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Should we get this new car?

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TravelingGal

TravelingGal

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So with the car accident, being prego, and everything else that has been going on, we decided to look at the Ford Freestyle, which I''ve liked for some time.

It seats 7, (for the 4 additional children we plan to have.
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) and is a Limited edition fully loaded. Way too much car for us, actually in terms of the extras. We could use the seating for when TGuy''s family comes over from Oz.

We''ve been in to the dealer twice. They want the car gone. I gave them a lowball offer on the second visit, but not unreasonable since this car is being renamed next year and I''ve read on forums that people are getting 6-8K below sticker. The manager (who I bought my first car from and like a lot) gave me he best offer yesterday, $2500 higher than my offer. It is a good offer, but the car is still too much for us. So we thanked him and left.

Today he called. Another $1500 off. That''s over 6K off the sticker, and about 3K under invoice, plus 0% financing.

I''d be happy with the deal, but not sure if there are other Ford owners that might have insight?
 
Is this Ford's "alleged" "green" SUV? If so, I'd run...I hate Ford as a company. I dont think they give a crap about the environment, just the bottom line. I'd personally be looking for a greener vehicle...I just saw an ad for a new SUV-ish Subaru which seems very economical? Check it out. I cant even remember the name of it...sorry! I wanted a Prius when I got my last car but the waiting list was nearly a year long so I got another Jetta but this time a Jetta Wagon. I love it. I dont think even if I had kids I'd need an SUV because this has plenty of room and gets decent mileage, which is important to me...Or what about a Volvo? Safe and decent mileage...

Anyway, just my extremely opinionated two cents...
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Wait...you're definately pregnant?!? Nice way to slip that nugget of info into the convo TG! CONGRATS!
 
I''m wary of Fords. I used to have a ''98 Ford Taurus. It ran just fine for about five years, and then things slowly started going wrong. Besides, it was a big heavy car that ate up a lot of gas. Maybe it was just that particular model, but I won''t be buying a Ford in the future.

I have a sleek little 2000 Mazda Protege now and am much happier with it. No problems so far! *crosses fingers*
 
I don''t think this is an alleged green anything. Not that I''ve read anyway. It''s a CVT engine, so it is more fuel efficient, albeit sluggish on the engine.

I know Fords aren''t the best, but I have not had a single thing go wrong with my mustang. Plus Japanese cars are made here anyway, so they seem to be having more and more issues.

Surfgirl, although they are selling it, Ford owns Volvo....not sure if you know that. This car is the same platform at the Volvo XC70....
 
I'm not a lover of Ford as a company, but I've owned two Ford Rangers, because they were the right price for the type of vehicle I wanted (a truck that I could take camping but that didn't suck gas like crazy). The first one survived 9 years and 8 accidents without any problems and my current vehicle, another Ranger, that has survived going on 7 years and 3 accidents, again no problems. My next car, which is at least a year if not more off, will be a Volvo, not because I want a car made by Ford, but because I've wanted a Volvo since I was 10. As for the green issue, no car manufacturer would make a green vehicle if it didn't add to their bottom line so I wouldn't factor that into the brand I chose.

If you like the car and it suits you and your needs I'd say you're getting a decent deal!
 
I''ve never had a ford but I bought my Honda in November so the car buying experience is still pretty fresh in my mind.

I''d look at resale values for Fords--they are HORRIBLE. You won''t get much for his car as a trade-in down the line, which might be something you want to consider. Also, my last car was another American car, a Chevy Equinox which I bought brand new, and the difference between the way my Chevy was made and the way my Honda was made is incredible. I don''t think I''d ever buy a Chevy or any other American car again.

Take a look at threads for car buyers, I think edmunds.com has several. We got loads of great information when we were looking for our Hondas, so you should be able to get some insight there.

Good luck, it sounds like a HUGE vehicle!
 
I would pipe in that American car companies are making great strides in reliability and value lately, and have increasingly been earning good marks. As to whether you should buy the car, if $1000-3000 makes or breaks the deal whether you can afford it, I would opt for no. Don''t think about "we''d have X amount of payment for X years." Just think... we''d be paying $30,000 over 5 years, or we could buy a $5,000 car and have $25k to play with. Diamond money?
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I don''t know about the Freestyle, but, I have an ''03 Expedition and it is a pile of crap...Sorry for the bluntness...I''m just trying to be honest. I really really really really don''t like this car. It could be a lemon because we have had nothing BUT problems with it. It has cost us a good $2,000 in repairs this year. Ford is difficult to deal with when arranging for repairs, no loaner car is given and they take DAYS for the simplest of repairs. To carry on with my Ford bashing theme/rant, my in-laws have two Lincoln cars (Ford products) and both cars had the transmissions replaced after 50,000 miles.
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Consumer Reports has some valuable information regarding reliablilty and crash tests. You have to subscribe to see all of it. I checked the reviews for the Freestyle and it earned a check. Maybe the QC is better with this model...

