiated price and the purchase of a bug deflector, mud flaps and floor mats at dealer cost. Think about it. The dealer is going to make $500 less profit and loses nothing on the sale of the accessories. You kow he made more than $500 more profit by selling the truck off the showroom floor to a walk-in customer.
If you've waited 3-4+ months for a vehicle that the dealer mistakenly (or intentionally) sold out from under you, and the best they can offer is the same deal and another 3-4+ month wait, that's simply unacceptable. The key to negotiation is information and then using that information as leverage. I'd be pulling out all the stops to ensure the dealer knows that I am aware of my potential avenues of recourse and that all of those avenues will cost him a lot more than it will take to right the wrong (whether intetional or not) with me.
You're getting hung up on the sign and lawsuit issues. The phone call from the dealership to their attorney will likely cost more than it would take to make this customer satisfied. Once they realize, you're not going to go away, they will be much more inclined to reach a reasonable resolution. They're counting on you just walking away, or playing ball with a "these things happen" attitude.
Just out of curiousity, are you in the auto sales business?
As someone stated....I think lewac....there is NO WAY with all the order paperwork that comes with an ordered truck...can a dealer "mistake" it for one that goes on the lot. Hell, punching the VIN in the dealer computer will identify it as an "ordered vehicle".
And geez...jjones....I thought that was how lawyers made a living....
By the way....what type of lawyer are you?????
Crazyelvis Esq.
Good Luck.
'00 F350, XLT, 4X4, SD, SC, V10, LS, cup holders, etc. $100 over.
Est delivery date 2/21
Billingsley Ford, Lawton OK, talk to Carl.
as far as mpg the last 2 weeks i got a worst of 7.5 and a good one of 10.5 not to bad for the v-10 it has just over a 1,000 miles i think a 1,089 oh well i have to get back to work now.
I think the spray in liner issue might well be a regional thing. Here in Central ILL, RHINO is the preferred brand. I had one sprayed in the back of mine, grey to match the bed caps, and love it!! Stuff doesn't slide, easy to unload stuff(mulch, rock, lumber), easy to clean. If considering, have the 5th wheel hitch installed first then the spray can be used to help seal the holes from the installation. Happy hunting....
cowpokes- I was just kidding about big paint. She sounds like a keeper. It's actually a friend looking so I'll let her do the leg work. Thanks for your liner info, too.
jjones-Of all the posts I have read on this forum, and we are talking hundreds, yours is the first, the only ONE, where the only thing gleaned was ego. Knock it off. I have been so consistently impressed with the lack of ego in this forum and the kind, considerate way folks pass on information. Some may get frustrated and vent their agitation and others may give ideas on what could be done, but chances are this forum has given that person an opportunity to get moral support, and they log off to go on and do the right thing.
Seriously.....I know GM has production facilities in Mexico...and I was aware of Ford Parts and Accessories facilities in Mexico...but not production plants......Maybe we should call Ross Perot and see if he knows anything about the sucking sound of jobs going south a la NAFTA....
Lewac.....so how do you like the truck today???
a. The 5.4L Superduties are blessed with a remote oil filter, placing it right next to the drain plug far away from suspension pieces and frame..
The F150 folks are cussing the oil filter location on their 5.4L rigs..
b. When I back into snow banks, (which we happen to have here in Raleigh NC still), I bend the trailer wiring receptacles.. Any thoughts on how to better protect this, besides being more careful when I back up.. I have't broken them, and I'll be more careful anyway now that I know that they're vulnerable.
Can only presume from this conversation, that I am at the bottom of the priority heap for delivery because of the low margin deal. I'm a 1st time buyer at this dealership and it's outside my local community (140 miles away), so I don't see where I have much of any leverage to get the dealership to expedite my order. So I'm just waiting...waiting...waiting...
One last comment from the salesman -- he said part of the long delivery relates to the power stroke engine. He said that Ford made it an option on their new Excursion and badly underestimated the demand, limiting the PSD availability for the superduty.
I did know you were kidding, just taking up some word space to brag on her, sorry. We have alot of good horses out here, but we also have alot of ranch horses that know only work and go 100mph, great for riding fences and moving cattle not so great for pleasure or kids. I just hope I win the lotto if my girls want to get into jumping and trials.
P.S. Nicely put in responding to jjones!
OK OK on to a truck question, has any one else out there had their 4x4 350 feel like it really hops when itis locked in 4wd much more than, say a 97 HD250?
Thanks
Brutus & others have the clearance light "option" correct. It IS an option on the lariat, but there's no choice when you have the dually (regardless of trim level). Anyhow, was taking a closer look at them & they're not "bad" looking after all.
Agree with the Rhino/Line-X issue. It's probably a matter of preference along with the actual application. We're going with Line-X because there's a very good installation company about 20 miles away & their price is reasonable for this area ($385 for the short bed) + "T".going to retain the top rail "guards" (they come with the lariat) because of the holes that would be exposed if they were removed.
We also got to get some mud flaps (any suggestions? . Seen a lot of posts a while back but where???). we're getting window vents from the dealer (Gator Ford the locals around here are a joke) because they'll paint them with the Oxford white to match the truck exactly (don't want stainless or some shade of gray or black). Then we've got to install the fiver bed rails & brake... the main reason for purchasing this beast to begin with.
GEICO gave us a hell of deal on the extended (7 year/100K mile) warranty... $1,230. took one look under that hood... no way I'm going to mess with that thing 'til I absolutely have to!
tbender1... what was the original quoted delivery? 8 months? anything less & I'd cancel the deal. here's why: the salesperson telling you that the psd is the "problem" is TOTALLY BOGUS. that's a dealer "jack-a-round" if I ever heard one! sounds like an order placement without any allocation (priority 99... which is just about as bad as a no order). they either don't have allocation (after 6 months?) or they're just selling inventory deals at much better pricing (for them) & are "back-burning" your deal. do you have a DORA/VOC copy? do you have a VIN? The VIN is generally issued a couple of WEEKS after the order (and "ties" YOU to that specific vehicle) is received by Ford IF the dealer has allocation (and most times it's already on the DORA). it will definitely be issued well b4 the build date being scheduled. note that there are many issues that affect a schedule date that are factory related (see ford-diesel.com) but there would not be a factory related holdup on the schedule for 6 months. no way! The numeral uno reason for not obtaining a prompt build date is the lack of dealer allocation for your "general" (model, body style, engine) config. I'd find someone with allocation (you may pay a little more but at least you'll get a truck sometime during your lifetime)!
even if you had to travel 1000 miles to find one (which you won't). I know.. 6 months "out-the-window" is a tough "pill", but... don't wait much longer or you may not even get into a Y2K ordered vehicle as these things are HOT! luck to you.