Does anyone know of a dealer in Michigan who is willing to sell Sport Tracs near invoice price? I am looking for a fully loaded ST in Toreador Red, Island Blue, or Silver. Can't seem to find a dealer yet who will come close to invoice. I live in central Lower Peninsula. Thanks.
If you order a Tonneau cover with your ST it will come with your vehicle.
The reason that the cut off date was important to many people was that some people decided to order an ST without the cover so that they could get it sooner. Or other people decided to just buy one off the lot. Regardless, if they beat the cut off date they're able to order one for $590 instead of a much higher price at the parts counter.
If you want a cover you'd better order it with the vehicle.
I received a letter from Ford today telling me that my 16" Firestone tires were not affected by the recall. They go on to explain that even though it is a Firestone recall they will do everything to help with the tire replacement. They will not deliver any Sport Tracs with the defective tires. I also read in the news that production will be slowed so that nondefective tires that were to be delivered to the plant could be redirected to dealers and tire outlets.
Does the Ford soft cover for the Sport Trac put bars across the bed? Does the soft cover roll up when not in use? I think my dealer blew it when they ordered and installed the soft cover.
Can anyone tell me where they were able to find the 5 digit code for the key pad entry system? I call my dealer twice and talked to two different people and they did not know. Said the sport trac was so new that they didn't have any idea! The manual states to look in the glove compartment. I can't find it anywhere. HELP!!
TO CJHESS: Thanks for the hyperlink to A.R.E. (Post #108) Great photo of the camper style cover for the sport trac.
Does anyone have a bug deflector on their s/t? Where did you find it? Brand name, part #, cost? THANKS!
My 5 digit code for the key pad entry system is up under the light in the glove compartment. It's hard to see and you might have take light out to read it. You should gotten a small white card with your keys and it has the code on it.
I have the soft tonneau from Ford, and yes it has two bars (easily installed and to remove) and does roll up (there are two straps with snap attached to the back bar). I think it looks great, but still think a hard cover offers several pluses (can be locked and the cage will work with the cover attached.)I plan on ordering the hard cover if I ever receive the "letter" which was supposed to be sent out "right away" two weeks ago. My code for the door locks was on a white card in the front of the owners manual. One question ... I went to the A.R.E. site and found three local dealers. But when I called them for a quote on a hard tonneau for my ST, the number I got was $700, not $585.So check around before you assume the lower $ number is correct in your town!
I also did not receive the card with the entry code on it. My salesman said that it's printed somewhere on the truck also. Under the light in the glovebox someone posted? I haven't had a chance to look for it yet. Also...STILL waiting for that cargo cage to come in - it's been over 3 months! Something's not right. Those of you with the T cover, do you like it? Is it what you expected? How about others with the aftermarket covers, what are your comments? As I recall, I believe someone posted that they were getting the painted aftermarket cover that leaves a black strip around the bed since it does not cover the tie downs...how does it look? Thanks for any information!
P.S....just received my chairs and Swiss army knife, so they're still sending them out. Too bad they're not sending out that cargo cage!
Go to response #108 and click on the hyperlink for A.R.E. Look at the LSII-Series one piece covers. They can be keyed to match your existing key and LOOKS GREAT with the black strip and tiedowns showing!! I like it! Too bad for me because I ordered the Ford cover and it's in now. Have an appointment for installation on Saturday morning. Check out the MX Series Caps for the sport trac too while you're on that link.
Okay, I admit it. I was obsessed with finding out more about the audiophile system. But my curiosity has been appeased, you shall hear no more, unless you ask.
I got thrown for a loop when people started telling me that the head unit was a Pioneer model instead of the Visteon. Well, I searched and searched online to find information about this change in information but could find no double-DIN 6disc in-dash Pioneer changer. No where. So I decided to drop by my dealership to see if they had any on the lot so I may seek the truth.
It is, as I understood in my last post on this, that the head unit is indeed the Visteon changer. The unit's branding states Pioneer *Sound System* on the door where the CDs go in. But it looks exactly like the Visteon. It does appear color-keyed to match the finish on the door handles, or it could have been to match the graphite interior, rather than plain black finish
Alas, I can rest now and read the forum only every other day until the ST arrives...
Please oh please don't slow down production at the ST plant for the tires...
