Missouri Ford Car Dealers

A reporter is interested in talking with recent new truck buyers and current shoppers. If you are interested in commenting on your experience, please reply to pr@edmunds.com no later than Monday, February 28, 2011 and include your name, city and state of residence.

$399/month... for how long? At what interest rate? A monthly payment doesn't really help determine what a good price is, and you really shouldn't be tricked into shopping for a car based on a "monthly payment" price. This is one of the main ways that consumers end up paying too much for a vehicle. You need to determine the best PRICE for the vehicle. After that, you need to work on the financing separate from the purchase price. Make sure you know what the loan term is (# of months) and the interest rate. If the loan term is long and/or the interest rate is too high, it doesn't matter what the monthly payment is - it's too much.

I am looking to lease a 2011 Explorer Limited 4wd. I found one with a sticker of $47,605. They said I could have x plan pricing of $44429. I need an 18k mile lease. With no cap reduction they quoted $710 for 36 mos and $783 for 24 mos. Due to the extra miles they said the residual was 59% for 24 mos and 50% for 36. Are these good prices? Also, this is in the Chicago region. Lastly, how does the credit tier ranking work? I checked my credit score on line and my FICO score was 699. Any advice would be appreciated.

A reporter would like to talk with someone who had owned or shopped a Toyota in the past but now drives a Ford or a Hyundai. Please email your daytime contact info to pr@edmunds.com by Friday, January 7, 2011.

Can anyone tell me if Ford Motor Credit is any better or worse at financing someone with not so good credit? I had good credit until I got laid off for 18 mos. I started working again thankfully 3 months ago full time making a very good salary. I really need a different car. (my 10 year old convertible has run its course.) Thanks.