Phil1336
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Everything posted by Phil1336
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Test drove C-Max, Prius & JSW TDI
Phil1336 replied to Testdriver's topic in Buying, Order and Leasing
Living in South FL, I have absolutely no love for Leather Seats, period. That makes (for me) a no brainer for Ordering an SE with Cloth Seats, thank you. I also think (IMHO) that the "Black" Window Moulding Trim looks far better and blends into the Vehicles design better then the shiny (Chrome) overlay they put on the SEL that adds nothing to improve the looks. The Fog Lamps do look better on the SEL then the Black knock out Plugs on the SE but since they are not utilized as LED Daytime Running Lights, how often does anyone actually put them on? I will order the upgrade Sirius/XM Radio which has the nicer looking larger Dash and LCD Screen rather then the multi-button design that is used on the Base Fiesta and Focus despite the fact I have (zero) use for MFT and its High Tech Complicated Gadgets regardless what updated "3.5" OS its loaded with. As far as Navigation goes, A $70 Garmin works like a charm, its easy to operate and can be transfered from one vehicle to another. Just waiting for MY 2014 Order Scheduling to Open despite the fact that the preliminary MY2014 C-MAX Order Guide shows no changes whatsoever. -
The most recent Ford Fleet Distribution Bulletin indicated that MY 2013 C-MAX production ends 11/29/2013. MY 2013 C-MAX orders last date for submittal is 08/30/2013. Of course everything is subject to change or TBD.
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Most Ford Dealerships (won`t) combine X-Plan with Costco Pricing here in SO FL. Since the Dealer Fee`s are asinine, Costco pricing discount would be negated after it was added on down here. Only Mullinax Ford has "No Dealer Fees" in this area and they are not on the Costco Plan.
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I agree. Since the MY 2014 C-MAX Order Guide shows (zero) Changes and since they plan to produce MY 2013 C-May until 11/30/2013, 2014 won`t arrive until Mar or Apr of 2014. This (might) indicate a major "refresh" or new model launched as a MY 2015 perhaps as early as Fall of 2014? MY 2014 might be a very short production run. Guess like they say, you can`t be too smart. Perhaps its wise to just jump on a MY 2013 or wait till MY 2015 if you have the time and patience.
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Why would you want to order a MY 2013 C-MAX at this late date when the MY 2014 Order Guides have just been released? True, there are (Zero) Changes for 2014 "but" at Trade-In time in the future, a 2014 will have higher residual value?
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Since the C-MAX 2014 Order Guides have now been released showing (ZERO) changes, none, whatsoever, at this late date, I`m just going to Order a MY 2014 C-MAX in the next few weeks when the MY 2014 Order Scheduling Book Opens. Rather then await a 2013, might as well get a Model Year Newer edition despite the fact only the VIN# will prove that fact. At Trade-In Time, should help on residual value.
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Last production run for California was Dec. 19th?
Phil1336 replied to dalebunker's topic in Buying, Order and Leasing
I predict a rather shorter MY 2014 production run with a completely new or "refreshed" MY 2015 C-MAX being launched by late Spring of 2014. Considering they made Zero changes for the 2014 Model. The 2013 MY C-MAX sits on an aging European 2010 Platform. -
DRL / Daytime Running Lights (lamps)
Phil1336 replied to Hybrid dude's topic in Glass, Lenses, Lighting, Mirrors & Wipers
Since this thread has been dead for months, I fear bringing it back to life again. I have been a US Ford buyer for decades. Having Friends and Family in Canada,I became accustomed to Daytime Running Lights an I too believed that they are a desirable safety feature. Beginning with my 1994 US Spec Mustang Convertible, I purchased from Ford Parts a Genuine OEM Ford retrofit Daytime Running Light Module Kit for about $60 and had the Ford Dealership splice it into the wiring system requiring about an hours labor charge. The devise was made for Ford by Pacific Insight Corp located in British Columbia Canada. I bought this Ford aftermarket kit for my 1998 Escort Wagon, my 2001 Focus Wagon, my 2004 Explorer SUV. Late Model US Spec Vehicles I think beginning in or around 2006 have the DRL Module incorporated into the Vehicles Body Control Module. I personally had my 2011 Ford Fiesta`s DRL enabled/activated in 10 minutes at a Ford Dealer using their IDS Programmer and the Cars "Smart Junction Box. A couple of "Mouse Clicks" and the Parameter settings were changed! Rumor has it beginning in 2013, Ford has eliminated this DRL activation for US Spec Vehicles which I have no proof yet that this in deed has happened. Why Ford only allows Daytime Running Lights, a $45 Option Code # 942 for Fleet Only Purchase requiring a Valid "FIN" remains a mystery? A Retail Buyer should be able to specify DRL`s, period! PS: I contacted Pacific Insight Corp and they explained that newer late Model Ford Vehicle cannot utilize their After-Market Kit any longer. -
I`m ordering a 2014 C-MAX next week. The Order Guides just arrived indicating absolutely "ZERO" changes for MY 2014. Nada, not a different exterior color choice or option additions or deletions. Only the VIN # will differentiate the 2013 form 2014. Thought the Rear View Camera Monitor would become standard equipment like in other MY 2014 Ford Vehicles but guess they are saving that for the MY 2015 refresh. I`m torn between the Ruby Red and the Ice Storm. Since my 2011 Ford Fiesta is Candy Red Metallic a few shades lighter then the Ruby Red, I`m going with the Ice Storm and saving the Paint Up charge. Wish they still offered the Paint Color "Frozen Glass" similar to Ice Storm but more Greenish. Ford only kept it for MY 2013 Escape and its been dropped for MY 2014 Escape too.
