What to expect as a first time new vehicle purchaser

[bigb]

So in 50 years of driving I have never bought or ordered a new vehicle (except for work vans for my business from a commercial dealer). Even though I ordered from the GM of our local dealership who is the brother of one of my fishing buddies I need to know what to expect on delivery. I already told him I don't want tint because I want ceramic and they don't offer that. They also don't put the Lojack type device in, if I recall it will just be a cleaning and door edge protection.

BTW does ceramic tint interfere with WIFI and OTA signals?

As far as financing, he already knows I can pay cash but I told him if there are any good offers at the time of delivery that could save some money I will go that way even if it means I pay it off right away. In my state there are no early payoff penalties on vehicle loans.

What about extended warranties? To be honest I've never believed in them but with all the technology in these trucks I'm wondering if that is a good idea? If so, how long do I have before agreeing to buy the Ford extended warranty? Do I have to decide at delivery? Is it actually a Ford product or can I do better elsewhere?

Just looking to educate myself in order to avoid surprises and split second decisions which I don't like to make.

If it matters I am mechanically advanced and can do all my maintenance as well as more major stuff as long as I have the FSM or equivalent but I am getting older and even though I enjoy it, and have a nice shop, I know my age will sooner or later put the brakes on some of that. I've never really had anyone work on my vehicles except for stuff like recalls, glass and tires. Not because I was trying to save money, but because I wanted it done right.

Sponsored

 

[Jason B]

Rangers come with tinted windows from the factory, it's not something added like a tint film. It's the glass that tinted, mostly on rear doors and window, lighter on the front doors as there are laws on how much you can darken those that varies by state.

Ceramic coating won't interfere with radio signals.

Financing is all dependent on your history, and Ford isn't always the best. I was approved for a Ford loan and 5%, but I would have had to take a 72-month loan.


You will get the best deal on an Extended Warranty from Granger Ford. They sell the $50 over cost.
For example, I bought an 8yr/125K ESP for my '21 FX4 for $2300 with $100 deductible. Your price will vary depending on the vehicle you get and options. And yes, it's Granger sells a real Ford ESP that can be used at any Ford dealership.
You don't have to buy from your dealer. Don't let them pressure you into unless they will match the price. Some Ford dealers are in cahoots with non-Ford ESP companies. I'd advise against any other 3rd party ESP. There are usually too many stipulations and where and when it can be used.
You can buy the ESP at any time BEFORE the OEM warranty runs out. But keep in mind, that the ESP starts at mile 0, and the year you buy the vehicle, not when you buy the ESP.

Now, my question. Which Ranger are you looking at?

 

[bigb]

Thanks for the helpful info. As far as tint, at least here in the desert it seems that all the dealers add tint film as part of their dealer prep and I've seen charges anywhere from $500 to $2,000.

I ordered a 2025 Ranger XLT 2.7 301A, Fx4 and advanced towing and technology package. My build date isn't till Sept 29 so I'm not sure if they will call it a 2025 or a 2026.

 

[JimG]

Congrats on you future new truck. A Week ago I received my Ranger Raptor. Great truck.
I had my windows coated with a ceramic tint. The 2 front side windows to match the 2 back windows. The front windshield with a 70% tint to help lessen the heat coming through while driving. You can hardly even notice it. I’m the Phoenix valley so keeping heat out is important to me. Check with your local tint guy. Paid $550.
Check the fine print on any extended warranty . Most of them require a certified mechanic preform all the suggested maintenance items at the suggested maintenance intervals. If you do your own maintenance that may not meet their requirements and therefore they may not cover your claim. Also if you buy a 5 your extended warranty at a cost of $2,500, you already have the 3 year Ford warranty. I don’t buy extended warranties either. I think they’re a waste of money. Everything you buy today they offer you an extended warranty. I bank the money I save and it is several thousand a year. Each person needs to decide depending on their personal needs.
Your dealer will most likely offer you a “life time maintenance plan” for a certain dollar figure. Ask how long or how many miles it will last. The life time maintenance plans that I have seen dealers offer last for the first 50,000 miles, then they expire. They don’t tell you that. Doesn’t really save much money anyway.
My 2 bits worth. Cheers and have a great day.

 

[natethegreat42]

Congrats on your new truck! Personally, my dealer was quite up front with my order and purchase. Turnaround time from order to delivery was quick in comparison. I ordered in mid-February and received my truck the week after Easter in April.
The service plan is up to you. I’m still on the fence if I will add it or not. You do have the manufacturer’s warranty to wait, so it would be three years (or 36,000 miles which ever comes first) that you would have to decide. The only stipulation from my dealer after one year would be that they would add a fee for the addition of the extended service plan. I believe my dealer offered me a “lifetime” ESP as well like another commenter said, but if memory serves it would last till 100,000 miles.
One thing to keep an eye on with ordering is hopefully your truck isn’t affected by the recent airbag recall or else Ford has to delay delivery until they can fix it.
I hope you enjoy your new truck, it’s quite the fun vehicle!

 

[Bushmechanic]

I would strongly suggest some manner of extended service plan.

A 36,000 mile warranty is peanuts on vehicles as complex is these new rangers.

 

[bigb]

Congrats on you future new truck. A Week ago I received my Ranger Raptor. Great truck.
I had my windows coated with a ceramic tint. The 2 front side windows to match the 2 back windows. The front windshield with a 70% tint to help lessen the heat coming through while driving. You can hardly even notice it. I’m the Phoenix valley so keeping heat out is important to me. Check with your local tint guy. Paid $550.
Check the fine print on any extended warranty . Most of them require a certified mechanic preform all the suggested maintenance items at the suggested maintenance intervals. If you do your own maintenance that may not meet their requirements and therefore they may not cover your claim. Also if you buy a 5 your extended warranty at a cost of $2,500, you already have the 3 year Ford warranty. I don’t buy extended warranties either. I think they’re a waste of money. Everything you buy today they offer you an extended warranty. I bank the money I save and it is several thousand a year. Each person needs to decide depending on their personal needs.
Your dealer will most likely offer you a “life time maintenance plan” for a certain dollar figure. Ask how long or how many miles it will last. The life time maintenance plans that I have seen dealers offer last for the first 50,000 miles, then they expire. They don’t tell you that. Doesn’t really save much money anyway.
My 2 bits worth. Cheers and have a great day.

Thanks Jim, I'm down the road here in Tucson. Does the 70% on the windshield affect night vision at all? On my TDI I opted for an "eyebrow" instead as I was afraid any tint in my line of vision would reduce night vision.

 

[JimG]

I don’t see any difference at night. 70% is hardly any tint. But if you’re concerned most installers will have 80% too. They should also have examples to compare. It does cut down on the heat coming thru the windshield as your driving down the road. I believe it’s worth the cost.

Sponsored