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Ford Escape Hybrid Prices Paid and Buying Experiences

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Comments

  • baraboodadbaraboodad Member Posts: 20
    thanks!
  • hxciter1hxciter1 Member Posts: 4
    Picked up my FEH Limited FWD White Suede Loaded on 8-19-08. I ordered on 4/28 In Metro Detroit. I have put about 150 miles on it at an avg of 35mpg. I seriously recommend the NAV with Sirius travel link. It is very, very, cool. The only thing I dis-like is I wanted a god-damn WHITE car. Not White Suede (although that is the only white you can get, What car company does not offer a pure white color for their vehicles? How stupid Ford.).

    Otherwise, well worth the wait, and totally sweet.
  • ericc5vettericc5vett Member Posts: 2
    What's the difference between the white suede and regular white? I thought they were about the same...
  • dvdkirtleydvdkirtley Member Posts: 4
    try this link to blueoval:

    http://www.blueovalforums.com/forums/
  • emeekeremeeker Member Posts: 3
    I also ordered a FEHL on 10 may and still nothing, getting a little worried too. I ordered using the x-plan that could be a part of the delay. Also not sure if the x-plan was locked in with the old price after the AUG price increase. Does anyone have info on that?
  • hxciter1hxciter1 Member Posts: 4
    White Suede is an off-white. Like a dishwater color. Oxford white (the white that ford has used for the last 20 years) is only available to fleet sales in the '09 year. It isn't hideous, it just isn't pure white.
  • fmorrisofmorriso Member Posts: 52
    I too ordered WS as the exterior color on my 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited, back on 4/21. Before I made that choice, I walked around the dealer lot and found a Ford Expedition with a window sticker that said "White Suede" to see what it looked like, albeit in a "super-sized" Escape. I thought it looked kind of sharp, but I realize your taste is different.

    At the moment, I have the following dates associated with my VIN:
    Receipt Date: 4/21/2008
    Serialize Date: 8/14/2008
    Segment Date: 8/14/2008

    I figure I might see the car at the end of September, if I'm lucky.
  • ursacatursacat Member Posts: 32
    I take some snaps tomorrow of the Dash (w/o) Nav. It kinda sorta looks like to 2008.
    BTW. I just replaced the front factory speakers with some Infinity Reference. Much better Highs and Bass. Only cost about $200 installed at Best Buy. As we all know the Factory radio (09 FEH Limited) does not have the "depth" that the Mach had. My stereo guy said it has the power but no sub. I'm fine with the new front speakers. No place fo a sub woffer btw.

    Where should I post the Pic's?

    Regards,
  • stevedebistevedebi Member Posts: 4,098
    "No place fo a sub woffer btw. "

    Unless they changed it, there is a location for a Sub on the right rear side in the cargo area (my 2008 FEH has the subwoofer speaker there). Or maybe you are speaking of something larger...
  • ursacatursacat Member Posts: 32
    OK. Thanks I'll check. I assume you are talking about behind the liner. I don't want anything to show in the cab.

    I'll let you know. Also, I am back at the dealer tomorrow. Both the phone and the ipod sometimes fail to re-initialize when functions are changed. The service guy who knows Sync says there most likely is an update.

    Regards,
  • mgfaronmgfaron Member Posts: 2
    I also ordered in May - the 7th and I am getting the same word from my dealer that he has heard nothing from his Ford rep.
  • burnsvaburnsva Member Posts: 35
    I ordered my FEH FWD Limited (with NAV & steps) on May 8th and got my VIN on July 21st from my dealer.

