Normal Ford dealer behavior?

[p_haze]

So I only started looking at MMEs maybe 3-weeks back. I ordered one online on 4/15 but also exploring options nearby for any available on the lot.
I have had some pretty sleazy experiences so far (this is the first time I am purchasing a Ford vehicle). Two dealerships told me that they have the particular car for sale and had me drive over only to tell me that they cannot sell the said vehicle. I finally found an FE for sale. There was a $10,000 ADM but when I mentioned x-plan, they took the ADM off and also honored x-plan pricing. I went in with the intent to buy. They made me wait for 90 minutes and then sent me home saying that they are not set up for Ford options and that it would take a few days to set it up. Two days later, I get the below email. Is this for real?

"After talking with our Ford Representative, due to Covid-19 causing a major delay in both production and Ford's representative's availability, our dealership was actually automatically opted out of the ford options program, when we had called to see if we could move up the date, they had actually informed us we don't qualify due to our low number of mach-es in stock and our region's representative's availability. Therefore we wouldn't be able to process the ford options plan here, because we are not an enrolled dealer."

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[hybrid2bev]

So I only started looking at MMEs maybe 3-weeks back. I ordered one online on 4/15 but also exploring options nearby for any available on the lot.
I have had some pretty sleazy experiences so far (this is the first time I am purchasing a Ford vehicle). Two dealerships told me that they have the particular car for sale and had me drive over only to tell me that they cannot sell the said vehicle. I finally found an FE for sale. There was a $10,000 ADM but when I mentioned x-plan, they took the ADM off and also honored x-plan pricing. I went in with the intent to buy. They made me wait for 90 minutes and then sent me home saying that they are not set up for Ford options and that it would take a few days to set it up. Two days later, I get the below email. Is this for real?

"After talking with our Ford Representative, due to Covid-19 causing a major delay in both production and Ford's representative's availability, our dealership was actually automatically opted out of the ford options program, when we had called to see if we could move up the date, they had actually informed us we don't qualify due to our low number of mach-es in stock and our region's representative's availability. Therefore we wouldn't be able to process the ford options plan here, because we are not an enrolled dealer."

I think the dealer is confused. Ford Options is a financing program from Ford Credit that does not require any enrollment. If they have the car and will sell it to you with standard financing but not Ford Options then let me know. I can possibly help get the dealer the information they need to process a Ford Options contract.

I’m guessing the dealer lost their EV certification from Ford motors which would prevent them from getting more Mach-Es. I would think if they already had one they could still sell it, but may not be able to order more.

 

[db4z]

Seems pretty shady but unfortunately all you can really do is walk away because Ford can't really force them to sell a car for a given price. Maybe they are telling the truth or maybe they only want to sell the car with ADM. You could try calling the Ford customer service hotline but I don't known if there is much they can do. I would just walk away from anyone that is not upfront.

Given the high demand low supply it is a seller's market if you think of it like real estate. Unfortunately, you might just have to travel further to find dealer that is willing to work with you.

 

[p_haze]

I think the dealer is confused. Ford Options is a financing program from Ford Credit that does not require any enrollment. If they have the car and will sell it to you with standard financing but not Ford Options then let me know. I can possibly help get the dealer the information they need to process a Ford Options contract.

I’m guessing the dealer lost their EV certification from Ford motors which would prevent them from getting more Mach-Es. I would think if they already had one they could still sell it, but may not be able to order more.

Thanks @hybrid2bev
Yes, they are saying they can sell the car with regular financing or as a lease, just not with ford options. Here is the rest of that email:

"... we have a few other options for you to go about purchasing this Mach-E. You could choose to do a similar mileage lease or you could choose to finance the vehicle.."

I will send you a PM with more details.

 

[jhalkias]

Unfortunately there is no "normal" dealer behavior. Some are awesome. Some are terrible. They are all independent businesses. The key is to find a good one.

 

[hybrid2bev]

Thanks @hybrid2bev
Yes, they are saying they can sell the car with regular financing or as a lease, just not with ford options. Here is the rest of that email:

"... we have a few other options for you to go about purchasing this Mach-E. You could choose to do a similar mileage lease or you could choose to finance the vehicle.."

I will send you a PM with more details.

OK thanks the details are perfect. I'll have someone reach out to the dealer to assist them with setting up their internal systems to do Ford Options.

 

[Brazenbuck]

They don’t want to sell you the car. You came in asking about X-plan. Some dealers would rather not sell to an educated buyer right now and wait for an uneducated one to get more money from.

 

[jeffdawgfan]

One thing to remember about dealerships. They are there to make as much money as possible for the owner. The sales staff bonuses are dependent on how much profit they generate. Never assume they are there to be nice and sell you a car. They have had about 70-80 years to develop every possible way to separate you from your hard earned money and increase their bottom line. That sells model is starting to die with the advent of electric vehicles and the sales of them on line. Good riddance I say. I have never had a good relationship or experience with any dealership.

 

[Mirak]

My radar went off the minute you told me the dealers went from $10,000 ADM to x-plan on a first edition. It isn’t easy to find cancelled order MMEs at x-plan pricing under normal circumstances - let alone at a dealer tacking on that sort of ADM.

I suspect some overeager salesman way overcommitted or they’re worried about not honoring xplan, so now they’re using the Ford Options excuse. Honestly, if the FE is the color you like, you might just abandon the Ford Options incentive and go the regular financing route. As I said, it isn’t easy finding cancelled orders at x-plan pricing.

I got super lucky to find a cancelled order grabber blue at x-plan pricing and I flew 500 miles to drive it home.

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