Ford A Plan Anyone?

[aquaknight]

The thing is to buy the best car. Which is the best car? It depends, and matters mostly on an individual level. While some might shout that Honda's are the best cars, and solely based that on reliability. The fact of the matter is that reliability and how ever much you have to spend on a car, is only ONE of many factors. If you absolutely can't have a car breakdown, or don't have time to get a car repaired, then it would make since to buy one of the statistically more reliability makes.
However, for a different person, such as myself, other factors far out weigh reliability. Styling, performance, ********, etc. I probably had probably close to $10k into my 1995 Oldsmobile Aurora, solely in repairs. Could I have gotten a different car, one that was more reliable? Sure. But I was so completely enamored by the styling, the wonderful noise the V8 made, the very cool cockpit ********, and most of all, the soul she had. I personally think most Japanese-imports (cars that would be technically lumped into Jap Imports, even if built here) are styled too over the top/just too weird for my tastes (any current Acura product, or the Mazda 3 are good examples, YUCK!). The other thing, is that they always seemed so soul-less. The Cadillac I have now, or my Olds before, just too seemed to exude personality and character. It's not about getting from point A to point B, but about the trip along the way, sort of thing.

 

[fishtaco]

Quote:
Originally Posted by AquaKnight http:///forum/thread/381757/ford-a-plan-anyone/20#post_3327331
The thing is to buy the best car. Which is the best car? It depends, and matters mostly on an individual level. While some might shout that Honda's are the best cars, and solely based that on reliability. The fact of the matter is that reliability and how ever much you have to spend on a car, is only ONE of many factors. If you absolutely can't have a car breakdown, or don't have time to get a car repaired, then it would make since to buy one of the statistically more reliability makes.
However, for a different person, such as myself, other factors far out weigh reliability. Styling, performance, ********, etc. I probably had probably close to $10k into my 1995 Oldsmobile Aurora, solely in repairs. Could I have gotten a different car, one that was more reliable? Sure. But I was so completely enamored by the styling, the wonderful noise the V8 made, the very cool cockpit ********, and most of all, the soul she had. I personally think most Japanese-imports (cars that would be technically lumped into Jap Imports, even if built here) are styled too over the top/just too weird for my tastes (any current Acura product, or the Mazda 3 are good examples, YUCK!). The other thing, is that they always seemed so soul-less. The Cadillac I have now, or my Olds before, just too seemed to exude personality and character. It's not about getting from point A to point B, but about the trip along the way, sort of thing.
Yep. That perfectly explains my life long addiction to Italian sports cars.
Fishtaco

 

[2quills]

Ford Mustang with the Roush stage 3 racing kit!

I'm with you, Sparty! Regaurdless of where parts are manufactured buying american still supports american workers and their families.
I'll have to give my father a call and get the skinny on those plans. Typically the A and B plans are reserved for immediate family members. And C is for extented family. But there's been so many changes in the company over the last few years I don't know if it's all still the same or not.
I've never taken advantage of the A plan but I did pick up a car on the B plan years ago. What that is basically is ford would give their execs company cars to drive for 6 months and then they'd turn them in and sell them on a special Lot offering them at rediculous deals to ford employees and family members. Back in 98 I picked up a 98 Taurus SHO with 6,000 miles for 12 grand off of the sticker price. Not a bad deal but I drove the car into some deep water one night in a storm and destroyed the motor. Had to wait 3 monthes for them to ship a make and ship a new motor because they'd ironically stopped making that particular v8 and they didn't have anymore. Guess where they had to get it shipped from? Japan

I'll give em a call this week and see what he says. He works over at the proving grounds next to greenfield in the testing labs. He gets to work on all the latest and greatest prototypes. If I remember correctly, employees are limited as to how many times in a given time frame that they are able to use discounts. But I'll see what he says.

 

[stdreb27]