    To date this is my progress:

    Receipt Date: 5/9/2008
    Serialize Date: 7/18/2008
    Segment Date: 7/18/2008
    Sequence Date: 7/22/2008
    Blend Date: 8/11/2008
    Produced Date: 8/20/2008
    Gate Release Date: 8/22/2008
    Ship Date: 8/22/2008
    Arrival Date:
    Sold Date:

    Last report from my dealer is that it is still sitting in the KC railyard - and the FORD phone system reports the arrival is now 9/11 ( :( )...However, I think this was just FORD hedging their timeline and not over promising delivery the week of September 1st because production was delayed three days - hopefully I'll see the thing next week sometime! :)
  • munknastymunknasty Member Posts: 2
    Thanks ursacat - I'm not sure if you have a flickr, photobucket or villagephotos account, but any of those is fine - I'm looking very forward to taking a look at your photos. Thanks for doing that!
  • burnsvaburnsva Member Posts: 35
    It's here! Arrived at my dealer today and he is picking me up at the commuter train station tonight (in it!!!)... :shades:
  • ursacatursacat Member Posts: 32
    OK. It was a busy weekend. I'll take photos this week and post on flcker.

    Couple of note:

    I am averaging about 31 around town. Not bad.

    I have pushed the limits of MS Sync (Sync my ride) and have found some minor bugs that I've been discussing with Ford. Basically, sometimes my iPod (Touch) does re-initialize properly after a phone call is ended (Blackberry 8800) so I have to resync from the Menu/USB/Sync. Not a big deal but I spoke with Ford Sync Specialist and they have alrady released a minor upgrade that we can all download via our laptop w/ the USB port. I'm holding off for another few months until v 1.1 is released.... I think it's way cool to be able to update the software/firmware myself. But I'm a Engineer....!

    Regards,
  • fmorrisofmorriso Member Posts: 52
    What's the SYNC update process like? Is it anything like updating the firmware on a wireless router? If a person is comfortable doing something like a router's firmware update, would they be able to do the upgrade of SYNC to 1.1 themselves?
  • decker5decker5 Member Posts: 5
    I've looked on this site a number of times to get some clue about how the orders get processed. It's been illuminating. I ordered mine blind (from overseas) on 6/13 from Willey Ford (Bountiful, UT) via the Internet. I've never even test driven a standard Escape! Received VIN and order # on 8/15 with an anticpated delivery of 9/15 -9/22. So 3 months if things work to plan. My vehicle package includes the NAV system. Never had that so I'm excited. Keep posting your gas mileage info and other impressions...they do help me and others. I'll do the same when I take delivery. Ciao!
  • chifishchifish Member Posts: 1
    Where are you getting the updates for Sync? I am picking up my escape hybrid tonight and have tried to use the VIN to register at the sync website, but it will not let me.... any suggestions?
  • ursacatursacat Member Posts: 32
    It will not let me register my VIN either. I called Ford late last week and they said it was a known issue and are trying to fix so we can enter our VIN's. Hell, they don't even have the 09 FEH on their website or listed in Syncmyride

    Regards,
  • michaelwehomichaelweho Member Posts: 12
    Received my 2009 Escape Hybrid about 8 weeks ago, now have less than 2000miles on the vehicle. This is my first American vehicle in 20 years. The check engine light came on and I called the service department at my dealership.

    Spoke with a service intake person that was not helpful, was transferred to the Service Manager who told me to take the gas cap off and put it back on. I reminded him that there is no gas cap on these vehicles (he was an idiot). He offered to provide me with a rental car when I brought the car in to check out why the check engine light came on - however it was my responsibilty to pay for insurance, gas and taxes on the rental. (Only a few bucks - but it is the principle)!!! I should pay nothing - right? Got into an argument with the service manager.

    Contacted the awesome salesperson that sold me the car and they are taking care of me on Saturday - they will provide a loaner vehicle at no charge to me. The Sales Dept is covering this - not Service!

    Great for this service time - but I am very, very concerned what I have gotten myself into. The service peeps were a-holes!!!!! They were ignorant, condescending and non-accomendating. I did not pay 37K for a vehicle to be treated like crap for a problem that arose well before any scheduled service.

    Oh - my dealership provides no appointments on Saturdays -- I still need to work for a living and do the 7:30am to 6:00pm thing Monday thru Friday! I am concerned I made a mistake purchasing this vehicle.

    Comments - Anyone?
  • jlcomstockjlcomstock Member Posts: 14
    That's incredibly frustrating.

    Well, one thing I can say is this ... if your state has a "Lemon Law" in place, you should have your bases covered.

