So I did a thing two weeks ago.
@UtahJoe is the only one up to speed on this. I've been debating a cheap Ford Maverick for a bit. I looked into it and the wait was still nearly a year for an order and they are still selling over MSRP on the used market. Some dealers are still charging over sticker as well, but Ford has tried putting some checks in place to prevent that (they have pulled allocations, now require actual proof a real person ordered the truck (I had to upload my NJ DL at the dealer). Dealers are cold calling owners of 22 and 23 Mavericks and offering them new orders if they trade in their older Mavericks so they can be sold near or over sticker (Ford has no control over used car prices).
An example is a 22 Maverick XL Hybrid that was ordered for 26K and is on the lot at 31K with 10K miles on it. I drove it and was pretty impressed. Roomy enough, comfy, rides well. Then I told the SM to GFH you greedy F.
I spoke to a Sales Manager I know and trust and he told me he would let me order one at MSRP with only the $398 dealer doc fee (they do the "mandatory" VIN etching but he immediately said, "I don't even want to have that fight with you").
He actually doesn't care if I take it or not. He'll sell it in 48 hours regardless. He told me to expect 6 to 9 months for an Ecoboost and 9 to 12 months for a Hybrid. UAW strikes, Teamsters trucking shananigans, parts shortages, and Ford's no-idea-how-these-get-scheduled nonsense notwithstanding. The only caveat was that order banks were filling up and could close in the next few weeks (Ford learned about taking more orders than they could possibly build; some 22 orders are still waiting for production as early 24s).
So I did. $500 refundable deposit. No harm in deciding next spring/summer if I want it or not, right? Right.
Ford Maverick XL
Atlas Blue Metallic
250-hp Ecoboost, Front wheel drive
CoPilot360 package (only way to get power adjustable mirrors on an XL; not power FOLDING...power adjustable...nice job Ford)
Spray in bedliner
Tow hitch receiver with 4-pin connector
Full-size spare
All-weather floor mats
$26,490
We figured the order would lock in January or so, if there weren't delays. Then I got this lol.
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