Purchasing an Everest from Ford Phetchburi

[sam123]

Hi, I'd really appreciate some advice from anyone who's dealt with Ford Phetchburi. I've been interested in a basic 4x2 Manual Everest for some time and was, to a certain extent, dismayed by some of the readers' comments on Ford Hua Hin, Phetkasem Road, both with their service towards customers' vehicles and unhelpful nature.

I think I noticed one comment that somebody had been to Phetchburi and the drive the being a distance, it wasn't convenient. I live in Phetchburi and I went along to see them today. They treated me very well, although I noticed that the colour I wanted "gunmetal blue", although appearing in the current brochure and very recently appearing on Ford Thailand's web site, they say is now discontinued. This naturally put me on my guard. Are they telling the truth about this? Why should gunmetal blue start appearing on the web site in the past few days and then they claim it's discontinued?

Does anyone have experience of dealing with this company, which I understand is not the same company which operates the Hua Hin and Pranburi dealerships.

My preference is for the current shape Everest, frankly because I like the design and it suits me. I'm aware of course that there is a new model Everest to be released but from the pictures I've seen, it doesn't appeal to me and I do not like that kind of Fortuna-esq shape, despite the fact that the front looks good (based presumably on the Ford Ranger pick-up). I do not want a pick-up either, although the Ranger looks nice enough. So it's Ford Everest, current model, or nothing. I apologise for being stubborn. I will not entertain any Japanese vehicles.

So, what I'm asking is this: does anyone know if the blue is indeed available and not discontinued as he claims?

I'm also asking, what is the standard list of free options thrown in, as is usually customary with Thai cars...

a) Mats?
B) Slight tinted windows?
c) Minor Wood trim option?
d) Cargo bay net?
e) Cargo luggage tray?
f) And most importantly, free insurance, because I know that's generally normal?

Frankly the dealer at Phetchburi was very helpful in other respects but I could detect that they see a Western man on his own, with no wife or Thai friend to guide him. I do not want to be taken for a ride, pun not intended.

Any similar experiences with Fords in general and what is normal to be expected from them, I would be most grateful indeed to you. Thanks.

P.S., As can be seen on Ford's web site, the gunmetal blue is still in evidence, just use the Ford web site with th on the end. Thanks a lot for any advice, I really appreciate it.

[Big Boy]

I never got to find out about the service at Petchaburi.

When you say the new Everest, do you mean this one http://www.ford.co.th/en/suvs/territory ? Looks nice to me, but way outside of my pensioner's budget.

[sam123]

When you say the new Everest, do you mean this one... ford co th en suvs territory ?

No, BB, that's called a Territory. I am interested in the current model Everest. Sorry it appears there's a limit to posting URLs on this site, so I can't give a link. I confused the issue by using the word 'new' in the context of purchasing a brand-new vehicle, apologies.

Anyway, to update. The lady and a young guy who seemed to lack any form of communication came to my house today to let me have a test drive. Unfortunately, they arrived in a thirteen-year old Ford (I known not which). They then took me to Phetchburi to the Ford dealer owner's other company (The Kubota company) heading north out of Phetchburi. I was a bit disappointed that they hadn't let me see the car at my house, so that my Thai gardener could take a look with me. Anyway they let me try the Everest in Phetchburi so I carefully pointed it back in the direction of home and took all the back routes. I must have covered 70 km or so and therefore got a good feel for it. Therefore I took it back to my house anyway and left them to return alone!

There are some problems though:

1. I asked if they ever had any problems issuing the tabian rot in the foreigner's name and she said that they normally put it in the Thai spouse's name. That's not suitable for me, as I am a lone Westerner. My Honda Scoopy incidentally is in my own name. So that's a big question and one which I'm concerned about, given that I'll be handing over 1m THB.

2. I asked if they had any other Western customers and she said only ones with Thai wives!

3. The model they showed me was an LTD with NAVI and all the extras, like leather seats. All I want is a manual-gear XLT model, to which I can purchase a few minimal convenient extras like fog lights and wood trim to add a bit more pleasure to the basic car. I think it's not bad value at 989K THB.

4. They don't have my preferred colour "gun metal blue". Interestingly this colour has only just appeared on the Ford web site in the past few days, but the dealer said that the "colour has been discontinued".

So, all in all, it wasn't such a successful test drive, although I love driving the motor a lot. I'm concerned that the basic XLT model will be awful inside (I know it doesn't have leather seats but that's no problem for me, I dislike slipperly leather seats).

Back to square one really. I might just bite the bullet and go for the Benz C-Class that I went up to Bangkok to see last weekend. It was much more satisfying, although I love the style of the Everest - reminiscent of the Land Rover Defender which I've always loved.

May I ask, does anyone on this forum have an Everest XLT? Any chance I could take a quick look? I wouldn't need to drive it - just look at the quality of the interior. If that's inconvenient, just a few words of description would be helpful too. Thanks very much.

