Mazda Tribute

johnmei · July 2001

Am considering either a Tribute or Outback Wagon. Like the power of a Tribute but primary consideration is I need a good snow/ice vehicle as I live in Maine and must go up & down a slick hill with switchbacks. How does the Tribute do in similar conditions to these? Appreciate someone's experience. Thanks. John

ac5575 · July 2001

Hi!

I placed an order for a Tribute early June and now they have pushed the delivery date back to mid-August (it was mid-July). I'm thinking about just holding off and waiting for the 2002 Tribute because my sales person said that they were starting production in September. Has anyone heard what the differences between the 2002 model and 2001 model are or seen a picture of the 2002 model?

Andrea

winbro · July 2001

nice to see that 2002 is starting off with GREAT availability - just like the 2001 models.

maltb · July 2001

go buy a liberty and be done with it. His post said nothing about 2002 availability other than when production begins. If you don't like the Trib, don't buy it!

vanderwe1 · July 2001

I am looking to make my first car purchase ever in the next couple of months. I was first interested in the protege 5 but I have always like the AWD and more powerful engine in the Subaru 5 doors. The dealer I visited suggested the Tribute. I have been reaserching now for a month and I think that the tribute is my first choice. I am a bit concerned however with all of the negative responses dealing with recalls. Is the Tribute as reliable as the protege? Since this is my first time buying how many extra costs should I plan for beyond the cost of the vehicle (taxes, advertising fees, licensing ex...)? Has anyone used Mazda's college graduate offer of 6 months no payments and 400 cash back? Does anyone know when the offer expires. I was offered 2.9(12-36 mon.) or 4.9(48-60 mon.) financing. This sounds a bit to good to be true but the dealer said that their connections to Ford financing allowed them to make such offers. This was one of the reasons the mazda's were so apealing. If the Expected debute of the 2002 is late Sept. Should I be able to negotiate on a 2001? My birthday's on the 21st and I am counting on some downpayment help from the fam.
Thanks
Andrew

salesperson · July 2001

the dealership I work at is getting its last 2001 models the first two weeks in August, and we have been telling people to expect the 2002s by September. This is the date we are expecting. As to the "elusive Mazda Tribute" I can't speak for the dealerships in your area, but both my dealership and the other one here in town have a good selection. The only ones we have not been able to keep are the ESs they sell as soon as we get them with some customers waiting up to two weeks for them to come in.

salesperson · July 2001

I have heard many discusions on the Mazda Ford relationship, especially as it concerns the Tribute. To clear the record it is a joint development with Mazda engineers designing the body and suspension and Ford providing engines. Both are produced in the US, but the Tribute has a nicer look and is less cheesy on the inside(IMO)

salesperson · July 2001

I am on a roll in this category. I am very sorry for anyone who has had bad exp. at any dealership. As a car salesperson, I constantly battle the stigma we are stuck with. It is sad to see dealers who still try to fool people in this age of information, but to the buyer please remember, we are in business, and use our paychecks to keep our lights on, buy groceries, and even pay car payments. If you have a price point, please all I ask is be able to justify it.

salesperson · July 2001

The Mazda plan is a good deal, just check with your dealer to make sure you meet all the requirements. I am at home not at work, so I dont have them in front of me. Some dealers will do anything to get you to come in, so check it out and shop other manufacturers plans before you make a decision. Hope this helps

stever · August 2001

"However, as I drove the Tribute more, SUV ownership became more and more attractive. The handling really is good for an SUV."

Check the Long Term Road Test for more quotes (it was updated the other day). The link is in the Additional Resources box on the left navigation bar.

Steve
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Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

tjs55 · August 2001

Has anyone installed the Pollen filter on the Tribute themselves. If so, is it very difficult and do you have any basic instructions on how it is done. We just got our Tribute, an LX with a V6 and so far so good.

smehder · August 2001

No this is not the name of a new rock band, but the ONLY two problems on my ES.

