Grey Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 There are still 10 days to get your order in for an FFH or MMH and qualify for the $3,400 tax incentive. The Escape and Mariner Hybrids can still qualify for the $3,000 tax credit. Your dealer will need to verify your order quickly with Ford (copy of your license and purchase order). It looks like Ford is pulling the orders into the scheduling system as quickly as they can, so a June delivery is not out of the question. Retail orders after 4/1 can still qualify for the $1,700 tax credit, but why leave the other $1,700 on the table? Who will be the first retail customer to beat the 52 MPG experience from the media test drive? You know you want it - JFDI! :happy feet: :happy feet: 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FL4FFH Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 Hi, Grey I'm a new member, and quite possibly a new Fusion owner very soon. After giving Ford another look on the internet a couple of weekends ago, I spoke with a local dealer, and visited the showroom the following week. They actually have 2 units on order for their own inventory - a 501A and a 500A, both with VIN numbers and supposedly in transit. I was told I am 1st on their call list, so I thought I'd just give it a few more days to ideally see and test drive first. There just doesn't seem to be the buzz in this area of the country that I'm hearing from out West and up in Detroit. The perception is that less urban areas with more freeway driving do not justify owning a hybrid. The people I know live in the suburbs and work in the city. That's textbook hybrid driving lifestyle, I would think. The real game changer is FFH's higher engine output in electric mode than Prius and the others. Perfect for the burbs (35 - 45 MPH), and still great gas mileage on that freeway commute. I currently drive a 2000 Focus Wagon. I was ready to step up to something a little higher-end, but not ready to give up the fuel economy. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grey Posted March 21, 2009 Author Share Posted March 21, 2009 If you decide before 3/31 to pull the trigger, sign a purchase order with the dealership so you can demonstrate that you "purchased" the vehicle before the $3,400 cut off. I think that many dealer stock orders were held up in the Ford scheduling system to pull the verified retail orders ahead. This dealer is lucky to have two in transit already. Hope they get there soon. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FL4FFH Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 So, really, what are the chances that the 3/31 deadline might be extended, considering there is no way for anyone except basically industry insiders to so much as sit in the cockpit before then? What's the big rush? I SAW a 2010 FFH in February at the Auto Show here in town (so I do know they exist) but the car was up on the dias, locked. I've test driven the 09 SEL, but its hybrid cousin might be an overcomplicated, underpowered dud as far as we know. I was told by the dealer this week that a pre-order is essentially a contract - meaning, what . . . a non-refundable deposit? A lottery ticket is much less expensive. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grey Posted March 25, 2009 Author Share Posted March 25, 2009 So, really, what are the chances that the 3/31 deadline might be extended, considering there is no way for anyone except basically industry insiders to so much as sit in the cockpit before then? What's the big rush? I SAW a 2010 FFH in February at the Auto Show here in town (so I do know they exist) but the car was up on the dias, locked. I've test driven the 09 SEL, but its hybrid cousin might be an overcomplicated, underpowered dud as far as we know. I was told by the dealer this week that a pre-order is essentially a contract - meaning, what . . . a non-refundable deposit? A lottery ticket is much less expensive. A lottery ticket is a tax on people that don't understand arithmetic. The deadline won't be extended, so the difference is $3,400 for one ordered by 3/31 and $1,700 for one ordered from April to September. I think your dealership was saying that the purchase order represents the "purchase" for the purpose of claiming the tax credit. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FL4FFH Posted March 25, 2009 Share Posted March 25, 2009 Thanks, Grey, and I know you're way ahead of me here, but I stumbled on the CARS.com site, and was able to search dealerships within a range of miles, to see who already had units on the lot. The short of it: 2 new FFHs, under 10 miles away. The caveat is that the cars represent pre-orders and are already sold, but at least I can get a walk-thru of features and possibly an abbreviated demo. I think that and my research are due diligence enough. As I said, I've test driven this year's Fusion - on 2 separate visits (initial visit and return visit with spouse). OK, so now it's Ice Blue or Sterling Gray? 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FL4FFH Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 FMC didn't take the government's money, why should I? I'd rather have a test drive. Where are the Fusion hybrids?? Earlier post: 2 new FFHs, under 10 miles away. The caveat is that the cars represent pre-orders and are already sold, but at least I can get a walk-thru of features and possibly an abbreviated demo. Not a great Ford moment. I was not allowed behind the wheel, yet I actually had to tell the sales associate when the engine was running. