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After digesting the Q&A session from yesterday, I have decided that Ford has taken a page from BMW's playbook regarding how to structure options and options packages. BMW is famous for forcing prospective purchasers to add multiple option packages just to obtain certain features. They often bundle one desirable feature with five other non-desirable features and call it a package.
Ford is pretty much doing the same thing using the trim options and package options. While the Q&A didn't reveal much, it did provide a few interesting tidbits of information. Allow me to use three examples:
1. Electronic Lockers. Ford did say yesterday that the rear locker would be available as an option on every trim level. However, they also went on to say front lockers would only be available wither by trim level or within the Sasquatch package. This means I have to purchase either a Badlands or the Sasquatch package just to get front and rear electronic lockers. I'm not saying other important stuff doesn't come with the Badlands or the Sasquatch package...but I cannot buy even a Black Diamond trim and just add the front locker to it; I have to add the whole Squtch package and everything that comes with it.
2. Tow Package. Ford mentioned the tow package would be available to every trim but the Base. This means I have to puchase at least a Big Bend trim if I want a factory installed tow package. Why? What is so different from the Base to the Big Bend that I cannot add a factory installed tow package to the Base? I know I can have the dealer install the tow pieces...but this isn't the same.
3. Manual transmission. Assuming I order the Squatch package, I have to also order an automatic transmission which, again, just adds most cost to the vehicle. I understand if Ford wants to limit transmission choices to certain engine options. That is acceptable. It is OK to say the V6 has to have an automatic; but why won't a manual transmission work with a 2.3L engine installed in a trim with the Squatch when it will work with the 2.3L engine when installed in a trim without the Squatch? This just doesn't make sense. Furthermore, Jeep doesn't limit engine and transmission choices in any way, shape, or form.
I don't expect an extensive menu of ala cart options available. But forcing me to purchase a 50K (or more) Badlands trim just to have a few 4WD features I think important is ridiculous.
Sorry for my rant.
Ford is pretty much doing the same thing using the trim options and package options. While the Q&A didn't reveal much, it did provide a few interesting tidbits of information. Allow me to use three examples:
1. Electronic Lockers. Ford did say yesterday that the rear locker would be available as an option on every trim level. However, they also went on to say front lockers would only be available wither by trim level or within the Sasquatch package. This means I have to purchase either a Badlands or the Sasquatch package just to get front and rear electronic lockers. I'm not saying other important stuff doesn't come with the Badlands or the Sasquatch package...but I cannot buy even a Black Diamond trim and just add the front locker to it; I have to add the whole Squtch package and everything that comes with it.
2. Tow Package. Ford mentioned the tow package would be available to every trim but the Base. This means I have to puchase at least a Big Bend trim if I want a factory installed tow package. Why? What is so different from the Base to the Big Bend that I cannot add a factory installed tow package to the Base? I know I can have the dealer install the tow pieces...but this isn't the same.
3. Manual transmission. Assuming I order the Squatch package, I have to also order an automatic transmission which, again, just adds most cost to the vehicle. I understand if Ford wants to limit transmission choices to certain engine options. That is acceptable. It is OK to say the V6 has to have an automatic; but why won't a manual transmission work with a 2.3L engine installed in a trim with the Squatch when it will work with the 2.3L engine when installed in a trim without the Squatch? This just doesn't make sense. Furthermore, Jeep doesn't limit engine and transmission choices in any way, shape, or form.
I don't expect an extensive menu of ala cart options available. But forcing me to purchase a 50K (or more) Badlands trim just to have a few 4WD features I think important is ridiculous.
Sorry for my rant.
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