    In PA, if a new vehicle has a problem that is not fixed after three trips to the shop, it can be qualified as a lemon. The statute of limitations I believe says this series of trips to get it fixed must take place within the first year / 10,000 miles of purchasing the vehicle.

    If, on the other hand, they get it fixed and it doesn't come up again in the next 44 weeks or 8,000 miles, I'd say it looks like its fixed for good. A little scare, but no biggie.

    Worst case scenario, it'll be a painful couple of trips to the dealer, but they'll end up having to replace your car with a new one.

    :lemon:

    I have a Jeep Wrangler, and it didn't start doing what is commonly know for Wranglers as the "Death Wobble" (seriously, that's what its called ... look it up on YouTube or Google it) until about 30,000 miles. I cannot figure out for the life of me what the issue is, and I have 75,000 miles on it now (after many balances, new tires, alignments, and near wrecks on the interstate). The car shakes VIOLENTLY at about 53-58mph.

    I say all that to say, if any recurring problems are going to come up, best to have them when the state has got your back - in the first year of ownership!

    But that sucks ... 2k miles and a check engine light ... that's crap.
  • ursacatursacat Member Posts: 32
    Call Ford direct.
    They are so concerned about the success of this line, you will get a person that will bird dog the issue.

    Regards,

    Lou
  • hdtechhdtech Member Posts: 11
    If the results are anything like my experience, calling Ford direct wont help. My little story...

    I have some problems with my reverse sensors in my 2009 FEHL. They seem to work intermittently. Sure enough, I backed into one of those ~3ft poles that are often in front of a telephone poll to protect it but the sensor even made a single noise. And of course, you cant really see those short poles out of your mirrors. Even worse, I hit DIRECTLY on the sensor. The damage was enough to warrant a new bumper. About ~$650 worth of damage at retail, probably half that at dealer cost.

    I tried to get warranty coverage on this or even some sort of middle ground solution like them fixing it for me at dealer cost (since it really is my fault). But my local dealership would have no part of it even though they get fault codes when testing the sensor. It was rejected some team called Digital Imaging. I ended up calling Cust Support and they said they couldnt override Digital Imaging. After going back to the dealership to find to try to find an escalation path, I found the service mgr to be evasive and generally unwilling to help. I tried to get any contact information for Dig Imaging or a Zone Rep or anything and she wouldn't do it. She wouldnt even give me a name to reference in my complaint letter I am writing.

    It is a shame... The sales experience at the dealership I bought from (in Longmont CO) was awesome. The service and support sucks big time at my local dealership.

    Does anyone know what Ford office(s) would be the best to my letter to???
  • michaelwehomichaelweho Member Posts: 12
    Thanks everyone that has responded.

    I would hope that Ford would do all that they can, seriously something needs to break for the American Car Dealerships. I had hoped that they had changed since my last American car purchase - about 20 years ago. Guess I should have stuck to a foreign car. Sucks for America!

    Thanks - please keep your stories and hopefully positive solutions coming!
  • ursacatursacat Member Posts: 32
    To Concerned,

    I would first, calm down (always a good idea) and have service make sure the sensors dealership documents the fault codes. This will go a long way to building a cae for a claim or at least a reducion of cost for the damage. I am not an attorney but found over the years that if you follow protocol the dealers will cut you a break.

    First, if the sensors were not behaving properly they should probably cut you a "big break'. Sensors or not it's still your responsibility not to back into something ) - (obvious but unfortunate.)

    I have found calling Ford nothing but a pleasure dealing with the new 09 FEH. I just called into the general number. My take is that Ford should fix at cost. But that's just my opinion.
    Regards,
  • hdtechhdtech Member Posts: 11
    @ursacat-
    I am actually pretty calm about this now. This was a 4 week saga of going back and for with the dealership and Cust Relations. But it is pretty much over now. I got the final rejection from the Service Manager last week. I did jump through all of their hoops and it really didnt get me anywhere. Supposedly the Service Mgr even called the Regional Zone Rep.