Ford is sending out letters to Sport Trac owners whose vehicle "build" date is 7/28 or earlier. They are offering hard, folding tonneau covers at the msrp price of $590 delivered and installed by your dealer. Check earlier posts for more details and phone number to call.
I read that some people are putting K&N Airfilters in their ST. When I went to autozone today they told me that K&N has not yet made a filter for the ST. Where did you get yours from and are you happy with it?
It is $45.70 plus tax and fits like a glove. I think that I've noticed a difference in the performance of my ST, but it's had to tell with such a small increase.
I should definitely notice a difference, when I combine it with a chip and a straight through muffler.
RE: st18 I haven't bought one yet, so I can't tell you who has them in stock, but I bet you can order one directly from them or they can supply you with a dealer or chain's name. The part # I posted was from K&N's email to me when I inquired about the part. I do have one on my Ranger and it works great so long as you follow their cleaning intervals and oiling instructions!
OK...I have a job 1 ST with no sub option available, but I would like to install a sub-woofer. Does anyone know anything about the factory installed sub. Can you buy the box and speaker from Ford or is someone else making a box that fits in a ST.
I don't know if the upgraded head unit added pre-outs or not. According to an earlier post (in Topic II I think) someone speculated that there wasn't going to be a pre-out, that it was going to be configured without one. You can hook up the sub without the pre-out, it is just not the way the gung-ho audio folks would do it.
fmurray: The consensus seems to be it is a Visteon in-dash unit with a Pioneer sound system
On another note, I saw an ST in the showroom with the "Outfitters" package. From what I could see, you had the outfitters logo on the sides in front of each of to front two doors. A white decal that says "No Boundaries" on the front windshield across the top. And leather seats, not the ones with the separate headrests, with the outfitter's logo embroidered on. I didn't notice anything else specific, except the rubbing gas door. I asked for an accessories catalog only to find out that it's the one before the ST after I got home.
A BIG "THANK YOU" to rb125 and robertc5!!! I found the keyless entry code!!!
Has anyone installed a light rack on top of their st or know of anyone who has done so? Could you post pictures and brand name, cost, etc. I'm thinking of one made of chrome or polished stainless steel with rectangular lights (2). Thanks to anyone with help/suggestions.
I ordered the K&N filter at carparts.com for $39+shipping; have had them on several cars (incl 360 hp 95 Z28) and well worth the money. Also, have talked to a audio company that I and several friends have dealt with for several years - not much (if anything) can be done to upgrade the Visteon 6disc - it has no pre-outs. The expert is on vacation this week, & I will talk to him on monday & let y'all know anything I find out.
I've taken my ST back to the dealer today..free oil change,paint my door bottoms{or at least set time to do in the future},have tires checked-have HT not AT,they know about steering shudder but Ford is not sure what to do to fix it,replacing console..this was scraped from the factory,check alignment of rear window. I noticed on the passenger side of the box,a scrape in the material before it was painted. It's as if something was pulled along side it that put a slight crease in the composite and was then painted over. Any idea if you can rub or buff out a problem like that on this kind of material? Last week I received my folding chairs and knife,thanks Ford! I also filled out the 2nd customer response form regarding what my feelings are thus far on my purchase. When I took it in the 1st time I showed them the items I needed fixed. The biggest problem was the marred console{"the bag" console..which I like}. They ordered it along with a few other items. I was called about a week later saying all was ready to install. Drive out and am told the console is not in,will rush order it and have in 3 days. I wait a week,no call, so I call them. Yes, it's on order and they'll call me. I wait 6 weeks and finally call them again. Oh,it's been here for a few weeks but receiving never told anyone it was in..RIGHT! I'd like to get it done but need a loaner,can have loaner on 9-14-00,they're all taken till then.I'll bring in and wait or have my wife pick me up. SO..on the customer service form I explain my tribulations/frustrations w/service dept. I called to confirm part IS in and am told it takes a few hours to replace console. I have a 7:30 appt. at Ford, can it be done by 9-9:30? Probably not I'm told but, "I can get you a loaner to use!" OK, I'll take it..thanks! I'm just looking for consistantcy,know what I mean? I'm curious though..did the dealership get a copy of my response and I'm getting some response or were they having a bad day last time I was there? I'll keep you informed.
