Don't EVER buy here!
This is the story of two humble and well to do, young twenty-somethings searching for this particular vehicle. As it turns out, both gentlemen did extensive research, followed the vehicle from prototype phase all the way to pre-production, and finally to purchasing the vehicle. Along the way...we encountered dealers with little to no information and most were unwilling to speak of prices or the such until Ford gave them more materials. Few dealers spoke about pricing but in tentative fashion. Round One: ding
The reason this particular dealer is being singled out is simply because they lied, blatantly. Many internet sites refer you to particular dealers from your area to contact you when you show interest in purchasing a vehicle. Such was the case and we were contacted by the Internet Sales Manager from "Friendly" quoting an unbelievable price on the vehicle and with all the supposed options specified in the original request. After contacting said individual and arranging a date to meet and discuss further, we arrived on a Friday afternoon both having made arrangements to leave our respective workplaces early. Right off, the impression was this guy had little to no education. His manner was rude and when confronted with the e-mail he stated that the vehicle mentioned "never existed, my mistake."
Obviously irritated by this we pressed him by demanding what in the hell the e-mail was all about then, and if in fact it was a mistake why he hadn't even attempted to correct himself in the 2 days in between our phone conversation and our meeting. He didn't even warrant that a response and instead stormed out to his managers office. Upon getting back he changes his tune by saying this time that the vehicle was on the lot but it was only one and it was already sold, even though in the internet request two vehicles were specified. He then proceeds to ask what we wanted and he would offer us his best price. He returns from his managers office claiming MSRP is the absolute best they could offer. We claim that is the best they would offer and demanded to speak to his manager ourselves. Round Two: ding
The manager was not phased by the e-mail and further stated he "would not honor that price...what do you want me to do? What is there to discuss?" At this point we were amazed at seeing how a salesperson could have the cojones to basically tell a customer to their face to get the hell out. We did leave, and immediately proceeded to the dealership next door, where the owner of the establishment is known to frequent, Mr. Bill Bower Jr. himself. Upon entering we encountered Mr. Bowers brother Gary; apparently the sibling with the schooling background. He appeased us and told us that his brother would not be happy with either of the two employees and to call him first thing at 8:30am on Monday. Round Three: ding
Subsequent calls to this individual netted no results, with the first being him rushing us on the phone saying he had to leave quickly because he was "just tying loose ends, going on vacation." And further on he simply said he "backed up his manager completely." Needless to say, this is far from over...we ordered our beautiful 2001 Ford Escapes from a another dealer ;-}
Here are PDF files from 03/20/00 and 04/12/00. Recently the base invoice price went from 17,726 to 17,978. (pricing) So adjust accordingly...options are still priced the same. You can check Autobytel, KBB, Edmunds and Carpoint to name a few. Once ordered, you can check on the progress of your vehicle like this...