Anyway, if it were my money, I''d look at many different makes before buying a Ford. The reliablilty is just pretty bad lately. I hope they revamp it because they have some great products. Have you checked Subaru??? Most of their cars have checks or (even better) circle checks on Consumer Reports.

Well, whatever you decide you should get a good deal since cars aren''t selling too great right now. Here''s a site for pricing Edmunds. Also check Cars Direct if you haven''t already. It''s a good place to start. Annnnnnnd, since car seats are in your near future
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here''s a usefull site for carseat/car compatability http://www.carseatdata.org/. BTW, Consumer Reports has lotsa info on car seats, crash tests, or any other baby gear you may be needing! Happy car shopping!!!!
 
My mother owned her 1992 Ford Escort sedan for 10 years with nary a problem and she now owns a 2003 Ford Focus station wagon (that she traded in her 1992 for!) that she loves and has had just one problem that I can remember. I owned a 1997 Ford Escort sedan that I adored for 5 years with very few problems but I now drive a 2005 Toyota Sienna minivan (for our 3 kids
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but I love it!!).

My neighbor owned a 1997 Taurus and now owns the new Ford sedan.... (can''t remember the name...). His is a company car so he didn''t get a choice with either one but he did say that he didn''t have a single problem with the Tauras and he loves the new sedan!

Also, my Aunt owned a Ford Windstar for several years and she tried hard for me to buy one because she loved hers so much (but I wanted the 8 seater Toyota Sienna
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)!

So, IME, there''s only been positive Ford cars (also, only positive Honda''s, Toyota''s and VW''s) .
 
As a brand, Ford doesn''t appeal to me, but it does sound like a great deal. This is the time of year when lots of companies are offering deals to get ready for the 08s, so there may be other great deals to be found as well. Have you looked at the Subaru cars - Outback or Forester might be perfect for you.
 
I had an Explorer years ago and while I would say it was just okay, I do not know enough about Ford now, and honestly never bought another Ford after donating it to charity.

What about the Toyota hybrid small SUV? (Highlander?) I know someone who has one and loves it. They do a lot of driving, too.

Where do you live, btw?

Most importantly, how are you feeling, both overall and the pregnancy?
 
Hi everyone!

Funny you should say that Diamondfan...Highlander was the other car we were possibly looking at. I should have researched it more, as it has the 7 seating that we like and is in the high end of our price range . But Toyota is a great name in cars so they aren''t as aggressive in discounts and financing offers. Without it, we probably couldn''t have afforded it. Edmunds did rate the freestyle better.

VolvoXC90 was another option. We won''t probably use the back two seats often, but after the last 7 years of driving a mustang, maybe I just have seat/room envy.

I love love love my mustang. Not a single problem. Sure, it creaks a bit more now, but I expect that is it is quite a bit into its 8th year. My friend bought an explorer and HATED it. Gave him nothing but trouble within the first year or two.

And yes, I realize that Fords do not retain their value as well. With the mustang, it was never an issue because I knew I would never sell it. With this car, I don''t think I will...unless I hate it.

I still look at my mustang and am so glad I bought it. I research the hell out of cars, so I have lived on edmunds before (love that site)

Aloros, interestingly enough, my brother bought my mom a mazda, and that car was nothing but trouble. We sold it within a year and bought a Toyota Camry. Now THAT car has been awesome.

Miranda, I am sorry to hear about your explorer. As I mentioned, my friend just hated his. Thanks for looking that up for me...consumer reports did rate this car well, and it scored tops in safety and crash tests. I believe that''s because it has a VOLVO platform and maybe shares some parts. We had considered the Suburu outback (I loved it when I first saw it too) but it''s feels quite small when you get inside. For the price, I would have rather just gotten a family sedan. Thanks for being a sweetheart and pulling up that carseat info.

Diamondfan, I live in socal. Pregnancy so far is easy...but I am just finishing up my 5th week, so only time will tell!