Has anybody put larger tires on their ST's yet? I saw a black ST at my dealership with larger tires but forgot to look at the size. With all the concern about the Firestone's thinking of changing brands...........
Don't all you Sport Trac owners think you are the only ones who have to wait for parts and accessories.
As far as accessories, I ordered splash guards for my Explorer XLS on July 30, and they have not yet arrived. And the dealer I ordered them from does Ford part distribution for all of Central NJ. The guy at the parts department tells me "I've been having a big problem getting accessories in, especially for these new vehicles"
As far as parts, my sister brought her XLT to the same dealer for radio problems (after the had a 2 week wait for an appointment). Well, turns out she needs a new radio, but they didnt have one in stock (You would think if they had someone coming for a radio problem you would make sure you had one in stock, especially after you made them wait two weeks for an appointment). Anyway, the "rush ordered" radio has not arrived, and she's been driving around with a gaping hole in her dash for 10 days.
When I get frustrated with the lack of service my dealer gives for free, I'll send an email to my dealer and to Owner Connection at cacowner@customersupportctr.com. This way, Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship can't say their not aware of our complaints. Also, with emails, I'll have a record/copy for the next one, when they don't respond back.
I will be driving my new sportrac(assuming it comes in by Dec)to Colorado skiing and need a ski rack for the top. I believe I saw a sportrac called Artic ? in a magazine and think it was decked out with a ski rack. Does anyone know if there is one available for the ST and where I can check to get one?
has anyone installed a K&N Cone filter instead of the 1 that goes in the box? I want to install 1 but am concerned about voiding the warranty. anyone have any thoughts on the subject?
You cannot void the warrenty on your truck because the K&N filter is SAE approved . On the K&N box it clearly says you cannot void your warrenty by installing thier filter. I installed a K&N filter on my 2001 sport and noticed much better stop and go accleration.It is very easy to install and is well worth the $40.00 investment.The filter will fit 1997-2001 explorers with the 4.0 litre SOHC engine.hope this helps...
Me again. I mis read your message. You will void your warrenty because in order to install a cone filter you will have to remove your air filter sensor and doing any alterations to your emissions system will void your warrenty. You are problably better off installing a regular K&N box filter.
DBERNDT: You got an estate green ST and said you were going to put on some darker tint, mud flaps, and bug deflector. Where'd you get your colored molded bug deflector? And how does it look on your estate green?
My Estate Green ST is due in 9/18. (For all you tracking dates, Ordered 6/22, VIN 8/4, Built 8/28, Promised week of 9/18)
I want to put on a molded bug deflector, mud flaps, cargo mat, tint, hitch, and maybe a brush guard (I've never been a fan of them in the past though). I got a list of accessories from rjkunkle's site, but there's no pictures. Is everyone happy with there mud flaps and cargo mats from Ford. How much did tinting cost you? Any opinions on bug shields?
I just picked up my bed mat today. I am very pleased. I think this should be standard equipment. It really dresses up the bed and is well worth $40. It is at least one quarter inch thick and very heavy. It is necesary, however, to cut off about half the length of the rubber bumpers on the cargo cage that it rests on when it is stowed in the bed. The mat raises the cargo cage and the locks will not fit into the holes properly.
I ordered my ST knowing full well that the tonneau cover was not available yet. The brochure told me and the dealer told.
I am pleasantly surprised with Ford's tonneau offer for us early buyers. They did not have to do this and I did not expect them to do it. I am grateful that they are giving me the option and I appreciate it greatly. Thank you Ed for arranging this.
A lot of new vehicles that come out have "late availablitity" items. IMHO I do not feel that the manufacturer has to go back and provide early buyers with the late availability items.
My ST repairs were finished in record time! They even washed it and steam cleaned a small stain off the front passenger seat..gratis! They will paint my door bottoms at my earliest convenience and also the side of the box. My service advisor told me,"things will be a lot different around here since we're starting the Blue Oval Team!". Seems they have an agreement with Ford about making people happy and in return Ford offers the dealership employees incentives for good customer relations. A copy of my work order is put in a pool with all work orders that J.D.Power picks from. They will select 300 and personally call 80 of them. If they receive 3 negative responses Ford becomes angry and makes the managers detail cars in the rain. Well..he didn't tell me exactly what happens but they ARE trying to improve in all areas. All I know is,they made my day with the loaner and I'll get another one when I come back for the paint. Anyone heard about this "Blue Oval Team"? Now..if I can just get them to let me try a performance chip...
