0% financing no longer available?

[oadesign]

Didn't matter with me. Dealer still bumped it higher 2x depite my credit score being 780+

That’s awful.

Sponsored

 

[MMXX500]

I see. I had planned on getting a vinyl front legal license plate until the dealer demanded to install the plate and 2 holes in front afterall... and now I will get black plates but can't figure out how to get them first vs the automatic plates sent after purchase. So I wait to see what they are, then get black ones after... probably better that way. (Delays on special plates in California)

Thats a terrible dealership, they only have to have you sign a CA DMV statement of facts to acknowledge you chose not to have the front plate bracket installed so I don't know why they would do that. It wasn't Heritage Ford in Modesto was it?

You used to be able to order the black plates or personalized plates online before the new plates arrived and then switch them out at DMV, this can't be done anymore though. Since COVID things at the DMV have changed so they now mail the black plates or personalized plates directly to your residence. You would have to wait for the new dealer issued plates to arrive ( should only be 4 weeks tops ) and then go online and enter the issued plate number and vin - then it will allow you to choose the replacement plate style. I would just do a personalized black plate because either way its $50 and $50 extra reg per year so you might as well get something personal on there since you're paying for it.

The workaround would be to order plates for a current vehicle and then when they come in have them reassigned to the new car. It's not worth the hassle though since you are so close to the dealer issued plates coming anyway - plus you won't have to make the trip to DMV. You are correct about the wait time too, currently around 9 months for the plates to come in from time of order!

Some of the folks on here have used plugs to fill the holes on the front bumper, from what I've seen they don't look half bad.

 

[MMXX500]

Do you know how high a credit score or range qualifies for tier 0/1?

Ford Credit has their own internal system to determine what Tier you fall into. They look at score but they also look at length of time at job/residence, previous Ford Credit history is a big one for them - that can actually get you bumped a tier ( I had people bumped from 3 to 2, 2-1 etc many times based on previous history with Ford.

They look at Experian or Equifax from what I remember and not Transunion, but 670 up would normally get you a Tier 1 and 720 up would normally get a Tier 0 - again this is just based off my experience with them ( hundreds if not thousands of contracts ) and there is a lot more than just score involved.

 

[MMXX500]

Didn't matter with me. Dealer still bumped it higher 2x depite my credit score being 780+

I'm not sure if the dealer is actually allowed to mark up a Ford Options contract. There have been reports of dealers doing it on here ( in the Options thread ) and then Ford adjusting the rate down to the correct incentivized rate based on your Tier approval.

I have not done any Options contracts because they are a new thing and I left the Ford business a long while ago, but if we ever contracted a deal and the rate didn't match the Tier then Ford would not fund the loan until it was corrected. The only way the dealer can mark up the rate as far as I know is if they are using a standard rate program but Options and any incentivized rate is not a standard program.

Edit* Just wanted to add, just because the guy or gal doing the paperwork calls themself a finance manager and works at the dealership - it doesn't actually mean they know anything about the available programs. The majority of these people don't take the time to learn anything, because they think they already know everything.

 

[Mawby]

That’s awful.

Yeah.. And they tried everything to indirectly have me walk away from it.

 

[Mawby]

Thats a terrible dealership, they only have to have you sign a CA DMV statement of facts to acknowledge you chose not to have the front plate bracket installed so I don't know why they would do that. It wasn't Heritage Ford in Modesto was it?

You used to be able to order the black plates or personalized plates online before the new plates arrived and then switch them out at DMV, this can't be done anymore though. Since COVID things at the DMV have changed so they now mail the black plates or personalized plates directly to your residence. You would have to wait for the new dealer issued plates to arrive ( should only be 4 weeks tops ) and then go online and enter the issued plate number and vin - then it will allow you to choose the replacement plate style. I would just do a personalized black plate because either way its $50 and $50 extra reg per year so you might as well get something personal on there since you're paying for it.

The workaround would be to order plates for a current vehicle and then when they come in have them reassigned to the new car. It's not worth the hassle though since you are so close to the dealer issued plates coming anyway - plus you won't have to make the trip to DMV. You are correct about the wait time too, currently around 9 months for the plates to come in from time of order!

Some of the folks on here have used plugs to fill the holes on the front bumper, from what I've seen they don't look half bad.

