I just have a quick question about dealerships that deliver a vehicle that is being leased through an outside fleet company like ARI, GE capital, Enterprise, etc. I'm wondering what the dealership gets out of the deal. I was originally told that they only get a $75.00 prep fee, and another guy told me today that they get the prep fee along with any dealer incentives that Ford may be offering at the time. Also, when a dealership receives a fleet vehicle to deliver, do they give it the same delivery priority as they would a purchased vehicle?

My 2004 XLT Screw is being leased through ARI by my company, and I'm just wondering what I should expect from the dealership. I'm just hoping they don't sit on it for a long period of time before they decide to prep it and notify me that it's ready.

I know that I've gotten long winded here, so I'll stop now and thank you in advance for your wisdom.

Jeff

 

It's been a while since I've done one, but the delivering dealer gets approx. $150 to handle the paperwork and go over the vehicle features, warranty, and maintenance schedule with you. This is usually handled through the fleet department of most dealerships. The service department should be receiving the same amount to prep the vehicle as they would any other; it's a set fee established by Ford depending on the model, and the selling dealer doesn't get any of that. So, they SHOULD give your vehicle the same attention as any other. Of course, I'm sure there are a few that cut corners. Since you have a choice as to which dealer you take delivery from, here's where you want to find a dealer with a stellar reputation, someone who views you as a potential future customer. Treating your courtesy delivery in a professional manner should make you want to go back to that dealer when you need a vehicle for yourself. Shop around first, ask for a brochure, and THEN identify yourself as an employee of a company that will be providing you with a car. If the salesman then looks dejected and says, "oh, well, you need to see George in fleet- he's over there," and then walks away, I'd look elsewhere. If the salesman still continues to talk with you and answer your questions, point out where you can look at your particular model, offer a test drive- now you've found someone that just may be interested in your future needs, as well. This same type of dealer is most likely to give your company car the proper preparation in the service department. Good luck!

 

Thanks for the response. I guess the only thing that bothers me is that I didn't get a choice on the dealership. It seems that there are only one or two dealers in the area that ARI uses...maybe they have some sort of special plan worked out. Anyway, the truck was shipped on the 16th, which means that I should hopefully have it next week some time.

Thanks again for the info...you're definately an asset to this group!

 

Thank you for the compliment- glad I could help. But just one question:

When did I get upgraded to a "MarkIII?" No one ever tells me anything!

 

hehe...guess you didn't get the memo

Sorry for the typo...sometimes I types before I thinks