Quote:
Originally Posted by AquaKnight http:///forum/thread/381757/ford-a-plan-anyone/20#post_3327331
The thing is to buy the best car. Which is the best car? It depends, and matters mostly on an individual level. While some might shout that Honda's are the best cars, and solely based that on reliability. The fact of the matter is that reliability and how ever much you have to spend on a car, is only ONE of many factors. If you absolutely can't have a car breakdown, or don't have time to get a car repaired, then it would make since to buy one of the statistically more reliability makes.
However, for a different person, such as myself, other factors far out weigh reliability. Styling, performance, ********, etc. I probably had probably close to $10k into my 1995 Oldsmobile Aurora, solely in repairs. Could I have gotten a different car, one that was more reliable? Sure. But I was so completely enamored by the styling, the wonderful noise the V8 made, the very cool cockpit ********, and most of all, the soul she had. I personally think most Japanese-imports (cars that would be technically lumped into Jap Imports, even if built here) are styled too over the top/just too weird for my tastes (any current Acura product, or the Mazda 3 are good examples, YUCK!). The other thing, is that they always seemed so soul-less. The Cadillac I have now, or my Olds before, just too seemed to exude personality and character. It's not about getting from point A to point B, but about the trip along the way, sort of thing.
Why else would you be considering a midsize? Focus, if not for point A to B. (unless you lack any sort of intellect or intellegence *like my 3 amigo's reference*) Because quite frankly, I've never seen a midsize that looks good, and I dang sure would rather be racing a V-8, vs a front wheel drive car....
BTW Mazda's are a Ford...
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///forum/thread/381757/ford-a-plan-anyone/20#post_3327346
Ford Mustang with the Roush stage 3 racing kit!

I'm with you, Sparty! Regaurdless of where parts are manufactured buying american still supports american workers and their families.
I'll have to give my father a call and get the skinny on those plans. Typically the A and B plans are reserved for immediate family members. And C is for extented family. But there's been so many changes in the company over the last few years I don't know if it's all still the same or not.
I've never taken advantage of the A plan but I did pick up a car on the B plan years ago. What that is basically is ford would give their execs company cars to drive for 6 months and then they'd turn them in and sell them on a special Lot offering them at rediculous deals to ford employees and family members. Back in 98 I picked up a 98 Taurus SHO with 6,000 miles for 12 grand off of the sticker price. Not a bad deal but I drove the car into some deep water one night in a storm and destroyed the motor. Had to wait 3 monthes for them to ship a make and ship a new motor because they'd ironically stopped making that particular v8 and they didn't have anymore. Guess where they had to get it shipped from? Japan

I'll give em a call this week and see what he says. He works over at the proving grounds next to greenfield in the testing labs. He gets to work on all the latest and greatest prototypes. If I remember correctly, employees are limited as to how many times in a given time frame that they are able to use discounts. But I'll see what he says.
Lol, I need to buy an F-250 for 15 off sticker? Wanna go to champion ford together?

 

[monsinour]

I can relate to sparty on soo many levels. Being from Toledo, it was ingrained into my head to buy american and nothing else. It was a sad day for me when AMC no longer existed. It was an even sadder day when the Willys plant was demolished. (if you are un aware, AMC, american motor company, built the jeeps that made it possible to win WW2. obviously they continued to make the jeeps.)
You can easily tell where you car was made based on the first digit of the VIN:
1 - Built in the USA
2 - Made in Canada eh
3 - Hecho en Mexico
4 - Built in the USA
5 - Not sure but i think its made in the USA by a "forign" company.
Letters - built overseas. Pending letter, it will tell you what country. Obvious ones are
K- Korea
J - Japan
Y - Yugoslavia (LOL)
The car companies are a global company nowadays. There really is no "made in the USA" any more. However, I would rather buy a car that was assembled in the US as opposed to some where else. People making parts get paid less than the people actually making the cars. I have way too many friends that work in the auto industry making cars and trucks to tell them that I drive a freaking mazda. It killed me when I had to accept that I couldnt afford a decent american car. From this point forward, I am stuck getting used cars if I want an american car again. Then again, I would take a '72 Corvette LT-4 with the 454 and side pipes. MPGs? Who cares! Listen to that baby purr!!!!!!!
Out of all the cars I have owned, only the chrysler products have treated me wrongly. I have owned chevy, ford, pontiac, chrysler, plymouth, and mazda. My favorite car to reminise about is the 87 celebrity that my mom gave to me as a wedding gift for my first wedding. The second favorite was the 92 Sunfire GT that I rolled over 2.5 times with my pregnant wife inside. We both walked away. She had a scratch on her hand from crawling out of the car and I broke my scapula. No I wasnt wearing my seatbelt and to this day, I dont get behind the wheel without wearing it. That accident was my "come to jesus" moment and my life completely changed forever after that day.
Anyone ever have an Adobe?

 

[2quills]

Quote:
Originally Posted by stdreb27 http:///forum/thread/381757/ford-a-plan-anyone/20#post_3327348
Lol, I need to buy an F-250 for 15 off sticker? Wanna go to champion ford together?
Man I wish we could. The only way to get those kind of deals on the B plan is to travel to Fords B-Lot in Dearborn, MI. I guess they sell them so cheap because they are used at that point. Unfortunately they don't ever give employees cool trucks to drive...only cars, possibly an F-150 but without 4 wheel.

