2009 Option packages
 

In March of '08 I took delivery of my white F150 screw xlt 5.4 3.55ls 4x4 with tow package trailer tow mirrors 6.5' bed 35 gallon tank and rear view camera. Two days ago I went on Fords site to build the same in an '09 version and found due to packaging I could not. If I want white xlt I have to also take the $250 two tone option, If I want the trailer tow mirrors (I dont tow much but love the better viz) I have to get the $450 max tow package instead of the $350 tow package AND the $1450 chrome package (I HATE chrome and what does chrome have to do with towing?) and if I want a $450 rear view camera I also have to get the $250 rear sensors (why a sensor when I can see behind me)
I sent Ford an email expressing my disappointment and told them I was glad I bought when I did becuase under the current plan I might not of made the purchase. I got an automatic response telling me I would get a return email in two bus. days, will be interesting to hear what they have to say

Dont believe everything you see on that Ford site. They are not as up to date as you would hope. Your gonna get a lot better info if you have a competent dealer. When I ordered my 08 I was amazed with the errors on line compared to actual build sheets. There were options available that weren't on site, pricing was different etc. Many times pkgs are different from trucks built job 1, job 2, and job 3. Yjese changes include added/deleted options, colors, and pkgs.

They did seem to combine different options into packages now. What you posted is mainly right except it shouldn't have made you select the two-tone and chrome package requirements.

Do you have fog lights, power seat, and self-dimming rear view mirror now? If so, those items, along with the regular heated signal mirrors and power pedals, have been combined into the XLT Convenience Package (61C). and the trailer tow mirrors are an option for that package. (I'm just going by the order guide)

Try building your truck on New Cars, Used Cars, Car Reviews and Pricing - Edmunds.com

I was told by my local dealer that dealers have more flexibility than the build and price web site allows us. I think the Ford site is mainly a tool to help the consumer get a general idea of what is available and what it might cost. It also tries to link you to a local dealer to find the vehicle that your most interested in. I love that site but like you I am a little miffed about having to order un-like items just to get a few goodies that are important.

Tim

yeah, I don't go by the build and price Ford site. But, I like reading the actual order guide by Ford. It is very detailed about the different options available for each truck model. The dealer can only order based on what the order guide says is available for each model/configuration.

You can download it here: Sunrise Ford Fleet - 2009 Ordering Guides

I recieved a return email from Ford this morning,
Dear Steven Hintzel,

Thank you for contacting the Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center regarding the options of the 2009 Ford F-150.

There are no details at this time reflecting plans to put this option into commercial production. From time to time, vehicle options are added, deleted or modified. Decisions to make these changes take into account factors such as market trends, customer demands, engineering advances, and dealership input.

The Customer Relationship Center is unaware in advance of changes that our Engineering and Design Team may be making and the specific reasons that the changes may be made in the future. This type of information is considered confidential until the appropriate media statement is released. If you are interested in some futuristic vehicle design ideas that we are working on, visit us at:

1. www.ford.com
2. Select 'Innovation'

We think you will like what you see!

Thank you for contacting Ford.

I'm suprised to have actually recieved an email, but obviously they didn't understand my complaint. I think they think I wish the F150 was a different truck all together not that I just don't want to be OC'D (over chromed) and would like a rear camera without the extra expense of sensors etc.
Oh well I'll just let it go and worry about it 5-7 years from now when I'm in the market again.

Glad to hear that someone got a response form ford I have sent two emails and have not received one back. I simply want to know why I can't get Blue Flame Metallic on an 09 Lariat, its just paint after all, and if tey build the XL, STX, XLT, or FX4 at the same plant then they have the paint on hand.

I can't build an FX4 in Royal Red. It's pretty ridiculous if you ask me.

I can't build a Bright Red Platinum or a Bright Red Lariat w/stone grey. Ridiculous is an understatement! They offer all these packages, and yet you cant get all the options or colors you want on ONE truck.

I was all excited to buy an '09 but at this point I will be waiting for 2010 or shopping a different brand. I for the life of me cannot understand what they were thinking. I wish they would go back to two or three models so a person could get all the options or colors they want in one truck. I think these "high margin" trucks take away from the normal trims and options.

Go back and read SteveFX4's post. You may see a difference between the build site and the link that he offered.

So let me get this straight. You would change nameplates over a paint color or a few simple options? What exactly does Dodge, Toy and GM offer that FORD does not? I'm not flamin' ya, just curious.

Tim

well, the more I play around with that Edmund's link I posted, it's not 100% correct either. For example, it let's you add certain option packages together to give you a price, however, those certain packages may not be compatible with each other (according to the order guide). Like the FX4 Plus or FX4 Luxury package, it let's you pick both, but Ford's order guide says you can only pick one or the other.


I think my Dad said you used to be able to custom order a F150 back in the 80's in pretty much any color you wanted.

Yeah, the good ole days when a 4x4 system was reliable and tough as nails and you could get chrome bumpers and a chrome grill on an XL truck.

The moral of the story is to go the dealer loaded with your information and pricing parameters and see what you can get.

Tim

Ford needs a face slapping with their "available" vs "non available" option list for sure. I agree 100% with you all. For example, one can NOT get 20"'s on an F-150 FX4/Lariat extended cab SHORT BOX configuration. GM offers it. This would be one great looking truck. But the setup is NOT in the cards. Why? I asked Ford and their reply was very drawn out to say the least. But NEVER answered my question. Even our very own in-house specialist, Double D, didn't know why.

I found a couple of times that sending FMC emails about thier products is a rediculous waste of time and energy. Too many limitations for the hard earned money that we are trying to spend.

Tim

Let me clarifiy. Almost every trim level has somthing that I like that is not available in the other trims. For example, I want the Lariat, but can't get:

You can't get the chrome door handles like on the XLT
You can't get the locker thats available on the FX4.
You can't get the light grey interior thats on the Platinum.

OK, so some would say, well just get the Platinum, but then:

You can't get the bright red like on the Lariat.
You still can't get the locker like on the FX4.
You can't get the chrome bumpers or grill like on the XLT.
You can't get remote start like on the others.

I could go on and on, but I just wanted to make a point that somtimes more(trim levels) is LESS.

Allot of these things are not deal breakers except for wanting the light grey w/bright red. I can get this with a Silverado, but I would prefer to stick with Ford.

And really, Seven trim levels, really? Again, the more trim levels you have the more options get taken away from existing trim levels to get put on the new ones.

I do love the new '09 and I'm only dissapointed because I wanted to spoil myself this time and get a loaded truck and having the Platinum steal away the light grey interior. is a deal breaker.

Camel and Black are fine colors and beautiful, but you have to admit that they are a little more extreme than the neutral greys and browns. I believe Ford could sell even more trucks if they offered these more neutral colors across the trim levels.

Jeff