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Check outhttp://fordcmaxenergiforum.com/forum/14-cargo-hauling-roof-racks-towing/ We have installed the Torklift 2". With the bike carrier attached, we turn off the reverse warning signal. No problem with lift gate with hitch only. Kick works fine.

Possibly waiting on the safety recall 13C02. However, you might be able to find more at the Ford Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/FordCustomerService). Friend Megan then send her your message. She'll get back with you.

I realize this thread seems to be on the side of economy for the consumer (and why not?). No one has mentioned that the Energi is a "green" vehicle. I do realize that some hybrid owners are getting the stated mpg, but there has been a lot of chatter about those figures not being even close for the average driver. Because getting hold of an Energi was quite a challenge (we eventually did), we looked at other options--including the hybrid (any form of Prius had been ruled out due to uncomfortable seats). We are in FordBuyer's "senior" range (except for doctor/drugstore) so it does make sense for us. I do agree that for the OP, hybrid is the most practical choice if he's not a remnant from the the "flower power" era. Either way, I think Ford is going in the right direction. This is the first "American" car we've owned in 20 years. The last was a Dodge Daytona which was a lemon we got rid of within 2 years although we did have a Ram van that wouldn't quit (we are 10 year-car-owners). Haven't owned a Ford for 25 years (1965 Galaxy with standard tranny).

Great info, dozeman. We were looking at a 3M installer. They do paint protection for some areas of the vehicle. We definitely want heat block, but three types are listed. If you or any reader has any experience, I'd love to get advice. We've lived in this heat for over 30 years but never did the window tints. (We also had a steel carport built to help protect our new car which we will see one day). My hands are getting a little too arthritic to keep scrubbing those lovebugs off the grill and side mirrors even with the very effective dryer sheet method. Any help from any reader is greatly appreciated.

I figured as much re Trina/weekdays--in fact, same for an twitter response. Well, that re-inspection thing could be the issue. It will be a pure joy day, either way ("mode"). You have your car!

Not to be a smart *#?, but I hope they figure out the 2013 orders before starting with 2014. Seriously, though, Fiesta, Transit, Edge, and of course, Mustang are the only models I've noticed any info on for 2014.

Thanks. That (non-dealer) was what we were looking at. We're looking at window tinting also. I think one place offered both.

We'll enjoy the pictures whenever. Thanks so much for the contact info on Facebook. I'm pretty tech-savvy but not very social. I just keep up with some family members and former students through FB so I only deal with my current "friends." Let's hope Trina will accept my invite and maybe I can get some info about the Energi we ordered over 6 weeks ago. I did try Tweeting, but that seems such a shot in the dark. Transporting these vehicles may be a problem. We have been watching another vehicle. The dealer sent me the invoice last weekend and updated delivery to 7-10 days. The car was built on Feb. 2 with a 13 day "rail" transport window. It still hasn't arrived in south Florida. ETA has changed several times.

Skitime, sorry you had to wait so long, but at least I feel better and think maybe we'll be getting a vin soon. We ordered on Jan. 25. I read in a post in a sister forum from a Canadian that Ford is batching the Energi builds. Maybe this is the current batch. Hopefully it gets out ahead of the next storm (in case those storms have any impact)! We're also watching another vehicle coming to another dealer. It was built on Feb. 2 and still has not arrived. A week ago, they called to say 7-10 days. The ETA was changed several times: 2/18; 2/25; no particular date just 7-10 days from March 1. BTW, love your profile avatar.

GadgetGirl, You should get the prize for longest order (other forum), but some who ordered in summer may have beat you there. In any case, that dealership should have offered you a year of free car washes if nothing else. Watch out for those nails with the Energi. I don't know how good that "fix-a-flat" stuff is.

Are you referring to the $500. protection that I've seen on the Ruby Red and metallic White paints, or to something the dealer actually applies? This is something I'm considering for our Ice Storm when it arrives as we have had problems with metallic paints fading to the metal in the south Florida sun. Thanks.

Like GadgetGirl, we drive our vehicles as long as possible. We're trading in a 2003 Mazda6. We need a car we don't have to manually shift (clutch) and want reasonably green and very energy efficient. Also, keeping an eye out for GadgetGirl's vehicle delivery which will be ANY DAY NOW!?!?