Why is Ford letting the cars stack up at the plant?

[uniquename]

All part of the reason why I doubt I would EVER buy a new car, even if I could afford it. $15-$20k spent on restoring/modifying an older vehicle (car/truck/whatever you want) would give something better and more reliable then anything you can buy off the showroom; as well as being custom tailored to what you want/need. Not to mention, if you build it yourself, you'll know every inch of it.
On the other hand $1500-$3000 for a good used vehicle gives much of the value/utility of a new car, without the payments, increased insurance, or depreciation.

While I think restoration is great, I don't think I would ever consider it for my DD.

As to the $1500-$3000 dollar car even comparing, I say not a chance. Personally, I won't trust my DD to be anything old enough to be in that price range (unless I have owned since new and it is now in that price range). While I am sure quality transportation can be had in that range, it just can't compare on many levels to a new car in my opinion.

We are all in different situations in life, and have different wants and needs. I am getting the '11 because it's a huge upgrade to my '08 in tech, comfort, and looks (all IMO). If you decided to buy a '99 Explorer, rebuild the engine and tranny, fix imperfections, that's awesome. Personally, I have the skills for some of that, but I simply don't have the time. When I do, it will be a resto mod project. Sadly, the kids keep me busy enough that I doubt I will see it start for years.

Back to the subject. I really, really want my new ex to arrive. I also appreciate not having to drop it at the dealer a week after delivery to fix whatever is being fixed now (assuming the speculation is correct).

 

[dco43054]

Well, if I was in that position, I would want what I ordered, when it was promised, AND done right before I got it. You are approaching it as though people shouldn't be able to expect all three. With as many problems as are popping up, clearly Ford did NOT finish all the testing and development that they should have done BEFORE accepting orders and promising delivery dates.

If it were me, I would call Ford's customer service dept., and send a letter to the CEO, informing that I'm going to the dealer to cancel my order, since they have materially breached the contract. I would expect a full refund of any/all deposits, immediately. Maybe, after the guinea pigs who still waited for their's started reporting that Ford finally got it right, then maybe a would consider placing a new order.

Interesting approach.

One problem with your whole rant - he didn't say what his promised delivery date was.

 

[peterk9]

Some must be shipping. My dealer has two confirmed on rail and one on convoy truck.

My dealer called this morning to say mine won't be in today (not surprised) but that it is now awaiting shipping. Just as well, getting freezing rain and snow here today.

 

[dave1946]

Where are they?

Has anyone received a Limited with 302a package recently. Mine was made about 2 or so weeks ago and and was listed as awaiting shipping. Then last week I found out that the status was changed to Plant. The dealer said that it probably is getting something fixed. It sure seems like it is taking a long time to get things fixed.

 

[dgnade]

Has anyone received a Limited with 302a package recently. Mine was made about 2 or so weeks ago and and was listed as awaiting shipping. Then last week I found out that the status was changed to Plant. The dealer said that it probably is getting something fixed. It sure seems like it is taking a long time to get things fixed.

Same issue with my order. Built in Chicago plant 2/14 and waiting for something to get fixed.

 

[yourstone]

My limited was built about 2/14, held for quality checks until 2/17, and now re released for shipment. ETA is 3/4 according to Ford Customer Relations.

 

[dave1946]

Was it just released for shipment or when?

 

[yourstone]

Was it just released for shipment or when?

I called Ford Customer relations this morning. The lady i talked with said that the current status was: "re released for shipping." I now hope that they checked for:
1)APIM module correct functioning
2)Lift gate alignment
3)Door seal fit
4)Body panel fit
5)Rear wiper sprays and does not dribble
6)Wind noise on windshield.
7)Splash guards fit well on all four wheel wells.
8)2nd row bench seat latches to specs
9)No rattles in moonroof
10)Paint coverage quality in door edges and door frames
11)No pieces of pepperoni left on the carpet from worker lunch runs. ~;-O
These, except 11, are the issues that I can recall seeing posts on the Explorer Facebook site.

 

[dave1946]

What phone no. did you call?

 

[yourstone]

What phone no. did you call?

