Good Bye Expedition
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Considering the financial dire straits the auto companies are in, it would seem they cut corners to survive more than they do to make profits. What is killing the American Car companies is the Auto Union. The foreign companies you mentioned do not have to pay their workers $30 an hour (including floor sweepers) plus full benefits.
Good point... but I remember Ford bragging, back when they were selling all the Expeditions they could build, that they were making 5K profit on each unit. I know some of that was covering losses on other vehicles, but I would think they could have cut a few less of the critical corners and still done AOK. Hope they can get this all turned around.... but hey... I can't wait right now... got to put three kids though college - not my mechanics kids!
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Good point... but I remember Ford bragging, back when they were selling all the Expeditions they could build, that they were making 5K profit on each unit. I know some of that was covering losses on other vehicles, but I would think they could have cut a few less of the critical corners and still done AOK. Hope they can get this all turned around.... but hey... I can't wait right now... got to put three kids though college - not my mechanics kids!
We bought ours becuase of sports and travelling. We'll definately downsize next time into an Edge or similar. However, it's been the most reliable vehicle that we've ever owned.
As far as I'm concerned, if a person gets 175K - 200K miles out of an Expy, then they have done well and really shouldn't complain. These trucks are very well built but they are heavy and somewhat cumbersome but agile for it's size, if that makes any sense. They are most at home cruising on the highway at 80 mph all day long.
Tim
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I'm curious as to how did this misconception that Honda, Toyota, etc. are more reliable start? Is there anything outside of advertising and manufacturer funded studies to actually prove this? At least where I live it's pretty common to see 10+ year old Ford and GM vehicles driving around, you do see some older Hondas, as the rust makes them easy to spot, but you see plenty of GM and Ford products.
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IMHO I don't think it is a misconception... it is statistically measured opinions from many independent consumer organizations backed by actual repair statistics from dealers and independent mechanics. I don't disagree that there are many 10+ year old FORD and GM vehicles - the question is how much does it cost to keep them running? Besides being a long time american truck owner (30+ years) I also have had many British autos like MG's, Triumphs and now a MINI(semi british now... much better) and I know about maintenence cost and I do it because I love the trucks and cars. In my case... I could no longer economically justify... or tolerate... what I have gone through over the last 75K of the 165K I was able to accumulate on my Expedition. I wish it were different... maybe in a 5-10 years I will look again if FORD and GM can prove they know what they are doing.
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I have yet to see a "independent consumer organization". Some claim to be, but you have to pay the bills somehow.
I have an uncle was a GM mechanic for 20 years, for the last 10 however he has been at a Toyota dealership. His son (my cousin) has been a Ford service manager for almost 10 years now. I asked them the same question, they both agree that the quality is about equal each has there certain areas that need attention but none is really "better" than the other.
I have an uncle was a GM mechanic for 20 years, for the last 10 however he has been at a Toyota dealership. His son (my cousin) has been a Ford service manager for almost 10 years now. I asked them the same question, they both agree that the quality is about equal each has there certain areas that need attention but none is really "better" than the other.
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I certainly can't get angry at someone for buying a Honda or a Toy, they are actually just as American if not more so than out American cars and trucks.
But, why would someone come here, a Ford Truck website just to tell us goodbye? If the grass is greener on the side my friend, then go with grace.
Tim
But, why would someone come here, a Ford Truck website just to tell us goodbye? If the grass is greener on the side my friend, then go with grace.
Tim
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