Hmmm Odd! I placed my order with zero problems! No deposit, and I get A-plan! They called me on vacation to let me know package 202a has been changed to pkg 300. I've had a couple friends have great expierence's from them. I changed my order twice, no problem's. They knew about the gopro program since day one. Did you call them, or did you stop by the showroom?
I went to them first because my wife (fiancee at the time) bought her 2012 Ford Escape Limited from them. I went there to pick up the vehicle with her and got a good vibe from the sales people. I told them about my interest in the Focus ST and how I was going to come back once the order banks were open. They seemed excited to have my business. The whole experience was very positive.
I called the same sales lady in May and told her I wanted to pre-order an ST. I didn't stop into the showroom because it's a little bit of a hike for me. I didn't get the feeling that she remembered me over the phone, but she seemed willing to help.. I informed her that the car was not eligible for A/X/Z plan, which she was surprised about, so I forwarded her the Ford press release.
I told her I was ready to throw down a deposit right away, but wanted them to quote me a price. She got back to me later that day and said the sale manager didn't want to lock into anything this early in the order process. They'd take a deposit and lock me in for one, and if I didn't like the price they give me once it arrives I could get my deposit back. I felt somewhat offended, but a slight sense of loyalty told me to stick around and see what happens.. So I gave her my card number for a deposit.
Over the next week or so, I realized I was being taken for a ride and they were just using me to get a car on the lot.. I pressed harder for a quote and she told me that the sales manager had informed her that the market at the time was like $1,000 over msrp. But it will probably go down, so I shouldn't worry.
Of course at this time, people on here were locking in deals well below msrp. I eventually contacted a few other dealers which all were happy to give me a price (under msrp). I called Szott Ford back and told them I was going to take an offer somewhere else and wanted my deposit back.
Of course now, the car is A/X/Z plan eligible and I am getting A plan, so the pricing thing is moot, but the experience was enough to sour my mood on them.
Additionally, a salesmen at another dealer had told me that Szott Ford was being investigated for shady advertisement practices.. I cannot confirm or deny that, it might have just been someone throwing mud.
