ON Ford Dealership unwilling to negotiate on Focus EV MSRP

[uah_on]

I was at the Erinwood Ford (Mississauga, Ontario) dealership yesterday looking to lease a Ford Focus EV. The dealership was unwilling to negotiate at all on the MSRP price of the Ford Focus EV. They would not even decrease the lease price by $1. The salesman said his manager is unwilling to negotiate on the car. He then said that the government is already giving us a $14,000 rebate, which is enough. I thought that was ridiculous, since the EVs already have a higher MSRP, shouldn't matter if the government was giving us a rebate. He said we are "able" to negotiate on the MSRP, but we don't want to negotiate.

Anybody else have a similar experience when leasing a Ford Focus EV?

 

[campfamily]

I was at the Erinwood Ford (Mississauga, Ontario) dealership yesterday looking to lease a Ford Focus EV. The dealership was unwilling to negotiate at all on the MSRP price of the Ford Focus EV. They would not even decrease the lease price by $1. The salesman said his manager is unwilling to negotiate on the car. He then said that the government is already giving us a $14,000 rebate, which is enough. I thought that was ridiculous, since the EVs already have a higher MSRP, shouldn't matter if the government was giving us a rebate. He said we are "able" to negotiate on the MSRP, but we don't want to negotiate.

Anybody else have a similar experience when leasing a Ford Focus EV?

Are you trying to lease a 2017 or 2016?

 

[chargedup]

I just ordered a 2017 FFE in BC where we have a $5000 incentive and I got them down to $30k OTD. I'm financing at 0% for 5 years, but I also discussed a lease and it would have been at the same price point. But, I didn't go with a lease since the residual was only ~$9k. I would just go to a different dealership in your case.

 

[scottt]

I was at the Erinwood Ford (Mississauga, Ontario) dealership yesterday looking to lease a Ford Focus EV. The dealership was unwilling to negotiate at all on the MSRP price of the Ford Focus EV. They would not even decrease the lease price by $1. The salesman said his manager is unwilling to negotiate on the car. He then said that the government is already giving us a $14,000 rebate, which is enough. I thought that was ridiculous, since the EVs already have a higher MSRP, shouldn't matter if the government was giving us a rebate. He said we are "able" to negotiate on the MSRP, but we don't want to negotiate.

Anybody else have a similar experience when leasing a Ford Focus EV?

Yep, hence why I went to a different dealer. There are lots and LOTS of them.

 

[triangles]

+1 I tried with nearly a dozen "local" dealers in 2014. I ended up "importing" my car from a dealer who was 3 states away but I would have hoped things have gotten better by now.

 

[Jamez]

I never saw a need to negotiate down. The price was decent and the rebate sizable. I was very happy with the price (and it's even better right now)

If you wanted real leverage, just mention the Ioniq and walk out (then go and buy the Ioniq)

There will be so few FFE's in Ontario that they won't have that hard of a time getting rid of the initial batch, then the rest will be ordered. There's no reason for them to want to reduce the MSRP any further.

 

[Pearl]

Is the Ioniq EV available yet in Canada? I know it wont be out til later this year here in the US.

 

[Jamez]

Is the Ioniq EV available yet in Canada? I know it wont be out til later this year here in the US.

Yes, the full-battery Ioniq is. The PHEV is later this year across Canada and USA.

They've been reported to me as: "on the ground in Toronto, awaiting release" and that was likely to happen any day (two weeks ago).
I'm thinking it will be end of March or the first week of April.

 

[uah_on]

I was at the Erinwood Ford (Mississauga, Ontario) dealership yesterday looking to lease a Ford Focus EV. The dealership was unwilling to negotiate at all on the MSRP price of the Ford Focus EV. They would not even decrease the lease price by $1. The salesman said his manager is unwilling to negotiate on the car. He then said that the government is already giving us a $14,000 rebate, which is enough. I thought that was ridiculous, since the EVs already have a higher MSRP, shouldn't matter if the government was giving us a rebate. He said we are "able" to negotiate on the MSRP, but we don't want to negotiate.

Anybody else have a similar experience when leasing a Ford Focus EV?

Are you trying to lease a 2017 or 2016?

A 2017 Focus EV. I also should add that initially when we walked into the dealer, the salesperson said they have 3 Focus EVs on order, and two of them have already been sold. There's only one left that's white with leather seats. He said these vehicles are really popular and are going by fast, so I can only get that one Focus EV they already have on order. I questioned him on why I need to be limited on my choice of colour and seating and if it's a popular vehicle they should have more than 1 available. After talking with his manager, he did say that I can go with a different configuration but it will take 6-8 weeks to get the car, which I was ok with.