RWINEGAR - Either push the cage down a little harder (will make it harder/impossible to steal it w/tailgate up), or take it out and flip it over; if you notice, on the bottom there are two 'knobs' on the end verticle bars & on the top they are on the middle two bars (found this out when I took it off to use the bed & re-installed it the opposite way). Either way will work, & the pressure keeps prying hands from taking either (hopefully). I have the smoke bug deflector f/Ford (more expensive, but nice to have the ford emblem on it) as well as the mud flaps & a safari bar (photos on Yahoo!! SportTrac site under STMOOSE21); trailer hitch & JET chip to be installed tomorrow, and K&N filter made noticable difference (wouldn't do a conicle filter until cold air induction produced - this will not void warranty unless you get rid of any pollution controls, which most don't). Wrote to Borla urging them to produce cat-back exhaust & headers So far W/3800 miles, getting about 16.9 mpg overall, with best of 19.9 (mostly highway w/gate down.
I don't know when you ordered or took receipt of your ST; however, we ordered ours on 4/29/00. We put the tonneau on our order but had it removed after the dealer told us that it would be after August before we would take delivery. "Standard" build and delivery should have taken 6-8 weeks, which would have met the 7/24 deadline. When I spoke with my dealer, he said that I would "probably" be able to receive the offer from Ford. When I checked with customer service, they said "no". I confirmed this later with my dealer as well. So I have a scummy dealer, but what do you expect? All they want is your money and they never keep you informed of anything, anyway. If I had known that it would take this long (including the 5-6 week closing for retooling and now the Firestone tire problem), I would have left the cover on the order. Half of my wait time has been due to Ford's poor organizational and marketing skills. If you are going to advertise something, you had better be damn sure you got the goods to back it up. This is a simple rule of economics: Supply must meet the demand or you are going to run into problems.
The Blue Oval Team, as I understand it, is Ford's latest incentive starting in Sept to all its Dealers. Here is what Edmunds says about it in the "Dealer Holdback" section of Ford:
"Using a hypothetical Ford in our example also brings us to a new issue regarding holdbacks. Ford Motor Company is trying to boost customer service ratings, and to do so, has decided to offer qualifying dealers a "rebate" on the invoice price of all 2001 Fords invoiced after September 1, 2000. The "rebate" amounts to 1.25 percent of the total invoice, and only Ford dealers who've earned Blue Oval status from the automaker will qualify. The company estimates that only 70 percent of Ford retailers will gain Blue Oval certification, so when buying a Ford, be careful where you shop. A better deal might be available at a certified Blue Oval store. A similar program is planned for Lincoln products and dealers."
To all you out there that have not negotiated your final price, beware of this new incentive. It's money that you can be saving as well if you are informed when you walk in to order!!! It could be as much as a $270 kickback the dealer gets for this on top of the $900+ dealer holdback. They still make money at the invoice price. So offereing NO MORE than $500 over invoice is plenty fair. Stick to your guns when shopping and use the phone before the pavement. I called every Atlanta area Ford Dealer before I got someone to agree to my terms. Shop wisely!
Sounds like you are getting some misinformation from your dealer. The ST plant did not close for 5-6 weeks for retooling, it did not even close for one day for retooling. They had a 2 week vacation shutdown which all plants do at the same time every year.
As for the Firestone issue, the ST plant is not one of them that was shutdown to free up tire supply. According to Reuters the only 3 plants shut down to free up tire supply are the Edison Assembly in Edison N.J., Twin Cities Assembly in St. Paul, Minn., and St. Louis Assembly, in Hazelwood, Mo.
The ST is only built at one plant, the Louisville Assembly plant.
According to Automotive News, the 'days supply' figure for the ST is about the same as the Chrysler PT Cruiser. Hot vehicles are in short supply. At least the Ford dealers are not charging over sticker for the ST like dealers did when the Miata, VW Beetle came out and now with the PT Crusier.
I suspect your dealer is probably a smaller one without a large allocation of STs or it is a larger one but put your order in at a low priority.
I ordered mine in March and took deliver in late May, it was about 10 weeks. Even now my dealer still doesn't have any in stock and most of the incoming units are presold.
