Grey

January 28, 2010 Ford announced------

"Full year net income of $2.7 billion, or 86 cents per share, a $17.5 billion improvement from a year ago.

Pre-tax operating profits of $454 million, a $7.3 billion improvement from a year ago"

Gotta love it when a plan comes together. Way to go Mulally.

Yes, he's talking about e-Bay. Looks like the same cd's that Helm sells. I didn't check Helm's prices.

I suspect that more will pop up on e-bay as the closed dealerships start liquidating tools, manuals. parts, etc.

Wow, I'm surprised as nearly all of the reviews say that the car drives better and is more of a 'driver's car' than the hybrid Prius and Camry. I have an older Camry and I can tell you that that thing wallows all over the place- its a cushy ride, but I would much prefer a little stiffer suspension for better feedback and control.

 

I also have two small children- 3 ys and 4 months. I'm interested in knowing the amount of backseat room for car seats-- do the front seats have to be jacked forward to fit the car seats in the back? I'm also concerned about the amount of storage room in the trunk. The next car will need to serve as a family travel vehicle, so being able to pack in the trunk for a long weekend with the whole family is a requirement. We don't travel heavy, but the other car (a Subaru Legacy sedan just barely makes it work.

Get thee to a Ford dealership and check out any new Fusion, Lots of room. Remember, the back seat does not fold down in the Hybrid if you need lengthy storage. The Fusion is a mid-size car - not an econo-box.

2009 Turbo-Tax program will correctly compute your FFH Hybrid tax credit. I put 2/26/2009 as my purchase date (the date I committed/ordered) and 4/14/2009 as the date placed in service and up popped $3,400. That made me happy.

Now I wish I had ordered two.

Gotta ask, have you tried 28 psi in the tires and remove pounds from your trunk? The newer one you drove may not have had a full tank of fuel or tires pumped up beyond the factory psi..

Your dealership is your best hope for resolution. When you call the Ford customer assistance center, they forward your concern back to the dealer for handling. I don't recall if Job 2 or Job 3 had any suspension changes. Perhaps someone can check it out? Ask your service advisor to run an OASIS on your vin and code ride harshness (NVH). If there are any areas that can be checked for you, the OASIS report will identify them.

What are you - some kind of tire engineer?

Oh, I hope so! Things have changed so much since I was a tire engineer, and an oil engineer, and a battery engineer, and a warranty engineer, and a customer engineer. Really, it would be nice to have access to current real tire LRR data and wheel weights, offsets, etc.

If I thought I could save 35-40 pounds in wheels, that would be tempting.

As you are shopping for the best price, remember that if you negotiate the price with your selling dealership at the time ytou purchase your vehicle, it can included in your financing. Asking them to meet or beat an online price as part of the deal can be a wise decision.

If you wait over a year or 12,000 miles to purchase your Ford ESP, the dealership will be charged another $100, wihch I presume they will pass through to you.

Occasionally Ford Credit runs promotions for F&I managers (trips, cruises, prizes, etc) and during those promotions you can get some really good deals BTW, dealership service departments used to sell Ford ESP contracts with very little markup. Not sure what they are doing today - you might ask. They love for you to have Ford ESP because Ford is pretty good pay and they love to see you back in their service department for maintenance, etc..

The more elecrronics your vehicle has, the more liikely you might benefit from ESP - especially audio, navigation, rear camera, blind spot, Hybrid, etc. Some of these repairs can be extremely pricey out of warranty.

If the 16" wheels will clear your brake calipers, I think you are ok. I guess this would be called "minus sizing". Make sure there is more than 1/2" clearance with your 17's between the inside of the rim and the brake components. You will loose at least a half inch with 16's. Do a trial fit before you commit to purchase.

Tread design will be more critical than tread width - get snows?????

Just looked and the I4 S series has 16's, so they should clear the calipers.

Here's another way to think about it...

 

Buy the extended service contract at vehicle purchase time and it adds $20-25 per month to your payments. If anything goes wrong with your car, you pay 0-$100 deductable and that's it. You're paying a little each month instead of possibly $1,000's all at once. Most people can afford $20-25 / month, not many can pay $1,000's if something goes wrong.

 

BTW: I work as a Ford car salesman. Purchased an extended warranty on my 2010 Fusion Sport.

 

My humble opinion.

Great explanation - peace of mind is an important factor in many customers purchase experience. I seldom keep a vehicle that is out of warranty, but my kids have. I wish they had bought the Ford ESP contract so I wouldn't have to replace the alternator, etc. If you plan on keeping your vehicle past the factory warranty, you should really consider buying the warranty (especailly on the high tech vehicles). Now that there is very little money for after warranty adjustments, you can't count on your dealership doing an out of warranty repair for no charge to you (even if they like you a lot).

But, Like Clark Howard says, do your research up front for your financing and know the online quotes for the Ford ESP so you make the decision that is right for you.

