Fordlover wrote:
lenr wrote:
I've never used X-Plan, but I've been suspicious that it will lock you from further negotiating. X-Plan is right at invoice. Dealers like it because it reduces their price from Ford. It would be quick and easy negotiation for both purchaser and dealer. However, one "may" be able to negotiate better. I got my 2012 F-350 for $1400 below invoice because a sales manager was very rude and the owner wanted to make sure I left happy. After the $3750 of rebates, I was ecstatic. If past history is any indication Ford will start offering big rebates by May even in this new model year.
Most salesman prefer not to sell on an x-plan price. Why? because the potential for them to make significantly more $$ off the deal. See, when you have X-plan, Ford strictly regulates what fees can be charged by the dealer.
Example I poached from online source-
"We get reimbursed on X plan, any plan deal Ford gives us a commission on it. There's a calculation for it but it's a good profit.
X plan isn't all that bad, especially if you're in a high dealer handling fee state like myself.
Example:
X plan: $17,445
Dealer handling: $100
Total: $17,545
Non x plan: $17,150
Dealer handling: $698.95
Total: $17,848.95
In the end X plan is still cheaper."
Full disclosure: I worked at a Ford dealer for a few years back in the early 2000's.
I HAVE NOT FOUND A DEALER AS OF YET THAT WAS NOT WILLING TO WORK WITH MY X PLAN..
In fact my experience is 180 degrees opposite, they have practically fallen all over the floor trying to get exactly the vehicle configured the way I want it! Not just try to hard sell me what they have in stock.
X plan LIMITS EXCESS DEALER "ADD ON" FEES like documentation fees, handling, dealer prep, Notorization fees and such.. This in its self is a money saver.
Before I had X plan, the dealers snubbed me, mocked me and didn't want to bother with me.. I wanted a certain vehicle configured the way I wanted it with the color I wanted.. They refused to do a dealer inventory search too boot, only wanted to sell what they had on the lot (for a LOT more than what it should have cost).
Dealer HAS options like multi state searches, if they find what you want they have options like dealer trades (IE trade a different vehicle to get the one you want with a remote dealer) or buying outright from a different dealer..
With X plan, they ARE willing to search other dealer inventory, they MUST give me the EXACT invoice price SHEET (the one with A, Z and X plan pricing) that is not optional when they agree to participate in a deal with a X plan member..
To make it clear hwoever, as a X plan member you have RULES that MUST BE FOLLOWED!
#1 AND MOST IMPORTANT, you MUST TELL the SALES PERSON UP FRONT at FIRST CONTACT that you are a X Plan member.. This IS CRITICAL and failure to disclose this up front is grounds of dealer refusal in participation with the X plan with you.
X plan IS "optional" for the dealers, they do not "have" to participate so failing to disclose this information allows the dealer to opt out in your case.
Dealer WILL ask you for PIN NUMBER, you MUST PROVIDE that on demand.
Dealer may ask for additional documentation like if it is employer sponsored a copy of your recent pay stub so READ the X plan rules and be prepared.
THREE out of FIVE NEW Ford vehicles I have bought have been through X plan.. I wish I would have had X plan for the first two, much, much simpler and less hassle.