1. Has anyone else had a rattle on the back lift door? Mine started rattling after a couple of weeks and took back to the dealer. They put some grease on the plastic pieces on either side. This cured the problem for awhile, but now its back and the grease cannot stop it.

2. When I turn the air conditioning on I get a musty/mildew smell for about 1 minute, after that it goes away. Any one else with this and any one with a remedy?

Other than those two ONLY problems, I love my Tribute (24+ MPG road/20 city), plenty of room (easily handles three adults in rear seat. And if only my wife and I, all our toys, two bikes and gear inside, and kayak on top, while cruising down the road listening to Buffet and Marley... "no problems, Mon".

krrobak · August 2001

In the past week, driving approx. 40-45MPH, the entire Electrical and Mechanical system shut down!!! This then happened the next day with the same exact symptoms. The car would not start, but I waited about 10-15 minutes, both occasions and then the SUV started again....Does anyone have a clue on what is happening and is this an isolated case......?? This is a new vehicle with 1,200 miles on the SUV....Its at the dealership but no word on cause/s or reasons....Any suggestions???

tatu1 · August 2001

Check out the March 2001 Car and Driver. They tested 11 small SUV's in the snow in Michigan. They rated the Tribute/Escape No. 1 for overall performance, BUT they also stated that "when the snow got deep the twins (Trib and Escape) were the first to quit. The Firestone Wilderness tires have the close tread blocks you expect of road and rain tires..." They liked the Rav 4 and the Jeep Cherokee sport in the snow.

odie6l · August 2001

Too bad Ford is no longer putting Firestone tires on the Escape/Tribute. They were putting Continental Tires on, but then stopped that really quick. Now the Escape/Tribute have Goodyear Wrangler RT/S tires as the standard tires. And those Tires are some of the Best in Snow, Rain, or Dry conditions. That article you are refering to is an older article. IMO I'm waiting till winter here in PA to find out how well the tires on my Escape handle, I've already experenced massive rain/ flooded streets, and extreme dry conditions, and had the tires up to the rims in mud ... so bring on the snow, sleet, and ice. Oh yeah the Dealer upgraded the tires on my Escape to Goodyear Wrangler RF-A tires at now charge.

for other pics of The Blue Hornet (name of the escape) goto Http://members.aol.com/losttreasures26

Odie

vanderwe1 · August 2001

I have a question pertaining to how dealer incentives and rebates work. I will use the protege 5 as an example in my hypothetical. The invoice is 17,000 and the MSRP is 19000. There is a $1000 dealer incentive or rebate on the protege 5 and I buy the car for invoice $17,000 after the rebate or incentive. Does the dealership make money from the MSRP dealer hold back plus $1000 or would they just make money from the MSRP dealer hold back? Basically is the incentive offered by the manufacturer, and does it have an effect on the dealers profit?

Thanks
Andrew

jrw357 · August 2001

We had the same problems a couple weeks ago...

The rattle was "fixed" by a dealer adjustment, I still hear it on rough road, but not as bad as before the fix.

The smell...The dealer had no explanation...The smell from the vents eventually went away...10k miles later.

The smell of the interior is not pleasant to us at all, we have the ES and for some reason I think it is the leather that makes the interior smell unpleasant.

winbro · August 2001

there is a fix for the fuel smell coming through the air vents where they replace gaskets on the manifold. this is well documented all over the place and your dealer should know about this.

draymond2 · August 2001

I heard rumours that there will be 4 or 5 new colors and combinations. Anyone out there know about any changes or the new colors???

johnmei · August 2001

Last winter I decided to purchase either a 4WD or AWD SUV or Outback vehicle to traverse some steep hills and switchbacks in wet snow/icey roads of rural Maine.

Decided to investigate the Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda Tribute/Ford Escape V-6, 2002 Ford Explorer, and the Subaru Outback Wagon with 2.5 4 cylinder engine, automatic transmission. These vehicles were selected because of decent reviews, price and value to some extent, capacity, handling, cruising at 65 to 80mph, quality and opinions offered by many on various net sites, and last in importance trailering or towing ability. I currently own a Toyota Avalon and an 18+ year old 4 x 4 3/4 ton pickup rusty which is hardly used but operable.