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grey Posted March 28, 2009 Author Share Posted March 28, 2009 If you are on the fence about ordering a FFH or MMH, you have 3 more days to lock in the full $3,400 tax credit. I realize that few have had a chance to test drive any 2010 Fusion/Milan but I'll take the outstanding reports from all the sources and move forward, especially now that it has been named a top safety pick. Some buyers may find that they make too much or too little money to claim the full credit, but for the 90% of us who will benefit from the tax credit, keep a copy of your purchase order (dated before 4/1, 2009). In 2010, when you are filing your 2009 tax return, indicate on the 8910 form that you put your vehicle in service on the date you took delivery (not the date you ordered it.) Then claim 100% of the $3,400 since you "purchased" the vehicle before 4/1/09. This is consistent with the IRS rules since 2006. Ordering represents a commitment to purchase, and that is the date which qualifies the credit amount. Remember that your dealership has to verify your order to Ford (copy of the purchase order and your driver's license), so do that at the same time you order. :happy feet: :happy feet: 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ypsiarbor Posted March 29, 2009 Share Posted March 29, 2009 Hi Folks Just ordered mine March 29th- just under the wire. 500A I'm too tall (6'6") for the moon roof! too bad too because I was willing to pay for the vision package! Atlantic green Metalic w/ black interior. I look forward to learning all about it with you! Dealer took X-plan. How long do you think I'll have to wait? 3-6months? :happy feet: 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FL4FFH Posted March 29, 2009 Share Posted March 29, 2009 Hi, All I'm very happy to say that sometimes things just work out. Friday evening 03/27, I did one more cars.com search for a FFH somewhere to simply test drive before commiting to an order. There was a new listing, at a dealership about 80 miles away, a potentially do-able road trip for a weekend. Thankfully, I was able to connect with the dealer the same evening to confirm that the one unit on the lot was in fact dealer owned and not a retail pre-order, so I would actually be able to test drive it, and we made our plans. Well, not only did I find A Fusion Hybrid, it was THE Fusion Hybrid - Color, trim level - pretty much what I would have ordered, except this one had leather, waaah. So of course, I bought it. As for the drive, my apprehensions were unfounded. The car drives just like, well, a car. The trip home was a mixture of neighborhoods, freeway, and back roads, so we saw it through its paces. Overall trip stats, 36 MPG, but then I am just learning! With a little momentum, running in EV up to mid-40's. Quietest, sweetest ride ever, and I like the Vision Package. 501A Light Ice Blue, Stone Leather http://www.fordfusionforum.com/style_emoti...appy%20feet.gif 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grey Posted March 29, 2009 Author Share Posted March 29, 2009 Hi Folks Just ordered mine March 29th- just under the wire. 500A I'm too tall (6'6") for the moon roof! too bad too because I was willing to pay for the vision package! Atlantic green Metalic w/ black interior. I look forward to learning all about it with you! Dealer took X-plan. How long do you think I'll have to wait? 3-6months? :happy feet: I believe that Ford is pushing the "retail" orders up in the scheduling system. If you have been verified, your dealership may be able to tell you if your order has been accepted, and perhaps even scheduled, by next Friday. Ask to get a copy of the DORA showing you "purchased"/ordered the vehicle before the 3/31 cut off. In 2010 when you do your 2009 taxes, you should indicate on the 8910 form that you put the vehicle in service on the date you took delivery, put down $3,400 as the credit amount and claim 100% since you "purchased" the vehicle before 3/31. Buyers that order/purchase 4/1 thru 9/30 will claim 50% as long as they put the vehicle in service in 2009.. If you are subject to the AMT (alternative minimum tax) or don't pay/owe more than $3,400 in Federal taxes, you may not realize the full credit. If you are lucky, you may see your vehicle in 8-10 weeks. I believe they are scheduling (week of) May 6 production now. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grey Posted March 29, 2009 Author Share Posted March 29, 2009 FL4FFH - you lucky hypermiler! Congrats. Please keep posting your experiences! :happy feet: :happy feet: 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbdrivingdotcom Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 ypsiarbor: How much did you pay for the 500A FFH under X-plan? I'm signing a purchase order tomorrow for one with my local dealer but we haven't agreed on a price yet. I'm 6'5" and unfortunately can't get navi or leather because Ford requires the sun n sync package in order to get both. Kind of bummed about that. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peteostro Posted April 2, 2009 Share Posted April 2, 2009 I ordered my fusion hybrid on march 28th. Put down a $500 dollar deposit. The dealer gave me the form that the IRS needs to confirm the order date. I hope everything works, would be nice to get the 3,400 tax credit! My Fusion hybrid should be here in 2 weeks cant wait!!!!! I got the moon and tune package but no nav (to much $$$) I'm looking forward to the sync system too, sounds like awesome tech. Here's to ford from a former Honda owner (2 past cars where Honda's) 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankieboy Posted April 2, 2009 Share Posted April 2, 2009 Here's to ford from a former Honda owner (2 past cars where Honda's) Good job on the order. I ordered mine about 1 month ago. I have the VIN already, and it is set for production the week of 4/13. Like you, I am a long time Honda owner (7 vehicles over the past 20 years). I am selling my 2006 Accord as soon as I take delivery. BTW, I already registered my vehicle on the Ford Owner's website, using the VIN given me by my salesperson. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grey Posted April 2, 2009 Author Share Posted April 2, 2009 I ordered my fusion hybrid on march 28th. Put down a $500 dollar deposit. The dealer gave me the form that the IRS needs to confirm the order date. I hope everything works, would be nice to get the 3,400 tax credit! My Fusion hybrid should be here in 2 weeks cant wait!!!!! I got the moon and tune package but no nav (to much $$$) Your dealer must have already had the Fusion Hybrid order in the system if they think you will have it in two weeks. I would call them tomorrow (Friday) - since Ford updates their production scheduling system on Thursdays- and ask if they have any scheduling information yet. Most of us are looking at 8 weeks or so. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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