[Dannie Boy]

Just an observation Sam, you mention about wanting a basic Everest because it comes in below 1 million baht as opposed to about 1.2 million for the higher spec car, but then compare it to a Merc C Class with the cheapest starting at 2.25 million - seems a strange comparison?

[sam123]

Just an observation Sam, you mention about wanting a basic Everest because it comes in below 1 million baht

Yes sure no problem for asking, but I didn't say that I wanted the Everest because it is available below 1m, anywhere in my critique. The criteria for those two cars are completely different -- in other words, I'll pay what I'm happy to pay for the given vehicle whichever I happen to choose, notwithstanding the fact that if I have to pay much more to get the vehicle which I'm happier with, then I'll do so.

I like the Everest a lot but certain things about the deal, the reputation, the colour availability etc. and many other things are currently a put-off, including the extra cost of the LTD version, few of the features of which I'm especially interested in, hence mentioning the other motor I'm swaying towards.

[usual suspect]

You are right to ask these Q's, & I (as well as BB) DO have a Thai lady who can get on the phone (if needed) to other Ford dealers (or indeed Ford Thailand in BKK)..& ask many Q's & get (with luck) answers that the dealer is unwilling to tell you.
It may be the case that Pet'buri Ford can get you a Everest in your desired colour, but if they have not got one themselves, then sourcing one may come out of their profit-margin..?
Sometimes we Farang can smell a rat..when it may just be a simple case of the dealer not losing face over
the issue..??
Does the price-tag of just under a million Baht compare OK against other marque's SUVs..Isuzu's MU7, or a Mitsu's Pajero..?? (yes I've omitted the Toyota here).
How about coming down to HH & checking if HH Ford indeed do have the model you'd like..??
You don't have to commit yourself, but could blag that needy test-drive.
Sorry I've no positive feedback for you here, & I wish you well Sam..

[Dannie Boy]

Just an observation Sam, you mention about wanting a basic Everest because it comes in below 1 million baht

Yes sure no problem for asking, but I didn't say that I wanted the Everest because it is available below 1m, anywhere in my critique. The criteria for those two cars are completely different -- in other words, I'll pay what I'm happy to pay for the given vehicle whichever I happen to choose, notwithstanding the fact that if I have to pay much more to get the vehicle which I'm happier with, then I'll do so.

I like the Everest a lot but certain things about the deal, the reputation, the colour availability etc. and many other things are currently a put-off, including the extra cost of the LTD version, few of the features of which I'm especially interested in, hence mentioning the other motor I'm swaying towards.

Fair enough, but if you are thinking about a C Class, have you looked at the new Honda Accord as a comparison? - a forum member recently bought one and seems to be very happy with it.

[sam123]

Just for the record, I was informed that the Everest in the manual-gearbox version is no longer stocked. I think the current Everest as a product here in Thailand is in the process of being phased out.

[Big Boy]

Hence my earlier question, 'Did you mean the territory?'

[Stu-Pot]

New Everest model being launched in 2014, so I imagine that they wil have slowed down or stopped production of the current model......especially special requests!

[Winkie]

Hence my earlier question, 'Did you mean the territory?'

Territory is built in Australia and is THB 3Million

Its a completely different vehicle to the Everest

[Big Boy]

Yes, that is probably right, but Ford sent me a flyer the day before advertising the Territory as their new SUV in Thailand. I'd never even heard of it before then.

[VincentD]

Manual gearboxes are not popular in Thailand, main reason being the horrendous traffic.

I note from the ford.co.th website that the starting price for the Everest is less than it's smaller sibling, the Escape (!). I also note that the Everest is the only model that uses ball and nut steering; even the Ranger has rack and pinion steering, which is much lighter and more precise. So it would appear that the Everest is even more of a truck than the Ranger.
The Territory would be great if you lived in the outback, however how many people would need AWD capability in day to day driving?

But I digress.
I'll get my coat now.

[Billy Joe I]

Hi Sam123,

I bought a ford from Hua Hin about6 months ago and thought it was the same company that owned the Phetchburi branch too although I don't know that for sure.
I found that they were quite frankly the most unhelpful people I have ever come across in Thailand and intensely difficult to deal with. It was a shame as I like the car and think its still a good value for money option but the service... something else!!

Mine is registered in my name and I have the blue book with my name in it also. If you do buy, it can go into your name fairly easily providing you have the forms from immigration. Basically, you need the immigration dept to give you a certificate of residence which usually cost about 700baht I think. If you go to your local office they can help if you just ask for 'paper to buy a car'. With that and a copy of your passport, the dealer can register the car in your name. Beware though that the cert from immigration is valid for 28 days and so don't do it until you have the car on red plates or you'll have to do it again. I had a problem with Ford HH as they kept losing the cert and in the end I had to get 3 done before I was able to get the blue book.

