akirby

Please read posts 9-11.

Good thing I ignored your Avatar, huh?

It wasn't lowered by a specific percentage - they're using new tests and the average change is around 12%. Some will be higher and some lower.

The 07s to clear out. I know there isn't a big difference between the 07 and 08 but it's general practice for Ford to wait until the old models have been moved out before putting up the new ones on the website. It is frustrating if you're trying to get info though.

Dealer invoice is the price on the invoice that the dealer pays Ford for the vehicle. These prices are published everywhere now - Edmunds, Kbb, etc. They are real but the online versions don't include certain things like dealer association advertising fees, fuel, etc. so the actual dealer invoice will be around $400 higher than what you see online. The kicker is that Ford and most other mfrs give their dealers back some of that dealer invoice cost - it's called holdback. On Ford it's 3% - others are either 2% or 3% and some of the imports may not have it at all. So even if a dealer sold the vehicle at invoice they still make 3% (I think it's 3% of MSRP but it might be 3% of invoice). But you also have to remember that most dealers floor plan their vehicles - they basically borrow the money to pay for the vehicle and pay interest on it each month until it sells. That will eat into the holdback as will any other real expenses that the dealership incurs. Except for rare occasions when the dealer wants to move a specific car (maybe it's been on the lot for 6 months) you can't buy a car below dealer invoice (again there are exceptions but they are rare. Won't happen on a popular vehicle). If it's advertised that way then one of 3 things is happening: 1 - there is a factory rebate which the dealer is keeping. If the rebate is $1K and the dealer sells it to you for $500 below invoice but keeps the rebate then they really sold it for $500 over invoice. 2 - there is unadvertised factory to dealer cash (sometimes called marketing support) that the dealer is using just like a rebate. Edmunds usually lists these under incentives and if you're buying on A/X or Z plan you normally get to keep that cash yourself. 3 - the dealer is making it up with an unusually large "documentation" fee - otherwise known as additional dealer profit. This is normally $300-$400. Or they're forcing you to buy add-ons (paint protectant, glass etching, etc.) at inflated prices. Hope that helps.

Changing it once a week would piss me off even more. And make sure you buy the expensive stuff.

But it does not get recycled into new engine oil and refining used oil into other things is not free. It's still an unnecessary waste of natural resources.

So the MSRP was $32,900 or was the invoice? How much were the rebates other than the $500 for the wheels?

I didn't say you were wasting money. You are but that's not the point. You're wasting oil unnecessarily. It's not good for the environment or the country.

The only downside to 3K oil changes is that you're wasting oil. At 15K per year that's 3 extra oil changes (5 vs. 2) or over 4 gallons (18 quarts) of wasted oil.

The factory speakers are terrible. 5x7 speakers should definitely fit, 6x8 usually fit with an adapter. If you're not sure call Crutchfield and ask them.

No way, no how. Even A plan buyers only get around 4% below invoice plus rebates.

Have wheels become the new status symbol? It used to be the vehicle itself, but now it seems to be more about the wheels than the vehicle. The part I really don't get is when I see a car worth $2K with $4K worth of wheels and tires.

As long as you understand the tradeoffs and the total cost - go for it. I just don't understand the fascination with huge wheels and rubber band tires. Seems like a tremendous waste of money.

Roll down the window for a few seconds and I'm sure you can tell what the temp is within 10 degrees. Seriously - why is this such a huge issue?

Are they going to help you pay for the extra brake pads and more expensive tires, too? At least you know that you're only buying them for looks. Enjoy.

I'd say go with the 18's. They're cheaper, should be lighter and the tires will be much cheaper with more choices come replacement time.

The USB port is for the Sync connection. You can connect your MP3 player (Ipod, Zune, etc.) or just a thumb drive with MP3s.

You could also just put the MP3s on a USB thumb drive - you don't need a mp3 player per se.

Vapor Silver looks a lot like Tungsten. I like it!

The rules clearly say you have to identify yourself immediately. Normally this isn't a problem but if the dealer was pissed he could probably get your PIN revoked.

I have both. Even the funniest stuff gets old.

No, he's saying if you give a PIN to a friend he would be glad to sell the friend or family member a vehicle on the plan. That's not the same thing as asking for or offering PINs.

Let's don't go overboard here - it was funny the first 12 times.

Go read this thread and then maybe you'll get it.