Who ever you talked to didn't know anything they were talking about. The tonneau is being sold already, people with the letter are getting theres. Here in the Detroit area they are showing up on dealer lots. This dealer had at least 6 sport tracs sitting on his lot last week and 1 had the cover on it http://www.gornoford.com
It is a Ford accessory. Part #YL5Z-99112A15-AA price is $40. I ordered one last week and am waiting for it to come in. I saw a photo of it and it has SPORT TRAC printed on it. It is black and looks very good.
thanks for the update/part #, Its a must have because of my experence this weekend. I put car ramps in the bed and had to listen to them slide about banging back and forth, it made a believer out of me, the bed mats are a must. Also in a previous post someone talked about cutting down the rubber on the bed extender because of the bedmat, another idea may be to cut the same diameter holes in the mat so the bedextender rubber drops in, of course I don't know if it a good idea until I get a mat. You guys with mats already, what do you think???
Hi all. I've been enjoying the comments here. I'm still shopping for my Sport Trac; the supply is finally is starting to catch up a little here in the Atlanta market, I looked at about a dozen different Sport Tracs last week. Some are even being advertised and modestly discounted.
I've decided to start a Sport Trac enthusiast web site, so I hope you'll drop by and contribute at www.mysporttrac.com.
Hey Traction: There are some dealers out there that feel they have the hottest commodity and don't have to sell it for sticker or below. Gwinnett Place Ford in Atlanta has removed the factory label/window sticker and replaced it with a skinny little sticker that ends up at $3,000 OVER the MSRP. That's right, $3,000 MORE than the MSRP, which in most cases is $2,000-$3,000 already over invoice. So this dealer is getting (or charging) roughly $6,000 over the invoice price. They are dubbing it a 'limited production markup'. They are also doing it on all their convertible mustangs since it is summer and those are in hot demand. I hope they get stuck with their inventory, but unfortunately there are people out there that will pay it and not research it.....suckers.
I called Ford Customer Service a week ago and asked them if the bed divider came with the tonneau cover. They said that they would investigate it. Yesterday I received a postcard asking me to call them. Well, Susan at CS said that the question was investigated and that the bed divider DID come with the tonneau. I have not received mine yet, it is on order, but we will see. I explained that others did not receive theirs. This should be interesting. Believe me I will keep in touch with them when I get mine with or without the bed divider. Anyone else get the divider with theirs?
Comments
www.4are.com
If you order a Tonneau cover with your ST it will come with your vehicle.
The reason that the cut off date was important to many people was that some people decided to order an ST without the cover so that they could get it sooner. Or other people decided to just buy one off the lot. Regardless, if they beat the cut off date they're able to order one for $590 instead of a much higher price at the parts counter.
If you want a cover you'd better order it with the vehicle.
I also read in the news that production will be slowed so that nondefective tires that were to be delivered to the plant could be redirected to dealers and tire outlets.
with everything (except 4x4 and moonroof) !!!
TO CJHESS: Thanks for the hyperlink to A.R.E. (Post #108) Great photo of the camper style cover for the sport trac.
Does anyone have a bug deflector on their s/t? Where did you find it? Brand name, part #, cost?
THANKS!
Also...STILL waiting for that cargo cage to come in - it's been over 3 months! Something's not right. Those of you with the T cover, do you like it? Is it what you expected? How about others with the aftermarket covers, what are your comments? As I recall, I believe someone posted that they were getting the painted aftermarket cover that leaves a black strip around the bed since it does not cover the tie downs...how does it look? Thanks for any information!
P.S....just received my chairs and Swiss army knife, so they're still sending them out. Too bad they're not sending out that cargo cage!
I got thrown for a loop when people started telling me that the head unit was a Pioneer model instead of the Visteon. Well, I searched and searched online to find information about this change in information but could find no double-DIN 6disc in-dash Pioneer changer. No where. So I decided to drop by my dealership to see if they had any on the lot so I may seek the truth.
It is, as I understood in my last post on this, that the head unit is indeed the Visteon changer. The unit's branding states Pioneer *Sound System* on the door where the CDs go in. But it looks exactly like the Visteon. It does appear color-keyed to match the finish on the door handles, or it could have been to match the graphite interior, rather than plain black finish
Alas, I can rest now and read the forum only every other day until the ST arrives...