    You are right that it is ultimately my fault as I noted in first post. As I also noted, I was at least hoping that they would cut me a break but they did not offer anything of the sort. I am mostly disappointed in the "pass the buck" attitude of the dealership.

    Dont get me wrong though... I still love my 2009 FEHL
  • ursacatursacat Member Posts: 32
    Send me your e-mail, contact info. I will put you in contact with my dealership here in No. Ca. Perhaps they can offer some advice.
    Regards,

    ursacat@hotmail.com
  • crysnstevecrysnsteve Member Posts: 17
    I think I was one of the first to receive my FEHL in July. So far, I have over 3000 miles on it and have averaged 33.2 miles per gallon on my last 3 tanks. I live in the mountains so it's a little hard to keep it in EV mode when going uphill. So far, it has been awesome! No problems at all.
  • ursacatursacat Member Posts: 32
    this is the latest, once I here that it is working I will let you know.

    2009 Lincoln Mariner, Mercury Milan, Ford Focus and Ford Escape/Hybrid owners wishing to create an account and register their vehicle with the Syncmyride.com website may receive an error message. There is nothing wrong with the VIN# or the Sync System. The Sync web support team will correct this condition in the very near future with a web-page update. We apologize for this inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

    Question??? Can we starrt a board on 2009 FEH Owners Experiences?

    Regards,
  • dukeguy1dukeguy1 Member Posts: 1
    I ordered an 09 Escape Hybrid on May 14, 2008. I was told that since the dealership where I ordered my escape hybrid was one of the Southeast's largest volume sellers dealership, I should expect my escape hybrid in September. Well, September is here and no Escape... Long story short, after many conversations with my high volume dealer, I was told to expect my escape hybrid at the end of November 08... Days later, the sales manager told me that my order has been pushed back to January 09. Anyone else having this issue? Anyone else been given the run-around about delivery? The ford dealership is located in Raleigh NC... Any suggestions?
  • revminrevmin Member Posts: 4
    Sounds strange to me. I ordered my FEHL May 10th and it is finally being built this week (hopefully). Probably not shipped until the end of September arriving in later October. So, - that is a five month wait which is long enough. I have no idea what Fords ordering sequence is about - there seems to be no rhyme or reason. Definately not taking orders as they come in. Anyway - November to January 09 sounds crazy! Maybe that is an outside parameter - still strange.
  • stevedebistevedebi Member Posts: 4,098
    If you had already damaged the sensors, then the code that Ford read would have been explained by the accident, so Ford would not know if the accident or malfunction caused the error code.

    I have the reverse sensors on my 2008, and one thing you have to be careful of is things like poles and people - they don't always register. The OM has a note as to the fact that it has to be a large object in order for the sensors to detect it.

    Still, if the pole went RIGHT INTO THE SENSOR, that seems a bit obvious. :surprise:
  • decker5decker5 Member Posts: 5
    Well! I received my Kiwi Green FEH Limited on 9/13/08. That's exactly 3 months from the date I ordered it with 1K down. I'm still in kindergarten when it comes to SYNC and NAV operations but am trying to learn a small thing or two each day. Only 170 miles into this vehicle but everything seems tight. It would appear that the final inspection process went well. Too early to report on mileage but I do like the "readings" it says I'm getting...

    Little things: Wish the rear seats folded down flatter to create a more uniform cargo space. I'm personally annoyed with the rear backup sensor. I trust my eyes only and find this "aid" distracting. There had been mention that the "hidden" storage container between the driver/passenger could fit a laptop. If by laptop one means handheld PDA.....sure.

    More later. As well as SYNC questions.
  • dean58dean58 Member Posts: 14
    If you take off the headrests the seatbacks will fold flat and also you can release the seat bottoms and slip them out for an extra 6" or so of flat length. At least that's the way my '08 is. I have never tried to put a laptop in the console but assumed if you lifted out the entire plastic box there might be room. I like my backup sensors a lot and really miss them on my other car, so I guess it's just a personal preference.
    I wish someone had a simple answer as to how '09 scheduling is done. I ordered an '09 in early August and my dealer says he doesn't expect it until Jan or later! I just can't seem to get a straight answer from anyone. I would guess it has something to do with allocations.
  • revminrevmin Member Posts: 4
    Sometime back there was some discussion about an additional $1000 being added to the sticker price. If I recall right, this was applied to newer orders and not to orders made by a certain date. Does any one recall this? Most responses said that the dealer should honor the price agreed to and not the raised sticker price. Just wondering since I received my sticker from BlueOval.com and it is $1000 higher!
  • hdtechhdtech Member Posts: 11
    I didnt read about that in the manual. The impact was definitely right on the sensor.

