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fllcobra

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Posts posted by fllcobra

  1. GM will not go bankrupt. Not now and not any time soon. However, it will file for bankruptcy protection and reorganize its operations. This move is the only way GM can renegociate the legacy costs. If GM spins off Hummer and Saab... it will mean that filing will happen shortly thereafter.

  2. http://money.cnn.com/2004/01/21/pf/autos/prices/

     

    While I think it is a wise strategy for Ford to peg itself the value brand, I am glad it has a mix of vehicles that offer premium buyers a better mix of options and styles.

     

    It also has to be recognized that on the east and west coast, a significant number of vehicles are leased. It doesn't matter how much the starting price is of the Camry so long as the lease payments are in range of the "value" priced Fusion.

  3. I see the Fusion putting a dent in the Honda Accord sales. But I seriously doubt anyone who buys a Camry will defect to the Fusion. The cars are styled too far apart.

     

    Besides, Ford still has a ways to go in convincing the majority of import buyers that the Fusion has build quality, residual value and reliability similar to the Camry.

  4. Also, discussing door pulls, it is very hard to open the door and and then reach down and grab the door pull on the new Explorer before it bangs into the vehicle parked beside it. I understand that there is a redesign but why on earth would anyone introduce a design such as that?

     

    I hear that the Explorer doorpull redesign is already in the works. They are putting a cup in the doorhandles.

  5. I have been fielding a lot of complaints from the ladies (seriously) about the cup design in the door handles found on the Fusion, Five Hundred, Milan and Zephyr. Unlike a door handle that allows the fingers to pass through, the cup apparently concentrates pressure against the fingertips thus causing longer fingernails to split or break when the person exerts pressure to pull the door shut.

     

    It is one of the most frequent complaints I have heard and is actually steering women away from these cars. The easiest solution would be to integrate a handle in the arm rest that allows the fingertips to pass completely though.

     

    I know, I know, but it is something I hope Ford's designers take seriously.

  6. I wouldn't give two cents for the opinion of the writers of Car and Driver and Motortrend anymore. A couple years ago they went bonkers for the Honda S2000, and Audi TT. These cars got killed in sales after the initial hype died down.

     

    By recommending the Ridgeline as the best truck, these guys have lost all credibility.

  7. I faught Ford over a 2003 Mustang Cobra with a persistent stalling problem or what some refer to as an engine quit condition. The dealership had four chances to get it resolved, but could not. I ended up having to lemon law the car and was able to get a resolution in my favor.

     

    At the very least, you should file a lemon law claim to protect your rights. It is in your interest to lemon law the vehicle if they cannot fix, it instead of trying to trade it. Otherwise, you stand to lose $$ big time.

  8. I think it is going to hurt Ford badly in the midwest and south, which happens to be their biggest markets. I know a number of people who have commented on how this will make them less likely to purchase a Ford - I know I will be less likely to buy another one.

     

    Refering to Disney as an example, I doubt Ford sales will suffer much. Time and time again, people choose cars because of perceived value, style, and best price. It is for this reason it is not uncommon to see a Rebel flag on a Toyota down here in Tallahassee, Florida.

     

    Ford has sent the right message. The message isn't that it supports gays. It is sending a message that it will not give into discrimination of any kind.

  9. 996r916sps

    Your first post was 4 paragraphs of negitive comments about your new car. There were no compliments...not one.

     

    You did the research, test drove the vehicle, examined it carefully and then made a major financial decision and purchased this new car. After your purchase you begin a topic called Ford Quality and complain about the car and Ford Motor Company complete with a comparison to imperial Japanese car companies, then you suggest Ford should hire you as a quality control specialist.

     

    Only after someone pointed this out did you admit quote:"That is the only flaw I found with the entire vehicle!"

     

    Well if that's the case then it looks like you made an excellent choice after all. Enjoy your new Mustang and I'm sure your dealer will be happy to fix the one flaw you found under warranty. Now why not write a post about how good the rest of the vehicle is. If only one flaw got 4 paragraphs then everything else should be quite a story.

     

    If you're suggesting that people need to say something nice or say nothing at all, then this will be a very boring board.