Exactly. Not Modesto but another smaller dealer. Funny thing is while I have no plans to mention nor recommend them, they since have ADM and I just figure --- I was the last slip through order. MSRP still makes it all ok as when I call Ford Credit and pay it off to avoid the 4.96% interest. They messed up. Dealer could have signed up for 2.25 or 2.49 and I would have stayed and they would have gotten their mini kick back. Instead... they get nada. (Well the $300 from the destination delivery charge -- $1495)

Thanks again for the helpful info.'

 

[Mawby]

I'm not sure if the dealer is actually allowed to mark up a Ford Options contract. There have been reports of dealers doing it on here ( in the Options thread ) and then Ford adjusting the rate down to the correct incentivized rate based on your Tier approval.

I have not done any Options contracts because they are a new thing and I left the Ford business a long while ago, but if we ever contracted a deal and the rate didn't match the Tier then Ford would not fund the loan until it was corrected. The only way the dealer can mark up the rate as far as I know is if they are using a standard rate program but Options and any incentivized rate is not a standard program.

Edit* Just wanted to add, just because the guy or gal doing the paperwork calls themself a finance manager and works at the dealership - it doesn't actually mean they know anything about the available programs. The majority of these people don't take the time to learn anything, because they think they already know everything.

Makes sense. They called it the options plan. They also have a balloon payment in payment 48. When I call Ford credit... I will be asking for sure.

 

[kennethjk]

Makes sense. They called it the options plan. They also have a balloon payment in payment 48. When I call Ford credit... I will be asking for sure.

Did you get a 1k or 2.5 k rebate for taking the option plan?

 

[Mawby]

2.5

Did you get a 1k or 2.5 k rebate for taking the option plan?

2.5K

 

[Mawby]

Yeah.. And they tried everything to indirectly have me walk away from it.

It was comical as it was so obvious: (not provable of course but interesting)
1. Ford notifies on day of estimated delivery (so last day in range of delivery) -- you are ready to do next step with payment. I opted for online signing. I did this at 10pm following the email (could not believe it). It said the dealer has been notified, please wait till they call you to come in and pickup your car and sign etc.

2. 830am next day I get a call from the assistant sales manager, we will call him Kenny. Kenny says hey we got a note from Ford that you're interested in a MME. Um yeah, it was delivered? ...well I will check as we did get a MME yesterday. I said wow. Is it white? ... Kenny says let me check... yep. I say I will be over to check it out! ... acted like they were surprised I wanted it? Um.. I ordered it 6 mos ago and just spoke to you a few weeks ago checking progress.

3. I check the car out. It is taped up and I was told it would be ready the following day. Ok. Make sure you don't drill holes in front bumper, I have got the plastic decal planned and its legal. Oh ok.. Says -- lets call her Sally. Sales person.

4. I reach out via text. Around 930am. Whats next. Sally says finance. Soon. 1230p -- was told the process takes time. 330p I reach out and ask what time does finance close for the day!? Sally says, 7pm. Kenny's boss calls me back, lets call him Zack. Zack says, hey. I have your MME and when do you want to come in? I say... I will be there within the hour... uh ok. Oh and we are still at MSRP right? Yes. I was told. As promised. Oh and I said, is the car charged up? I will get/check it for you.

5. Catch an uber and land 1 hr later, say 5pm. Figure I could just sign the paperwork.. Well the car had 30 miles on it of charge. It also had 2 holes drilled and a front plate. 6pm.... 7pm... finance lets call him Moses surprises me with a prelim sheet. 4.94% financing for 4 or 3 year options, and your stellar credit... on a excel printout titled "Ford Options Financing" . I balked as the closeout on Ford.com stated APR 2.49%. Seems way off? Well... says Moses, this is what Ford came up with. (Um... seems odd it would be that off considering I was basically pre-approved online from Ford). Moses says, well that was estimated and this is regionally adjusted... hmmm ok. Can we get it reduced? Moses says. Look I have 5 other people waiting for this car... and would grab it. Moses says there are 3 customers making payments for 2 mos now without having their vehicles yet... (uh... how does that work) -- Later Sally says quietly, we don't give these cars out at MSRP so this is unheard of. Moments later I say fine, I can just refinance.

6. So 3 hrs later from arrival, they decide with only 38 miles on the charge, they will drive it to another charger and boost it. While I deal with finance signing finally. Signing took 10 min. The online work I did 2 days prior for contract was all there except for the lower finance rate. Oh and when the money transfers we will give you your second fob. We can mail it... I said nope I will pick it up next day.

