When we placed the order the wait was supposedly 6-8 weeks, and in early June that seemed reasonable since we weren't in a big hurry. When I was doing the initial research back in May here on GH, it looked like that was about right from what people were saying as well. We figured we could get exactly what we wanted (base model with a moonroof). We also like to do business locally when we can. We did first go to a larger dealership that had one on the lot (loaded with every option, which wasn't what we wanted). The dealer gave me the creeps and made up (dumb) answers to questions when he didn't have real info. I don't understand how in this day and age car salesmen still haven't figured out that women aren't necessarily idiots. He insisted that $2000 over invoice was necessary so that they could afford to get the special training for their mechanics to service it. What?!? (The story changed the next time we came in when I had my husband with me. Grrrrrrr)

After asking around among friends and co-workers, I found out that the small Ford dealership 15 miles away has a great reputation. I still think that's worth something, as opposed to picking a car out on the internet and buying it from somebody who never has to deal with me again. The small town dealer was at least honest when he didn't know all the answers, and offered to take $500 off the invoice price immediately. I realize that others have done better on the deal, but I was satisfied with that. Of course, if I had known then what I know now.... I had no idea about the system of "allocations" that favors larger cities and larger dealers, or the politics behind getting one of these things built.

If I get the word from the dealer that we won't get the vehicle this year, I'll cancel the order and look elsewhere. We're still not in a hurry, as we really need the vehicle next year as our small business ramps up production and we'll be traveling around the state with cases of mead in the back. We only jumped on it this year in hopes of getting in on the full tax credit (or whatever portion of the credit we'll qualify for... what a tangle that whole thing is).

Raven
Mom, Meadmistress, Master Knitter wannabe
Coralville, IA