So...my hubby and I talked, and we do own a new freestyle! I am happy with the deal that we got. 3K below invoice and 0% financing is pretty darn good. Kimberly, the best feature is the "tailgate" chairs...the back two chairs flip over so you can have to chairs for tailgate parties. PERFECT for camping...and we are so excited to have a car we can camp with. Haven, believe it or not, it doesn''t seem huge to me. Maybe because it is not tall? You think it''s kind of a sporty wagon, but I let TGuy drive it off the lot and I called him to say "Uh honey...I think we just bought a sporty MINIVAN!" It''s really a minivan disguised as a wagon.

So I could use some PS Fairydust that the car is good. From the freestyle forum, the vast majority of owners are going into their 3 year with no problems, but there are 2 owners who have had lemons. Thank you all for your input and help. PS is just a fab place!!!
 
Tgal, I''m a big fan of Volvo no matter what the circumstances are! Just wanted to give you my .02...glad to hear your fifth week is treating you well. My SIL''s in her 11th week right now and my brother has sold off all his motorcycles, poor guy, they hadn''t planned on kids either. But I think he''s SO totally excited to be a daddy! He''s my older brother by 4 years and made a great older sibling by pulling me around in a little red wagon and building me not one, not two, but three treehouses, the last two of which were double deckers! Yeah, he''ll be a great dad, and so will Tguy!!!!

I don''t know that you need to start off with a vehicle that can carry 7, even if you think it will suppport family when they come in from OOt. I''m wondering if maybe a smaller SUV is in order for you? And what about leasing options? We have a Chevy TB as do many of our child-possessing friends and they love theirs for kids, some even purchased theirs when they got pg in anticipation of needing space for carseats and such. It''s just a good all around vehicle, imo. I also love the Subaru Outback, very roomy inside and definitely an all weather vehicle that doesn''t compromise style, it''s really cute and pretty cheap while getting somewhat high safety ratings. Just food for thought.
 
Well, I took a moment to go check out the vehicle. It looks nice, thats for sure. However, you say you don't have any need for the seats now but have a baby on the way. One day you plan on having 4 kids. and you can use the seats when you have family come over.

My first though, rental vehicles are really pretty cheap, so you would probably save money if you got a vehicle with a little better mpg now and just rented a vehicle when your family came over.

But my real thoughts are that even in the past year or two there have been major improvements to vehicles, vehicle safety and efficiency. One mark of those developments is your CVT transmission. True at the moment they are known to be a bit sluggish but they are probably the future of transmissions, especially as they improve--which they are CERTAIN to do over the next 3 years.

I also notice that while this vehicle does look safe, it lacks stability control, and it also lacks any new safety innovations that will come about in the next 3 years, which there will certainly be a number of.

So it seems to me that if you buy the extra seats now on this vehicle, then in 3-4 years time when you actually need those extra seats there are going to be much more fuel efficient vehicles out there that run better and are notably safer--and more in style
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. But if you purchase those extra seats now and strain your budget today you may well be stuck with this vehicle, which will still be nice no doubt, but not what you could have in the future. So personally I think it makes sense to buy the seats you need, get a little better fuel economy, invest the money you save in a cheaper vehicle in something that actual appreciates over the next 3 years and then when you need those extra seats you can get a truly kick ass up-to-date vehicle to keep your new family even safer than this one can, fast, smooth, and traveling, probably for less overall cost, more environmentally friendly and with more entertainment features built in. Thats what I think anyway, since you don't actually need the extra size right now.

Also, many of the Japanese cars are made in America, and many in Japan, and many of Fords are made in mexico, but what really matters is design, quality control, and management. If they use cheaper parts, like for instance the double layer of rubber in the door sill found on Japanese vehicles often not found on American vehicles, it is those cutbacks and design/material decisions that end up affecting the quality of the good, not so much which nation it was actually assembled in.
 
Thanks Monarch and WorkingHFSR. In case you didn't see...I did buy the car.
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I know 7 seats sounds preposterous, but it really does not feel that big...don't know why. There is also another reason we wanted the extra room.

I have ALWAYS had small cars. First was a CRX. Then no car for 4 years (in Los Angeles, no less!) Then my mustang.

My friends always ended up driving, especially a close cousin of mine. For the last couple of years, every time we go somewhere (which is often) they have driven. We always try to chip in for gas but my cousin's husband won't hear of it. They are very generous with us. And then for many years before that when I didn't have a car, my cousin drove 20 miles from her house to come pick me up to wherever we were going and then back again.

So I want to chaffeur them around for awhile. I have always been so grateful they have been so easygoing about it for so many years. So I figure this car will seat them plus us plus baby without a problem. Not the most practical reason, I know...but for once, I let my "wants" trump my practicality!

