Subject: 
Re: Mustang 2002 GT, Covertable


Sat, 24 Jul 2004 06:28:27 -0700
Date:    





Hello Todd,

Thanks for your answer.
I did get  little bit smarter on this issue in the meantime.
Ford made these Mustangs (2002) and who knows for how many years with an 
exotic new technology (or built in problem): The alignment can not be 
fully adjusted by anybody, some serious modifications have to be made 
that involves drilling and whatever else to make the four wheels fully 
adjustable. At the independents a wheel alignment is $60.00 in my area 
and they all told me this same thing.
On the other hand Ford will not pay the dealers to do work when it is 
necessary, and I assume that it is often necessary.
So the dealers charge between $300.00 and 400.00 to do the work.
The two dealers I was dealing with operate like this: they will not tell 
you the story right away just state that you pay $60.00 for alignment of
the front end, or "diagnostics". After you left the car they call you 
and give you all the wonderful details in a polished and well learned 
pitch, about all the things they will do to make your car drive straight 
again...  for over $300.00...
Ford has produced a problem here for the owners and the dealers are 
turning this into a cash cow for themselves, not a very nice picture on 
balance...
This very same car had the front break fallen apart on one side at 
around 15,000 miles...
I did own a half dozen foreign cars in the last  thirty years and do not 
recall a single similar event. 

best,

george k