I'm not sure I understand the SSN security issues with faxing vs. mailing. How do you know who's looking at the mail vs. the fax (once it gets there)? Intercepting fax lines? I guess...but no more than any other thing. There certainly isn't much buzz about fax-hacking. Now, if your question was really implying that this is not really Ford you're faxing, relax. Call them and ask them yourself! I don't find it a plausible threat, but whatever makes you feel more comfortable. Keep in mind that your SSN is out there already, in every place you've ever gotten credit, or lots of other seemingly benign things, like applying to rent an apartment. Whatever...
As for the question about anyone using that number, yes, me! They emailed me my PIN immediately (the next day, that is). If you don't give a good email address, of course, you can't expect to get the PIN too quickly. I am the proud owner now of a Ford Escape XLT Sport edition that I just bought through X-Plan. Picked it up on Friday. Some pep, man! 200hp V6 in a relatively small package. Nice...
As for window etching and extended warranties and the like, look at
Carinfo.com. You'll find companies there that will send you a window etching kit for $15 (that only requires a q-tip to put on). Another company will give it to you free if you buy one of their products.
Extended warranties, if you're interested, can be purchased by following the link for carinfo.com (like Warranty Direct, Warranty Gold, etc.) They are much cheaper than the manufacturer's extended warranties. FordDirect, as someone mentioned earlier, will give you a free quote for their extended warranty.
I found it to be about $600 more for the same or less coverage. These after-market companies will let you use any repair shop. Read the fine print, of course. Yes, I can hear the nervous nellies now..."but what if these aftermarket companies don't survive and go out of business?" Well, according to them, they're underwritten by "A"-rated-by-A.M.Best insurance companies who would pick up the coverage. So, again, whatever you're comfortable with.
Getting back to faxing for a moment...that site carinfo.com sells some kind of package about buying a new car that relies mostly on faxing. They tell you enough in the testimonials, basically, about how to do it. This, of course, applies to a regular sale, not a set-price like X-Plan is. The idea is to pick a car you like...list all the options. So easy to do now with so many car sites on the net listing options and prices, etc.
Fax your request for a quote on a new car to several dealers in your area. Be willing to drive a bit to get a better deal. Let them know that you are faxing other dealers as well. Be very specific about the exact car you want, with all the options. Tell them in the fax you want them to call you back immediately with a quote. Then, let them play against each other. When you get your quotes, call the one who gave you the HIGHEST bid and inform them they have to come way down in order to be in the game. Inform the other dealers of where they stand...see how low they will go. Of course, you want their return quote on paper, not some b.s. phone quote. So, when you find the quote you want, have them fax you all the details. Then, go make the deal. That's what I get out of the testimonials. Of course, you can always spend the $26 at carinfo and get all the details. Who knows, maybe I'm missing something. Get the picture? All this from your own home...no traveling to dealers...no haggling. Let the dealers bid against each other. Carinfo calls this a "Fax Attack".
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