My wife and I drove each "test" vehicle at least twice in different weather conditions. Here are our biased opinions.

My wife thought the 2002 Ford Explorer had no real styling as compared to the Santa Fe at the other end of the spectrum, for example. The Explorer she thought looks like a box. She thought it lacked power and its mass above 70mph makes the engine work to maintain that speed or a greater speed. We also thought the interior was okay but nothing special and that the coin holder was basically unusable while driving. Fit and finish seemed good; however the vehicle handled like a big lumbering oaf. We decided it was too large for us, got fairly poor gas mileage, lacked styling inside and out and probably would have difficulty getting out of its own way in an emergency handling situation and had Ford "reliability" or lack thereof. Lastly, the Explorer XLT (2001 version in this instance)is a 4WD vehicle not an AWD vehicle and the Subaru Outback Wagon beats ALL in the snow. NO CONTEST. Last winter I test drove the 2001 Outback in an empty mall parking lot which was basically sheet ice and hard packed wet snow. I COULD NOT GET THE OUTBACK TO GO INTO AN UNCONTROLLED SPIN NO MATTER HOW I TRIED TO ABUSE THIS VEHICLE. I MEAN IT! TALK ABOUT GIVING A PERSON CONFIDENCE!

We then drove the 4WD Mazda Tribute V6 and Ford Escape V6. We both were impressed with the power. It is a lively vehicle to say the least. However it is NOT an AWD but a 4WD vehicle and will not perform as well as an Outback in the snow. It emits a fair amount of engine and road noise. As all SUV it does not give us the feeling of safety or confidence in an emergency handing situation with the center of gravity significantly high. Perhaps a great view of the road in a SUV but I don't want to flip if I have to perform an emergency swerve. In additon to the powerplant another strong point is the Tribute's/Escape's 3500 lb. towing capacity compared to the Subaru's 2000 pound capacity. Gas mileage fairly decent, interior straightforward and plain vanilla. The Tribute's/Escape's doors seems to lack any heft and felt rather "tinny" which probably added to the road noise.

The Santa Fe AWD in our view wins the exterior and interior design award. We drove 2 different AWD Santa Fes. We were very impressed. The ride was excellent and was similar to the ride we experience in our Toyota Avalon. The fit and finish were excellent. For an SUV there was a minimum of lateral swaying. The engine could use more power and it supposedly doesn't tow over 1500 pounds in the AWD model. It is VERY WELL EQUIPPED. However, the down side is that there was a noticeable smell similar to something burning when we existed one of the 2 vehicles. The salesperson tried to blow it off but we found similar comments re the Santa Fe on the net. Further we decided against it because of few dealers and limited dealer support, very limited numbers of Santa Fes for the marketplace and in many cases a premium of $1000 added to the MSRP. NO THANK YOU. I AM NOT A FOOL. However, I do believe that Hyundai is a real comer in the global quality marketplace.

All in all, the Subaru Outback looks and feels like a quality vehicle. It rides and handles superbly. The interior is tasteful and appealing, bordering on plush, 2 tone dash with complimentary tan/creme colors and nice tan fabric seats. Fit and finish are excellent thoroughout. The specs are great. The OUTBACK is 14 inches longer (& more stable) than the Tribute/Escape and 10 inches longer than the Santa Fe. The 2002 Ford Explorer is only 2" longer than the Outback, hard to believe. The Outback has 4 wheel disc brakes and the Tribute/Escape do not. Pickup and accleration are certainly decent. The Subaru Outback can cruise better and handle the road better and has a better top end than the other vehicles in this comparison plus it gets far superior gas mileage and is the clear winner in snow/ice conditions. Thus we chose the 2002 Subaru Outback, tried and true 2.5H 4 cylinder engine, auto transmission, All weather package (including heated seats), comfortable rear seats, a nice heavy duty cupped rubber mat for the rear cargo area. I feel I am getting the same vehicle for around $23k that would cost over 30k if I ordered the leather seats and 6 cylinder engine. In my mind, a great vehicle and even better value.