     

    I remember a time when this website was cool. Now it is all touchy feely.

  10. Thank you for your post. Geez, there is some intelligent life in this board. Actually, we have a print out of the work order and it says specifically on the work order WARRANTY. Of course, when they made the copy of the work order for us a couple months ago, they wrote VOID on it probably to cover their ass in this case. One interesting thing that I just found because they are making me dig up the records is that in May 2005 Ford did an oil change on my car and put 5W-20 oil in my car. My car is supposed to take 5W-30. That's a NO NO for summer driving. I wonder if I can use that against them?

     

    It is a good thing you have records because that will help your fight tremendously. I honestly don't know if the 5W-20 is the cause, but it is interesting to see their response when you inform them of what you found.

     

    It is important that you get a written explanation as to why the warranty was voided. Keep all of this documentation and file a claim with your state.

     

    If all else fails, get a lawyer involved. Most lawyers will give you 15 minutes to explain you claim at no charge before you have to pay a retainer. You can fight and win. I know, because I did.

  11. I think it is best to contact your states dept of consumer services that regulates auto repair shops (if such regulation exists where you live). While your situation is unfortunate, it shouldn't be entirely unexpected. The reason is, Ford can disassemble the engine to find the root cause of the failure. If it turns up something that was missed on the initial quote, you can get hit with the bill.

     

    Laws in each state vary so that is why it is critical for you to do you homework with regards to you legal rights. Otherwise you are really facing an uphill battle.

     

    I also want to add that Ford is operating just like every other manufacturer. My parents owned an Infiniti J30 that was 5 years old and 61,500 miles on the odometer. The extended warrantee had just expired by 1,500 miles before it was discovered that three oil seals in the engine were leaking oil, badly. It was pretty obvious to us that the symptoms were there prior to warrantee expiring. Infiniti didn't budge. They dumped the car and the brand after that experience.

     

    The simple truth is contracts are clear. If you are getting any major work done on your vehicle it is critical you get estimates in writing. Without a written estimate or repair contract, no one here or anywhere will feel much sympathy for your claim.

  12. I am not a Ford employee. I am just an outside party who has invested and lost a lot into this company.

     

    I have to say that from an outsiders perspective, both management and the UAW are to blame for Ford's problems. Neither side can expect to get any sympathy from the buying public.

     

    In the end, if Ford does go the way of Eastern Airlines, life will go on the same as it always has. And no one outside of Ford Motor Company would give a shit.

  13. After seeing the television ad for the Lincoln Zephyr during the NFL football games this weekend, I have to say I love it. Finally, an ad that stirs buyers emotions in a positive way.

     

    It is certainly eye catching to see the St Louis Arch and then cut to the interior of the Zephyr, then cut to it zipping along a race track dawned in jet black and chrome trim. It definitely showed a lot of style.

     

    Mr. Ford, you have got to keep this ad agency. They definitely got it right with the Zephyr and would make owners everywhere very proud.

  14. I had a tire warranty from Goodyear that was included with the purchase of my 2003 Mustang and 2003 Mustang Cobra. It was a separate from the 3Y/36K warranty that came with the car. Check your paperwork. Hopefully, you may at least 1 year of coverage from the tire manufacturer

  15. There is no doubt that Ford is going to hold its ground. William Clay Ford, Jr. is on the right track by pressing Congress to deal with the issue of health care. It is simply too expensive and is burdoning not only Ford but almost every sector in business.

     

    Unfortunately, it may take the bankrupsy or near doom of GM before politicians finally get it.

  16. oops- double post and a half :)

     

    I think a lot of people are giving too much weight to reliability as a factor as to why Americans don't buy American.

     

    Nissan, Honda, Hyundai, BMW and Mercedes have all had serious quality problems that have been well publicized in the media. I believe people are aware that Jaguar has a high satisfaction survey result, yet their cars don't sell as well as hoped.

     

    Simply put, most folks look for style, value, and a good dealership/service experience.

  17. My coworker just traded her 1998 Ford Escort for a Poniac G6 Coupe. I asked her if she saw the Ford Fusion and she replied that she had heard of it, but thought her Escort was such a "piece of shit" car, she won't come back to the brand. :huh:

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