toofas

Hello everyone. I had hoped to introduce myself under the elation of having just received a (first time new car) custom, new FFH. While I have already placed an order (I’m currently awaiting a VIN), I’ve found the buying process rather nauseating, at best, and not nearly as exciting as I had hoped. As with most people, money is an object, and the process of determining what sacrifices I can live with when selecting ‘the’ car I want has been grueling. That’s fine though, as this is part of the process. What I am truly having trouble getting over, even to the point of contemplating sacrificing my $500 deposit in favor of a used ‘A-to-B’ solution, is the distaste I have for the ONE option for wheels that come with the car I specified. Yes, wheels (Well, the general ignorance of their own products on the part of the sales staff is another topic). I’ve ordered an SE Hybrid, as best I can define it, given my financial limitations… and I’m OK with it, except that the 502A package forces me to accept the awful 17” Sparkle rims. To me, they are horrible. What I can’t get my head around is the lack of alternative options for a part that is simply bolted on, and not integrated. I truly fancy the 19” H-Spokes from the gasoline Titanium (I’ve selected Magnetic and think the dark H’s with it are fantastic), but I *think* I would be satisfied with the 17” version that is part of the SE 501A "Appearance" Package (they look like smaller, lighter colored H’s) for the Hybrid, but they’re unavailable as I’ve selected the 502A package. The HyTi isn't an option, either, due to the uncomfortable 'sport' style seats (whereas the luxury seats from an SE with 502A are rather comfortable). This seems ridiculous to me, as selecting the appearance package would force me to lose a bunch of other stuff… just for a different rim. I figure it has to do with manufacturing, logistics, etc., but come on. These are wheels. They’re not integrated into the car! What is most disconcerting is that the dealers have NO flexibility from big Ford in this regard, or so they say. If we work something out, then either they eat the cost (which they won’t), or I pay through the nose for it. Again, for wheels that, otherwise, come on other flavors of this same car (I understand the scientific/performance implications of the 19” H’s on the hybrid vs. the 17’s). So, all other issues aside, my problem seems to have come down to having to choose between comfortable seats (SE w/502A) or somewhat stylish wheels (SE w/501A or HyTi). Does anyone else experience this frustration? (I’m beginning to thinks it’s just me, in part, because the dealers act to me as if I’m the only person who ever asks for alternate options on a new car order.)

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