Ford Motor Credit

[ridgebackpilot]

Last weekend, I went to my local Ford dealer in northern California to check out the new Bronco Sport. It's the only new SUV that has a flip-up back window like many vehicles in the past. When you have big dogs (or long surfboards), that's an important feature that has unfortunately all but disappeared these days.

My wife ultimately decided the Bronco Sport is just too small and she'd rather have another Toyota Highlander. However, even though we didn't pull the trigger on the deal, I thought I'd post the results of my negotiations here for what they're worth.

The Ford dealer wouldn't discount the Bronco Sport Outer Banks below MSRP. Apparently demand for this new SUV is strong. However, they did offer me $1K more on my trade in lieu of reducing the purchase price of the vehicle. Ford does have a $500 cash-back offer on the Bronco Sport, which helped lower the price.

Ford Motor Credit is currently offering Zero (0) percent APR for 48 months; 0.9 percent for 60 months; and 2.9 percent for 72 months. I qualified for these rates based on my scores and my relationship with Ford. I'm currently financing two other Ford vehicles through Ford Motor Credit; a 2019 Edge at Zero percent and a 2020 F-150 at 1.9 percent. FMC is very relationship-based, which helps borrowers qualify for lower rates. If you treat them well, they'll return the favor to keep you coming back to Ford.

While I ultimately didn't purchase the vehicle, I appreciated the courtesy and low interest rate loan I was offered by Ford.

FICO 8: EX 679 TU 675

[Shooting-For-800]

Highlander over 4Runner?

[ridgebackpilot]

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@Shooting-For-800 wrote:

Highlander over 4Runner?

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Good question! We chose another Highlander over a 4Runner for several reasons:

1.  The 4Runner has a back window that can be lowered into the tailgate, but flip-up rear windows work better for dogs.
2. Consumer Reports rates the Highlander far higher than the 4Runner, which is an old-style truck-based SUV badly in need of a redesign. 
3. The 4Runner is far more expensive than the Highlander. For some reason, the 4Runner has become an urban "cult vehicle" and often sells for far over book value, whether new or used. One dealer told me used 4Runners are going for the same price as new, and dealers are marking up new 4Runners several thousand dollars over MSRP. People in California who want a 4Runner often have to buy one out-of-state and drive it back here.
4. The 4Runner is a true 4WD vehicle, as opposed to the Highlander which is AWD. As a result, the ride in the 4Runner is stiff and choppy compared to the more refined Highlander. Most people, including us, simply don't go off-road very often and don't need a 4WD transfer case for normal driving.

[Loquat]

OP, for what it's worth I do agree with your assessment. The 4Runner is longer overdue for a makeover. The ride is much more harsh than the Highlander. I believe the Highlander was the better choice of the two.

[Shooting-For-800]

I thought you were looking for an off road capable suv since you were looking Broncos.

I am glad you are happy.

My next SUV will probably be a Lexus GX which is basically a nicer 4Runner built on Land Cruiser Prado platform.

I will admit the new Highlander looks nice.

Enjoy!