blwnsmoke

When did you place your order? Just trying to figure out how long it took from start to finish. I ordered 2/6/11, no vin yet as of yesterday. I'm hoping to have it by the end of March.

Look at the technology that is put into this vehicle. Compare it with the Lexus RX, Acura MDX, Grand Cherokee, traverse (I think that's it) or the GM Acadia. None of them have as much technology as the explorer (Ford My touch for example). Build a loaded one of the others and you are paying more for less. I ordered a limited (only option was we didn't get the dvd) and we are paying $42,600 for it on xplan. I think that is a very good deal for what we are getting (maybe I'm crazy).

When do you pick up your vehicle? Any ETA yet? Mine doesn't have a build date yet so please post the end result of what rebates you were able to combine together.

Correct, I thought it was $1,500 if you had an older explorer.. but that's just the number that was stuck in my head. I'm not sure what the amount is. However, you can combine that with the other $1,750. As a general response to what I found out the rebate system that my salesman showed me has every promotion/rebate listed by it's 5 digit rebate number. There are also separate tabs for public and xplan partner deals.. the salesman has to click on the appropriate tab to list the rebates. Example, the $750 xplan partner rebate did not show under the public tab. The salesman then checks each little box next to each rebate to select it. On the bottom left of the screen it says "compatibility". When he clicks on that, it then goes to a new screen and lists each rebate package and asks the salesman to select which one he'd like. Example: $1,000 bonus cash $750 xplan partner rebate -------------------------------------- $1,000 bonus cash $750 mailer rebate ------------------------------------- If rebates were able to be combined, it would list more then 2 rebates under each option. The salesman then has to click on which choice he wants and proceeds from there in order to get the rebates from Ford. This was all shown to me.. he was trying to get everything he could for me, wasn't trying to hide anything. PS - The spiff for Xplan for my dealer was $550.XX.

If you are talking about the $1,000 cash rebate that is being advertised, yes it can be used with xplan. That's where I got the $1,750 total ($1,000 bonus cash + $750 xplan or mailer rebate).

So I stopped by my dealer today, apparently they changed the order number. Not only that, but they have 2 vehicles using the same order number however the 3 digits that represent the body type are different. I believe it is Order # X035 - k8f Dealer # F11575 4wd limited, white tricoat/pecan interior. Status was showing "clear - unscheduled" as of today. I'll bump on Monday or Tuesday. Thanks again

So I went to my dealer today to look up each individual rebate and see what can and can't be combined. He basically checked off every rebate listed here and then clicked on the compatability button to see the results. $750 # 33502 can't be combined with #33462 or #33384. To clarify, none of these can be combined together. Now each rebate program defined.. $33502 $750 rebate for requesting brochure from Ford (by mail, not downloadable) #33462 $750 rebate for being an xplan partner. #33470 $500 ecertificate for xplan partner #33384 $750 Ford truck direct (you get this if you request a test drive through ford.com eligable for all models). So anyone using Xplan doesn't have to request a brochure which expires in 60 days because you can just use #33462 which runs all year. End result, unless you did the early ordering, $1,750 is the max you can get through Xplan. $2,250 is the max you can get without xplan as you can join the horse association and get the $500 rebate once you've been a member for 60 days. Hope this helps.. kind of stinks but at least I got clarification for myself and everyone else.

If it isnt a bother, could you check one more time? Im going to my dealer friday morning to find out what is going on if it isnt in the system. Thanks again!!!!

There is 33462 also, "xplan partner recognition plus direct offer" which is nationwide. No clue what is the difference. If no one knows, Ill swing by my dealer friday to inquire.

The order confirmation shows the info I wrote. I'm guessing they haven't submitted it yet. They told me they were giving the green light to Ford to build it on Sunday. I'm in a very tight time crunch so that's the reason I'm asking so soon to see if it's in the system yet. Here is a copy of my order confirmation Thanks again for your help!!

Thanks for everything you do!! Not sure if it's too early for the system. Greatly appreciated if you can see if it's in the system yet. Thanks Order # 0040 Dealer # F11575

Got the pamphlet in the mail yesterday, fine print says "note to dealer: claim in VINCENT using #33502 and customer ID." Also states it is a non advertised rebate. A/Z/D plan are not eligable. It will work with X plan.

I can ask but it does not show when he pulls up the programs by zip code. He physically has to type in my first and last name and it pulls up my rebate with address.

Correct, it is entered before it is mailed out. My rebate was entered on 1/25 and Ive yet to receive the brochure. All what is needed is for it to be in the computer.

I was debating between the flex and explorer and going with the explorer. However, during following the flex forum for quite some time, there was a thread about requesting a flex brochure via ford.com and people were getting a $500 rebate that was inserted in the brochure. I figured, what the hell, I'll give it a shot with the explorer. So I requested a brochure (has to be via mail, not downloadable) and went into the dealer a few days later. Stated to him I requested one so I'm waiting to see if I'd get the rebate. Well he was able to pull my name in the system and low and behold, a $750 rebate was in the system available for me. Dealer doesn't need the brochure now or the rebate coupon because Ford already added it in the system. So if anyone is looking to purchase one, I'd recommend them to order a brochure. The special rebate is running till sometime in June (computer showed the expiration date.. 6/24 I think). Anyways, when you select the timeframe you are looking to purchase, select one longer then your actual period. I selected 0-30 days because I'm ordering any day now however because I chose 30 days, they put a 60 day exp on the rebate even though it runs till June. So I just had my wife request one for the 1-3 month period to make sure it gets delivered before it expires. This can be used with Xplan.. Hope this helps.