We probably will be in the market to get another new vehicle next spring. Looking to trade in my work truck and possibly get a new Ford truck. Right now the wife gets to take our other Ram to work and that one is the 4 door all black and decked out in chrome with the Hemi. She wants an SUV but I'm trying to talk her into a truck so that I can take the other Ram back and turn that into my work truck and still have the new one to drive on weekends. Wish me luck!!! Sometimes those A plans aren't as great as they sound. If you can find a desperate dealer you may be able to get a vehicle at an almost equal discount. I've stuck with Rams for the last decade because they've always been good to me and you get more truck for your money through Dodge IMO.

 

[sparty059]

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///forum/thread/381757/ford-a-plan-anyone/20#post_3327346
Ford Mustang with the Roush stage 3 racing kit!

I'm with you, Sparty! Regaurdless of where parts are manufactured buying american still supports american workers and their families.
I'll have to give my father a call and get the skinny on those plans. Typically the A and B plans are reserved for immediate family members. And C is for extented family. But there's been so many changes in the company over the last few years I don't know if it's all still the same or not.
I'll give em a call this week and see what he says. He works over at the proving grounds next to greenfield in the testing labs. He gets to work on all the latest and greatest prototypes. If I remember correctly, employees are limited as to how many times in a given time frame that they are able to use discounts. But I'll see what he says.
Well we are brothers... right? haha. Yeah, that would be awesome if you would be able to check on that for me. I would LOVE that B plan too! I know it's a long shot but hey it's worth a shot! I'm guessing your SHO was your first car? I think everyone had their oopsies moment with their first car... mine was when I found out my 1995 Ford Probe GT didn't automatically change oil.

Going down M-5 with my hazards on because I couldn't accelerate beyond 40 miles per hour to find about 10 minutes into my drive a piston shoots out the top of my hood and shot down below my engine

. That was the end of that car and since then, I've realized Ford has yet to come out with the auto oil change feature on cars.

 

[2quills]

Nope I think that was like my 4th car. But it was my first new or newer car. It was night and there was a bad storm...it started raining so hard I couldn't see anything out of my windshield even with the wippers on full blast. I was driving up inkster headed towards schoolcraft/I-96 and when I crossed the railroad tracks I couldn't see the 3ft of standing water and drove right into it. Sucked a hole bunch of water up the intake trying to get out of it. My first car was an 86 cougar with the origional v6 pulled out and the old 5.0 302 mustang motor in it. I loved that car. I racked up 12 points on my drivers liscense by the time I was 19 with that car. Coisidentally I threw a rod in that one as well. Piston didn't go through the hood though.

 

[sparty059]

Ah man, I figured that's where you were going to say... that area STILL gets flooded. You'd think they would figure out how to drain there. Same with Hines Park Dr.

 

[aquaknight]

Quote:
Originally Posted by stdreb27 http:///forum/thread/381757/ford-a-plan-anyone/20#post_3327348
Why else would you be considering a midsize? Focus, if not for point A to B. (unless you lack any sort of intellect or intellegence *like my 3 amigo's reference*) Because quite frankly, I've never seen a midsize that looks good, and I dang sure would rather be racing a V-8, vs a front wheel drive car....
BTW Mazda's are a Ford...
Mazda has always been it's own company, and never majority owned by Ford. At their peak, in 1996 Ford purchased additional amounts in Mazda, total ownership equally 33% of Mazda, the maximum amount under Japanese law (different thread needed for my rant on Japanese laws the US 'puts up with' and doesn't return the favor...). In 2008 Ford reduced it's ownership to just 13%, and as of Mid-Oct, only owns about 11%. Mazda and Ford do share platforms on their high-volume models (Mazda 2 = Ford Fiesta, Mazda 3 = Focus, Madza 6 = Fusion). However the skin on those Madza cars are styled purely on their own, and the platforms themselves are significantly different.A lot more different then say a Ford Fusion vs. Mercury Milan.
Focus's (or is that Foci?) are only compacts, Civic Corolla rivals. Fusion slots as Ford's mid-size. I do realize compacts are about getting from point A to B, but with how ugly that Mazda 3 is, it would enough to turn me off from purchasing one. It's not like the Mazda does anything better then any of the other choices. And I think that applies to almost all the classes of cars these days, as basically all the manufactures are putting out quality products. As far as a compact that looks good, I think the now-defunked rebadged Saturn Astra was a pretty good looker.