Essentially he was trying to say that they can easily sell whatever that one EV they have in stock, so he doesn't have to negotiate on the MSRP. He didn't seem at all interested in selling any more EVs then that one they have in stock, instead he started talking about how good their trucks are and they make most of their profit selling those.

I am definitely considering to go to as many dealers as I can. This was the first dealer I went to and found it surprising that they are ok with creating an image of "not willing to negotiate on MSRP" with customers. Of course it's a loss for them, since I will be shopping around at other dealers.

 

[uah_on]

I never saw a need to negotiate down. The price was decent and the rebate sizable. I was very happy with the price (and it's even better right now)

If you wanted real leverage, just mention the Ioniq and walk out (then go and buy the Ioniq)

There will be so few FFE's in Ontario that they won't have that hard of a time getting rid of the initial batch, then the rest will be ordered. There's no reason for them to want to reduce the MSRP any further.

Yes, I'm waiting for the IONIQ Electric to be available in dealerships in Mississauga. I do have a certain budget even with the Ontario incentives, and was looking to a somewhat lower price point. Absolutely will have to create leverage by visiting other dealers and even manufacturers. Just found it surprising how unwilling this place was to negotiate (considering they are able to negotiate somewhat).

 

[Jamez]

I do have a certain budget even with the Ontario incentives, and was looking to a somewhat lower price point.

What's your price point? The 2017 FFE is $24K to buy outright (after all taxes) before the end of March. I'm guessing the Ioniq will be about $27K

Keep in mind that cost to run the EV is much less. That may help in your budgeting.

 

[myfocusca]

I was at the Erinwood Ford (Mississauga, Ontario) dealership yesterday looking to lease a Ford Focus EV. The dealership was unwilling to negotiate at all on the MSRP price of the Ford Focus EV. They would not even decrease the lease price by $1. The salesman said his manager is unwilling to negotiate on the car. He then said that the government is already giving us a $14,000 rebate, which is enough. I thought that was ridiculous, since the EVs already have a higher MSRP, shouldn't matter if the government was giving us a rebate. He said we are "able" to negotiate on the MSRP, but we don't want to negotiate.

Anybody else have a similar experience when leasing a Ford Focus EV?

I walked in to the same dealership, same day with my folks. The dealership basically didn't reduce any price, however quoted to be very aggressive and competitive in pricing. They also told me that this car is in high demand, however I asked them artificially keeping supply low (5 cars on back order) doesn't mean the demand is high.
The quote basically came $200 cheaper that Oakville Kennedy(the dealership who had no idea what the hell a focus electric is). Did I mention the Erin Mills guy added fuel surcharge in the quote. I had to point that out to him that it is an all electric.

 

[EVA]

Wow the IONIQ looks really nice. Seems like it is built around the Elantra - not a bad car by itself. Hyundai's approach looks similar to Ford - start with a nice car, and build up from there. They've taken a while to get in the game, maybe it will be a good car.

 

[campfamily]

Wow the IONIQ looks really nice. Seems like it is built around the Elantra - not a bad car by itself. Hyundai's approach looks similar to Ford - start with a nice car, and build up from there. They've taken a while to get in the game, maybe it will be a good car.

I was invited to an event put on by Hyundai just prior to the public release of the Ioniq. It is a nice car, but more like a Corolla / Sentra than a Focus, if that makes any sense. Didn't seem as solid or well put together, more light weight and tinny, almost. Drove nicely, at least the pre-production cars we were allowed to drive.

Keith

 

[scottt]

A 2017 Focus EV. I also should add that initially when we walked into the dealer, the salesperson said they have 3 Focus EVs on order, and two of them have already been sold. There's only one left that's white with leather seats. He said these vehicles are really popular and are going by fast, so I can only get that one Focus EV they already have on order. I questioned him on why I need to be limited on my choice of colour and seating and if it's a popular vehicle they should have more than 1 available. After talking with his manager, he did say that I can go with a different configuration but it will take 6-8 weeks to get the car, which I was ok with.

Essentially he was trying to say that they can easily sell whatever that one EV they have in stock, so he doesn't have to negotiate on the MSRP. He didn't seem at all interested in selling any more EVs then that one they have in stock, instead he started talking about how good their trucks are and they make most of their profit selling those.