    I got my FEH back from the shop today with a nice new bumper. Good as new. So I decided to create a little test for the backup sensors.... I put the parking brake on and left the car in reverse. I then stood on the side of the vehicle and used my hands and legs to try to trip the sensors. I should note that this was the sensor that was not impacted in my fabulous little crash. Anyway, I tried waving my hand across as well as bringing my hand in towards the sensors from as far as I could reach. The result is simply that things that came in from the side are not reacted to in a repeatable way. Sometimes I could physically touch the sensor and it wouldnt trip. Other times it detected me right away. Other times, it would react but just a second or two later than it should have (I had already made physical contact). Anything coming from straight on seemed to trip all the time. From this I conclude that my sensors arent very good or the design/quality of the sensors is very low budget.

    If anyone tries this at home, please share your results so I can know if my behavior is a common one.
  • hdtechhdtech Member Posts: 11
    @decker5
    The seats will fold all the way down, but as noted the headrests need to be removed. It is a sort of "2 step" maneuver. First you need to pop up and tuck the seat portion of the back seats into the back of the front seats near the floor. Then you can fully lay down the backs of the back seat. It is a snug fit for sure. I did find it slightly confusing at first.

    For the cargo. It is there. You just need to lift out the main shell and that gives you access almost all the way to the cupholders. It is very deep. My wife often puts her purse in there when she doesnt want to carry it. Today I had a pretty large camera bag in mine while it was at the body shop
  • burnsvaburnsva Member Posts: 35
    The $1,000 price increase (and $30 delivery charge increase) on the '09 FEH's and does not apply to dealer invoice for retail orders placed prior to August 1st. The window sticker simply reflects the current MSRP. If you have a previous confirmed price with your dealer (as I did), you should not have a problem since there was no increase in dealer cost. If, however, you don't have a written agreed price, you could have a problem, depending on the dealer. I placed my order May 8th and mine was built on August 20th. I knew exactly what my cost would be including all taxes, tags and misc fees ahead of time and did not have any difficultly when I picked it up two weeks ago.
  • decker5decker5 Member Posts: 5
    I agree with Burnsva. My price was set in June and the MSRP was a thou higher at delivery. The dealer made a big point at what a great deal I was getting but there was never any question that I was paying more. It was handled well. So if you have a firm quote (and especially if you put a deposit on the vehicle) there will be no issues with 99% of dealers. If your quote is more wishy-washy but you have an order placed try to firm it up now (rather than at the dealer when picking up the car). Or look at alternatives they can offer to extend the warranty....
  • decker5decker5 Member Posts: 5
    Thanks for the tips on the rear seats. I noted the bottom panels did slide forward but never looked at this closely. I shall do so...so thanks to all on that.

    The main shell was lifted out and there is room there but configuring for a laptop fit is imposible in my view (at least with my unit). But it is still a nice area to dump a wallet, phone and other personal effects.
  • revminrevmin Member Posts: 4
    Thanks bunsva an decker5-

    I should be fine. I do have a written agreement and down payment. I appreciate the info. Now I can walk into the dealer with a good feeling and a solid expectation of the price agreed upon.
  • gene40gene40 Member Posts: 2
    Not in my case. I ordered a 09EH on 7-20 and I will pick it up monday. When I went to the dealership to see it they told me it is $1030 more even though I had the purchase and sales agreement and $1000 down. I am not happy about this but they say Ford can increase the price even if you have the p and s agreement. I could back out but then I lose my deposit! :mad:
  • burnsvaburnsva Member Posts: 35
    It sounds like you are being ripped off by your dealer.
  • back2fordback2ford Member Posts: 3
    gen40...sorry to digress, BUT...