Allen, I think he was referring to the sales tax deduction and not the hybrid tax credit. I have not begun loading income and withholdings in my TT program yet so it won't actually compute anything. As soon as I gert some 1099's, I can try both the Hybrid tax credit and the sales tax deduction to see if they work as they should (except for the fact that they don't do a good job of describing the "Purchase" date qualification.)

So you're saying that TT properly accounted your expected tax credit or have you not gone that far yet? THANKS!

I will get the correct credit because I know what to put as the "Purchase" date ----- the date I made the commitment to purchase (my order date).

Most people, including IRS agents, tax preparers, CPA's, etc. will not understand the form and people will assume the purchase date is when you take deliivery ---Not so, that is the "in service" date. I bet if you call the IRS 10 times on the "Purchase Date" issue, 6 responders will get it wrong.

I just installed the 2009 version of Turbo Tax on my computer and rushed over to the Tax Credit folder. The Hybrid purchase data capture form is like the 8910 IRS form - that is, it doesn't spell out that the purchase date (which sets the amount of credit you may claim) can be the same as your order (commitment to puirchase) date. A lot of tax preparers will miss this distinction and tax payers will miss out on their full credit eligibility.

Don't let it happen to you!

The program does appear to do a good job of describing and capturing the sales tax credit, if your state is eligible.

The tax credit year is controlled by the date you put the Hybrid in service. You qualify for the credit in place at the time you make the commitment to purchase. You must wait untill next year to file against your 2010 taxes if you take delivery in 2010.

I expect the tax refund for sales tax is based on the date the tag/tax office receives the taxes paid. Better check this out carefully. A deposit does not normally have anything to do with the sales taxes that will be owed at delivery.

Let us know how your tax program or preparer handles both issues.

The Fusion Hybrid is only a 2010 model at this point. It was available in early 2009.

As you are collecting comments, look at the option content. While very impressive in all configurations, the 502A package with Navigation, Blind Spot alert, rear camera, lane change alert, etc. compares electronically with much more expensive luxury vehicles. The granddaughters still call it the American Idol car.

5030 miles, 36.2 MPG, problems "0", satisfaction 100%. (Best MPG= 54.1 over 100 miles.) Last tank 34.5 MPG - below freezing for a week.

Just remembered a statement from Consumer Reports from Jan. 2009=====

"Ford Motor Company hybrids, along with the Escape and Mariner hybrid SUVs, are eligible for full tax credits if purchased or ordered before March 31st. After that time, the credits are reduced by 50 percent due to Ford crossing the 60,000-vehicle threshold that begins a scale-down process for tax credits. "

And this from ask.cars.com======

"Tax analysts at H&R Block say the purchase contract for a new car will set the date for when you qualify for the credit. Delivery paperwork from the dealership will verify the in-service date. As long as the vehicle is placed in service during the 2009 calendar year, you will be able to claim the tax credit on your 2009 taxes. "

I looked at the Turbo Tax form online and they do not provide any insight regarding the ordering date establishing the "Purchase" date. Too bad! A lot of tax preparers and self filers will miss the full credit to which they are entitled because the 8910 instructions don't make it clear. I have not looked at H&R Block yet, but they may have clarified thepurchase/order date issue. If anyone gets their software, please advise how they handle the 8910 form.

Thanks BBF - great find. There have to be a lot of employees of these companies (and retirees) that don't realize they qualify for X-Plan. I had seen the list years ago, but had no idea it was this large now.

If I were a salesperson in a F/L/M dealership, I would be all over the personnel department of any of these companies that might have employees in my market. I would write the releases announcing the plan and procedures, and list myself as the x-plan partner "expert". The x-plan deals are usually "mini's" for a salesperson, but if you can do 20 a month and begin a relationship with that many new families, your stock will go up in that dealership.

I can see putting together a listing of 40 or more new vehicles with pictures, option content and x-plan prices (including current incentives) just for partner companies. I would also ask if the partner company would contribute part of the purchase price for their employees. I know some used to do that in the Detroit market.

$1,500 for the RCL recturning customer on both (Except Hybrids). Some models only have $750 if you RCL again.

Two great vehicles - tough choice. I would like to have both.

Study the 8910 instructions provided by the IRS in 2007 - look at the example highlighted:

"Summary of the Credit for Qualified Hybrid Vehicles

Updated frequently — last updated Nov. 08, 2007

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 provides a credit for taxpayers who purchase certain energy efficient vehicles, including Qualified Hybrid vehicles.¹ Notice 2006-9 provides procedures for manufacturers to certify to the Internal Revenue Service that certain passenger autos and light trucks qualify for the credit and the amount of the credit.² The credit amount for qualified hybrid vehicles other than passenger autos or light trucks is computed using a different formula. Guidance regarding the credit for new qualified hybrid motor vehicles that are not passenger automobiles or light trucks will be provided in a separate notice. Generally, for a passenger car or light truck that is a qualified hybrid vehicle, a taxpayer may rely on the manufacturer’s certification that a specific make, model and model year vehicle qualifies for the credit and the amount of the credit for which it qualifies.³

Even though a manufacturer has certified a vehicle, a taxpayer must meet the following requirements to qualify for the credit:

The vehicle must be placed in service after 12-31-05 and purchased on or before 12-31-10.

