Hi

For a truck being ordered:
I asked questions about the $1500 diesel rebate while shopping around at a couple dealers yesterday.

I had a dealer tell me he could lock in that rebate as soon as he got a serial # from Ford, even if the truck hadn't been delivered yet.

I asked another dealer about this, and he said it was bull!

Most dealers tell me there's nothing they can do about rebates. They are in effect only when the buyer takes delivery. No one will guarantee a rebate.

They all agree that they don't think the rebate will go away. It may go up or down some.

I had a couple dealers get irritated that I was shopping dealer to dealer.
I think of all the times in the past when I had to play the game while the salesperson went back and forth to the manager over my price.

It's a new environment out there. More and more consumers are aware of tactics some dealers use. I had some dealers that were very easy to deal with, and others that all but nailed my feet to the floor!

If the dealer is upset that you are well informed ahead of time about the purchase, stay away.

There are good dealers out there who are keeping up with the times.

 

Check Chaps' post about this- some dealer in CA says Ford is now guaranteeing rebates. My Ford Zone Rep just replied, and he says he knows nothing about it. I e-mailed the dealer in CA, but I haven't heard anything back. If this program really exists, then it's one of Ford's best-kept secrets. I'll let you know if I get any details.

 

The good news: Okay, there is a program that will lock in the rebate that's in effect at the time of order.

The bad news: Your dealer has to process it for you, you can't do it yourself. Which means a lot of dealers, intent on selling you what they have on their lots, will pretend they know nothing about it. Or it's only available to fleet, or only for A-Plan, or the moon has to be in the Seventh House, and Jupiter aligns with Mars...............