WorkingHard, yes, this car does not have stability control. It's coming on the new Taurus-X. That car will be more expensive and go back to a "regular" engine/transmission. Therefore it will be a bit less fuel efficient. TGuy and I discussed this and decided that this version, while a bit sluggish, worked fine for us. During the test drive, I insisted on taking it up into the hills. I could see what people mean about it feeling weak, but I'm the lame-o who drives a mustang like a granny, so it didn't faze me or TGuy. Interestingly, most freestyle owners don't mind the CVT at all.

Also mpg is better than my mustang...20city 27highway. Freestyle owners say the real MPG is actually as good as a sedan. It has to be better than my mustang, that's for sure.

Oh, and our budget isn't strained...because...uh...I'm normally so PRACTICAL.
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Thanks all again. I really appreciate the time you took to respond.

ETA. Monnie, wanted to congratuate you on being an auntie to be!!!
 
Well congrats again on being a brand new Ford owner! Your new car/mommy vehicle sounds fab...I hope you''ll post some fun pics of you and Tguy in it and being silly, that would be priceless!

Thanks also for the kudos on my being an auntie to be...my SIL''s only 11 weeks now but we are all sooo super duper excited, it will be the first baby in the fam for a long, long time. I''m going to spoil the absolute he*& out of it! LOL! Wish we could give you a virtual PS baby shower! Believe me, I am so happy for you and Tguy, and would give anything to be part of your world right now, loved, loved, loved seeing your wedding pics and alway love reading your posts. I feel like I "know" you on whatever level! It would be so great to meet you in person, so if you''re ever in the Chicago area I''d love to meet up with you! Jeez, i sound like some crazy internet person, I swear I''m not!

Congrats again on your pregnancy and new car, looks like life is taking a ''for sure'' direction for you and Tguy! and thats a good thing! Mwuh!
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LOL Monarch, you are too sweet. Ditto the sentiments on meeting. You''re one of a handful I would love to meet in person (I''m not gung ho on meeting people from the Internet anymore), and most of them frequent the WWT (must be the pain we all share of trying to keep fit). I was just in Chicago at the airport and go back a couple of times every year since my corp office is in Madison, WI.

You know, I was TOTALLY excited for my bro and SIL to start a family (they haven''t started yet) because I was going to LOVE being an auntie. I wasn''t sure about being a mommy, but I have long been sold on the auntie business. Totally fab to be the favorite crazy aunt, and I was ready to sign on the dotted line for the role. Told my bro tonight about the impending TTot, and he was really excited for me...but not nearly as excited as I would have been for him. I would have been over the moon! Guess it must be the sisterly/maternal gene in us.

You are just going to be the best aunt! I''d run away to your house for sure.
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Date: 7/31/2007 3:35:13 AM
Author: TravelingGal
Thanks Monarch and WorkingHFSR. In case you didn''t see...I did buy the car.
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WHOOOOPS! I started skimming and just seeing if anyone had taken my position or not, but had I seen that, you can bet I would have showered it with praise rather than criticism! it has all all kinds of features, 5 star crash test all around I believe it was with a good on both side and frontal crash test from IIHS, seems to be very secure vehicle from both low impact and higher penetrating impact collisions, probably won''t be significantly surpassed in terms of safety in the next few years. Anyway, nice vehicle, take some pictures of it...maybe with your rings driving or something, make little Popsicle arms or something....
 
I''m a little late to this thread but I wanted to say CONGRATS on your new FORD
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!! I have a 2005 Ford Five Hundred and I love it to bits. The Freestyle is built on the same chassis as the Five Hundred and has the same driving experience. My FIL has a Freestyle and loves it. Mine also has a CVT tranny and I get about 24mpg city/ 27 mpg highway - not too bad for a full sized sedan! I love how high it sits up as compared to other vehicles, especially since I''m so short.

With all due respect to the Honda lovers and Toyota lovers, etc. I love my Ford. I come from a long line of Ford lovers so it''s really no surprise. My parents drive Fords, my sister, my husband and my in-laws. So far so good for us. Hubby''s 1998 Crown Vic has more than 120K miles and still going strong.

Congrats again!

Jess
 
congrats on the preg!! :)
 
Hee hee. I drive a ''95 Ford Escort right now that has under 85000 miles on it and has had more problems than I can count. I''ve thrown at LEAST $3000 dollars at it in the last two years. Want to run it off a cliff at this point. But hey, it''s paid off so I''m still driving it!!

I don''t know what I think about Ford in general at this point, but I''d sure drive a Five Hundred! That''s a good lookin'' car.
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Date: 7/31/2007 4:12:46 AM
Author: WorkingHardforSmallRewards

Date: 7/31/2007 3:35:13 AM
Author: TravelingGal
Thanks Monarch and WorkingHFSR. In case you didn''t see...I did buy the car.
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Click to expand...


