Bob's Maverick Journey

[commadorebob]

Congrats, happy to see the Maverick finally in the driveway! Now time to deal with the Ford Explorer nonsense. No wonder they're not so hot in the ratings.

Also why the resale has dropped like a stone...

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[Ranch]

Salesman was awesome. Interest rates are stupid compared to last year, but that was a known item. I got the Explorer at 3.9% as a incentive. Nothing was topping that.

ZERO markups or doc fees. Just tax and title. Gave me $5,672.69 worth of equity on the Escape to apply to the Maverick.

Obviously, I am frustrated with the Explorer experience. But the salesman and a couple other staff absolutely shared in that frustration. For one thing, the Explorers are taking up space! Another, they offered that that Ford should just buy them back. But Ford's position to them was, "you shouldn't have sold them at the 3.9% incentive we were offering." So, they're sorta stuck.

I won't ever buy a vehicle I can't drive home that day ever again. But the Maverick experience has been outstanding.

I never figured out why the dealer sold a vehicle that they knew or should have known was on delivery hold.

 

[commadorebob]

I never figured out why the dealer sold a vehicle that they knew or should have known was on delivery hold.

Didn't know until I signed the papers. The recall was only two days old at the time and who would have figured Ford's software team would still be stumped four months later?

 

[colinl]

I never figured out why the dealer sold a vehicle that they knew or should have known was on delivery hold.

They shouldn't and they get penalized if someone takes delivery on a stop sale. I am positive the finance guy and sales manager knew this, even if somehow the sales rep did not. Then they spun a story of hopes & dreams to get it sold anyway. I just reviewed Bob's OP and he should have demanded delivery of the Explorer or voided the sale. He trusted them and now realizes that was a bad choice.

I'm glad he's happy but they wanted his Escape and they don't want the Explorer back and they got their way, again. I am just flabbergasted how anyone could think a trade in offer of $16,000 less than what he paid for a vehicle he can't take possession of since .. looks like March 16, 2023, is anything other than exploitative.

Bob, have you been making car payments on this? I would call the lender and explain that you are inclined to stop paying because you have never taken possession of the vehicle. Or call your state AG and see what they think. I think the dealership, not Ford Motor Company, needs to void the sale and owes you any payments you've made.

 

[colinl]

Didn't know until I signed the papers. The recall was only two days old at the time and who would have figured Ford's software team would still be stumped four months later?

the dealership did. 100% they know when a stop sale is issued.

 

[Ranch]

Didn't know until I signed the papers. The recall was only two days old at the time and who would have figured Ford's software team would still be stumped four months later?

When I worked at a Ford dealer I looked on FMC Dealer for new recalls every day to be ready for them. The advance notices that have the stop delivery on them often remain in effect for a long time before repair and parts information comes out.

A little bit of work can save a whole bunch of headaches later on. Someone in sales should be responsible for checking on recalls that would prevent delivery of vehicles in inventory and flag them to not be sold.

 

[commadorebob]

Bob, have you been making car payments on this? I would call the lender and explain that you are inclined to stop paying because you have never taken possession of the vehicle. Or call your state AG and see what they think. I think the dealership, not Ford Motor Company, needs to void the sale and owes you any payments you've made.

They gave me the option to swap to a non-recalled vehicle at the time and I took the chance Ford wouldn't take too long. I was obviously wrong. They no longer sell impacted Explorers because they want to limit the number of people affected. And keep in mind, I am using their (very nice) vehicles as a loaner 100% free. Ford is not reimbursing them for that because of the aforementioned "shouldn't have sold it" position. So, they are paying the price for my choice.

Ford Credit is also 100% willing to suspend my Explorer payments until I get it home (I've called and asked). But all that does is delay payments I would have to make at some point anyway. So, I'm paying them because I expect I'll get the Explorer soon and will already have made a dent in my balance.

In Alabama, it is a used vehicle once my name goes on the title. So, my only other option would be Lemon Law and that process is so slow that Ford will send out any fix by then. Alabama law also limits dealer liability; Ford itself would have to buy the vehicle back after their legally mandated allowance to try to fix it, of which their temporary fix would qualify.

It was supposed to be a software fix and Ford generally gets those fixed within a short time. Even Tim mentioned on his livestream having Explorers stuck in the same situation. In fact, there is an F-150 recall and they can't even order the parts to fix it until a customer buys it. They want to fix them ahead of time.

So yes, the dealer "should have known" but I have been given multiple options to not be impacted at the moment. I'm choosing to keep making payments on the vehicle and plan to get it within the next couple months. At which point, I will have a brand new Explorer with a 3.9% loan that I've already been paying on.

I can still gripe about it.

 

[Ranch]

the dealership did. 100% they know when a stop sale is issued.

When you open up the FMC Dealer the front page will show new recall notices. You don't have to search for them.

 

[commadorebob]

Anyway, I want to refocus this thread back to the Maverick part. That was painless (other than the first trade thing).

I plan to eventually get a cab for the bed. That said, having it parked right next to the F-150, it isn't as small as I feared.

 

[capecruiser]

Congrats Bob ! You have been on a long journey getting your Mav/Explorer. I hope you have good luck with it.

 

[commadorebob]

Congrats Bob ! You have been on a long journey getting your Mav/Explorer. I hope you have good luck with it.

Thanks. I've only put six miles on it, but I love how it handles. Doesn't feel like an I-4 AWD.

 

[B2000]

Kind of hard to appreciate it in the garage but when I walk up to it on a parking lot I think every time how much I like the styling and scale. You will love it.

 

[Ranch]

Thanks. I've only put six miles on it, but I love how it handles. Doesn't feel like an I-4 AWD.

Yep. My FX4 4K handles great on the twisty two lane road on the way to the ranch property. It's also quieter than I was expecting.

 

[Jeddums]

Congratulations and thanks for being cool contributor to the Mav community!

 

[MM Mav]

@commadorebob
A) Congratulations on bringing home your Maverick!
B) what about your son's comfort in the back seat? Was there any issue with that?

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