Hey everyone:
I've been lurking here on BITOG for a while now, not really having much to add to the discussions that someone else already knew.. I do pick up a lot of info from all contributors, but never felt the need to post.
But - on Saturday, I went to buy out the lease I had on my 2016 Ford Explorer Sport (3.5L V6 EcoBoost) in Ruby Red. The Ford dealer in Bloomington, MN (locals can figure out which one that is) was told beforehand I was coming with a payoff check from my credit union, but with a note that I would also be interested in an F150 since I needed something that was more suited to towing. While the Explorer CAN tow, I feel more confident towing with a truck vs. a unibody FWD-based SUV..
The dealer didn't seem to interested in selling me on an F150; going through the motions and such. The one I saw was a Courtesy Vehicle they were retiring, and the price ($39k) wasn't that attractive. It was a nice ride, equipped with the EcoBoost 3.5 and 10-speed auto, but there was a lot it didn't have in the way of luxuries that I would miss from the Explorer. And, the reply I got for taking my Explorer was "we'd have a hard time turning that over". Being a Ford dealer selling a Ford, it seemed a little odd. I told him if he could do something, call me as I was in town for a few more hours. And, that I was going to see the new Ram 1500 to comparison shop.
I ended up at the Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge/Ram store in Hopkins, and found exactly what I'd want: the 1500 Big Horn with push button start, LED lighting package, heated seats/steering wheel, Apple CarPlay, etc., etc.. And, with the offer they made on the Explorer I just paid off, and other incentives, I got my lease payment cut nearly in half. So I made the deal, and I'm pleased with the deal.
The Ram 1500 rides like my old Escalades from years ago (I had a 2006 and 2008), and I get nods of approval (from Dodge Ram owners mainly) when I take it into town. I had a guy who was shopping for a new truck ask me about it at the gas station yesterday afternoon.
Long story, but I never did hear back from the Ford guy...
PICS:
1st is of the Explorer I traded in Saturday..
2nd is of my current fleet:
my 08 Dodge Ram, the new 19 Ram, and in the background my 2011 Dodge Charge Police and a 2010 Crown Vic I'm fixing up to sell.
Thanks for reading!
Randy
2019 Ram 1500 5.7L 4x4
2008 Dodge Ram 1500 4.7L 4x4
2011 Dodge Charge Police 5.7L RWD
2010 Ford Crown Victoria PI 4.6L
I've been lurking here on BITOG for a while now, not really having much to add to the discussions that someone else already knew.. I do pick up a lot of info from all contributors, but never felt the need to post.
But - on Saturday, I went to buy out the lease I had on my 2016 Ford Explorer Sport (3.5L V6 EcoBoost) in Ruby Red. The Ford dealer in Bloomington, MN (locals can figure out which one that is) was told beforehand I was coming with a payoff check from my credit union, but with a note that I would also be interested in an F150 since I needed something that was more suited to towing. While the Explorer CAN tow, I feel more confident towing with a truck vs. a unibody FWD-based SUV..
The dealer didn't seem to interested in selling me on an F150; going through the motions and such. The one I saw was a Courtesy Vehicle they were retiring, and the price ($39k) wasn't that attractive. It was a nice ride, equipped with the EcoBoost 3.5 and 10-speed auto, but there was a lot it didn't have in the way of luxuries that I would miss from the Explorer. And, the reply I got for taking my Explorer was "we'd have a hard time turning that over". Being a Ford dealer selling a Ford, it seemed a little odd. I told him if he could do something, call me as I was in town for a few more hours. And, that I was going to see the new Ram 1500 to comparison shop.
I ended up at the Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge/Ram store in Hopkins, and found exactly what I'd want: the 1500 Big Horn with push button start, LED lighting package, heated seats/steering wheel, Apple CarPlay, etc., etc.. And, with the offer they made on the Explorer I just paid off, and other incentives, I got my lease payment cut nearly in half. So I made the deal, and I'm pleased with the deal.
The Ram 1500 rides like my old Escalades from years ago (I had a 2006 and 2008), and I get nods of approval (from Dodge Ram owners mainly) when I take it into town. I had a guy who was shopping for a new truck ask me about it at the gas station yesterday afternoon.
Long story, but I never did hear back from the Ford guy...
PICS:
1st is of the Explorer I traded in Saturday..
2nd is of my current fleet:
my 08 Dodge Ram, the new 19 Ram, and in the background my 2011 Dodge Charge Police and a 2010 Crown Vic I'm fixing up to sell.
Thanks for reading!
Randy
2019 Ram 1500 5.7L 4x4
2008 Dodge Ram 1500 4.7L 4x4
2011 Dodge Charge Police 5.7L RWD
2010 Ford Crown Victoria PI 4.6L
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