Don't buy the first year of a new model. Good advice or BS?

[bernse]

I'm giving a serious eye to the new F150 Supercab 4x4.

A *REAL* serious eye.

However, you hear several people (I've been one of them) caution about buying the first year of a new model (yes, I know the F150 isn't a new model, but this years is a total redisign, so it might as well be).

Is there sound advice in this or is it bunk? Is there more recalls or dissatisfied customers of first year editions then say the second or third?

 

[PHiuR]

good advice.

 

[BDawg]

Besides the bug to iron out, first year cars are usually in high demand and don't offer much of a discount.

 

[Ikonomi]

Good advice. May be better or worse depending on the specific make and model of car in question, but generally good advice.

 

[rudeguy]

its not bad advice usually...but then again since you are buying brand new you will have a full warranty.

I wouldnt worry too much about it...its not like Ford has a reputation of recalls or anything (Firestone anyone?)

Seriously though, those trucks are very nice. Which model are you thinking?

 

[StageLeft]

You will almost certainly have more problems than later years. The severity of this varies on make and model of course.

 

[vi edit]

Ford hasn't had a good history lately of introducing first year models.

Focus - almost double digit recalls in the first year
Escape - a very large amount of recalls in the first year
Contour/Escape - nearly double digit recalls in the first years
Redone explorer had a handful of recalls
The previous Mustang Cobra SVT's were recalled for putting out less than listed power

Take that as you will.

 

[bernse]

Originally posted by: rudeguySeriously though, those trucks are very nice. Which model are you thinking?

Probably an XLT either Supercab or Supercrew with a 5.4

Undecided though. I like the Avalanche too, but these new Fords are just so damn nice, and the 3V 5.4 seems great too.. better power and the same, if not slightly better milage.

 

[StageLeft]

Not to be a nissan whore, but the new Titan really outdid the rest of the full size pickups quite handidly in Car & Driver's shoot-out of a couple of months back

 

[Brutuskend]

Originally posted by: PHiuR
good advice.

I agree.

 

[IBuyUFO]

it's a good advice. You should listen to it.

 

[LOLyourFace]

Originally posted by: bernse
I'm giving a serious eye to the new F150 Supercab 4x4.

A *REAL* serious eye.

However, you hear several people (I've been one of them) caution about buying the first year of a new model (yes, I know the F150 isn't a new model, but this years is a total redisign, so it might as well be).

Is there sound advice in this or is it bunk? Is there more recalls or dissatisfied customers of first year editions then say the second or third?

in my case of mazda6, 2004 offers almost no difference/upgrade except they added an ugly Passat-like center antenna on the rear window. (2003 had an invisible built in one.)

 

[BCYL]

Very good advice... wait a year or so to let the manufacturer iron out the bugs/problems...

 

[rudeguy]

Originally posted by: bernse

Originally posted by: rudeguySeriously though, those trucks are very nice. Which model are you thinking?

Probably an XLT either Supercab or Supercrew with a 5.4

Undecided though. I like the Avalanche too, but these new Fords are just so damn nice, and the 3V 5.4 seems great too.. better power and the same, if not slightly better milage.

Avalanches are overrated, ugly, overpriced POS's...IMHO. I am usually a GM guy, but those new F150's look really sweet. Maxim or Stuff had a write up about them a few months back and I fell in love.

 

[SilentZero]

Agreed. I always wait till the 2nd year.

 

[JEDI]

Originally posted by: BDawg
Besides the bug to iron out, first year cars are usually in high demand and don't offer much of a discount.

 

[bernse]

Originally posted by: rudeguy

Originally posted by: bernse

Originally posted by: rudeguySeriously though, those trucks are very nice. Which model are you thinking?

Probably an XLT either Supercab or Supercrew with a 5.4

Undecided though. I like the Avalanche too, but these new Fords are just so damn nice, and the 3V 5.4 seems great too.. better power and the same, if not slightly better milage.

Avalanches are overrated, ugly, overpriced POS's...IMHO. I am usually a GM guy, but those new F150's look really sweet. Maxim or Stuff had a write up about them a few months back and I fell in love.

Well, to be honest the Avalanche is now available without the tacky cladding... I think it looks pretty sharp. Most long term reviews (Car and Driver, R & T I think is the other) are very positive.

I do agree with you on the Ford though (why I'm looking at one). They are just such a sweet ride now. Man, they're nice.

 

Originally posted by: PHiuR
good advice.

Look at the ford focus and escape, not horrible but alot of flaws.....

 

[Mr N8]

Good advice.

I got a '95 Olds Aurora, and that thing has so many glitches its not even funny.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
Not to be a nissan whore

But you are :evil:

 

[dpm]

The first year of a new model is pretty much a huge beta test.

 

[Goosemaster]

The bumper on the new F150 is supposed to be absolute crap(we are talking pure aluminum here...not an alloy )

 

[CraigRT]

you should buy the 2k3 F-150.. they look way better than this ugly new boxey crap

that's just my .02 though.

 

[RayH]

In addition to ironing out the bugs, more available options are usually added in each successive year.

 

[amdskip]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
Not to be a nissan whore, but the new Titan really outdid the rest of the full size pickups quite handidly in Car & Driver's shoot-out of a couple of months back

The titan does not have real towing capacity thus its not a real truck If you can pull a 24' enclosed trailer with one let me know.