How important is ordering vs picking one from the dealer?

[astrorex]

I was in market for a mid sized SUV, but fell in love with the new Explorer. After doing the research online I located one that I was interested at a dealer near me. Went ahead and picked it up.

After that I read all this threads on this site about folks building and *impatiently* waiting for their Explorers. I've to be honest, I don't have that kind of patience, more power to you folks who wait. Even the two days I had to wait to find the right dealer with a vehicle was gruelling, waiting a month is something I can't think of.

So, why do you folks choose to build? What are the advantageous? I can think of some like color and features, but I was able to find one which matched most of the things I found important. Is there any additional benefits I don't see?

Astro Rex

 

[peterk9]

I was in market for a mid sized SUV, but fell in love with the new Explorer. After doing the research online I located one that I was interested at a dealer near me. Went ahead and picked it up.

After that I read all this threads on this site about folks building and *impatiently* waiting for their Explorers. I've to be honest, I don't have that kind of patience, more power to you folks who wait. Even the two days I had to wait to find the right dealer with a vehicle was gruelling, waiting a month is something I can't think of.

So, why do you folks choose to build? What are the advantageous? I can think of some like color and features, but I was able to find one which matched most of the things I found important. Is there any additional benefits I don't see?

Astro Rex

:wavey:Welcome aboard Astro Rex. In my case the Explorer wasn't out yet. It is the first vehicle I've ever ordered without actually having touched or driven it. Quite a few of us are in the same boat. Ford Canada offered a $1000 Early Order bonus that expired at the end of Dec. I ordered mine Dec. 20th. As for the others, I can only assume that the selection at their local dealership was limited and did not have the features they wanted. Given the choice, I am sure that the majority who ordered would have preferred to buy one off the lot if one was available with the options desired. Mine should be built next week and hopefully arrive shortly thereafter. Hope you enjoy your ride.

 

[Lucille]

I chose to buy one off the lot because i didn't feel like waiting as well. But I think that I was lucky in that the dealer had one that matched all my requirements, plus some added luxuries. And I decided to go ahead and spring for those added items. My sales associate also offered to do a search to see if another dealer had what I wanted.

Also, dealer stock might depend on the area you live. I'd think a busier dealer might have more on their lot.

I know that I would've probably ordered if I couldn't get the color I wanted. With the amount of money we're spending on these vehicles, I think it's worth it to wait, and get what you really want!

 

[gabella]

Congratulations on your new Ex!

The only reason I'm ordering is that the dealer I want to work with doesn't have what I want in stock (when I went they had none left in stock) and they said the quickest way for me to get is to order it. Had they had one on the lot that mostly matched what I wanted, I would have bought right then and there.

I'm OK with waiting. Luckily, I don't need a new vehicle this very second. And, I'm planning on driving this thing for at least the next eight years (potentially much longer), so what's a few weeks of waiting?

 

[uniquename]

But I think that I was lucky in that the dealer had one that matched all my requirements, plus some added luxuries. And I decided to go ahead and spring for those added items.

Same here...almost. I found four acceptable ones. Three had nav and I simply didn't want to add $800 for something I don't care about.

One only added the power liftgate, was the right color, and everything else was perfect. I was about to pull the trigger, but a November build date stopped me. It's probably fine, but I got nervuos, and my dealer had an order in on the right one...so my order wait was shorter.

 

[vfral1]

I'm going to order one to get exactly what I want. I buy a car once every 10+ years, so I can wait the few weeks.

Plus, when you buy off the lot, there is the potential for getting a vehicle that everyone has driven; I want mine right off the truck.

 

[Mishtar]

Nm I missread something. Peter did you get the Costco rebate As well? If not I have an email from the Canadian rep saying you can combine the early incentive with the current 1000 incentive. It is from the head marketing rep for canada.

 

[peterk9]

Nm I missread something. Peter did you get the Costco rebate As well? If not I have an email from the Canadian rep saying you can combine the early incentive with the current 1000 incentive. It is from the head marketing rep for canada.

I'm not a Costco member but I did get the $1000 Early Order rebate on options. Should also be getting the current $1000 incentive. If I have a problem with that I may get back to you to see if you can send me any e-mails you may have received concerning it from Ford of Canada. I should know later this week. Thanks, you have been very helpful.

 

[Mishtar]

No problem. I saved the message from Nicolas so just let me know.

 

[ATLcanuck]

I decided to order because a) there wasn't much stock in the Atlanta areas, and b) the stock tended to be the generic white XLTs that everyone seemed to have, and c) ALL of the dealer stock was FWD, and I wanted the AWD. So I ordered everything I wanted. What did that get me? So far, 7 weeks from order and not a peep on a VIN or build date. I really don't think they're going to meet their estimate of 6-8 weeks from order to delivery. Shame on me for not realizing the crippling role dealer allocation can play. Especially when I had no car and am in my second month of rental. That's how much I liked the new Ex.

 

[esandye]

I decided to order because a) there wasn't much stock in the Atlanta areas, and b) the stock tended to be the generic white XLTs that everyone seemed to have, and c) ALL of the dealer stock was FWD, and I wanted the AWD. So I ordered everything I wanted. What did that get me? So far, 7 weeks from order and not a peep on a VIN or build date. I really don't think they're going to meet their estimate of 6-8 weeks from order to delivery. Shame on me for not realizing the crippling role dealer allocation can play. Especially when I had no car and am in my second month of rental. That's how much I liked the new Ex.

ATL. I'm in exactly the same situation with dealer allotment problems. Ordered about the same time (dec 30) and also have heard nothing but a "clean" order from Seni weekly. (thanks Seni) The dealer (a large high volume operation) says it will be scheduled in March as they had used their allotment for February. I have special ordered every car I have owned new including my 3 previous explorers so they could be equipped exactly as I
wanted them. I don't regret this wait so i know i i'm getting the car I want in
every aspect and the slightly
later build date was important to me as well. It really sucks that you have to rent while waiting.

 

[Mishtar]

The Whole ordering process is screwed up. One guy onhere said he ordered in Jan and he has his already. I still see the odd guy on fb who ordered in aug and don't have a vehicle or even Vin yet. I also hate how in Canada I pay an extra $600 to have it shipped but it still takes 3 weeks to ship a vehicle. I am sure I will love my vehicle but I will never order a vehicle from ford again, never!
I was lucky I have no car now either but a buddy went to sea for a month so I was able to borrow his car.

 

[esandye]

Hopefully we can forget all our current frustrations when the object of our affection arrives!

 

[cg13]

I test drove everything out there - from smaller audi q5 to acura MDX to full size SUVS in the acadia and enclaves. For some reason Ford was near the end of list - and i am glad i stopped in for a test drive.

It rode great - has all the tech i want - but they couldnt locate the right option package/color combination for me in columbus.

I could either wait a few weeks and see if they could do a dealer trade somewhere... or order now and start the 6-8 weeks.

Im in week 1 and going crazy! but in the end i know ill have a car that i wanted with all the right packages.

 

[gdecamp]

Did mostly the same as you cg13. I really like the MDX too but think I will order the Explorer Limited (Silver/black) with the works Wednesday after work....needed a couple days to cool off!

 

[ATLcanuck]

CG13, for us it came down to the MDX and the Explorer. In the end, we didn't think the MDX (with the features we wanted was worth $7-$10K more. However, I could have been driving the MDX for two months now...life is about tradeoffs, right?

 

[Edgieguy]

Were in NJ and it impossible to find FWD here, everything is Awd. We just bought an Edge Sport in AWD, So a second vehicle didn't require it. It'll hall groceries and kids. So we ordered it exactly how my wife wanted it, no compromises.