I just looked at the rebates and it shows the same $1,000 cash rebate they were running in January which expires 2/28/11

I keep asking myself the same thing. If not the ecoboost, why not have the 3.7 in there instead of the 3.5??? Having over 300HP is a great advertisement and I think the power is a little lacking in the explorer.

I just want to chime in on this comment. FWD is not even close to AWD regardless of tires. I've owned/driven all types. I have an F250 4wd and an audi A4 quattro (ordering a limited explorer 4wd to replace the audi). I've also had several fwd cars. The AWD system will outperform any other type of system out there. All 4 tires propel the vehicle unlike 4wd and fwd. There is barely anything an awd vehicle can't get through without spinning the tires... Even with very good winter tires on a FWD car, you are still trying to pull the weight of the vehicle with 2 tires and that just doesn't equal all 4 tires pushing/pulling the car. Not only that but on turns, an awd vehicle will push the car into the turn where a fwd vehicle can continue to go straight when you are trying to turn. What I love about the explorer 4wd system is it is close to awd.. it can change the power from the front to the back tires by as much as 90%.. not only that, when driving slow and turning into a parking space or driveway, the 4wd system will disengage so you don't have the front wheel hop one has on a typical 4wd system. It will also help your resale value by having 4wd. As far as coloring goes, I saw a white explorer with pecan inserts at a dealership, I personally loved it. I think that's the color combo I'm going to go with. I've had 5 vehicles since 1998 moonroofs in all of them. I'll never get one without. Having it open, fresh air coming in.. cruising down the highway.. nothing like it. As another person said, cooled seats + remote start = no issues with black leather. Best of luck with your decision!! Either way, you are going to love your vehicle.

When I was at the dealer, he pulled out the ordering guide and from what I could make of it, 20's got you 2,000lb towing. It didn't/doesn't make sense to me.. I thought it was 5,000lbs as well. Makes more sense that with tow package, it's 5,000lbs. I'm looking at the brochure now and it says "with optional class III trailer tow package, also helps explorer tow up to 5,000lbs" My apologies, I must have misunderstood the order guide with all the charts and grids etc.

I would, you never know what may happen in the future.. Always better to have it then to not and have to go aftermarket. I love how it is tied in with the rear cover so you don't see it until needed. Nice clean look. Downside..... I can't believe it only has a 2,000lb tow rating with the limited 20's. I'll contradict myself and say.. what's the point?? lol. It's good for an aluminum trailer with 2 snowmobiles and that's it. Regardless, for me, it's a must. Whether it be borrowing a trailer to bring my riding lawn mower into service or bringing my snow blower to the dealer etc.. I'll always find use for it. Just my $0.02

If you click on "window sticker click here" in my post above, it will load the window sticker that I used for comparison. This isn't the vehicle I actually want but it is close so it's a good example of the price differences. With researching the advertising fee, it seems that they are $400-$600 alone so I see where Xplan is a good deal. I'm going to try to get the dealer to match the xplan pricing so I can use the $500 rebate as well. Will be going back probably this weekend to talk some more. The vehicle I'll be ordering is Limited 4wd, 302a, white tri coat, pecan inserts, polished 20", dual panel moon, class 3 towing, splash guards, 2nd row bucket seats, 2nd row console, all weather floor mats and inflatable seatbelts (if available). Invoice $44,642 plus adv fee should put it around $45,100. MSRP is $48,655. I just did a little more searching, found a vehicle with an MSRP of $49080 and xplan is $45,682. So based on that pricing difference, my xplan should be $45,100- $45,200. I think I'll go into the dealer this weekend and offer $45,000 OTD and see if they will bite.. There is no tax so it may be doable. They are making $1,500 from the holdback selling at invoice.. We shall see.

How did you build an Xplan vehicle? I know of fordpartner.com where you can see xplan,but it only shows you the starting price of each level, not with added features. I did a search for vehicles in inventory on fordpartner and it showed me xplan price.. I then built the same vehicle on NADA with the same features to show invoice. Example - This is the most loaded limited in my area Winder Sticker click here X plan $45,171 NADA - Same vehicle with exact same options = Invoice $44,476 So invoice is $695 less. Then take the $500 Horse Association rebate and you are $43,976 saving you $1,195 under xplan. So even if they tack on $400-$500 in fees, invoice is still cheaper. Yes I can get invoice on it.. actually, I know a dealer that will give $100 over invoice and drop ship it to you (not the one I'm buying from). They also sell the Ford ESP's at $100 over cost.

I priced out a limited and it seems that xplan is about $700 over invoice. Being that one should be able to negotiate to invoice price, take invoice, pay the higher fees and then get the $500 rebate from the horse membership. You'd be better paying invoice, paying the higher fees and then getting the $500 rebate then getting xplan with lower fees (paying more for xplan then invoice) and not getting the $500 rebate.

Do they just fold in half or do they actually release and continue to fold up so the person can get out on there own? I know woth the bench, you pull the lever nd they fold, then pull again and they release and fold up. Im sold if they fold and release up on there own.

Can you elaborate on this auto fold feature and how it works?