FDAF Assessment
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FDAF $295 Assessment
I just received my Vehicle Order Confirmation from the dealer and it has a FDAF Assessment of $295. Does anyone know what this is? It was never mentioned at the dealer even when I asked if there were any other fees I need to know about.
Thanks for all the help and info on this site!
Thanks for all the help and info on this site!
Last edited by parkranger2112; Apr 22, 2004 at 10:28 AM. Reason: Add $ amount to title
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
It's a fee that Ford imposes, and it pays for local dealers advertising campaigns, or will sometimes fund an additional regional rebate for customers. It should have been in the total amount that the dealer quoted you. Are you saying that they are now trying to add this ON TOP of the price you've already negotiated?
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Kinda,
I agreed to pay invoice minus rebates for the truck with the understanding that only tax and tags would be added.
Actually the price agreed upon was wrong because they quoted me styleside when I wanted flare side.
I agreed to pay invoice minus rebates for the truck with the understanding that only tax and tags would be added.
Actually the price agreed upon was wrong because they quoted me styleside when I wanted flare side.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,746
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From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
Okay, we're into a "sticky" area on this one. When the actual invoice is printed out, the amount in the "invoice total" box will include the FDAF assessment. If what you've agreed to IN WRITING has no dollar amounts, and merely states that you'll pay "invoice," then you'll pay the FDAF. On the other hand, if you have specific numbers, and those numbers DO NOT include the FDAF, then that's the price you should pay. If the dealer didn't include the FDAF in those numbers, shame on them- it's then their loss. But if you don't have firm numbers, then the ball's in the dealer's court.
Last edited by 1956MarkII; Apr 22, 2004 at 12:32 PM.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Mesa
I think alot of people get upset with this fee. Many research the invoice prices on the net (kbb or edmunds etc) and then expect to pay that price. The internet places don't show the FDAF. That's why it's better to negotiate below invoice.. 
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Joined: Oct 2006
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Fdaf Bogus?
I can't help but think that this FDAF charge is bogus. The reason is that it is tacked on to the Invoice Price but not included in the Suggested Retail Price. How could that be?
Originally Posted by parkranger2112
I just received my Vehicle Order Confirmation from the dealer and it has a FDAF Assessment of $295. Does anyone know what this is? It was never mentioned at the dealer even when I asked if there were any other fees I need to know about.
Thanks for all the help and info on this site!
Thanks for all the help and info on this site!
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,728
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From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
PAPA12- the factory invoice is structured for people in the dealerships business office, not the retail consumer. There are a number of items that need to be accounted for separately and are not shown on the MSRP- holdback, flooring, FDAF, tire excise tax (on certain units), fuel... and these are all identified on the "invoice" column of the dealer invoice. Remember, the invoice is just that- a billing from the manufacturer for the vehicle that's being shipped. Dealer accounting needs a breakdown of all charges- both those the consumer sees (optional equipment anf freight) and those that impact the cost of the vehicle, but are not shown on the retail side.
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Originally Posted by polarbear
PAPA12- the factory invoice is structured for people in the dealerships business office, not the retail consumer. There are a number of items that need to be accounted for separately and are not shown on the MSRP- holdback, flooring, FDAF, tire excise tax (on certain units), fuel... and these are all identified on the "invoice" column of the dealer invoice. Remember, the invoice is just that- a billing from the manufacturer for the vehicle that's being shipped. Dealer accounting needs a breakdown of all charges- both those the consumer sees (optional equipment anf freight) and those that impact the cost of the vehicle, but are not shown on the retail side.
Are you employed somewhere in the car business?
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Post Fiend
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From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
"Are you employed somewhere in the car business?" 
Yeah, I guess you could say that. I've been in dealership management for 20 out of the last 30 years.
"Sure it is probably rolled into the bigger MSRP price but my point is that it tends to raise the invoice price vs. the MSRP and negates a portion of the savings or difference between the two. I.E. the transportation cost is displayed on both prices, so why not the Advertising expense also?"
No kidding. In the old days, the manufacturer paid for the advertising. Now, the manufacturer pays for National advertising, and local advertising is funded on a local level- FDAF (Ford Dealer Advertising Fund). The local money is split from the the national money ("built into the invoice price). In fairness, you won't find a manufacturer that doesn't charge for advertising on the invoice. from the dealers standpoint, it's just one more way to shrink margins. Heck, i remember when they paid for the fuel- now that's a charge on the invoice as well.
As an example, when I first got in the biz (30 some years ago), there was a solid 22% spread between "invoice price" and MSRP on a full-sized pickup. Now it's closer to 12%, and headed south.
"At the very least it is suspicious and consumers don't even need a reason like this to distrust car dealers."
Most consumers wouldn't know a dealer invoice if it ran over them. And- invoice price doesn't necessarily represent dealer cost- that's a different issue entirely. BTW- FDAF is included in the invoice total- I've seen some dealers add the fee to the invoice after the fact.
Yeah, I guess you could say that. I've been in dealership management for 20 out of the last 30 years.
"Sure it is probably rolled into the bigger MSRP price but my point is that it tends to raise the invoice price vs. the MSRP and negates a portion of the savings or difference between the two. I.E. the transportation cost is displayed on both prices, so why not the Advertising expense also?"
No kidding. In the old days, the manufacturer paid for the advertising. Now, the manufacturer pays for National advertising, and local advertising is funded on a local level- FDAF (Ford Dealer Advertising Fund). The local money is split from the the national money ("built into the invoice price). In fairness, you won't find a manufacturer that doesn't charge for advertising on the invoice. from the dealers standpoint, it's just one more way to shrink margins. Heck, i remember when they paid for the fuel- now that's a charge on the invoice as well.
As an example, when I first got in the biz (30 some years ago), there was a solid 22% spread between "invoice price" and MSRP on a full-sized pickup. Now it's closer to 12%, and headed south.
"At the very least it is suspicious and consumers don't even need a reason like this to distrust car dealers."
Most consumers wouldn't know a dealer invoice if it ran over them. And- invoice price doesn't necessarily represent dealer cost- that's a different issue entirely. BTW- FDAF is included in the invoice total- I've seen some dealers add the fee to the invoice after the fact.
Last edited by polarbear; Oct 27, 2006 at 03:11 PM.
LMAO 
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