I have no problem with the "reserve" part. The $500 fully-refundable reservation deposit made sense. But being stuck placing the fully spec'd order before ever getting to sit in one and see it is a bit annoying. Minds could change on colors and features and feel and performance.In fairness to Ford, it's not required. If you want to wait until they arrive at dealers and hope that there isn't enough demand due to the economy for the 20k units coming to the States, you can do that. Instead, Ford is giving us the option to reserve early for one of those spots. I'm willing to do so and not risk having to wait for a 2022 GT (whenever that would be) and also risk a diminished tax credit, but that's me and others may be willing to wait and see.
Well, we can debate how long in advance Ford really needs your order, but at the end of the day, if you want to reserve a car of specific color and options, you do have to make a decision and place that order. If Ford builds 20k units to people's specific orders, what are they supposed to do when you decide a month before delivery that you now want a red one instead of white?I have no problem with the "reserve" part. The $500 fully-refundable reservation deposit made sense. But being stuck placing the fully spec'd order before ever getting to sit in one and see it is a bit annoying. Minds could change on colors and features and feel and performance.
I guess the ultimate answer is "because they can".
I have no problem with a non refundable down payment to lock in my choices months before... That said, I do have a problem with a non refundable payment for a $50+k item that I can't even sit in a prototype of. I can decide on colors and features and even decide based on preliminary performance estimates. However, visibility, leg room, etc... are too important for me to commit to without testing something in person with at least something close to the final product.I have no problem with the "reserve" part. The $500 fully-refundable reservation deposit made sense. But being stuck placing the fully spec'd order before ever getting to sit in one and see it is a bit annoying. Minds could change on colors and features and feel and performance.
I guess the ultimate answer is "because they can".
Yeah, something's gotta give one way or the other on the timing when you do it like they did here. It's a brand new vehicle, none of which have even been made yet (actual production units). If buyers want to lock in one of the first ones off the assembly line, they have no choice but to order blind (i.e. before getting to see/feel/drive one in person first). And even if the order deposit is fully refundable up until test drive (unlike in NL), the specs are still locked in. If you decide you want a different option after the test drive, you most likely have to cancel all together and get in the back of the line behind all the pre-orders (6 months?).Well, we can debate how long in advance Ford really needs your order, but at the end of the day, if you want to reserve a car of specific color and options, you do have to make a decision and place that order. If Ford builds 20k units to people's specific orders, what are they supposed to do when you decide a month before delivery that you now want a red one instead of white?
Also, I'm hoping that there may be a way to change order (at least to color/options, if not to model) even after placing pre-order... although I suspect that may take a few calls and will be locked in at some point.
Absolutely. No way I'm paying anything non-refundable until I've seen, sat in, and driven one.I have no problem with a non refundable down payment to lock in my choices months before... That said, I do have a problem with a non refundable payment for a $50+k item that I can't even sit in a prototype of. I can decide on colors and features and even decide based on preliminary performance estimates. However, visibility, leg room, etc... are too important for me to commit to without testing something in person with at least something close to the final product.
It's listed (sort of) in the Ford FAQ, but it's not specific to those with a reservation that pre-order. Like so much of this, there's enough vagueness to the info that leaves us wondering.Reference please... I specifically remembering them not actually stating that, and given the time line, the "orders", especially for the first edition would be taken before there were any vehicles to test drive... At best they said it was between the dealer and the customer and not Ford.
Not sure what my dealer is going to say once it's time to finalize the order. I figure worse case I will take my reserve back, loose my place in line and wait to order after they have test vehicles in. It might add 6+ months and having to get a premium instead. Some things I can take the risk product unseen, but not for a new unproven vehicle....
Although to be clear, they were saying that you will have a chance to test drive one before you take delivery and have to purchase. And, admittedly, that has changed for those who will be in the first wave of deliveries and will, literary, have the first chance to test drive with their orders.It's listed (sort of) in the Ford FAQ, but it's not specific to those with a reservation that pre-order. Like so much of this, there's enough vagueness to the info that leaves us wondering.
https://www.ford.com/buy-site-wide-content/overlays/mach-e-overlays/mach-e-faq/
10. Will I be able to test drive the vehicle before I purchase?
Yes, Ford dealers who are EV Certified to sell the Mustang Mach-E will have at least one vehicle dedicated to test drive as soon as they are available (late 2020).