I am definitely considering to go to as many dealers as I can. This was the first dealer I went to and found it surprising that they are ok with creating an image of "not willing to negotiate on MSRP" with customers. Of course it's a loss for them, since I will be shopping around at other dealers.

No need to even leave your house. E-mail ALL the dealers in your area and play them off one another. Also, can use Truecar, or other buying services. I got my car for well under invoice (before all the rebates), and I custom ordered it.

 

[uah_on]

I was at the Erinwood Ford (Mississauga, Ontario) dealership yesterday looking to lease a Ford Focus EV. The dealership was unwilling to negotiate at all on the MSRP price of the Ford Focus EV. They would not even decrease the lease price by $1. The salesman said his manager is unwilling to negotiate on the car. He then said that the government is already giving us a $14,000 rebate, which is enough. I thought that was ridiculous, since the EVs already have a higher MSRP, shouldn't matter if the government was giving us a rebate. He said we are "able" to negotiate on the MSRP, but we don't want to negotiate.

Anybody else have a similar experience when leasing a Ford Focus EV?

I walked in to the same dealership, same day with my folks. The dealership basically didn't reduce any price, however quoted to be very aggressive and competitive in pricing. They also told me that this car is in high demand, however I asked them artificially keeping supply low (5 cars on back order) doesn't mean the demand is high.
The quote basically came $200 cheaper that Oakville Kennedy(the dealership who had no idea what the hell a focus electric is). Did I mention the Erin Mills guy added fuel surcharge in the quote. I had to point that out to him that it is an all electric.

Amazing, I had the same experience. Yes, we also noticed the $50 fuel surcharge!

It is very sad if they are intentionally keeping supplies low. Seems like either they don't care about selling FFEs as much as the rest of their cars. The salesman initially told me that they have 3 cars on order (2 already sold) and that is their total inventory for ALL of 2017. At which point, I asked him how he could say this is a high demand car when they are only ordering 3 for the whole year. He didn't really have an answer.

 

[Smoking_Rubber]

A 2017 Focus EV. I also should add that initially when we walked into the dealer, the salesperson said they have 3 Focus EVs on order, and two of them have already been sold. There's only one left that's white with leather seats. He said these vehicles are really popular and are going by fast, so I can only get that one Focus EV they already have on order. I questioned him on why I need to be limited on my choice of colour and seating and if it's a popular vehicle they should have more than 1 available. After talking with his manager, he did say that I can go with a different configuration but it will take 6-8 weeks to get the car, which I was ok with.

Essentially he was trying to say that they can easily sell whatever that one EV they have in stock, so he doesn't have to negotiate on the MSRP. He didn't seem at all interested in selling any more EVs then that one they have in stock, instead he started talking about how good their trucks are and they make most of their profit selling those.

I am definitely considering to go to as many dealers as I can. This was the first dealer I went to and found it surprising that they are ok with creating an image of "not willing to negotiate on MSRP" with customers. Of course it's a loss for them, since I will be shopping around at other dealers.

No need to even leave your house. E-mail ALL the dealers in your area and play them off one another. Also, can use Truecar, or other buying services. I got my car for well under invoice (before all the rebates), and I custom ordered it.

I couldn't find any Ford Focus Electric on TrueCar.

 

[EMP40]

While my 2016 FFE has been in for 9 days for the recall, I have had a Leaf rental. Yes, the car is butt ugly but to my surprise it drives very nice for an economy car. The noise dampening is far better than the FFE. The behavior during full acceleration is better as there is very little torque steer unlike the squirrely behavior of the FFE. Sync 3 is much better then the Nissan. If I were looking today, I would seriously consider the 2018 Leaf. I am waiting for my dual motor Model 3 though.

 

[triangles]

I couldn't find any Ford Focus Electric on TrueCar.

Odd it used to be on there. Maybe it's because the '17's are no longer available for allocation? I used Truecar while shopping for my FFE back in '14. I asked truecar why it wasn't listed and this was their response:

"We currently don't have any pricing information for that trim, it could be a number of reasons from low demand, to high availability, etc. We could add the vehicle at a later time, but currently we don't have enough info on this vehicle to price it through this platform"

Maybe when the orders for the '18 models open up it will be added again?

I searched on autotrader.com and found several in the US advertised about $5k below MSRP.

 

[Smoking_Rubber]

There are plenty of 2017 FFE available in CA. A search of inventory just near Los Angeles turns up 100+.