The original use of the vehicle must begin with the taxpayer claiming the credit.

a. The credit may only be claimed by the original owner of a new, qualifying, hybrid vehicle and does not apply to a used hybrid vehicle.

The vehicle must be acquired for use or lease by the taxpayer claiming the credit.

a. The credit is only available to the original purchaser of a qualifying hybrid vehicle. If a qualifying vehicle is leased to a consumer, the leasing company may claim the credit.

b. For qualifying vehicles used by a tax-exempt entity, the person who sold the qualifying vehicle to the person or entity using the vehicle is eligible to claim the credit, but only if the seller clearly discloses in a document to the tax-exempt entity the amount of credit.

The vehicle must be used predominantly within the United States.

Credit Phase Out

The new qualified hybrid motor vehicle credit begins to phase out in the second calendar quarter after the calendar quarter in which at least 60,000 of the manufacturer’s qualifying passenger automobiles and light trucks have been sold. Notice 2006-9 requires manufacturers that have received acknowledgement of its certification must submit to the Service a report of the number of qualified vehicles sold to a retail dealer during the calendar quarter. For this purpose, qualified vehicles are any passenger automobile or light truck that is a new advanced lean bury technology motor vehicle or a qualified hybrid motor vehicle. After review of the quarterly reports, the Service will issue an acknowledgement letter to the vehicle manufacturer stating whether purchasers many continue to rely on the certification.

Notice 2006-78 announced the credit phase out schedule for advanced lean burn technology vehicles and hybrid vehicles manufactured by Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc. (Toyota and Lexus vehicles). For the period of 10-1-06 to 3-31-07, purchasers of qualifying vehicles are eligible for 50% of the allowable credit. For the period of 4-1-07 to 9-30-07, purchasers of qualifying vehicles are eligible for 25% of the allowable credit. The table below includes both the full credit and the reduced credit amount depending upon when the vehicle was purchased.

The date of purchase determines the amount of the credit available for a vehicle, i.e. whether a vehicle is eligible for the full credit or whether a portion of the credit is phased-out. The placed in service date determines the taxable year in which the credit may be claimed.

For example, if consumer A purchases a Prius on Sept. 30, 2006, and takes possession in February 2007, consumer A can claim the full credit for 2007, the year in which the vehicle is placed in service. On the other hand, if consumer B purchases a Prius on Oct. 1, 2006, and takes possession of the vehicle in February 2007, Consumer B can claim 50% of the credit in 2007, the year in which the vehicle is placed in service."

Since there is no other scenario that fits "Purchase on Sept.30, 2006 and take delivery on February, 2007" it is clear that a committment to purchase is the same as "purchase". If nothing else, copy this and give it to your accountant.

BBF2530 - you did it again - going beyond the call to do service to your fellow man. I didn't think he had a question, just wanted to rant. You always take the high road.

It's cool that you have a "partner" list. Wish I had thought to get one when I had a chance.

I just visited the Turbo Tax site online and they have followed the 8910 form for gathering your purchase and "in-service" information. People that don't follow the forums may make the mistake of putting their delivery date as their purchase date. If you ordered your Hybrid, put the date of your order in the purchase date box. The in-service date is the date you took possession and began driving your new hybrid. The program should calculate your tax credit correctly from there.

If you purchased from dealer inventory, your "purchase" date and in-service date may be the same.

I ordered my Fusion Hybrid in February and took delivery in April of 2009 so I will get the full $3,400 tax credit against my 2009 taxes. Order by 3/31 = $3,400, Order by 9/30 = $1,700, Order by 3/31/2010 = $850 ---after that $0. If you order in 2009 but don't take possession until 2010, you will have to wait until 2011 to claim the credit against your 2010 taxes.

A lot of tax preparers will not understand this 8910 form and buyers will miss out on the tax credit they should get - same with IRS phone clerks. They are going to try to tell you that the purchase date is the date you signed the final papers - not so --- your order was the committment to purchase and that date should be in the purchase box.

Good luck!

Welcome to the forum and ENJOY your new vehicle.

Wallmart had the correct FL 910 Motorcraft filter for $3.67 and 5 quart container of Motorcraft 5W20 synthetic blend for $11.50. You would be hard pressed to find a better deal than that. I boiught it on my home from the oil change, for my next one which I will do at home.

Unless, of course, your first oil change was free - I just had mine done at my dealership for $9.95, which was their deal to new buyers..

I watched the tech do it so feel like I can easily change it myself in 6 months. First change was at 4.800 miles.

I think what you are experiencing is normal. It seems to have it's own mind when it decides to go regen If it does not recharge the hybrid battery during normal driving at any time, I would be concerned. But i think all of us have seen times when we thought it would normally go to regen, but it did not. If it not triggering a fault code, there is no sign of a concern that the deaelrship can fix.