Please oh please don't slow down production at the ST plant for the tires...
Ford is sending out letters to Sport Trac owners whose vehicle "build" date is 7/28 or earlier. They are offering hard, folding tonneau covers at the msrp price of $590 delivered and installed by your dealer. Check earlier posts for more details and phone number to call.
http://www.performanceproducts.com/Catalog/KNENG/K&N%20Air%20Filter.asp
Check - Air Filter V6 4.0L, V8 5.0L Flat filter
It is $45.70 plus tax and fits like a glove. I think that I've noticed a difference in the performance of my ST, but it's had to tell with such a small increase.
I should definitely notice a difference, when I combine it with a chip and a straight through muffler.
I haven't bought one yet, so I can't tell you who
has them in stock, but I bet you can order one directly from them or they can supply you
with a dealer or chain's name. The part # I posted was from K&N's email to me when I inquired about the part. I do have one on my Ranger and it
works great so long as you follow their cleaning
intervals and oiling instructions!
What good is a truck without good sounding tunes.
Several sites list this info on the Audiophile system with a MSRP of: $510
· Pioneer 290-watt peak pwr amplifier
· 6- speakers
· subwoofer
· digital clock
So, is this a "Pioneer" system or "Visteon" ???
fmurray: The consensus seems to be it is a Visteon in-dash unit with a Pioneer sound system
On another note, I saw an ST in the showroom with the "Outfitters" package. From what I could see, you had the outfitters logo on the sides in front of each of to front two doors. A white decal that says "No Boundaries" on the front windshield across the top. And leather seats, not the ones with the separate headrests, with the outfitter's logo embroidered on. I didn't notice anything else specific, except the rubbing gas door.
Has anyone installed a light rack on top of their st or know of anyone who has done so? Could you post pictures and brand name, cost, etc. I'm thinking of one made of chrome or polished stainless steel with rectangular lights (2). Thanks to anyone with help/suggestions.
Also, have talked to a audio company that I and several friends have dealt with for several years - not much (if anything) can be done to upgrade the Visteon 6disc - it has no pre-outs. The expert is on vacation this week, & I will talk to him on monday & let y'all know anything I find out.
Last week I received my folding chairs and knife,thanks Ford! I also filled out the 2nd customer response form regarding what my feelings are thus far on my purchase. When I took it in the 1st time I showed them the items I needed fixed. The biggest problem was the marred console{"the bag" console..which I like}. They ordered it along with a few other items. I was called about a week later saying all was ready to install. Drive out and am told the console is not in,will rush order it and have in 3 days. I wait a week,no call, so I call them. Yes, it's on order and they'll call me. I wait 6 weeks and finally call them again. Oh,it's been here for a few weeks but receiving never told anyone it was in..RIGHT! I'd like to get it done but need a loaner,can have loaner on 9-14-00,they're all taken till then.I'll bring in and wait or have my wife pick me up. SO..on the customer service form I explain my tribulations/frustrations w/service dept. I called to confirm part IS in and am told it takes a few hours to replace console. I have a 7:30 appt. at Ford, can it be done by 9-9:30? Probably not I'm told but, "I can get you a loaner to use!" OK, I'll take it..thanks! I'm just looking for consistantcy,know what I mean? I'm curious though..did the dealership get a copy of my response and I'm getting some response or were they having a bad day last time I was there? I'll keep you informed.
As far as accessories, I ordered splash guards for my Explorer XLS on July 30, and they have not yet arrived. And the dealer I ordered them from does Ford part distribution for all of Central NJ. The guy at the parts department tells me "I've been having a big problem getting accessories in, especially for these new vehicles"
As far as parts, my sister brought her XLT to the same dealer for radio problems (after the had a 2 week wait for an appointment). Well, turns out she needs a new radio, but they didnt have one in stock (You would think if they had someone coming for a radio problem you would make sure you had one in stock, especially after you made them wait two weeks for an appointment). Anyway, the "rush ordered" radio has not arrived, and she's been driving around with a gaping hole in her dash for 10 days.
Where can you buy one of those DIN radio removal tools?