7. I was instructed to keep this loan until I get my tax deduction... or I may lose it as the car is treated as a used car when refinanced. Uh.. Otay.

8. With 78 miles charged, I drove in the dark, first time ever in the MME any... around 45 miles home. When I pulled in the garage, display just lit up with warnings, at 50 miles to empty.

9. Next day I was told oh you get 1 fob only and PaaK. I respond, no. As of July -- all MME's get 2. Moments later Sally said oh mistake yes you can pick up the 2nd fob. Phew.

10. Now today I pick up my MME after getting PPF front end, ceramic tint front windows, and ceramic coat full car. The shop says the factory did some paint correction on the fin on top of the hatch. Will see what that is all about. I did not notice much in the 7 days and 3 drives I had in it.

Wheee!

 

[kennethjk]

It was comical as it was so obvious: (not provable of course but interesting)
1. Ford notifies on day of estimated delivery (so last day in range of delivery) -- you are ready to do next step with payment. I opted for online signing. I did this at 10pm following the email (could not believe it). It said the dealer has been notified, please wait till they call you to come in and pickup your car and sign etc.

2. 830am next day I get a call from the assistant sales manager, we will call him Kenny. Kenny says hey we got a note from Ford that you're interested in a MME. Um yeah, it was delivered? ...well I will check as we did get a MME yesterday. I said wow. Is it white? ... Kenny says let me check... yep. I say I will be over to check it out! ... acted like they were surprised I wanted it? Um.. I ordered it 6 mos ago and just spoke to you a few weeks ago checking progress.

3. I check the car out. It is taped up and I was told it would be ready the following day. Ok. Make sure you don't drill holes in front bumper, I have got the plastic decal planned and its legal. Oh ok.. Says -- lets call her Sally. Sales person.

4. I reach out via text. Around 930am. Whats next. Sally says finance. Soon. 1230p -- was told the process takes time. 330p I reach out and ask what time does finance close for the day!? Sally says, 7pm. Kenny's boss calls me back, lets call him Zack. Zack says, hey. I have your MME and when do you want to come in? I say... I will be there within the hour... uh ok. Oh and we are still at MSRP right? Yes. I was told. As promised. Oh and I said, is the car charged up? I will get/check it for you.

5. Catch an uber and land 1 hr later, say 5pm. Figure I could just sign the paperwork.. Well the car had 30 miles on it of charge. It also had 2 holes drilled and a front plate. 6pm.... 7pm... finance lets call him Moses surprises me with a prelim sheet. 4.94% financing for 4 or 3 year options, and your stellar credit... on a excel printout titled "Ford Options Financing" . I balked as the closeout on Ford.com stated APR 2.49%. Seems way off? Well... says Moses, this is what Ford came up with. (Um... seems odd it would be that off considering I was basically pre-approved online from Ford). Moses says, well that was estimated and this is regionally adjusted... hmmm ok. Can we get it reduced? Moses says. Look I have 5 other people waiting for this car... and would grab it. Moses says there are 3 customers making payments for 2 mos now without having their vehicles yet... (uh... how does that work) -- Later Sally says quietly, we don't give these cars out at MSRP so this is unheard of. Moments later I say fine, I can just refinance.

6. So 3 hrs later from arrival, they decide with only 38 miles on the charge, they will drive it to another charger and boost it. While I deal with finance signing finally. Signing took 10 min. The online work I did 2 days prior for contract was all there except for the lower finance rate. Oh and when the money transfers we will give you your second fob. We can mail it... I said nope I will pick it up next day.

7. I was instructed to keep this loan until I get my tax deduction... or I may lose it as the car is treated as a used car when refinanced. Uh.. Otay.

8. With 78 miles charged, I drove in the dark, first time ever in the MME any... around 45 miles home. When I pulled in the garage, display just lit up with warnings, at 50 miles to empty.

9. Next day I was told oh you get 1 fob only and PaaK. I respond, no. As of July -- all MME's get 2. Moments later Sally said oh mistake yes you can pick up the 2nd fob. Phew.

10. Now today I pick up my MME after getting PPF front end, ceramic tint front windows, and ceramic coat full car. The shop says the factory did some paint correction on the fin on top of the hatch. Will see what that is all about. I did not notice much in the 7 days and 3 drives I had in it.

Wheee!

What a dealership! How long have they been around and how much longer will they be around.

crooks, plain and simple

 

[MMXX500]

Oh and when the money transfers we will give you your second fob. We can mail it... I said nope I will pick it up next day.

