So much for my great Ford Experience!

[FastEddy]

2001 F150 Lariat 36,000. Made the last payment 4 months ago and the warrintee ran out at the same time.

On my way to work today the brakes fiddlesticked up. When I press them the brake pedal is like a jack hammer rapidly pounding. Its feels great on the foot like one of those foot massager's at the fair but doesn't do much to stop my truck. I had to use the e-brake to make it to the dealership. Thank god it was only a mile or so down the road and it was Sat. morning with no traffic.

The dealership just called me with a 4K estimate to fix it. They are recommending to replace all the major components of the ABS as well as the computer. Their explanation is that the computer faulted and my trying to stop the truck with force on the pedal blew the gaskets out of the mechanical components all the way around.

For some reason I feel I'm getting screwed on the details. On the other hand, its my brakes! I'm going to have to hang out till Tuesday and get it toed to another shop for a 2nd opinion. 4K seems a bit to pricey for the work even if it is all they say.

Looks like I may be car shopping this weekend. I'm pissed at the moment and not sure Mm of sound mind to make any big decisions.

/rant

 

[Revo Rancher]

Eddy, ask the dealer service writer to research if there are any service bulletins on this truck model and/or brake system. If they come up with one for this brake system, even if it is not used on your exact model, ask them to call Ford and request it be performed under warranty as your truck is barely out of one.

 

[Candyman]

If I were a true conspiracy theorist, I would believe that car manufacturers make their components to intentionally give out just AFTER the warranty expires. It never fails. I guess the reality is that all cars are mechanically flawed and they'll all break at some point. But at 36,000? That's just not right. If I were you, I'd crawl up Ford's ass and poke their colon until they fix it under warrantee.

 

[FastEddy]

I just got off the phone with them.
The service manager is doing exactly that. He believes that a catastrophic failier of the braking system is something that he may be able to push through on the drive train coverage.

I think its amazing how when I told him to button it all back up so I could take it somewhere else, that he is now looking at alternatives to keep the work in house.

 

[HeartBreak]

Two words; TFI Module.

It was actually documented by some ex executive at Ford that the TFI module was designed to burn out around 5,000 miles or so... I can't remember where I saw that, but I'm sure if you google it, it'll pop up.

Fasteddy; At least you have an honest shop. There's a shop here called (removed for legal reasons) that will fix one problem, and then loosen a wire or something, so you bring it back in again.

 

[FastEddy]

*********************
LMAO
As I'm posting this he just called again and offered full book value if I wanted to trade it in. Full trade in book that is.

Maybe if he offerers full retail book ill think about it.

 

[sweetdiesel]

What's that saying...FORD....Fix Or Repair Daily j/k!

Sorry to hear about your truck Ed, I hope the 2nd opinion turns out better than the first estimate. I can also ask my Uncle to fix your truck for you at the "family discount" rate. His shop is in Sunnyvale. LMK

 

[Revo Rancher]

Eddy, sounds like he knows the truck is fubar'd. The dealer would rather you walk away a happy owner of a new rig than a piece that will only come back with more issues, or the same issue. Maybe it is time to take them up on the offer, cash. Then go buy another product.

 

[FastEddy]

Talk about a Phone Frenzy!
My neighbor just called me. He is the sales manager for the auto group here. He offered me full retail book and will give me fleet price on anything he has in stock. Ford, GM, Toyota, Nissan, or Mits.

I have had my eye on a Nissan Murano. Best in class crossover SUV 20-24 mpg.

 

[Revo Rancher]

Eddy, Murano is not a real truck. If you need to tow anything on a more than infrequent basis, you will disappointed. Basically, Murano is a sitting high G35. Same with Lexus RX 330, Camry in disguise. Consider new Pathfinder? Or Infiniti version?

I'll sell you a 2005 Denali with 1600 miles on it, cheap, once I get it back fromt eh dealer next week. :jk:

 

[FastEddy]

I only tow a small boat (16 foot aluminum) to the lake thats about 30 miles away so towing isn't an issue. I only have a truck for convenience not out of necessity. The chassis of the Marano and the handling is one reason I have been looking at it. I looked at the Infinity and would rather have it but the price is just out of my range on what I may be willing to pay.

Any other good or bad info on this one?

 

[Revo Rancher]

Well, if I was buying imported SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) class, I would then get the VW Tourag. Better overall if you need to tow, even infrequently or if it was lightweight.

The Murano is an EXCELLENT vehicle, though. Only negative by Car and Driver mag was the odd ball shape makes for an odd shaped rear end opening and cargo area. Hard to get a square box to fit the round openig, if you know what I mean.

 

[4u2nv]

I've always been a Ford guy. Was raised this way, and always will be, but man them Nissan Titan trucks are nice! If you get rid of the Ford, be sure to check these out! What year is your F150 btw? I have a buddy who has a 2000 Lariet thats pretty tricked out, and hes had REALLY good luck with it.

 

[Tweak]

Ford, or if you perfer a "F**ked Over, Rebuilt Dodge" Were looking for a car now- It's not gonna be a ford.

 

[FastEddy]

Like my first post said, its a 2001.
Until now, its been a great truck. It has every option available on it.

 

[Bouzouki]

36K is nothing, that sure sucks.

I honestly stay away from any American cars which leaves European and Japanese.

 

[CorradoPsi]

sounds like the abs main unit or computer malfunctioned. should be covered under warrenty anyway if you threaten to take them to court over a safety issue.

if your dead set to get rid of the truck, the murano is a good choice if you must have a truck again, and the toyota 4runners have always been nice.

 

[FastEddy]

Well I made it clear that I wasn't going to sit there and take it up the rump.... The made it worth while to trade it in.

I test drove about 11 different SUVs, Trucks, and Crossovers. They are a large auto group and had a lot to choose from. I decided I didn't want another truck and narrowed it to an SUV or a Crossover. The SUVs all seemed to big and at best got 15mpg. My search lead me to either the VW, Infinity or the Nissan Crossovers.

The VW seemed to "Flimsy" It was a hard decision between the Infinity and Nissan. The final decision was price verses quality and features. The Infinity was 15k more Feature for feature but was a bit more "Plush". It was hard until the ripping deal they made me on the Nissan.

I was able to get the one the owners wife was driving. It was fun to watch her empty everything out and put it into the Infinity. She said she liked the Nissan better but she could live with the Infinity until the new 06 Meranos came in in 3 weeks.

I got the Merano LE in a platinum color with black leather inside fully loaded except the entertainment system. It has 7,400 miles on it. They knocked 6K off the sticker price and tossed in a B to B warantee upgrade for 6 years or 75k miles. (An additional 2k Book price) They gave me RETAIL KBB on my truck for a trade in On top I qualified for 1% money for 6 years. All in all I don't think they made any money off me.

I feel good about the transaction and Thats what matters most.
Ill post pics tomorrow.

 

[Diver6127]

By any chance, did you get to test out those volvo cross country's? Been looking at the XC70. Looks nice, comfort is there but never really drove one to test. With winters getting harsher every year here in NYC, my eyes are always peeled open.

 

[RatzoRC]

My folks have the same truck and love it.
I think you made a good choice.

You have no need for the AWD in cali right?
In NY you do have a need but my folks go down to FL next month.