What should we do? Should we trade up for a nicer FFH?

[hybridbear]

So, every day I drive our FFH I wish we had bought one with a few more features. Every time I look at the front end and see the stone chips I regret the decision to pass that plow in New Mexico during our California road trip.

 

I happened to find online today a local dealer with a 2013 FFH SE left that they're trying to clear out. Click here for the window sticker. Here is a link to the car on their website.

 

Based on my calculations, if we got KBB trade-in value for our current 2013 FFH SE we would only be taking a loss of $3000 for depreciation when I offset the depreciation with the additional features the FFH linked above has. If I only count the features that I in hindsight wish we had bought on our car then the loss is closer to $6000 since the new FFH linked above includes features we don't really desire such as: premium paint, 18-inch wheels, Navigation and premium floor mats.

 

When we drove our car off the lot the difference between the sale price of the vehicle and the amount we owed on our loan was $12,000. Since we've paid down our loan quickly the current KBB value minus our loan balance remaining is $17,000.

 

The only thing that would be missing on this white FFH SE is the push-button start. I searched and searched for a leftover 2013 HyTi or a 2014 SE with PBS and not a lot of other features and I can't find anything. I wouldn't really want a 2014 anyway because of the loss of the Lifetime Summary.

 

So, basically, I don't know what to do. I e-mailed the dealer this morning to ask them for more information and I haven't heard back yet. I think the only way I would make this deal is if they would give us $22,500 on the trade in and sell the new car for no more than $32,500 before Ford incentives.

 

What do you think? Am I just being discontent & greedy? :spend: :drool: :play:

[jeff_h]

What do you think? Am I just being discontent & greedy? :spend: :drool: :play:

 

I've had a similar thought, not about a different FFH but that if I'd known of the deep discounts that they would put on the Energi I'd have 2 in the garage (already got the charger)... at several dealers around here when the rebates are included they are listed for about $10k under MSRP. I don't know if you wanted to consider that, I would if I wouldn't take such a bath on my current one.

[hybridbear]

 

I've had a similar thought, not about a different FFH but that if I'd known of the deep discounts that they would put on the Energi I'd have 2 in the garage (already got the charger)... at several dealers around here when the rebates are included they are listed for about $10k under MSRP. I don't know if you wanted to consider that, I would if I wouldn't take such a bath on my current one.

We would have an Energi if we could plug it in, but sadly in an apartment there is no where to plug in.

[jsolan]

Let us know what you find out. If it works out well for you I might consider trading up towards an MKZ or 2014 FFH with cooled seats/heated steering wheel.

[acdii]

Wow, you have one of the few Job1 FFH that does very well, and you want to trade? Color me shocked! What does this other one have that yours doesn't you wish you had?

[hybridbear]

Wow, you have one of the few Job1 FFH that does very well, and you want to trade? Color me shocked! What does this other one have that yours doesn't you wish you had?

Primarily MFT. I really regret that decision. But 13 months ago when we ordered there was so much bad press about MFT that we didn't get it. Since there were no FFHs around to test drive with MFT to try it out we just ordered one without. And then some of the other convenience features that we would have liked since we plan to do a lot of road trips but features that weren't available except with MFT. Like: BLIS, adaptive cruise, driver assist package.

[acdii]

Those are some really good features. Good luck in your endeavor, just make sure the new one does as well as the one you already have. :)

[hybridbear]

Thanks, the only reason I'd even consider it is if the deal is insanely good. I would put the probability of us actually making a change at less than 5%. But, every time i drive I really wish we had MFT.

[Toz]

Thanks, the only reason I'd even consider it is if the deal is insanely good. I would put the probability of us actually making a change at less than 5%. But, every time i drive I really wish we had MFT.

While I personally really like the look of MFT, from what most reviewers have said the Non-MFT Fusions are easier to use. Don't you think you would miss the real buttons?

[hybridbear]

While I personally really like the look of MFT, from what most reviewers have said the Non-MFT Fusions are easier to use. Don't you think you would miss the real buttons?

The lack of voice commands with the non-MFT is a pain. The buttons are hard to operate with gloves and are hard to operate without looking away from the road. We also don't get the hybrid power flow screen with the small screen. The small screen also has a lot of glitches and doesn't show information correctly. Since Ford's focus is on updating MFT there aren't fixes for our car without it.