Perhaps this evaluation will help a few folks decide.

maltb · August 2001

Santa Fe Styling over the Tribute? You may be intersted in the Pontiac Aztek then. I'm sure you can get a great deal on one as most people, it seems, do not share your view on styling.

currey · August 2001

I really enjoyed your posting discussing the various aspects of the vehicles you looked into, HOWEVER, most of us that read one of these forums read all that concerns the Escape or Tribute. Hence, there is no need to double or now triple post in the Tribute Forum, the Escape Forum, and, the Tribute/Escape Problems Forum. One post, say in the Forester v Santa Fe v Liberty v Tribute and Escape Forum would have reached everyone you wanted to and save us all some time.

Still, I did like your post (the first time I read it) and thought you hit some good points on all the vehicles you mentioned. I have to agree with maltb on your choice of the Santa Fe over the Tribute in the looks department (I own a Tribute). And, I wonder why you never tried the Forester instead of the Outback?

expwtlou2 · August 2001

My wife finally got her Tibute ES with abs, sunroof, sideair bags, stereo upgrade and towing package....Handles great,Stereo is good but not great,,,,but have a question about the sunroof and hopefully someone out there can help....When using the auto open ,the sunroof opens 3/4 of the way and stops is this normal.....Never had a sunroof before....Don't want to go back to the dealer yet...Have only had it 3 weeks and it took 8 months 2 weeks to get from deposit to delivery....Thanks for any info....

currey · August 2001

Yes, that is normal for the moonroof/sunroof to open that far. By stopping there, it allows the air currents to blow over the opening and not into the cabin of the Tribute. Hence, it is easier to carry on a conversation without the overwhelming wind noise rushing around you. Additionally, you can always open it all the way by pressing the button down again once it has stopped. Enjoy your Tribute, we love ours.

smehder · August 2001

Motor Week rated the best of vehicles in various categories (Sports, Luxury, etc.) They rated the Tribute/Escape best in the Mini Suv, then they rated the "Best of the Best". Guess who won. Tribute and Escape

Regarding the Sunroof, the comment about the 3/4 opening is correct. If you are driving highway speeds however, open all the way and you get a nice gentle breeze.

gsogymrat · August 2001

I'm considering the Tribute but it is because of it's utility and definitely not style, or lack there of. The Tribute is better looking than the Escape, which has as much personality as a K-car. The PT Cruiser has style, the VW Beetle has style but neither can tow a boat like the Tribute.

jmatero · August 2001

You are mistaken... the tribute is AWD NOT 4WD. 4WD means that the front and rear wheels are "locked" when 4wd is engaged (meaning the vehicle cannot be driven on dry pavement because they are turning at the same speed. AWD means that the front and rear can turn at different speeds. However, there are different types of AWD sytems. Many (like the tribute/escape, santafe and others... including subarus with A/T) are FWD unless there is a loss of traction of the front wheels in which case power is diverted to the rear. Subaru uses 2 different systems on their cars... one for manual transmissions and one for Autos. The auto system is computer controlled while the manual is a more basic viscous center differential. Again, however, the Tribute and Escape (along with the SantaFe and all Subarus) are AWD, NOT 4wd vehicles. You CANNOT lock the front and rear on ANY of these cars and NONE of them offer a LOW range. Just wanted to clear that up.