If the dealer in Phetchburi is in any way linked to the dealer in Hua Hin, I would recommend going to Bangkok and trying one there. The issues you are seeing with the colour would make me think its worth a try.

In terms of the Explorer, I have driven one and found the quality inside a bit below par. The plastics were cheaper than in the escape and didn't give the sense they would last the distance. The escape seemed much better built and screwed together. Sadly the Explorer looks the part though!

If you decide to take the plunge, I wish you the very best of luck and hope you come away with a better 'Ford' experience than I did and others in this forum.

[5yearexpat]

Sam

Personally, I have always liked FORD products, after having an F150 King Ranch truck in the US for years. We have a toyota truck here, but decided to look into an SUV. Spotted a Ford Everest LTD at a car show. The LTD 2 x 4 model had the bells & whistles (navi, back up camera, automatic etc). The dealership staff touted the new 5 speed automatic, as producing great fuel economy in combination with the diesel power plant. When an inquiry of the fuel economy was made - the tossed out a 15 km / liter figure. Disputing it a bit, they made the assurance that all their customer can make that number. Hmmm, the 5 speed auto was an innovation for that model year. This was the Ford dealer in Korat.... Reported to be a Master Dealership for Thailand, and winner of the Blue Oval status from FORD for top level customer service satisfaction !!!!

Taking delivery. With papers already signed - they couldnt be bothered to do even a good walk through of the vehicle with my wife. About 5 minutes of talking by the car. A few minutes to meet the counter girl for parts and service scheduling... In the vehicle, I looked at the GPS version & map dates. Its the same system as I had just updated in a hand held (with great difficulty). The version of GPS maps in that NEW FORD was a year behind. So I asked the sales staff, if they could update the GPS to the latest version. The said "Oh you can do it yourself - very easy". For which I told them. Sorry, but its not easy. You need to arrange for that upgrade. Sure no problem, bring the vehicle back next week and we will do it for you. That turned into a 9 month process, with NO GPS for that time, and many dissapointments along the way.

This dealership had the worst service I have ever experienced, in 35 years of buying new cars. The never returned any phone calls to notify when items were available or any reason that the dealer should call the owner.

The fuel economy on this vehicle - for the exact same driving patterns as our 4 x 4 Toyota, was about 2 km/liter lower ~ 10.5 km / liter. Its not that the Ford transmission is a problem (its not). It incorporates free wheeling in all lower gears, and no free wheeling in its 5th gear. Great features, but for most TL driving the vehicle seldom stays in 5th gear, and must be traveling above 90 km/hr to engage 5th, and it drops out of 5th at 80 or below. So it was total crap about the average fuel economy they touted. I ran the vehicle on long highway runs to BKK and check carefully and it could barely break 13 Km /L.

Problems came up with electric door switches, Ford could not fix it with any consistency. They struggled to upgrade the GPS - sending off the under seat unit (3) time for programming, (3) times returning from Ford BKK and still not serviceable. They finally removed one from a car on the floor and swapped it out to end the 9 month ordeal.

I dont know what your local dealership is like, but The FORD DEALERSHIP - I tried here was considered TOP OF THE FOOD CHAIN with the BLUE OVAL credential. The sucked !!! We sold the car after 2 years, and even going to close out the financing with bank Ford used (Tibco, Timco or something like that). The bank insisted upon collecting the cost of the credit life policy for the full term of the loan, tacking the cost on loan settlement, even though there was no need for 3 years more of the policy, as the loan was being retired. The bank insisted on collecting a portion of interest that they would not receive by note closure. They insisted with the dealership representative in attendance (we sold the vehicle back to Ford) - that the balance of road tax - apportioned to the loan, must be collected in closing the note. When the process was done, they refused to give my wife any receipts, accounting record, or proof the loan was paid off - Mgr telling her point blank - Your loan is settled, what do you need any records for ?....

You get the idea - strong chance there was collusion between that Ford credit manager and the bank manager. When she came out and was done, and explained it to me - I was Livid. TOTAL SCAM - got done by that group on loan closure and repayment back to the wife of an equity amount.

Going with a dealership who uses their own in factory financial arrangements, avoids this kind of issue, should you choose to sell early. I would steer clear of FORD in Thailand, after this kind of experience. The product was OK. SERVICE was nothing even close to what TOYOTA Delivers each time - everytime. The design / suitability of the automatics for TL driving patterns - is a sorry miss match. It would be smashing for expressway driving in anywhere western, but it fails to achieve good use of the overdrive on TL roadways.

Good luck to you. I dont like to give such bad feedback, but in view of the experience we had with Ford in KORAT, and their turn arounds with the main office in BKK - I felt you need to hear a bit more about the organization you are climbing into bed with when you buy their product.

Good luck