Call: 1-800-392-FORD
And enjoy the endless pushing of buttons to get to a real person. ~;-O

 

[mattsgt]

My dealer called this morning to say mine won't be in today (not surprised) but that it is now awaiting shipping. Just as well, getting freezing rain and snow here today.

Funny...Mine has been "awaiting shipping" since February 9th!

Also, after having worked for Ford for 13 years I have to agree with some of the comments on here. None of the car companies are perfect and almost never release perfect cars the first time around. There are just too many variables and too many people and processes involved with automobile manufacturing to even expect perfection. I think its good to see that Ford is at least trying to address any problems they find out about before shipping the vehicles. There was a time when the big three didn't operate that way. Used to be all about the numbers, how many they could ship and there wasn't too much concern over quality. I'm glad that has changed.

Still patiently waiting for my '11 X! Wife is driving our 12 year old Volvo while we wait. Nice not have a car payment, not nice when the rear window decides not to go back up and it's about to rain! I enjoy older cars too, but get sick of spending every Saturday keeping them on the road!

Just my useless $.02

--Matt H.

 

[peterk9]

Funny...Mine has been "awaiting shipping" since February 9th!

Welcome to the Forum Matt. :wavey: The reason I'm not surprised mine didn't show up today is that it just rolled off the line on Thursday. I just hope it isn't delayed too long. I have someone to take over my current lease but my next payment is due March 14th! I was hoping to have the transfer completed before then.

 

[mattsgt]

Welcome to the Forum Matt. :wavey: The reason I'm not surprised mine didn't show up today is that it just rolled off the line on Thursday. I just hope it isn't delayed too long. I have someone to take over my current lease but my next payment is due March 14th! I was hoping to have the transfer completed before then.

Yea, I know what you mean, we turned in our leased 2008 Ex Limited in January. I had ordered the Explorer on October 12th! Thought it would be here by now, but we are really in no hurry, though my kids are a bit embarassed getting picked up from school in our '98 Bright Red Volvo!

Wow, two whole posts now!

-Matt H.

 

[yourstone]

This 2011 will be my 4th Explorer. All of the items that I listed in an earlier post will be fixed. I am still very excited about my new X. My mom's family worked for Ford including my grand father. I also understand that new vehicle launches are seldom trouble free. the Chicago assembly plant will fix all problems and give us amazing vehicles.

 

[FordService]

This 2011 will be my 4th Explorer. All of the items that I listed in an earlier post will be fixed. I am still very excited about my new X. My mom's family worked for Ford including my grand father. I also understand that new vehicle launches are seldom trouble free. the Chicago assembly plant will fix all problems and give us amazing vehicles.

yourstone,

I like your attitude!!

Seni

 

[yourstone]

I like your attitude!!

Thank you Ford customer service. I love the cars and trucks that you build. I can't imagine owning anything else. Some people are seemingly upset with the wait times from order to delivery. They can take solace in the fact that the sales for this vehicle are red hot and the plant is not going to rush the job.

 

[FordService]

Thank you Ford customer service. I love the cars and trucks that you build. I can't imagine owning anything else. Some people are seemingly upset with the wait times from order to delivery. They can take solace in the fact that the sales for this vehicle are red hot and the plant is not going to rush the job.

yourstone,

No problem, it is our pleasure to assist our customers!

Seni

 

[w1kedz]

No problem, it is our pleasure to assist our customers!

Not to hijack a thread.. ok I'll hijack it

Why doesn't anyone in Ford / Sync customer service seem to have any information regarding the Developer API/SDK that was supposed to be released for public consumption forever ago? There were all sorts of press releases last year about it, and then it just vanished.

 

[cg13]

Ford cuts service: are you aware of the problem people are experiencing with their cars being held after being built?

Or can u tell us whats going on at all? Are they addressing issues? Checking something? Replacing something?

Was this only for trucks built in February? Are the march builds going though the wait too? Thanks!

Just curious what I should expect when my truck rolls off the line.

 

[JRRF]

My car's been "on wheels" for more than 2 weeks according to my dealer. Is someone joy riding around the plant parking lot in it???

I have a time constraint, and my deal could go south if it is held up much longer.