Again, many AWD vehicles handle the split from front to rear differently. Some can transfer ALL of the power to the rear wheels if the fronts slip, while others only transfer up to 50%. Subaru does have a more advanced AWD system than the other vehicles you drove, however. The system allows some power to go to the rear wheels when accellerating to improve grip and "feel" and also offers a limited slip rear end in some models. 4WD had advantages over AWD in some situations, but if you don't go off-road or on the beach in deep sand, AWD is fine.

maltb · August 2001

Thanks for setting that bad info straight, but I believe you can lock the center differential. It's the front and rear differentials that do not lock.

moonmullen · August 2001

Maybe I am more naive than I thought I was but I asked a dealer to quote a lease payment for a 2001 Tribute LX-V6 for 36 months and 12,000 miles per year. The quote I got was $436 per month. If I'm not wrong, this isn't much lower than the more expensive and bigger Mid size SUVs like the 2002 Ford Explorer. Am I getting taken or is this what everyone has been paying? I guess I thought the reason to lease was so that you could get a monthly payment you could afford since it has become impossible with the price of cars now. That's as much as some people pay in rent. As I said, naive may have to be my middle name. Do I have to give up getting my Tribute because of price?

big_guy · August 2001

I got the same "raw" deal when I was looking to lease a Tribute about a month or so ago. I wanted to get a silver LX w/ ABS, upgraded stereo, and side air bags for a 36 month, 12k/ year deal. I wanted the lease in the $350/ month range but to do that on the Tribute they wanted around $4200 down. Needless to say, I did not lease the Tribute. I'm sure I could've got a better deal trying to buy it outright (instead of leasing) but with the early problems with the Tribute, I thought I would leave myself an "out" by leasing.

expwtlou2 · August 2001

Currey and smehder, Thanks for the info. on the moonroof.Had it only 4 weeks but it is fun to drive.....no problems yet

ruteger · August 2001

In addition to the above comments, it is possible to minimize the buffeting when the sunroof is opened in its entirely (after the automatic 3/4 stop).

Simply opening one or both of the rear windows a bit when the sunroof is completely open will allow the air to flow through the vehicle and reduce the buffeting.

drew_ · August 2001

Manufacturers use "AWD" and "4WD" interchangably, hence adding more to the confusion. It is generally agreed though, that 4WD systems have low range gearing, whereas AWD systems do not. That is the main and most important difference. There are then subsets of AWD and 4WD systems. Here is a more detailed explanation if you're interested:
drew_ "4WD & AWD systems explained" Feb 5, 2001 8:24pm

The Escape has a full-time part-time AWD system, somewhat similar (but a lot quicker and different mechanically) than Honda's CR-V. The "lock" feature can be used only on loose surfaces, or binding will occur.

Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

brian125 · August 2001

COULD somebody in the new york/new jersey area give me an idea of how much over invoice they paid for there tribute. I MIGHT buy one in the next 2 weeks. also a contact name or dealer would be helpful.does any body know if the2002 tribute has any changes. thanks to all who respond.

g2y1 · August 2001

I have been coming here and reading the post for some time now, but couldn't officialy join till now. I bought an LX-V6 with LX package about 2 weeks ago. I just have to say that I am loving this vehicle! I have owned 3 other Mazda's (87 323, 87 626 and 97 626). I guess I just love those Mazda's.

I would like to comment on their safety also. I was rear ended and broad sided by an 18 wheeler at 65mph in my 97 626. I walked away with a broken rib, strained back and cut on my eyeball. Needless to say the car was totaled and that is how I came to buy my Tribute.

The only thing I have noticed is that it is sometimes hard to put into reverse, but our driveway has a steep incline so feel that that is the problem.

brian125 · August 2001

2gyi how much over invoice did you pay for your tribute. also what state are you in.

g2y1 · August 2001

I paid invoice price. Most of the dealers I contacted were selling them for invoice. I am in Arlington, Texas. I bought Tribute at Hiley Mazda.

scname · August 2001

g2y1 Every dealer I know still ask for MSRP around Houston. And you have to wait months to get one.

