Ford Enthusiast

[LastTudor]

I learned my lessons the hard way when I first started buying vehicles. The worst experience was when I bought a new 1996 Ranger SuperCab. I owned it for less than 24 hours, lol.

I had a 92 Ranger at the time, but it was regular cab and cramped. I was itching to replace it so I stopped at the Ford dealer. I drove and agreed to buy the 1996, which I really didn't need and could only marginally afford. They gave me only 3,000 for my 92, and I, being green as grass, agreed to pay sticker for the new one.

While sitting and waiting for the finance guy, after signing papers, I overheard the sales manager take a call. The person on the other end of the line apparently asked about used Rangers. I heard the sales guy say, "We just took in a 92 that's in perfect condition. We haven't even run it through cleanup yet. It's silver with red interior. We're asking $8,500." It hurt to the bone to hear that they were asking more than double what they'd given me for my truck.

I'd bought the 96 on a special financing deal with Ford Credit, 2.9% for 60 months, and drove the truck home. Of course I showed it to my family and friends, which the dealer knew I would. The next day, they called and said, "Sir, we need you to come re-sign some papers." Of course I immediately knew something was up. When I asked why, they informed me that Ford's special rate, the one that I'd signed for, had expired the week before. The rate was going to be 6.9% for 60 months. I'd already stretched my budget at the 2.9% rate, and there was no way I could afford the 6.9%. What really steamed me was that the Finance Department claimed not to know that the 2.9% rate offer had expired. What a crock of bologna!

Long story short, despite much pressure from the sales manager and finance department, I returned the truck to them and we tore up the paperwork. I got my old 92 Ranger truck back. The best part was they'd already run my old truck through the detail shop and it was as clean as new!

From that day forward, I determined that I will never buy a vehicle unless and until I find what I want and under the terms I want. If that means I have to wait 6 months or a year looking for a deal that suits me, that's what I do.

A few years later I told a friend of mine who was an auto wholesaler the story of that 96 Ranger. He told me that Finance Departments do that sort of thing frequently. They'll send you home with a vehicle under a finance contract they know the banks won't approve. They know you'll show all your family and friends. They know most people would be too embarassed to take the vehicle back, and will sign new loan papers under less favorable terms.

Buyer Beware.