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How do I turn off my DRL's?
Phil1336 replied to armoredsaint's topic in Glass, Lenses, Lighting, Mirrors & Wipers
Yeah, area`s like Canada or for Fleet Purchase Only requiring a valid "FIN" for US Spec Vehicles. -
The one place that I would never put either a Full Size Spare Tire or a Mini- Emergency (Donut) Spare Tire is mounted to the (exterior) Rear Hatch Door like older Kia Sportages, Toyota Rave 4, and Honda CRV`s had. Anyone who has owned a Car with that horrible failed design eventually has paid a small fortune, sometimes several times to repair damage cause by it coming into contact with something.
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My Salesman at the Ford Dealership Store that I have purchased my last 3 Special Order Vehicles always orders (2) Identical Cars at the same time. One is for my X-Plan Retail (Sold) Unit and another for Dealership Inventory using their Allotment. Amazing, even with a "Priority 10" given my Special Order Sold Unit, its Identical Twin arrived several weeks earlier. Good idea to to request "Double Ordering" of identical Units if they are willing to do so.
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How do I turn off my DRL's?
Phil1336 replied to armoredsaint's topic in Glass, Lenses, Lighting, Mirrors & Wipers
If that was an issue, Toyota would not have put DRL`s on their Prius. Ford offers DRL`s on the C-MAX for Fleet Orders requiring a (FIN). Option # 942 is $45. Obviously, that is not a problem. -
How do I turn off my DRL's?
Phil1336 replied to armoredsaint's topic in Glass, Lenses, Lighting, Mirrors & Wipers
If that was the case, Toyota would not have put DRL`s on their Prius, although, they do have the capability to disable them for those that choose to do so. If Ford though it would present a potential problem, why would they offer DRL`s as an Option # 942 for $45 for Fleet Only Purchases requiring a (FIN)? -
Probably would have done a temporary emergency fix that would have fouled and required the replacement of the TPMS Sensor and the Tire would still need to be properly repaired (if possible) later at a Shop. My 2013 Kia Rio5 came with the Toy Air Compressor and $5 Can of Tire Sealant Goo located in styrofoam box fastened into the Spare Tire well in the Trunk. I through everything out and got a Brand New Emergency Mini- Spare Tire and Jack Assembly w/Tool from a Salvage Yard wreck for under $100. Problem solved!
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I can`t understand why they could`nt have incorporated a exterior emergency spare tire to go under the rear of the Vehicle like the Explorer had? A small "Donut" would`nt have taken up that much room and are fairly thin. The Jack and Tool KIt could have been stashed in a compartment alongside the Rear Storage area or under the seat or floor, either front or back of Vehicle. It was a Cost savings, IMO. Weight and Fuel Economy were secondary.
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How do I turn off my DRL's?
Phil1336 replied to armoredsaint's topic in Glass, Lenses, Lighting, Mirrors & Wipers
I agree, except where it is mandated by Law like in Canada, (all) Auto Manufacturers should equip their entire Fleet with either DRL`s or LED`s with an easy way to either enable or disable the feature. Perhaps one day the NHTSA will finally decide one way or the other the merits or disadvantages of DRL`s. Set a date and afterwards all Car makers will either offer or discontinue the practice once an for all. Its either a (good) idea or a (bad) feature. Offer some guidance and end this madness. Some Manufacturers like Hyundai and Kia put them on some Vehicles and not others. Are DRL`s or LED`s a safety feature or just a trim upgrade for appearance sake? -
How do I turn off my DRL's?
Phil1336 replied to armoredsaint's topic in Glass, Lenses, Lighting, Mirrors & Wipers
My question is was this 2013 Ford C-MAX a special ordered Vehicle that (you) purchased or a Company Fleet Vehicle that your driving? If you bought this Vehicle from Dealer Inventory, it was either a Fleet Ordered Vehicle that was never Sold or Delivered to the original Purchaser (or) it had to be a mistake, period. The MY 2013 C-MAX Order Guide specifically states that DRL`s, Daytime Running Lights are a Fleet Only Option requiring a Valid "FIN" Fleet Identification Number in order to add Option # 942. I live in the Florida Keys and DRL`s are very important due to the extreme Sun and narrow roads, especially RT 1, The Overseas Highway. I had my 2011 Ford Fiesta`s DRL`s enabled and activated by the local Ford Dealership in 10 minutes with about 10 clicks of his Mouse and IDS Programmer hooked up to my Vehicles Smart Junction Box. I (DO) want the DRL`s and I told my Dealer, if they can`t order them for the $45 and can`t enable and activate them on the C-Max, its No Deal! Why Ford does not make them Standard Equipment like most manufacturers is a mystery. At the very least. they should make it available as an option (like Chrysler) for those that want it. Ford insists on "Fleet Only" availability? Just another unsolved mystery I guess.