Would you buy an 'early build' off the lot?

[KeepTheChange]

We have the possiblity to buy a dealer trade for exactly what we are looking for...trouble is the build date is 1/20. What kind of questions should I ask, or things should I have looked at before purchase if we do take the plunge? After reading the posts here I am hesitant to purchase one of the early build models. I don't have time to be taking it back to the dealer for fixes. Would you personally risk an early build?

Thanks in advance!

 

[blackjackdelta]

I did, we have had it for 1 day, got super deals and so far can not find anything wrong with it including MFT. It synced our iPhones just perfectly. I posted a pictiure of it on the PIC thread.

Jack

 

[Bill #5 Explorer]

I bought a November build off the lot. Was about the 7,500th Explorer off the line. I'd bet your January build is north of number 25,000. Just make sure they update MFT to version 2.7 or 2.8 before delivery.

 

[KeepTheChange]

Thanks for the replies! Good to hear. I don't have the VIN yet...salesman wouldn't give it to me over the phone. I'm just wondering how this one has been around so long. Maybe it's coming from a smaller city with no buyers? Of course, salesman won't tell me where it's coming from either.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Thanks for the replies! Good to hear. I don't have the VIN yet...salesman wouldn't give it to me over the phone. I'm just wondering how this one has been around so long. Maybe it's coming from a smaller city with no buyers? Of course, salesman won't tell me where it's coming from either.

I personally would not like those type of tactics.

Jack

 

[chimoman]

My Ex was built on Jan 4th. I haven't really had too many probs. Just some minor stuff. Not one problem with MFT. It works like a charm. Mine was 13006. has 8000km's on it and is working just fine. Go get it.

 

[techieman33]

I would be nervous about buying any 2011 if I was planning on keeping it past the warranty period. It's a brand new vehicle there will be problems found, and you'll be spending some time at the dealership getting them corrected. As long as all the current known problems are fixed on it before you take delivery it shouldn't have any more problems then one that just got built though.

 

[KeepTheChange]

Thanks for the replies! I'm thinking just hold on during the 3 year warranty period then trade up. We usually keep cars until they die but with all this new technology that may not be the best idea anymore. We are moving up to the brand new explorer from a 1996 Honda Accord...LOL. Our Honda has been the best car--hardly ever in the shop--but it's time to upgrade for the kiddies!

 

[Sgt1411]

We have the possiblity to buy a dealer trade for exactly what we are looking for...trouble is the build date is 1/20. What kind of questions should I ask, or things should I have looked at before purchase if we do take the plunge? After reading the posts here I am hesitant to purchase one of the early build models. I don't have time to be taking it back to the dealer for fixes. Would you personally risk an early build?

Thanks in advance!

My build date is Jan 19th 2011

Other then the MFT issues and moisture in the side mirror marker lamps I have had none of the other issues.

Early to me means 2010 builds

 

[JustB_Rad]

Mine was a build date of 1/4, and I haven't had any problems with Touch or Sync. I have the A-pillar rattle, the moisture in mirror lamp lense, streaky windows and the cold radio pop, but nothing that makes me wish I hadn't purchased it off the lot. I am just waiting to have all the issues fixed at once, and figured I'd wait until there was an official fix on the a-pillar rattle to take it in.

 

[chimoman]

Hey JustB Rad,
Same build date, almost the same probs, minus the moisture and the radio pop. The window streak is a pain. I'm going to have the pillar fixed next week and will talk to them about the streaks. Will keep you updated. Cheers

 

[jumpervb]

our build date was 12/15/10 and we have had no issues to speak of other than the streaky windows. Don't know about the A pillar rattle haven't really had it out on the highway to amount to anything yet.
Although if I was you I would ask for another salesman, that is no way to get my confidence by refusing to tell me where it came from. Get the Vin # and post it here someone should be able to run it for you if you can't do it yourself.

 

[jeeden]

I personally would not like those type of tactics.

Jack

I have heard of this before. They are afraid your going to shop around all the dealers locally to see who can get that one for you the cheapest. Of course, you could just email each of them with the same specs and they would probably find the same car.

If you tell us the specs on the truck and your location I bet I can find it for you through the ford inventory tool There aren't that many out there and the dealer your working with is only going to trade with another dealer within say 300 miles max.

 

[KeepTheChange]

Thanks again for the replies! Well, the other dealer backed out at the 11th hour so it's a no-go. They traded it to get another one for their buyer...grrr!! That stinks but the salesman claims he has one to show us tonight that 'just rolled off the truck.' I do agree they should be more upfront with us on details but sadly they are the only dealership that has been so 'helpful' to us. You wouldn't believe how many salesmen I've talked to in the past 4 weeks!!

 

[KeepTheChange]

I have heard of this before. They are afraid your going to shop around all the dealers locally to see who can get that one for you the cheapest. Of course, you could just email each of them with the same specs and they would probably find the same car.

If you tell us the specs on the truck and your location I bet I can find it for you through the ford inventory tool There aren't that many out there and the dealer your working with is only going to trade with another dealer within say 300 miles max.

Yes, this is it exactly! The sales manager is the one holding the salesman back with details. Thanks for the offer!

 

[blackjackdelta]

I have heard of this before. They are afraid your going to shop around all the dealers locally to see who can get that one for you the cheapest. Of course, you could just email each of them with the same specs and they would probably find the same car.

If you tell us the specs on the truck and your location I bet I can find it for you through the ford inventory tool There aren't that many out there and the dealer your working with is only going to trade with another dealer within say 300 miles max.

They work off of your emotions and let them be afraid, very afraid. I got in my opinion on a 01/06 build and after talking to about 15 dealerships. The deal was set before entering the dealerships for the incentives and purchase.

Jack