    I'm impressed with your quick delivery date vs. order date. I've been reading these posts for a few months and have seen a whole lot of frustration about delayed production and/or delivery.

    I placed an order (and deposit) about the same time you did: 7/25 (the dealer did not send to FMC, however, until 7/30). At the time, I was told to not expect delivery until ~ Oct. As of two weeks ago, that has been pushed back to Feb 09!?*?!* Huh?*!?

    I'm in metro Detroit (Michigan)...would you mind sharing where you live? I'd like to feed this back to my dealer so he can inquire of his Factory Rep. The "story" about first in, first out is full of holes.

    Thx!
  • alfredckalfredck Member Posts: 9
    back2ford - I'm also in Metro Detroit. Can I ask which dealership you went to? I went to Royal Oak Ford, ordered on 6/5/08 and so far still no VIN. The FIFO story seems like a lie to me.
  • jlcomstockjlcomstock Member Posts: 14
    The FIFO is definitely a lie.

    I ordered an FEH June 23rd. Never got a VIN. Long story short, I decided to cancel my order after finding one online about 3 hours away on a lot. I picked it up last weekend.

    Your guys' frustration over the ordering system isn't new ... many of us have been complaining about it for months on another forum ...

    www.blueovalforums.com/forums/

    Look at the 'Escape, Kuga, and Mariner' forum. And then under that, look at ... the '3 Month Order Sitting in USOB" thread and some of the other ones.

    You'll find that some people ordered in April, the day you could order, and still don't have them. Other people (usually in California) order theirs and receive them within a month.

    If you're concerned about when you get it, I'd consider looking on cars.com for '09 FEHs sitting on a lot within a reasonable distance from you.
  • pobre08pobre08 Member Posts: 8
    OK- I emailed my dealer about the MMH we oredred in July, due in September. I asked what the status was according to the Ford sytem. He told me "our best estimate is December , due to a backlog of batteries". Aside from the semantics, how do I politely tell him that I know this is BS?

    I don't think he is actually looking at the order system, but the weekly scheduled production.

    IS ther a sudden shortage of batteries that I don't know about?
  • jlcomstockjlcomstock Member Posts: 14
    I saw a memo online from a fleet ordering company about 3 weeks ago that said the last day to put in fleet orders with the company was July 18th. The reason given in the memo for the early 'build-out' date was because of a 'material hold'. They didn't say batteries specifically though. And that's fleet orders, not retail .. but I'd imagine it would effect retail orders to some extent though.

    I have the pdf memo, but I can't upload anything on here, or I'd post it for you.

    Anyways, there seems to be some truth to some material hold issue. There are a number of people on blueovalforums bringing up the production delay issue too.
  • back2fordback2ford Member Posts: 3
    Thx...but clueless as my previous comment may have appeared, I TOO have read Blue Oval and more. And yes, I know there are those still waiting for a VIN, despite placing orders on 09 FEH Opening Day.

    Despite all this, I placed an order 'cause I'm truly sold on this car. I've never ordered and waited - always diven a car off the lot. After a miserable experience with a first-year Ford product thousand of years ago, I returned to Ford because of tis car. Oh well.

    Thanks for the suggestion to check availability for in-stocks on-line. I'll give it a try. Ford is not the first Mfgr. to create demand and not be able to meet it, but noone has caused wide-ranging frustration before. At the very least, they should consistend and honest with their customers.
  • back2fordback2ford Member Posts: 3
    alfredck - I ordered w/ Dean Sellers in Troy. Kind of a crap shoot on who I ordered with...I walked in three diff. dealerships and spoke w/ each Sales Mgr. to discuss the ordering/ delivery deal. I was tying to get a straight answer on how FMC was filling orders. All Mgr's said it would not be based on allocations/ sales volume, that they understood it was FIFO (?). "My'" dealer is not amoung the top volume in the area - went with them based on other considerations. I spoke w/ someone who ordered from a big dealer one week before me - still no VIN, he's been told delivery will not be until '09.
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