brian125 · August 2001

tlc8 · August 2001

I'm finally ready to buy a Tribute, I've done my research, read all 740 messages posted here, and now have my own dilemma. I'm going to use the S-plan but am getting conflicting information. I didn't mention using the plan when I first test drove the vehicle with one of the salesman, didn't feel it was necessary since I was still shopping, and felt I deserved to be treated like a "regular" customer, which I was. After I made my decision to buy, I called the same salesman and told him I would be using the S-plan but that I was not interested in the 2001 but wanted to order a 2002. He told me they weren't honoring the S-plan on the Tribute. But, would I consider a 2001 off the lot if they did. I told him I would think about it. I then called another dealership 35 miles away and the sales manager said he would order me a 2002 under the plan and gave me the name of the Fleet Manager I would deal with. I also asked him about price and color changes on the 2002 and he told me they had the prices, and names of the new colors and which colors were dropped, but had no color samples. Told him I would be in touch. Called the first dealership back and asked for the Fleet Manager, told him what the other dealer said, and wouldn't you know it, this one agreed to order a 2002 under the plan as well, but, still has no price list, it's been two weeks, and the reason I've not ordered from the second dealership is because I want to get the vehicle as soon as possible. A friend who will be giving me the pin# told me it's only good for in-stock vehicles. If that's true, why have two dealerships told me they would order? Should I order and wait, or should I wait until they have 2002's on the lot, hopefully sooner than if I ordered one. I have been told that the dealerships have the right to exclude a popular make or model, such as the ES, which is what I want. This is what the original salesman told me. Does anyone have any insight or experience with this? All advice is appreciated, sorry to be so lengthy but, I read all yours, and this is my first time in here. Thanks.

brian125 · August 2001

all DEALERS ARE FULL OF CRAp . they will try to rob your money any way they can.i would suggest you find out from each of the 2 dealers you spoke with a couple of questions. do it by phone.all fee's like paperwork, ad fee's or any hidden charges.you will find many dealers who quote you a price plus tax and out the door.some will tack on 3,4,hundred dollars they call paperwork process fees or nonsense like this.dont get suckered.I HAVE BOUGHT MY LAST 5 CARS BY PHONE and never stepped into the dealership other than to pick it up.i would order a 2002 and wait. call on the phone tell that dealer what your looking for and if his sales mngr. agree's you will give your credit card with a 500 deposit no more than that.you can work all the numbers on the phone.make sure he sends you a fax copy of exactly what you want and the price soup to nuts on that invoice. I LIVE IN THE NEW YORK AREA AND MY EXPERIENCE WITH DEALING WITH THESE SALES PEOPLE are they are stupid lazy and dont know the product they are selling.ask a question and they have to run back to the sales manger for a price or options.i dont know what a s plan is but i would squeeze dealer #1 for lying to you about getting a 2002. lie like they do tell him dealer #2 is giving you a better deal and throw in sales tax and out the door. good luck

tronsr1 · August 2001

The pin# is GOOD for "on the lot" AND any "one you want to order". That dealer is full of it. Why don't you go to the second dealer that treated you "honestly and fairly" instead of dealing with someone that lied to you in the first place???

brian125 · August 2001

i agree i would not give that dealership my buiness who lied to me.make him pay let that dealership know your going to buy at dealer #2 cause he is full of it.

mikey235 · August 2001

Hello All,
Had my ES/ABS Trib for 11mos/13x mls. Like it lots. EXCEPT, the noises! (wind noise, tires, etc.) The noise that really takes the cake however is that WARNING CHIME FROM HELL! You can't start or finish a trip without getting an invitation to a migraine.
I've made several trips under the dash to try and find, kill, and dispose of it. But it's so loud once I'm under there it sounds like it's coming from everywhere.
Has anyone disabled theirs? Where is the bugger?