 

When I've been in my parents' Energi, I've found MFT 3.6 to be fantastically easy to use and really neat.

 

A question about voice commands with MFT: what all can be controlled by voice in an FFH SE w/ MFT? Radio station? HVAC? Navigation?

 

The only thing outside of phone that we can control with voice commands is the USB attached device.

Edited November 21, 2013 by hybridbear

[Riggo]

The lack of voice commands with the non-MFT is a pain. The buttons are hard to operate with gloves and are hard to operate without looking away from the road. We also don't get the hybrid power flow screen with the small screen. The small screen also has a lot of glitches and doesn't show information correctly. Since Ford's focus is on updating MFT there aren't fixes for our car without it.

 

When I've been in my parents' Energi, I've found MFT 3.6 to be fantastically easy to use and really neat.

 

A question about voice commands with MFT: what all can be controlled by voice in an FFH SE w/ MFT? Radio station? HVAC? Navigation?

 

The only thing outside of phone that we can control with voice commands is the USB attached device.

Yep. Radio stations, hvac, navigation, sync services, iPod can be controlled with MFT voice commands. What am I missing. Hmmm.

[hybridbear]

Yep. Radio stations, hvac, navigation, sync services, iPod can be controlled with MFT voice commands. What am I missing. Hmmm.

But, isn't yours a Titanium? Aren't the voice commands different?

[Riggo]

But, isn't yours a Titanium? Aren't the voice commands different?

Oh. Oops. I thought the MFT would have the same commnds with the touch screen as the SE does with its touch screen. It doesn't?? I thought the only difference was the radio (the actual sound quality and button and volume knob layout), not the actual MFT software or commands.

Edited November 21, 2013 by Riggo

[corncobs]

HB good luck with your decision!

 

I'm pretty sure that the voice commands are identical since they are MFT and not trim related.

For me I only use the voice commands for music and phone control. For HVAC I'm much quicker with my fingers and the buttons.

[Aquineas]

I'd say don't do it. Missing features notwithstanding, it sounds like you're more upset about that front bumper than you are by the missing features. Spend $500 to have that bumper re-painted, buy a couple of cans of 3M Paint Defender so it doesn't happen again, get your car detailed, and hang on to the extra +$2500.

[hybridbear]

I'm pretty sure that the voice commands are identical since they are MFT and not trim related.

Is the trim difference in how much can be controlled with the steering wheel buttons? Can ppl w/ loaded SE FFHs control the HVAC, Radio & Navigation with their right steering wheel buttons?

[hybridbear]

I'd say don't do it. Missing features notwithstanding, it sounds like you're more upset about that front bumper than you are by the missing features. Spend $500 to have that bumper re-painted, buy a couple of cans of 3M Paint Defender so it doesn't happen again, get your car detailed, and hang on to the extra +$2500.

I think repairing the entire front end will cost more than $500. Not just the bumper would need painting, but also the hood and both front quarter panels.

[KLH]

Is the trim difference in how much can be controlled with the steering wheel buttons? Can ppl w/ loaded SE FFHs control the HVAC, Radio & Navigation with their right steering wheel buttons?

I have a loaded '13 FFH SE. This is what the steering wheel has:

 

 

Left:

 

* Direction and select controls for the left screen menu

* ACC buttons for: on/off, resume/cancel, accelerate (set +), decelerate (set -), add distance to maintain to next car, and subtract distance to maintain to next car.

 

Right:

 

* Direction and select controls for the left screen menu

* Phone/Radio Presets: Answer phone (if phone call needs answering), Hang up phone (if phone being used), otherwise the same buttons switch between radio presets (left is previous preset, right is next preset)

* Voice commands: Start voice command, Cancel voice command (which also doubles as a mute button when voice commands aren't being used)

* Radio/Phone volume: Top is volume up, Bottom is volume down

As for controlling climate and nav via steering wheel, I believe you can use voice commands to do both... which IMHO is better than using buttons.

As for MFT, it's fine. I don't think that it's tough to use. It does what I want it to. If there's anything missing, it's the ability to turn the screen off easily (as it's a little bright at night). ACC, the reverse camera, and BLIS are absolutely fantastic - in that order. When taken as a whole, driving my loaded FFH SE has a premium car feel that I just love... and that alone exceed all of my expectations.