 

[sparty059]

I'd like to piggyback off AquaKnight there a bit too. Even though Mazda is a small subsidiary of Ford, I would NEVER claim it to BE a Ford. Mazda is still foreign in my mind and is Fords way of added income. If Mazda were to go down I think Ford would get a small hit from it, but I wouldn't be worried for them. Ford straight up rocks and I never look at anything else. My second car that my parents had leased for me was a Pontiac Grand Am and although I can't say I had any problems with it I will say I didn't have nearly as much fun with it as I did my '08 Focus. Which is what I think kind of tied me to Ford. I also leased this car on my own and it was my choice to get the '08 Focus mostly because of mileage but the main factor was the Sync. It had just come out and was new technology and I honestly thing it was one of the best things ever invented. I'm going to miss this car, but I wanted to pick up a new car that I can buy on my own with many more features than the one I have right now. I can't wait until March when I get my new car!!!!!

 

[meowzer]

I wouldn't mind having a Mazda Miata.....as my 2nd car that is....sigh.....dreamland

 

[2quills]

I couldn't see myself ever owning another car unless it was something sporty to cruise around in on the weekends. I'll always love and own a truck.

 

[meowzer]

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///forum/thread/381757/ford-a-plan-anyone/20#post_3327447
I couldn't see myself ever owning another car unless it was something sporty to cruise around in on the weekends. I'll always love and own a truck.
It took me a REALLY long time to be able to get a car that I WANTED.....not had to have....that was the best thing ...I loved....and still love my Mustang.....now my next item on the list is the Miata......sigh, one day

 

[sparty059]

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///forum/thread/381757/ford-a-plan-anyone/20#post_3327447
I couldn't see myself ever owning another car unless it was something sporty to cruise around in on the weekends. I'll always love and own a truck.
Yeah, I would LOVE a sporty car but seeing that I am looking to buy I can't really think about that right now. I know sometime down the line I'm going to have kids and having a mustang just wouldn't be practical for me. Plus with the distance I drive M-F the area I live in all the way to Detroit is just punishment on my gas tank. I NEED a car that will provide high mileage per gallon. That is of course unless your father can get me into that B (or C whichever it was where you buy the used Exec cars) plan... then I might be able to make an exception and go for the mustang! Haha.

 

[stdreb27]

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///forum/thread/381757/ford-a-plan-anyone/20#post_3327447
I couldn't see myself ever owning another car unless it was something sporty to cruise around in on the weekends. I'll always love and own a truck.
you couldn't see yourself in a 63 split window vette? Or my personal dream car the General Lee.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Monsinour http:///forum/thread/381757/ford-a-plan-anyone/20#post_3327354
I can relate to sparty on soo many levels. Being from Toledo, it was ingrained into my head to buy american and nothing else. It was a sad day for me when AMC no longer existed. It was an even sadder day when the Willys plant was demolished. (if you are un aware, AMC, american motor company, built the jeeps that made it possible to win WW2. obviously they continued to make the jeeps.)
A buncha different companies (including ford) were involved with the design and production of the Jeep. And like just about every other vehicle everyone made them for the US military. Boeing was making grumman designs, everyone ford chevy AMC (or whatever they were called at that point) were making jeeps. Eventually American Motors bought the designs from the military, after soldiers coming back from WWII wanted a Jeep of their very own.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AquaKnight http:///forum/thread/381757/ford-a-plan-anyone/20#post_3327434
Mazda has always been it's own company, and never majority owned by Ford. At their peak, in 1996 Ford purchased additional amounts in Mazda, total ownership equally 33% of Mazda, the maximum amount under Japanese law (different thread needed for my rant on Japanese laws the US 'puts up with' and doesn't return the favor...). In 2008 Ford reduced it's ownership to just 13%, and as of Mid-Oct, only owns about 11%. Mazda and Ford do share platforms on their high-volume models (Mazda 2 = Ford Fiesta, Mazda 3 = Focus, Madza 6 = Fusion). However the skin on those Madza cars are styled purely on their own, and the platforms themselves are significantly different.A lot more different then say a Ford Fusion vs. Mercury Milan.
Focus's (or is that Foci?) are only compacts, Civic Corolla rivals. Fusion slots as Ford's mid-size. I do realize compacts are about getting from point A to B, but with how ugly that Mazda 3 is, it would enough to turn me off from purchasing one. It's not like the Mazda does anything better then any of the other choices. And I think that applies to almost all the classes of cars these days, as basically all the manufactures are putting out quality products. As far as a compact that looks good, I think the now-defunked rebadged Saturn Astra was a pretty good looker.

