akirby

What I'm saying is Ford doesn't itemize the various parts of the X plan price on the invoice like they do with dealer invoice and MSRP. The invoice shows an invoice and msrp price for the car plus options, plus the FDAF, gas and other fees which then get added together. There is only one box on the invoice for A/Z/D/X plan pricing and that box contains a single price - period. It's not itemized. I totally agree that those fees are included in the dealer invoice price and that you can use the dealer invoice price to estimate the X plan price. I just don't think it's technically accurate to say X plan includes FDAF. It is accurate to say that dealer invoice includes FDAF and X plan is 0.4% less than dealer invoice (plus $75 perhaps). And since it's one single price it really doesn't matter exactly what is or isn't included as long as the dealer can't add anything to it.

It's the same engine as the new Taurus (not the 500) and Taurus X and the same transmission but that does not mean the intakes are the same because the bodies are different. You'd have to look at both to be sure - sometimes the routing is different. As for the chip - that is not necessarily interchangeable either as the tuning and other parameters could be different between the Taurus and the Edge. Better play it safe with that one. If they have one for the Taurus and it works for the Edge the vendor will be the first to advertise that fact.

I assume he was talking about brake or suspension changes. Suspension is a maybe - depends on the size of the tire being used. Brakes will fit but won't work as well with the larger wheels. I'd recommend a new larger brake kit if you're going to do 22's. Just think of all the time and money you'll save (not to mention ride comfort) sticking with the OEM wheels and tires.

NEVER use a sponge! Sponges trap dirt on the surface and grind it into the paint, leaving swirl marks and scratches. Use a wool mitt, keep it clean and rinse it often. And you don't need a pressure washer, either.

Wouldn't it be nice if they put this type of information and other info on how your car works in a book in the glove compartment where you can look up stuff like this yourself?

You're not understanding the concept. X plan is one price (as is A/D/Z plan). Period. It includes everything. You don't add several things together to get the A/Z/X/D plan pricing like you do to get the dealer invoice price. The point is you don't ADD FDAF or Destination or any other fees to the X plan price. Whatever is supposed to be included is already in the price except for tax, tag and title.

Speakers help but they aren't night and day different. You can replace the door speakers with component kits. Crutchfield has all the size details and adapters but I'm pretty sure you need a 5.25" component kit with adapter to fit the 5x7 door openings. I went with a polk audio setup for the front of my fusion and it was a direct drop in replacement for the factory audiophile component speakers.

Go check tire prices and you'll stick with the 18s. 20s will put more wear and tear on the brakes and will probably ride a little stiffer.

He means the DVD Nav units are in short supply and may delay an order.

Correct.

16" Fusion wheels *should* fit but I can't guarantee it. Just make sure you get a tire that's the same diameter as the stock tires.

I don't use banks anymore. I just keep all my cash tucked away in the owner's manual in the glovebox. That's the LAST place anybody would look! (just kidding folks. RTFM!)

Ford's quality has drastically improved in the last few years. If you look at the cars launched since 2004 they've been nearly bulletproof - Fusion, 500, F150, Explorer, Edge, Mustang, etc. The Edge/MKX definitely have some new components but I wouldn't expect any major reliability issues. The Fusion has been out for almost 2 years and it's proven more reliable than a Toyota Camry or a V6 Accord - no reason to think that will be drastically different. And if you didn't see the latest news - Ford reduced it's warranty costs by $700M the first half of 2007. That's a significant achievement.

That doc fee is pure profit so they don't like to give it up. Most times it's just the salesperson's ignorance rather than a deliberate attempt. I told mine (an older gentleman in a nice suit) to take it off that it wasn't allowed and he told me it was allowed on X plan but not A plan. I said wrong and he went to check. Came back in 5 minutes, didn't say a word, just scratched it off. If necessary just ask for the sales manager. They know the rules.

They also have one for the MKX.

Most people think they got a better price than X plan but when it's all said and done, out the door, they pay more. The dealer will offer you an initial price that's lower than X plan by $100 or so, but then they add $400 documentation fee which isn't allowed on X plan. The other thing that happens is the dealer has mfr to dealer cash that they keep (unbeknownst to the buyer because it's not publicly advertised). Under most X plan sales the customer gets the dealer cash as an additional rebate. Unless it's a vehicle the dealership has had for a year and they're willing to eat into their holdback considerably to get rid of it - you won't beat X plan out the door.

X plan is a few dollars under dealer invoice plus they can't add any documentation or other BS fees. If you compare that with a $500 over invoice price normally plus $300 documentation you'll be saving around $900. Dealer acceptance is 100% voluntary and can vary be vehicle (they might accept X plan on one model but not another - depends on how they're selling at regular retail). You just need to ask the dealer if they'll accept X plan on the vehicle you want and if they do you just need to get the PIN number and it's a done deal. If you find one in stock at forddirect.com just give me the last 5 of the VIN plus the dealer's name and zip code and the model (EDGE AWD SEL Plus e.g.) and I can give you the exact X plan price. You can also order a vehicle and still get X plan pricing. On the roof rack - I bet you can get aftermarket roof racks that will work with the BAMR - they just don't offer the factory rack with it.

Software updates will be done via a USB memory stick. I don't see it being done wirelessly and certainly not without the owner's permission regardless of what the article says.

The sidewall height will be 245mm x 0.50 or 122.5mm or 4.82 inches. Here is a URL that shows the 20" wheels and tires: http://www.blip.tv/file/288907/

Power in this case refers to the use of an electronic switch to activate the spring loaded folding.

No, he's talking about the lift mechanism itself. Although it is more than just that as it has to open the door latch and integrate with the keyfob so a retrofit might not be a simple plug and play unless the wiring harness already exists.

That speaker test goes way back. It worked on my 95 Ranger and I'm sure on even older vehicles.

Why don't you just order one exactly the way you want it?

No, it shows the average SINCE YOU LAST RESET IT. Of course when you first reset it then it will change rapidly.

Isn't the top of the dash black for the Med. Lt. Stone and Tan for the Camel? That would be a dead giveaway. That's how it is in the Fusion.