Edited November 21, 2013 by KLH

[hybridbear]

 

I have a loaded '13 FFH SE. This is what the steering wheel has:

 

 

Left:

 

* Direction and select controls for the left screen menu

* ACC buttons for: on/off, resume/cancel, accelerate (set +), decelerate (set -), add distance to maintain to next car, and subtract distance to maintain to next car.

 

Right:

 

* Direction and select controls for the left screen menu

* Phone/Radio Presets: Answer phone (if phone call needs answering), Hang up phone (if phone being used), otherwise the same buttons switch between radio presets (left is previous preset, right is next preset)

* Voice commands: Start voice command, Cancel voice command (which also doubles as a mute button when voice commands aren't being used)

* Radio/Phone volume: Top is volume up, Bottom is volume down

 

As for controlling climate and nav via steering wheel, I believe you can use voice commands to do both... which IMHO is better than using buttons.

 

 

As for MFT, it's fine. I don't think that it's tough to use. It does what I want it to. If there's anything missing, it's the ability to turn the screen off easily (as it's a little bright at night). ACC, the reverse camera, and BLIS are absolutely fantastic - in that order. When taken as a whole, driving my loaded FFH SE has a premium car feel that I just love... and that alone exceed all of my expectations.

I mean the right side directional pad with OK button. Our car can only display the efficiencies leaves or the compass. In my parents' Energi they can control the radio with those buttons, display navigation info on that screen or show climate control info on that screen. The few times I've driven their C-Max Energi I have really liked being able to control the radio with those buttons. As I think about it more, that's really just as important as the increased voice commands.

[kbailey990]

The best features I have on my SE are the adaptive cruise control, BLIS, and backup camera with warnings. All of these have made me a much safer driver, and I would definitely pay more for the added safety. I think you deserve an upgrade for all you do to help this forum!

[kbailey990]

The best features I have on my SE are the adaptive cruise control, BLIS, and backup camera with warnings. All of these have made me a much safer driver, and I would definitely pay more for the added safety. I think you deserve an upgrade for all you do to help this forum!

[aaronj1159]

I mean the right side directional pad with OK button. Our car can only display the efficiencies leaves or the compass. In my parents' Energi they can control the radio with those buttons, display navigation info on that screen or show climate control info on that screen. The few times I've driven their C-Max Energi I have really liked being able to control the radio with those buttons. As I think about it more, that's really just as important as the increased voice commands.

 

On mine, the right directional pad will display/control all of that minus the climate control. My car doesn't have Nav, so the right screen/control pad deals with the Compass, Phone, Radio, and Leaves.

[Waldo]

MFT is MFT. It's all the same, regardless of what car or trim you have.

[acdii]

Since I had the SE and now have the HyTi, the only difference is no Climate on the right hand screen, otherwise MFT and the right screen are identical. The main difference between the two is the sound quality and the center console controls. All other MFT related components are the same. If you get it without Nav, then the upper right corner on the screen is something different. Not sure what it was, maybe information is moved there from the lower middle of the screen.

 

One thing I liked better in the SE, besides the seats, was the fact the seat heaters had their own buttons. Its a pain if you have something up on the MFT, like the road map or song list and want to change the seat heater, then you have to changes the screen to either the climate or home screen, then change back to what you had before.

 

Hey J! Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda! I know how you feel my friend. :)

[hybridbear]

Since I had the SE and now have the HyTi, the only difference is no Climate on the right hand screen, otherwise MFT and the right screen are identical. The main difference between the two is the sound quality and the center console controls. All other MFT related components are the same.

Ah ha! This is what I thought I remembered from reading others' posts in the past. In your HyTi can you control climate with the steering wheel buttons & right screen or just view settings? In the C-Max SEL climate is an option for that right screen but I've never paid much attention to it in the Energi.

 

One thing I liked better in the SE, besides the seats, was the fact the seat heaters had their own buttons. Its a pain if you have something up on the MFT, like the road map or song list and want to change the seat heater, then you have to changes the screen to either the climate or home screen, then change back to what you had before.

In the HyTi with Sony the heated seats are only controlled by the touch screen?