Making a contract for a car before it arrives at the dealer?

[kennelh]

Our Mach E is riding the train between Kansas and NorCal. The ETA was originally estimated for this week but since it was in New Mexico yesterday that seems unlikely. We were planning to use Options to get the $2500 rebate, but after 3/31 that's an unknown. We talked with our dealer about it and they said they could write up a contract right now to grandfather in the current rebates. We were uneasy about that since we'd be accepting the car sight unseen, but they said until we take delivery of the car it's not "official" (I'd like to think "binding"). That doesn't sound right.

Has anyone had a similar experience?

Sponsored

 

[Dudeduke]

Our Mach E is riding the train between Kansas and NorCal. The ETA was originally estimated for this week but since it was in New Mexico yesterday that seems unlikely. We were planning to use Options to get the $2500 rebate, but after 3/31 that's an unknown. We talked with our dealer about it and they said they could write up a contract right now to grandfather in the current rebates. We were uneasy about that since we'd be accepting the car sight unseen, but they said until we take delivery of the car it's not "official" (I'd like to think "binding"). That doesn't sound right.

Has anyone had a similar experience?

I didn't even realize that the Options rebate of $2500 is expiring end of this month. I am also expecting to get it delivered sometime next week(tracker ETA 04/05) at the dealer.

I would also like to know if something like this is possible. I will contact the dealer to get the contract signed before 3/31. Or If anyone has any internal info on the possibility of extension of the $2500 rebate on options for another month?

 

[kennelh]

I didn't even realize that the Options rebate of $2500 is expiring end of this month. I am also expecting to get it delivered sometime next week(tracker ETA 04/05) at the dealer.

Last year it was also shown good through 01/04, then on 01/05 it was extended. I'm hoping it's extended again, but no way to know until 04/01.

 

[BMT1071]

Signing early so the dealer can hit their EOM number is nothing new. Whether or not it is binding may depend on the dealer.
As to upcoming incentives, the dealer is usually kept in the dark. An insider like @hybrid2bev might know, but also might not be able to share.

 

[hybrid2bev]

Signing early so the dealer can hit their EOM number is nothing new. Whether or not it is binding may depend on the dealer.
As to upcoming incentives, the dealer is usually kept in the dark. An insider like @hybrid2bev might know, but also might not be able to share.

I don’t. Not my department. But I did know I couldn’t say anything about it either. Incentives are closely guarded to keep dealers from gaming the system.

 

[Jimrpa]

Most states have a 3 day “cooling period on contracts. If you are really concerned, sign, see if options cash is extended. If so, ask the dealer to shred until the car arrives. Otherwise, hope the car arrives during the cooling period.

 

[kennelh]

Most states have a 3 day “cooling period on contracts. If you are really concerned, sign, see if options cash is extended. If so, ask the dealer to shred until the car arrives. Otherwise, hope the car arrives during the cooling period.

A good suggestion; in California there is no cooling off period unless you get a contract cancellation option (it's intended for used car sales, but I can't find anything saying it can't apply to new car sales).

 

[kennelh]

The next part of the story; we went in to talk with the dealer today and they told us they couldn't file the order today and then later nullify it, since it needed to be filed the same day with the California DMV. After considering our options, we decided to commit to the purchase today to be sure we would get the $2500 rebate. We really want the car, so even without seeing it we're convinced this dealer will make sure any issues are addressed. We're looking forward to it arriving next week (VV says it's in Needles, CA as of this morning).

So long story short (with respect to Murphy's Law); we're pretty sure the $2500 rebate will be renewed on 04/01 for some unspecified time in the future. California buyers; you're welcome ?

 

[mixduptransistor]

I did basically the same thing you did but for a different reason. I bought and completed the purchase of a Mach E that was inbound to my dealer before it arrived. They were willing to work with me on a deal both for my trade and on the car itself because it was the end of the month and quarter. Literally the last day

The only thing I regret is that there is a problem with the car, but it's one that wouldn't have been apparent at delivery, so I don't think I would've not followed through. There is an issue with one of the computers on the car causing connectivity and Level 3 charging issues. They're fixing it under warranty, and I wouldn't have tried to DCFC on a test drive so I would have never known until after I was the legal owner anyway

Don't let that worry you, you're probably going to be fine and Ford will make it right in the unlikely event something is wrong. If you know you want the car (you test drove another one, right?) then you should feel fine about your decision

 

[ChasingCoral]

The Ford Options Cash incentive and other incentives were continued through 2nd quarter (unless that is an April Fool's joke from Ford).

Sponsored