ALSO, for y'all who are SHOPPING the Trib:
*I've had ZERO PROBLEMS, and love the ride. Remember what my mother said, "The squeaky wheel gets the grease." Meaning: Most of the folks posting here are either shopping or complaining. The happy Trib owner is too busy driving to be writing about it here. Never trust annecdotal data. Try JD Powers or Consumer Reports if you want real stats on reliability.
*Common Gripes Dispelled:
Interior too plastic/cheap. I like it fine. I've got leather seats and custom liners (Husky)in the back seat and cargo area, and rubber mats up front. So there's hardly no exposed carpet or cloth! Everything's easy to clean and stays dust and odor free. I've travelled 3 times from Portland OR to NW Wisconsin with 2 dogs and 3 cats, and after a little whisk brooming and dusting you'd never know it was just a kennel for three days.
Volume button in wrong place (behind AT shift lever). NOT! I've got the 6CD head unit(great) and the volume and tuning controls are in just the right place. I can gently rest my hand on the shifter and mess with the volume or scan the radio without looking.
Lastly, for those who are DISSAPOINTED WITH THE SOUND OF THE STEREO. Your right, it doesn't sound that good, until you change out the cheap, PAPER SPEAKERS! Go to Crutchfield.com. Took me about 2 hours to change all four doors. Even replaced the tweeters in the doors using components up there. Eventually installed an amp(Sony 5 channel-rf,lf, rr,lr,sub) under passenger seat, because good speakers need more power to be driven properly. But we're rockin' now!

Well that's 'bout it. Any directions on how to KILL THE CHIME will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

brian125 · August 2001

TRY LIGHTER FLUID AND A MATCH. THAT SHOULD STOP THE CHIME ONCE and for all.

maltb · August 2001

do tell us about your dream vehicle...

mxmisl · August 2001

Hi all;
i've read all 700+ posts and have researched buying a trib for the part 4 months. I just wanted to impart my recent experiences in trying to purchase a tribute locally (here in Houston, TX).
Everyone of the dealers claims they only get a few cars and that you can buy what they can get. NONE of the dealer will deal on price, Its MSRP + (usually a $995 enviromental package) or forget it. So I brought my 5K downpayment to a local dealer (who had the car i was looking for). Put it down on a sweet LX V6 4X4 (23,5K), negotiated payments etc.the next morning they called me and told me the car was not available, and that they had "another one' in the lot . This one had more options and cost 24,5K. I said okay and we talked about getting this one. The next day i called to pick it up and they said it was not available. But if I "work w/ them" they could find me one in a few days. Sure enuf the next morning they located a totally loaded LX (including cargo nets, bumper steps etc) this one cost 25,099 before environmental package
So much for only being able to get a few cars a month..Gee whiz.
Anyway I pick one of them up tomorrow morning. I guess whatever is on the lot...since its most likely someone elses car
Thanks for reading

odie6l · August 2001

That sounds an awful lot like a bait-n-switch. You should have gotten the one you originally signed for. if not then why did the dealer let you sign on the 1st tribute. SOmething doesn't smeel right near that dealership. Look to see if there are many Goats on the front lawn.

Odie

1jimv1 · August 2001

You discovered that retail salesmen often mislead about the Plans because they don't do them and they want to say no so you will buy retail from them. Sometimes the retail sales manager will say no too because it's not sales from his department either. Chances are if you had contacted ONLY the fleet manager at the first dealer he would have said Yes, because that's his job. He didn't lie to you and play the games! Tell him exactly what you want and ask him about dealer added charges at his dealer. Ford doesn't allow any on X-Plan but Mazda does on S-Plan so just ask for these charges in a businesslike way from both fleet managers and deal with the "bottom line"! You will need to give a good faith deposit with a credit card so you won't flake. I gave $100 on an X-Plan order. Both fleet managers can also tell you what's on the lot and possibly sell from the lot on S-Plan when the retail salesmen say it can't be done (as far as they are concerned)! Fleet is usually a separate sales group under top management so remember that and you will have an easier time if you are prepared and businesslike too.

tlc8 · August 2001

Thanks for the feedback. You're right, why wait for dealer 1 to "do the right thing" when dealer 2 was there from the get-go. Have pin, will travel. Good to hear some positive remedies too, from someone who's been there, and is more action than words. Happy driving!

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