The M Files

Hi Dan – Loved this post and so excited to see more people getting into the hybrid spirit! I noticed your question about maintenance costs and the high tech gadgets. I work with Dave Ashby, Director of Operations at John Kennedy Ford Dealerships, and he had this to say:

“I think many of us are initially concerned about the reliability and serviceability of High Tech products or components. I recently purchased a 2010 Escape with Navigation, so I understand the feeling. Honestly, some of the tech is a little overwhelming if you?ó?é¼?äóre not too tech savvy! And, certainly, there?ó?é¼?äós no long-term data on our newer models.

What I can tell you is that Ford and Lincoln Mercury have offered in vehicle Navigation systems and other high tech options for many years. The simple truth is we rarely see failures or problems outside of ?ó?é¼?ôpilot error?ó?é¼?¥ issues. Once we get that sorted out with the customer, there?ó?é¼?äós very little trouble. In fact, if you do a little Internet research and will be hard pressed to find consumer complaints.

Also to note, the base warranty will cover issues for 36 months OR 36000 miles. For those concerned about failures after that time frame, Ford does offer extended warranties for up to 6 years. Make sure (insist) you get the FORD Extended Service Plan (ESP) and not some other knock off service plan if you decide to go that route. The Ford plan is backed by Ford and good at any Ford, Lincoln ?ó?é¼?Ç£ Mercury Dealer. With the Ford ESP plan you won?ó?é¼?äót have to worry about carrying a contract around or knowing about some policy number, any Ford L-M dealer can look it up in the Ford corporate database called OASIS.”