This dealership is run by the 3 stooges! "You can take the $60k car but we are holding the $200 key!"
?

Moses says there are 3 customers making payments for 2 mos now without having their vehicles yet... (uh... how does that work) -- Later Sally says quietly, we don't give these cars out at MSRP so this is unheard of.

Sounds like they have 'Paper Tripped' vehicles that are still at factory/in transport by using the issued vin and falsely declaring odometer mileage. Very shady and very risky, basically they contract the cars without the cars being there or the customer actually taking delivery - can cause a massive problem for them if the DMV or bank finds out.
m
You will get an email very soon ( if you haven't already ) from Ford Motor Co with a survey for the dealership. This survey can effect the dealership in a huge way, a perfect survey helps toward their customer satisfaction bonus from Ford and overall Gross bonus for the store. The salesperson is most likely Paid a bonus that's dependent on a perfect survey too.

If you liked your salesperson and felt they deserve a bonus then mark everything as perfect ( 10's ) across the board. If you were not happy with the salesperson then burn them across the board, put everything that happened in the comments. There is no middle ground on these surveys, if you mark the salesperson part as good and the rest as bad it's still a failing survey, any part of it marked as less than perfect is a failing grade in Fords eyes and it becomes a bullet for the dealership. This is why dealers panic after the sale when its's survey time - if they just did everything right from the start they would have nothing to worry about.

If you do not get a survey emailed to you then it's because the dealership knew they were going to get a bad one and they used a fake email address ( instead of your real one ) to report the sold
vehicle in Fords system. Ford takes these surveys very seriously and when a bad one is returned they open a case with the dealership and it has to be fixed and reported back to Ford with updates. These surveys DO cost the dealership thousands of dollars.

Keep in mind a bad survey does cost the salesperson too so when I do these I take that into consideration also.

 

[Mawby]

What a dealership! How long have they been around and how much longer will they be around.

crooks, plain and simple

They are family owned but a "group" so I suspect multiple dealerships across brands. Unbelievable and the efficiency factor I note is off the charts negative. Literally picking up second fob involved, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 people to get it to me on the service center floor. I could save them boatloads of money... on staffing more roles to handle more things. Loads of idle waiting. Not busy, just intentional inefficiency by salaried workers.

 

[Mawby]

Sounds like they have 'Paper Tripped' vehicles that are still at factory/in transport by using the issued vin and falsely declaring odometer mileage. Very shady and very risky, basically they contract the cars without the cars being there or the customer actually taking delivery - can cause a massive problem for them if the DMV or bank finds out.
m
You will get an email very soon ( if you haven't already ) from Ford Motor Co with a survey for the dealership. This survey can effect the dealership in a huge way, a perfect survey helps toward their customer satisfaction bonus from Ford and overall Gross bonus for the store. The salesperson is most likely Paid a bonus that's dependent on a perfect survey too.

If you liked your salesperson and felt they deserve a bonus then mark everything as perfect ( 10's ) across the board. If you were not happy with the salesperson then burn them across the board, put everything that happened in the comments. There is no middle ground on these surveys, if you mark the salesperson part as good and the rest as bad it's still a failing survey, any part of it marked as less than perfect is a failing grade in Fords eyes and it becomes a bullet for the dealership. This is why dealers panic after the sale when its's survey time - if they just did everything right from the start they would have nothing to worry about.

If you do not get a survey emailed to you then it's because the dealership knew they were going to get a bad one and they used a fake email address ( instead of your real one ) to report the sold
vehicle in Fords system. Ford takes these surveys very seriously and when a bad one is returned they open a case with the dealership and it has to be fixed and reported back to Ford with updates. These surveys DO cost the dealership thousands of dollars.

Keep in mind a bad survey does cost the salesperson too so when I do these I take that into consideration also.

Salesperson was fine. Just powerless. I hear you on the survey. I did get it and have ignored it. Can I ignore?

 

[MMXX500]

Salesperson was fine. Just powerless. I hear you on the survey. I did get it and have ignored it. Can I ignore?

Sure - you can ignore it, they might email it agin but that's about it. If you don't respond it just gets marked as undeliverable/unreturned on their end. I'm actually surprised that they used your real email address!

The dealership will probably contact you when they see it as unreturned on their end, but that's a good thing because at that point they will start doing some serious butt kissing to get you to return it!

I have seen GM's send out $500 or $1000 Macys gift cards to get a perfect survey back in some cases.

Sponsored