Started looking at a new 2019 F150, then 2020s on the lot, and have now determined that the truck I want will need to be ordered. I'm aware that the factories are currently shut down, and I'm okay with the wait. I built myself a a SuperCrew XLT with a 6.5 box, HDPP, and Max Tow (apparently that combination is a bit of a unicorn, 0 in the US right now). Since I'm going to be ordering rather than buying off the lot, I figured I'd open myself to suggestions in case I missed anything or you have any suggestions:

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My local dealer has already offered to sell at invoice, before any rebates I would qualify for. Only "BS" charge would be the $115 "Administrative Fee", which is low enough that I'm not terribly concerned about. So, my questions:

1. What do you think the chances of me getting any lower and eating into their holdback? Never ordered a vehicle before, so don't know what is reasonable/possible.
2. I'm back and forth on the trailer tow mirrors. I do plan to tow a ~8k enclosed trailer in the future, and I understand that adding them later is expensive. On the other hand, I'd lose some gas on the highway, and it's extra money now.
3. I hear tell that Ford will send out Private Cash Offers, but as far as I can tell there isn't much rhyme or reason to them. Some were saying to request a brochure by mail, but I can't see where to do that. Any tips?
4. The need for this truck is not immediate, but I haven't seen anything compelling about the upcoming 2021 F150 that would incline me to wait. Change my mind?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

Just curious,
Why the HDPLP, you have a trailer, why not a not a nice 502A lariat with Max tow Package?

 

I have concerns about payload limits given my potential usage, rather be safe than sorry.

800-1000 tongue weight
800 people (there are 6 of us)
??? Stuff in the cab (drinks, books, booster seats, etc.)

That doesn't leave much margin for error, and I'd rather have the headroom.

Of course I could be EXTRA safe and just get a F250, but I don't want to take the mileage penalty since this truck will still primarily be a DD.

 

Makes sense.

 

They are ordering a truck for you that many dealers would be reluctant to do. Not only in this time when they have a lot full of them, but ordering a truck that very few people would be looking for if you backed out of the deal.

Their holdback is 3% of MSRP. You will get all applicable rebates offered at the time of the sale. I’d be inclined to ask if there are any further discounts before you ask them about holdback money. If you are trading, get some bids and do your research on the major book sites. The trade is another part of the bargain and one where they have more leeway.

 

When I ordered my truck I got the incentives at the time, but when the truck comes in, if there are better incentives, I will get the better of the deals. That is what happened with my last truck, when the truck was delivered the incentives were better and I got the better of the deals.

 

Yes, it is a bit of a unicorn. If not for the mileage penalty, I'd probably just jump to a SuperDuty, but that would be around another $1,000 a year for fuel plus the additional purchase cost since there aren't any incentives for them generally. What other discounts would I be asking about? They already offered to sell at invoice, and I would get any rebates on top of that, so my understanding is holdback is the only thing left?

They weren't terribly interested in my potential trade, so I'll probably try a private sale or sell the CarMax.

Yes, they said the same thing. That takes some of the risk off the table. Who knows what things will look like in a couple months assuming the COVID-19 stuff blows over.

 

They locked my incentives too, but turns out mine came in under current one.

I went to 1st dealer, they offered Invoice price, said the rebates were " as they are when it arrives'. I thought, that's risky. I called second dealer, they offered $500 below invoice, and said they would lock rebates and I'd get better if they were better when came in. They also offered me 1k more for my 2005 Yukon, so it was a no brainer. 1st Dealer barely offered wholesale, and it was a creampuff old yukon. I have steered a couple already from Dealer #1. Moral of story, everything is negotiable, with little effort. They get perks for moving volume too, don't let them imply otherwise. Good Luck

ps: I find it helpful to go on Dealer website, all of them have a 'meet the staff' page. I like to deal with people that have been there many years, not the next in line when I pull in. Send them an email or call them, older ones are very responsive and understand the volume over price with their commission as well.

 

You can try to get X plan pricing. Do an online search, there are many ways to obtain a PIN for it. You could join the AQHA for a year and get another $500 off.

Remember, If you sell it privately or to another dealer, like Carmax, you get no sales tax credit. For instance, if your truck is given a trade value of $20k and sales tax is 6.25%, you would need to get $21,250 to break even.

 

If you're concerned about payload, step up to a 250.

That truck with the longer bed, heavier frame, heavier tires, and the stuff you carry around every day is going to burn the same fuel as a 250 6.2.

A heavy rated 1/2 ton barely does it, a 250 will do it with ease.

 

Took a look at your build. If the packages are what you want (I wanted 302 because the wife will leave my temp alone if she has heated seats), looks great and nice color!

Recommend adding the wheel well liners unless you have a specific reason for leaving them off.

I doubt the trailer tow mirrors are enough of a mileage hit to not be worth it, so my vote is if ordering go ahead and get them. That said I don’t have them and bought some snap on extensions that work just fine when towing and look, at a glance, factory. See etrailer if interested.

I understand your predicament and appreciate that you’re going after a truck up for the job. You’re right at that point between F-150 and looking at the 6.2/7.3 F250. You aren’t trying to pull a 12k lb 40ft trailer with a 150, so I would say the truck as built would be up to the task. I would also be more inclined toward a HDPP truck than a max tow - you almost always hit payload limits before trailer weight limits. So totally agree with your thought process on getting both vice one or the other.

 

I'm looking at ordering a similar speced HDPP in the next day or too. Waiting for the April rebate refresh, I would absolutely get the towing mirrors. Cheap to add from factory with warranty. They are nice when not towing as well, will never own another truck without them.

I was looking an a F250 with the 7.3. My largest trailer is 28' grossing 10k (enclosed trailer with atvs). 90% of my miles are empty and when going out sometimes parking garages are the only option.

If your max is 8k you should be in good shape with the HDPP. F150 will get a lot better mpg around town and highway. Towing not so much. If you were towing heavy and offer a superduty should be an option.

 

Get the mirrors. We got them and we don't plan to tow much, just like the much better visibility and the other truck has them so it seems natural.

If you don't like the mirrors there are plenty of folks that want them and will trade their mirrors with some cash too.

 

I choose not to order larger mirrors. No regrets. I have some aftermarket ones, and they seem like they will do fine for the 8-10x a year I use them. Definitely a personal preference. If you will tow a lot, or want the more macho truck appeal, I'd order them. My Lariat is a pavement princess that can tow my travel trailer, I doubt it ever gets a scratch in the bed