Looking to buy have a few equipment questions

[RANGER_MARC]

Hey, Shawn, I bought the 2019 Lariat FX4 with the B&O, and I love my truck. Many of your questions come down to the personal preferences of owners. My own view is that, I am not crazy about metallic as a color scheme or the chrome package but could live with either; the sport trim is cool-looking, in my opinion, although I finally chose the Black Appearance Package instead. I like the eighteen-inch wheels and spray-in bed liner, which came as part of the B.A.P. The FX4 is an important feature in my view, whether or not you plan to do a lot of off-road travel. I do not, but I still want to have the capacity to perform on rough or damaged roads, to deal with rain and snowstorms, to traverse obstacles, etc. Somebody left a supermarket cart on the freeway last year, believe it or not; I could not avoid it in time and popped the tire on my then-vehicle, a 1994 Explorer. You never know. Finally, as somebody who absolutely loves his music, which includes hard rock, the B&O is a great system with enough power to rock your soul in the cabin while driving or from outside on the tailgate when partying. You definitely will not hate it and may even decide not to upgrade the sound system after all, which will be music to your wife's ears.... One last point: when haggling over terms, remember that the pandemic has bankrupted or panicked many potential buyers, and so your dealer is desperate to sell, more so than he is letting on. There has never been a better time to buy a truck. So bargain harder, and let him know that you are are ready to walk (even if you are not)....

Sponsored

 

[JimJa]

Color is 100% personal choice. I originally ordered my '19 Pepper Red with the tan interior, but changed it to black before it was built for exactly the concerns you have expressed. I actually like the tan better than the black and have tan on my wife's Escape. 60K miles later on the Escape and the interior looks fine, not perfect but excellent. Living in WY on a gravel road and having to deal with "mud month" every spring - like right now - tests color choices. With that experience you will find the tan leather is not at all difficult to keep clean. You will be surprised how much dust and dirt a black interior shows compared to tan, especially in the seam nooks. In either case a wiping down with a damp cloth and using a vacuum takes care of the dirt. We also have a dog that sheds and with a black interior hair really shows up. Do I wish I'd gotten the tan? To tell the truth it's 6 of one, half dozen of the other but I like contrast and gray exterior and tan interior is a nice combo.

Cost/financing. You indicated you've traded too often and will have to finance 100%. It appears you will be keeping this truck for far longer than previous vehicles. Make sure you like it before laying down the cash. Take the very best deal you can, regardless of the interest rate. Then refinance at a local bank or credit union. This virus thing is going to change how banks lend money so before you sign on the bottom line check with your bank to be sure you can get the funds to pay off Ford's higher interest rate loan.

 

[VAMike]

Cost/financing. You indicated you've traded too often and will have to finance 100%. It appears you will be keeping this truck for far longer than previous vehicles. Make sure you like it before laying down the cash. Take the very best deal you can, regardless of the interest rate. Then refinance at a local bank or credit union.

Why on earth would you do that instead of walking into the dealership with a pre-approved loan? Get the rate up front, don't buy something and then hope to do better later. Also, JMO, but if you've recognized that you're changing cars too often the best thing is probably to drive the Civic for a few years and break the cycle. A new truck won't really help you get projects done and it seems like you'll probably want another new vehicle in a couple of years anyway. You can rent a truck from the home depot a couple of times for a heck of a lot less than the cost of depreciation on yet another vehicle.

 

[JimJa]

@mike,

Why on earth would you do that instead of walking into the dealership with a pre-approved loan?

I wouldn't, but sometimes the dealer will make you a better offer if you finance with Ford. For example when I bought the Escape by financing through Ford the price was reduced by $1,100. I paid the balance three months later. Three months because because the dealer got a kick-back from Ford after three months. Just saying... BTW, I'm an old fart and have never financed a vehicle in my life. Paid cash for every one. I'm also saving for the next one right now...whenever that is. Most people can't do that, I understand. Go ahead, get pre-approved, but keep it in you hip pocket while at the dealer.

Also, JMO, but if you've recognized that you're changing cars too often the best thing is probably to drive the Civic for a few years and break the cycle. A new truck won't really help you get projects done and it seems like you'll probably want another new vehicle in a couple of years anyway. You can rent a truck from the home depot a couple of times for a heck of a lot less than the cost of depreciation on yet another vehicle.

Agree completely, but I was trying to be nice. Keeping the Civic is the smarter thing.

Sponsored