What should I do to get a timely Lightning order in?

[Tremelune]

I made my reservation on the first day, and like everyone else, I'd love to get a truck before 2023. I've received no information from Ford or "my" dealership, and the order banks open up in three weeks.

What should I be doing to ensure that I'm on the list? I understand that reservations to orders aren't first-come, first-serve, but surely being an early reserver provides some kind of priority?

I'm unwilling to pay over MSRP, and there are dealerships nationwide that are honoring MSRP in writing (or so I've read around here). Should I be trying to shuffle my reservation around now, or wait until I'm signing on the dotted line for an order? My current dealership is Galpin, and I don't think they'll stick to MSRP—there's more money than patience near Los Angeles.

I'd love to buy a $39k Pro, but I'd be willing to go to a higher trim if I thought it would move delivery forward half a year...

Should I just wait and see, or are y'all making moves with your dealership in prep for the order bank opening on January 1? I don't want to be snoozing if it means losing...

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[Garbone]

I made my reservation on the first day, and like everyone else, I'd love to get a truck before 2023. I've received no information from Ford or "my" dealership, and the order banks open up in three weeks.

What should I be doing to ensure that I'm on the list? I understand that reservations to orders aren't first-come, first-serve, but surely being an early reserver provides some kind of priority?

I'm unwilling to pay over MSRP, and there are dealerships nationwide that are honoring MSRP in writing (or so I've read around here). Should I be trying to shuffle my reservation around now, or wait until I'm signing on the dotted line for an order? My current dealership is Galpin, and I don't think they'll stick to MSRP—there's more money than patience near Los Angeles.

I'd love to buy a $39k Pro, but I'd be willing to go to a higher trim if I thought it would move delivery forward half a year...

Should I just wait and see, or are y'all making moves with your dealership in prep for the order bank opening on January 1? I don't want to be snoozing if it means losing...

Call your dealer,. I am 138 of 140 and groveling has done me no good. But the dealer knows where you sit in line and developing a relationship with them can not hurt your chances. Also getting a feel we're they stand on pricing gives you a chance to call Ford and switch your dealer. If you wait you may just hurt yourself.

 

[jefro]

The tax credit and general supply chain may still be a huge factor in this. Doubt any dealer is set in stone yet.

 

[Yardiewrx]

These are all good questions. I've emailed my dealer a couple times, but have never gotten word about what number in line I'm in. This process is frustrating.

 

[techguydave]

These are all good questions. I've emailed my dealer a couple times, but have never gotten word about what number in line I'm in. This process is frustrating.

Being at the whim of a useless middleman will probably drive some of these reservations elsewhere.

If Chevy was smart, they'd be paying very close attention to how Ford is handling this and learning from it.

 

[FordTough98198]

Between me and my family we have bought 13 Fords from the dealership I am working with. They said I am the first reservation on the Lightning and that I will stay at the #1 spot. Now, when they will be allocated one is another story. Its just a waiting game. It also says right on the info sheet posted from Ford that being placed on a dealers "priority list" doesn't guarantee anything. ?‍

 

[neugucpi]

Jan 1? Id say the last day of January if no further delay

 

[RavenYZF-R6]

Being at the whim of a useless middleman will probably drive some of these reservations elsewhere.

If Chevy was smart, they'd be paying very close attention to how Ford is handling this and learning from it.

You say this but Chevy and ford will easily sell every electric pickup they produce for the foreseeable future. As Tesla has show you don’t need a credit to sell. They don’t have to take note of anything.

 

[techguydave]

You say this but Chevy and ford will easily sell every electric pickup they produce for the foreseeable future. As Tesla has show you don’t need a credit to sell. They don’t have to take note of anything.

I didn't mention credits at all.

 

[RavenYZF-R6]

I didn't mention credits at all.

I know. I’m just using it to emphasize that Chevy absolutely does not need to take heed of anything Ford is doing or make the process any better. They will sell.

 

[techguydave]

I know. I’m just using it to emphasize that Chevy absolutely does not need to take heed of anything Ford is doing or make the process any better. They will sell.

Gotcha. My point is that people can only take so much bullshittery before moving on. Many people who hate Tesla/Elon willingly admits that they're attracted to the no-dealership setup. Places like CarMax and Carvana are known for charging more for used vehicles but it's no-haggle and they're still kicking around.

My point is that Ford could be hurting themselves by not being more aggressively against the dealership model (within the legal framework that dealerships have lobbied hard to establish). Ford will definitely sell every Lightning they make, considering they're not making nearly as much as the ICE version. It doesn't mean that everyone will willingly choose the fuck-fuck games of dealerships over buying directly from a Tesla or Rivian.

 

[Tremelune]

I keep calling Galpin and they're like "Do you have your build? Have you placed your order? Let me speak with Some Guy and get back to you..."

I get that I have more invested in my truck than a salesman, but it seems like they'd want to know a some details about the most hotly anticipated Ford in history before it "launches" in two weeks...

 

[F150ROD]

I keep calling Galpin and they're like "Do you have your build? Have you placed your order? Let me speak with Some Guy and get back to you..."

I get that I have more invested in my truck than a salesman, but it seems like they'd want to know a some details about the most hotly anticipated Ford in history before it "launches" in two weeks...

Switch dealers. Last thing you want is to get the invitation, place your order and when the truck comes in they do everything in their power to get you to not buy so they can sell it someone else to make a profit

 

[Tremelune]

If they won't put all of their fees in writing before I place my order, I'm gonna switch to a dealership that will.

 

[techguydave]

Switch dealers. Last thing you want is to get the invitation, place your order and when the truck comes in they do everything in their power to get you to not buy so they can sell it someone else to make a profit

Assuming they even confirm the order at all.

It's baffling to me how a dealer can be "EV certified" yet not know a damn thing about the company's largest EV launch for years to come.

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