WHOOOOPS! I started skimming and just seeing if anyone had taken my position or not, but had I seen that, you can bet I would have showered it with praise rather than criticism! it has all all kinds of features, 5 star crash test all around I believe it was with a good on both side and frontal crash test from IIHS, seems to be very secure vehicle from both low impact and higher penetrating impact collisions, probably won''t be significantly surpassed in terms of safety in the next few years. Anyway, nice vehicle, take some pictures of it...maybe with your rings driving or something, make little Popsicle arms or something....
Click to expand...
LOL...all your previous points are still very valid though.
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Hehehe. The thing is we would need the car in 9 months, so we couldn''t have waited for a few more model years anyway. I like keeping cars for awhile...long after they are paid off! I know I could have probably used my mustang for TTot, but it''s already hard putting anything in the backseat, so I was afraid that it would kill my back, or I''d drop him/her. Plus I have tons of other reasons for justifying this purchase.

Thanks to the rest of you...happy and unhappy Ford owners alike!
 
TGal: Congrats on the new car purchase! I just checked out the Freestyle on Yahoo Autos and it''s really pretty stylish. Perfect for size and style for a new addition to the family as well as hauling your friends and family.
 
Congrats on the car and of course baby!
 
Congrats on your new car! Sounds like you got a great deal and it sounds perfect for your needs
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I''m sending my best wishes that you didn''t get a lemon!
 
Did your dealer tell you that there''s an new version of the Freestyle coming out for the 2008 model year? If you''re looking at an ''07, that''s why he''s offering you such a great deal. You''ll take a hit in depreciation when the new models hit the streets in September.

It seems like a large vehicle for a soon-to-be 3 person family. Do you really need seating for seven? If you like crossovers, you might check out the compact crossover SUV''s like the RAV4, RDX, and CRV.

2008 Freestyle
 
Whoops, sorry I just saw that you already bought it! Congrats and I hope you enjoy it!
 
Yes Chiefneil, I knew the 2008 is coming out shortly...should actually be at some dealers already. 2008 is going to be renamed Taurus-X (someone at Ford marketing should be fired) and will not have the CVT trans. We preferred the sound of the the Freestyle, and decided to get it before they were gone.

And yes, this car will depreciate. It''s down 30% today, and I just bought it yesterday.
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Such is the thing with new cars...loses a 1/3 of its value when you drive off the lot, they say. I would have liked to buy a used one, but decided I didn''t want to pass up the offer. Loaded used ones are high teens, low 20s,so when you factor in financing, I was OK paying a bit more for new.
 
Buying a car is SO nervwracking & emotionally time consuming. Can you imagine if shoes & purses cost as much as a car, we wouldnt have too many. LOL Would take too long to figure it all out. I sense your priority is really on how to accomodate the family, your own & your extended. Bottom line, Toyota, Honda or Nissan mini-vans are going to cost more than the domestic brands. How about a Caravan? We keep getting flyers that they are on this huge family pricing kick again & advertising almost $8,000 off sticker price. Thats crazy! And I think with 0%, maybe 48-60 mth terms. I have no idea how many they seat either so I appologize for my ignorance. I like the idea of an SUV, but I think for conveniences sake with one or more car seats, the mini-van is the better option.

As for the CVT transmission being sluggish. No way. At least not for my car. I just brought home a 2007 Altima 3.5 V6 (supposedly a very good engine that is also found in their 350z & the G35, just detuned for different horsepower). I bought the CVT & let me tell you, I nicknamed my car "rocket". I have no idea at any given time just how fast I''m driving or how I got there. There are no gears to let you know how hard the car is working or what level it might have accelerated to (you dont have that jerking feeling). All smooth as silk. I have on dozens of occasions looked at my speedometer and said simply "oh s**t" & slow down. I know that Nissan has been using CVT for some yrs & have gotten great reviews this yr for the 2007 Altima. I lived on all the car forums before I bought my car. I ended up getting $3300 off my car, got the colour I wanted, with all the options & 1% for 60mths. Now''s the time to buy with the new ones coming around the corner. I think I lucked out though. Altima was redesigned for 2007, so no real changes slotted for 2008. :-) I know, 1st generation and all. My other car was a 1992 Toyota Camry 4cy. that was the brand new style for that year. I never had a problem with it. Still in the family, mom is driving it now.
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Good luck on your car. Easy for me to say, but try not to let it get you frustrated.

Judy
:-)
 
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