I was trying to figure out if I want a XLT or Lariat. Since the 2011 prices aren't online I am using the 2010 Build and price.

I noticed that:

On the XLT to go from 3:55 NLS to 3:73LS costs $2245 extra.
On the Lariat to go from 3:15 NLS to 3.73LS only costs $630

WHY???


On the XLT, 4wd costs $3895 extra.
On the Lariat, 4wd only costs $3145.

WHY?

Seems that since we are buying a cheaper XLT to start with, Ford is trying to make more money by making the options cost more on the cheaper truck.


If I price two identical trucks (base price with no options, other than those listed):

xlt scab 6 1/2' box, 5.4L, 6 speed, 3.73LS, 4x4 = $35155

lariat scab, 6 1/2', 5.4L, 6 speed, 3.73LS, 4x4 = $37780


A $2625 difference. So for this extra money I get all of Lariat's extra features: better mirrors, trailer tow, better a/c, better seats, message center, power pedals, power rear window. Seems that for the money the Lariat is a lot better buy.

Am I missing something here? I know that Ford is getting more money from me but i am saying that I am getting a lot of nice and expensive features for only $2625

 

Because, on the XLT, I suspect that going to 3.73LS forces you to get the Max Trailer Tow package, which forces you into several other packages.

The individual item may cost the same, but that item may not be available without adding several others. Try to add it - the configurator should tell you that to add whatever you want to add, you must also add X, Y, and Z for a total price of $$$.

 

I used the configurator to get those prices and the XLT didn't call for any additional equipment- not saying that it might not add them but usually it tells you if it does.

 

A couple weeks ago I built an STX with the 4.6L 3V, 4x4 and Screw. Then I built an XLT the same way and they came out the same in price.

You can make an XLT cost about as much as a Lariat by adding the options to the XLT that come standard on the Lariat.

 

My goal wasn't to make them come out the same, it was to figure out why 4x4 and 3.73 LS cost more on the XLT than the Lariat.

 

Actually, the 3.73 LS on the Lariat is $630 and 4x4 is $3145. The Lariat comes standard with the 5.4L engine.

XLT the 3.73LS is $300 and the 4x4 is $3895. The XLT comes standard with the 4.6L 2V engine and 4 speed transmission.

I guess that makes the Lariat a better deal.

 

That's what I thought too, just wasn't sure why the options weren't the same price for all trim levels

 

If I had to make an assumption, I would say that Ford makes more money on the higher trim level trucks since so much is standard. I'm sure there are dozens of better explanations than that.

 

That's not really surprising. Adding the same options to an XLT that come standard on the Lariat will make the XLT more expensive.

You're paying for the flexibility and per item pricing, whereas the Lariat in and of itself is a "package deal".

It's cheaper for Ford to sell you a package deal than for you to order individual items off the menu. It's like going to an all-you-can eat buffet. It will always be cheaper than getting all the stuff you eat at an all you can eat buffet on an individual basis.

Why? Because the all-you-can-eat buffet always makes the same menu, on a given day, and that is where their savings come in. It doesn't really matter how much somebody eats, they make money because they don't have to deal with a bunch of extra crap.

Now for a regular sit down restaurant, a la carte, they charge you more because they make each individual item separately.

Just think of the Lariat as an all-you-can-eat buffet.

 

I am not trying to make the two the same. It's just the two power train items that I am concerned with (4x4 and 3.73 LS) When you price these items on each truck they are cheaper on the Lariat. (see my first post for the actual prices) There are no packages involved, just these two items

 

I played around with the build&price calculator and found the following.

5.4 L XLT Scab shortbed - adding 4x4 costs 3145
5.4 L Lariat Scab shortbed - adding 4x4 costs 3145

Make sure both trucks have the 5.4 L before adding the 4x4.Your price difference I think is due to the fact that the 4.6 liter is the base engine on the XLT, and it costs money to upgrade it to 5.4 L.

As for the LS price issue.
Same truck as above, switching rear ends.

5.4 L XLT Scab shortbed 4x4 - 3.55 NLS to 3.73 LS - $ 1370
5.4 L Lariat Scab shortbed 4x4 - 3.55NLS to 3.73 LS - $ 630
note that on the Lariat, there is a $50 charge to go from 3.31 NLS to 3.55 NLS, putting the total at $630.

You are right, I don't see why that could be.

Unless there is some weird supply/demand issue where more lariats are normally built with LS rear ends, and normally XLTs are not, and they have to ship them in from the Lariat assembly line or something...not sure about that one.

There is no way that LS clutch packs cost ford $740 to put in, even on both axles of a 4x4. That's a load of bull crap.

You may want to think about just going with the electronic locker. That switches the Lariat truck to an FX4 Scab shortbed, 3.73 rear end with 5.4 Liter engine, saving you $1260 in the process. FX4 base isn't really all that different than XLT base, some fancy shocks and skidplates, but the locker is basically the same function as an LS pack, prevents just one wheel from spinning when stuck.

Still seems kind of ludicrous....

 

Thanks

If I leave the engine as the 4.6 and then add 4x4 the price for 4x4 is $3895

If I change the engine to the 5.4 with 6 speed first, then add 4x4 it still costs $3895

With the King Ranch and Lariat packages 4x4 is only $3145


I am going to wait for the 2011's anyway but was using the 2010 build and price website to get an idea what options cost and just thought it was strange for the same option to have different prices.

 

I think with 4 engine options in 2011, the 2010 build site will be pretty useless as a baseline.

 

I wasn't worried about the cost of engine options but of different axles, 4x4, different cabs, etc- those costs should change very little. Heck if deflation hits the prices may go down.

 

This is the point that I'm trying to make. With the new engines, we don't even know which axle ratios will be available, which engines will be available with the 4x4 system and the availability of cab configurations with said engines. With Ford, it's always "mums the word" until the 11th hour.