yeah yeah, the thing is Ford owns a chuck of Mazda, their platforms for their cars are the same. (my point is that the lines are non-existant...)
I thought Fusions were the full size car, (only since that's what they call the ford nascar cars). Sorry the saturn does nothing for me.
Now what does is my 06 si. I've got 100k on it, it is faster than a mustang (not the real ones mind you) I've never done a dang thing to it. except tires, oil and an air filter... It is a 6 speed, I can drive the thing over 4000 rpm the whole time. (which is fun) It is the perfect balance between a commuter car, and something I can spin the wheels if I feel like it. (with out it being too powerful that I wrap it around a pole or more importantly for me don't get stupid tickets). With a few bucks it can get stupid fast and still get upper 20's in gas milage. All for under 18k... And the funnest part is the dash board. It has a split level display. The top all the way back by the windshield has the speedometer. But down where a traditional display is a GIANT tach. I love it.

 

[2quills]

Quote:
Originally Posted by stdreb27 http:///forum/thread/381757/ford-a-plan-anyone/20#post_3327473
you couldn't see yourself in a 63 split window vette? Or my personal dream car the General Lee.
Ofcorse I could...that's why I said unless it was something sporty to cruise around in on the weekends. However, knowing myself the way I do I probably shouldn't own one. I have this problem when I get behind the wheel of something fast of not being able to control keeping the accelorator off of the floor board. I would probably only get myself into more trouble than I could actually afford. I try to control the urge but I just can't help myself. Cars like that were born to run.

 

[meowzer]

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///forum/thread/381757/ford-a-plan-anyone/20#post_3327479
Ofcorse I could...that's why I said unless it was something sporty to cruise around in on the weekends. However, knowing myself the way I do I probably shouldn't own one. I have this problem when I get behind the wheel of something fast of not being able to control keeping the accelorator off of the floor board. I would probably only get myself into more trouble than I could actually afford. I try to control the urge but I just can't help myself. Cars like that were born to run.
Cruise control...I will never have another car w/o it.....LOL....of course..there is the few times you have to go down that straight strip....lol....
I panic at 110

 

[aquaknight]

Originally Posted by stdreb27 http:///forum/thread/381757/ford-a-plan-anyone/20#post_3327473
I thought Fusions were the full size car, (only since that's what they call the ford nascar cars).
Each of the 4 makes in NASCAR use their high-volume models, no real rules in terms of size any more I guess. Remember Dodge also tried the Avenger (the new one) a few years back? The Fusion and Camry are mid-size models, and the Impala and Charger are full size, though the Impala really isn't a full-size car, the way a Charger is.
Toyota has the Avalon as their full-size car and Ford has the Taurus as their full-size model. Ford switched to the Fusion when they dropped the Taurus back in 2005/6?. Ford introduced the 500, which had slow'ish sales and consumers didn't like the name change, so Ford renamed the 500 the Taurus.

 

[reefraff]

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///forum/thread/381757/ford-a-plan-anyone/20#post_3327346
Ford Mustang with the Roush stage 3 racing kit!

I'm with you, Sparty! Regaurdless of where parts are manufactured buying american still supports american workers and their families.
I'll have to give my father a call and get the skinny on those plans. Typically the A and B plans are reserved for immediate family members. And C is for extented family. But there's been so many changes in the company over the last few years I don't know if it's all still the same or not.
I've never taken advantage of the A plan but I did pick up a car on the B plan years ago. What that is basically is ford would give their execs company cars to drive for 6 months and then they'd turn them in and sell them on a special Lot offering them at rediculous deals to ford employees and family members. Back in 98 I picked up a 98 Taurus SHO with 6,000 miles for 12 grand off of the sticker price. Not a bad deal but I drove the car into some deep water one night in a storm and destroyed the motor. Had to wait 3 monthes for them to ship a make and ship a new motor because they'd ironically stopped making that particular v8 and they didn't have anymore. Guess where they had to get it shipped from? Japan

I'll give em a call this week and see what he says. He works over at the proving grounds next to greenfield in the testing labs. He gets to work on all the latest and greatest prototypes. If I remember correctly, employees are limited as to how many times in a given time frame that they are able to use discounts. But I'll see what he says.
Not surprising on the Sho seeing as how the engine was developed by Yamaha.