The Great Truck Search, Update Number 1

Posted Sat Jan 4, 2003 in

We left this morning at about 1130 to head out to the Ford dealership and try to finalize the purchase of the 2002 F-150 Super Crew. By 1400 it was clear that we would not be able to come to terms. Our offer was too low for the dealership. I couldn’t bring myself to treat the demonstrator as a new car and the dealership could not bring itself to treat the demonstrator as a used car. We wound up about $3,000 apart. It is the first time I’ve been told no by a car salesman. So that gray beauty pictured in an earlier entry will not be parked in our driveway.

Mildly disappointed, but satisfied with our work, Wife and I headed home for a break and a bite to eat. I munched on some cereal while she talked on the phone. While she ate, I did a little web surfing to see what I could learn about the Dodge SLT Quad Cabs. I ran several options through the autos.yahoo.com website to check the prices. I really believe in knowing something about the options and prices before talking to the dealer. They have such an advantage over the consumer anyway.

We were still talking about the Dodge SLT’s in comparison to the Ford F-150 Super Crews. In some respects, the Dodge is nicer. In particular, we think it is several inches wider than the Ford. But, as a trade-off, the Dodge seems to have a little less comfortable rear seat and a little less legroom in the rear. Plus, the vehicle just seems larger and less maneuverable.

After a break, we decided to head back out towards Slaton and the Dodge dealership. But, on the way I decided to stop by Pollard Ford as I had received an email from their internet sales contact. We parked and walked into the showroom. It was very busy with many salesmen on the floor. We found my contact and one of his assistants showed us a Dodge SLT just taken in trade. I drove it, but it had 24,000 miles on it (which is a lot for a 2002 model) and it just didn’t feel right. There was a slight pull to the right. We decided to pass on it.

They showed us one of the demonstrators, but my wife and I really don’t want a white vehicle. (Nor do we want a black vehicle either—they show dirt too easily.) We walked down the line and spied a pair of arrest-me-red XLT F-150’s. One was a standard XLT and the other was the Lariat version. We hopped up into the Lariat to see what it looked like inside. It has a moonroof. My wife loves moonroofs. I looked over the base XLT too. There were plenty of differences between them, including some very nice features in the Lariat, like a limited-slip differential, a 5.4L V-8, anti-lock brakes all around, excellent climate control, and a decent sound system. Our salesman asked “Do you want to take it for a drive?”

I looked at my wife. “Sure, why not!” I responded. So we ran the vehicle around the block. As expected, that 5.4L is very peppy. We went into the office to get some numbers so we can make a decision. The sales manager provided us with an appraisal of our old vehicle and what their offer for trade would be. My wife and I sat together, working through the numbers to see what the difference between the base XLT and the Lariat might be. It was quite a bit of money but over the term of a note would amount to about one nice meal out each month. Our salesman offered “Take it home and think about it. Bring it back on Monday. I’ll check with my manager to be certain, but I think it will be OK.”

We drove the vehicle home, picked up Young Son, and drove over to my daughter’s place. They looked it over and listened to my wife tell the story. I needed some down time, so I just sat and listened and watched a little TV (Twister was on) and watched Grandson play. We split and dropped by Arby’s for some sandwiches, then came home and ate them.

A new car is a big purchase. We’re looking at buying one more large family vehicle before Young Son grows up and is no longer living with us (or so I surmise). Then we’ll be able to chose whatever vehicle we want because a family car will no longer be an issue as the family will be Wife and I. So, we’re thinking we should get what we really want and enjoy it. In any event, we’re going to sleep on it and then look at things again in the light of day.

Shopping for a new vehicle is hard work. It’s a big decision and one that lasts for several years. At least that the way it works for us. Oh yeah, in researching driving lights for the (possible) new vehicle, I found a fascinating website called www.f150online.com. I didn’t expect it, but it’s a great fun site with lots of ideas and notes about the F-150.

  1. I think the F-150 Super Crew would serve you and your wife well. The 5.4 liter V8 is an excellent engine. My mother's Expedition runs flawlessly with 90,000 miles on it. Certainly understand your frustrations with your trade-in allowance. When I purchased my Chevrolet, I almost hit the floor when they appraised my other truck. I did some research and concluded that I could only gain 6 or 7 hundred dollars by selling the vehicle outright. The high mileage, manual transmision, V6, and single cab really hurt the tradein value. I am really happy with my new extended cab 4X4. My fuel economy averages near 16 city and 20 on the highway. — rivercanoe    5 January 2003, 13:24    #

  2. I'm impressed with the engine in my new truck. But then Ford has been building these V8's for a long, long time. The frustrating thing about the trade-in is that the van was low miles and has very attractive equipment. But, we took what we got and moved on. I'm not sad that the van is gone. Nope, not one bit sad... I made about 15-17MPG on the first trip, but the engine hasn't broken in yet. I'll have a better measure in a few thousand miles. — ruminator    9 January 2003, 15:29    #