Thanks
My Estate Green ST is due in 9/18. (For all you tracking dates, Ordered 6/22, VIN 8/4, Built 8/28, Promised week of 9/18)
I want to put on a molded bug deflector, mud flaps, cargo mat, tint, hitch, and maybe a brush guard (I've never been a fan of them in the past though). I got a list of accessories from rjkunkle's site, but there's no pictures. Is everyone happy with there mud flaps and cargo mats from Ford. How much did tinting cost you? Any opinions on bug shields?
I am pleasantly surprised with Ford's tonneau offer for us early buyers. They did not have to do this and I did not expect them to do it. I am grateful that they are giving me the option and I appreciate it greatly. Thank you Ed for arranging this.
A lot of new vehicles that come out have "late availablitity" items. IMHO I do not feel that the manufacturer has to go back and provide early buyers with the late availability items.
I have the smoke bug deflector f/Ford (more expensive, but nice to have the ford emblem on it) as well as the mud flaps & a safari bar (photos on Yahoo!! SportTrac site under STMOOSE21); trailer hitch & JET chip to be installed tomorrow, and K&N filter made noticable difference (wouldn't do a conicle filter until cold air induction produced - this will not void warranty unless you get rid of any pollution controls, which most don't). Wrote to Borla urging them to produce cat-back exhaust & headers
So far W/3800 miles, getting about 16.9 mpg overall, with best of 19.9 (mostly highway w/gate down.
"Using a hypothetical Ford in our example also brings us to a new issue regarding holdbacks. Ford Motor Company is trying to boost customer service ratings, and to do so, has decided to offer qualifying dealers a "rebate" on the invoice price of all 2001 Fords invoiced after September 1, 2000. The "rebate" amounts to 1.25 percent of the total invoice, and only Ford dealers who've earned Blue Oval status from the automaker will qualify. The company estimates that only 70 percent of Ford retailers will gain Blue Oval certification, so when buying a Ford, be careful where you shop. A better deal might be available at a certified Blue Oval store. A similar program is planned for Lincoln products and dealers."
To all you out there that have not negotiated your final price, beware of this new incentive. It's money that you can be saving as well if you are informed when you walk in to order!!! It could be as much as a $270 kickback the dealer gets for this on top of the $900+ dealer holdback. They still make money at the invoice price. So offereing NO MORE than $500 over invoice is plenty fair. Stick to your guns when shopping and use the phone before the pavement. I called every Atlanta area Ford Dealer before I got someone to agree to my terms. Shop wisely!
As for the Firestone issue, the ST plant is not one of them that was shutdown to free up tire supply. According to Reuters the only 3 plants shut down to free up tire supply are the Edison Assembly in Edison N.J., Twin Cities Assembly in St. Paul, Minn., and St. Louis Assembly, in Hazelwood, Mo.
The ST is only built at one plant, the Louisville Assembly plant.
According to Automotive News, the 'days supply' figure for the ST is about the same as the Chrysler PT Cruiser. Hot vehicles are in short supply. At least the Ford dealers are not charging over sticker for the ST like dealers did when the Miata, VW Beetle came out and now with the PT Crusier.
I suspect your dealer is probably a smaller one without a large allocation of STs or it is a larger one but put your order in at a low priority.
I ordered mine in March and took deliver in late May, it was about 10 weeks. Even now my dealer still doesn't have any in stock and most of the incoming units are presold.
Also in a previous post someone talked about cutting down the rubber on the bed extender because of the bedmat, another idea may be to cut the same diameter holes in the mat so the bedextender rubber drops in, of course I don't know if it a good idea until I get a mat. You guys with mats already, what do you think???
I've decided to start a Sport Trac enthusiast web site, so I hope you'll drop by and contribute at www.mysporttrac.com.
There are some dealers out there that feel they have the hottest commodity and don't have to sell it for sticker or below. Gwinnett Place Ford in Atlanta has removed the factory label/window sticker and replaced it with a skinny little sticker that ends up at $3,000 OVER the MSRP. That's right, $3,000 MORE than the MSRP, which in most cases is $2,000-$3,000 already over invoice. So this dealer is getting (or charging) roughly $6,000 over the invoice price.
They are dubbing it a 'limited production markup'. They are also doing it on all their convertible mustangs since it is summer and those are in hot demand.
I hope they get stuck with their inventory, but unfortunately there are people out there that will pay it and not research it.....suckers.