2011 Shelby GT500 - Why can't I get information?

[Ray-NYC]

Dear Ford,

I have been told that this forum is watched by corporate so I add this post. First a brief background. This will be my 3rd new Mustang, 7th overall Ford product (have some Lincolns in the family). First Mustang was a pre-ordered 2003 Mach . It was the first delivered to NY, I had pictures of the car being built. There was a 4 week push back on my ETA from when it was originally scheduled, but I was informed of each push back, so I was "OK." My 2006 GT was bought off the dealer floor as I was unwilling to pay the $20,000 markup on the 2007 GT500. (I won't tangent with the severe dissapointment with this dealership and their service department and warranty coverage, or lack there of - suffice to say, it's a disgrace).

 

Now in 2010, I found a great, small dealership 90 minutes away that would sell a new Shelby for sticker, no haggling required. Placed order the day the banks opened, built April 15/16 ETA was May 3rd. I went to my bank branch 4/28, as I'm an employee so I need to obtain my loan directly. All is good and I have 30 days to finalize the loan and pickup a check to take to my dealer. The date pushes back in the system to May 8. Ok, no problem - loan is OK until 5/27. As of 5/25 there were no more updates on my car. My dealer (who I know well) has been making calls and hitting up everyone he can think of (His zone rep, has provided no information nor provided any assistance to date). 5/26, I sit with my bank and negotiate an extension on my loan until 6/15. This costs me a second inquiry on my credit report to "confirm" my credit is still good. After 6/15 I will have to do a totally new application +fee + a THIRD hit on my credit report - continuing to chip away at my top tier score each time.

 

I can accept delay and holds. I can accept stock going to dealers while mine (and hundreds of the first built) are still sitting. I get the process and assembly line logistics. I do NOT get why my order still shows an ETA of May 8th as of the last update which was yesterday June 9th?!?! The car is now on it's second off-site trip from AutoPort.

 

I'm paying for a 2006 GT that I'm not driving as to keep the mileage low for trade-in. I have a loan I either need to close on and begin the interest and payment schedule WITHOUT taking delivery of the car, or pay the app fee, and take a THIRD credit hit if I want to wait til the car is on the lot before taking the loan. These are decisions I am not able to make with out a VALID ETA and not just some random date stamped at the back of a computer print out. I made the mistake of believing the initial ETA and it has now cost me financially. (it's not the $75, as much as the principle).

 

For $60,000, I feel I have a right to status on the timeline, I don't need specifics on the WHY (though I already know). As with many others, CSR, and even the SVT hotline provide nothing valuable. The dealer's inquiries are pushed aside. What does it take to get simple infomation and a commitment to an ETA?

 

VIN: 1ZVBP8JSXB5107532

 

Sincerely,

Raymond M.

Edited June 12, 2010 by Ray-NYC