Lexington Park Ford??

[itsbob]

Situation arose with them that we thought curious, and was wondering if anyone else had the same issue.

We bought a Mercedes ML350 from them, a year old, low miles.

The sticker on the window, the ad online, and the ad on CarFax stated the car was LOADED with options. We bought it, assuming we'd figure it out through the owners manual how to use them.. it took us 20 minutes to figure out how to open the hood (nobody at the dealer could do it) AND the car didn't have an owners manual.

Did research on the car, and found most of the upper end option were NOT on there.

No navigation.

NO HID lights.

No Power Lift Gate.

No Rain Sensing Wipers..

No Back Up Camera.

We didn't report them to the MD Consumer Affairs office, they blamed their website company, and said they did the window sticker too.. I don't REALLY believe that, but once I confronted them they agreed to take the car back.


If others have been lied to and cheated the same way I may change my mind about reporting them for misleading business practices.. deception.. etc..

I'm thinking I need to go back and see what they have on the NEW window sticker when they put it back on the lot.. because if it STILL says the same things then they are lying pricks, and need to be reported.

 

[BoyGenius]

Situation arose with them that we thought curious, and was wondering if anyone else had the same issue.

We bought a Mercedes ML350 from them, a year old, low miles.

The sticker on the window, the ad online, and the ad on CarFax stated the car was LOADED with options. We bought it, assuming we'd figure it out through the owners manual how to use them.. it took us 20 minutes to figure out how to open the hood (nobody at the dealer could do it) AND the car didn't have an owners manual.

Did research on the car, and found most of the upper end option were NOT on there.

No navigation.

NO HID lights.

No Power Lift Gate.

No Rain Sensing Wipers..

No Back Up Camera.

We didn't report them to the MD Consumer Affairs office, they blamed their website company, and said they did the window sticker too.. I don't REALLY believe that, but once I confronted them they agreed to take the car back.


If others have been lied to and cheated the same way I may change my mind about reporting them for misleading business practices.. deception.. etc..

I'm thinking I need to go back and see what they have on the NEW window sticker when they put it back on the lot.. because if it STILL says the same things then they are lying pricks, and need to be reported.

The thing that sounds fishy is the VIN should tell someone who has access to all the stuff that a dealer does pretty much everything about a vehicle. It does for the insurance company, so why wouldn't it for a dealer?

 

[glhs837]

No, the VIN does not cover all the options, not unless you have access to that particular makers internal network. Any Dodge dealer can run a report on a Dodge that details its build, including all options, from the VIN, but a Ford dealer couldnt. The VIN doesn't usually detail options, only things like engine size and maybe a trim level. My VIN, for instance, details the engine size, which means its a certain trim level, since that engine only comes in that trim level. And that trim level means I must have leather seats, since its a part of the package, same for my Brembo brakes and beefy rear gears.

But the fact that I have a sunroof, and nav, and an upgraded stereo system? Those are not covered by the VIN.


Bob, digging into it, looks like a combo of two things, model misidentification and the never to be underestimated salesguy ignorance. Looks like the ML350 comes in two basic flavors, in the gas powered model, anyway, the regular, in which all those things you didnt get are options, and the "Edition 10" flavor, in which every single option on the list is standard.

Regular

2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class standard equipment at Edmunds

Edition 10

2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class standard equipment at Edmunds

 

[aps45819]

If nobody at the dealership could open the hood, I would have to assume absolutly no service was done and would walk.

 

[Lizzy4459]

My vehicle is an older model and doesn't have the latch system for carseats. Neither does my husband's. Our owner's manual says to contact the dealer and they will get a teether kit to secure the car seats. We called Lexington Park Ford and the person on the phone (Parts Manager) said that our vehicles are too old and that Ford doesn't make parts for them anymore. Unreal!

My husband called another dealer and they gave us the part numbers. He called Lexington Park Ford the next day and a younger guy answered the phone took the part numbers and ordered the teether kit.

I went in to pick them up. Well the teether kit for my vehicle was there but my the kit for our truck was cancelled. Again the parts manager said our vehicles are too old and because Ford have the Latch system they don't make the safety kits for our vehicle. Yet right there in my hand was the one for my vehicle which is a year older than our truck!

I went to Ford Direct and ordered it myself. I'm in the process of writing a letter to Ford. I think they should know that one of their dealerships is saying they don't make safety devices for older model vehicles.

Apparently according to the Parts Manager of Lexington Park Ford I either have to buy an new vehicle or have my kid get ejected from the windshield.

I think that they just don't think.

 

[glhs837]

If nobody at the dealership could open the hood, I would have to assume absolutly no service was done and would walk.

Eh, I dont know, aps, I have a couple of thoughts on that. Mercedes dont have a lot of service requirements, an 08 with under 20Kwould have needed maybe an oil change and fluid checks. Trans might not even have a dipstick, and require an electronic tool to check that anyway. Do you really want these guys mucking about under the hood? Hell, I dont even want Dodge techs touching mine if I can help it.

Also, could be that the day it came in, the one bright bulb in the box did do an inspection, and he wasnt there when Bob was. Maybe not, no telling.

Oh, and Lizzy, dont expect much, other than the intial survey after purchase, Ford, nor any of the other makers, really cares about stuff like your issue, they take a very hands off approach to dealerships.

 

[bcp]

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating :
5176 kg (11413 lb)
Order Number :
JJHS3H
Build Date :
09/23/2005
Build Plant :
16F43


GMVIS is not the definitive source of GM Vehicle RPO information and is intended for service reference only. Should there be any questions about the vehicle's original build or RPO information please refer to the original vehicle invoice or window sticker.

OPTION CODES​

AG1 - POWER DRIVER SEAT ADJUSTER
AG2 - POWER FRONT SEAT ADJUSTERS
AJ1 - DEEP TINTED GLASS
AM7 - FOLDING REAR SEAT
AN3 - BUCKET SEATS W/FRT LTHR SEATING SURFACES, DR/FRT PASS 10-WAY PWR ADJ, HEATED SEATS W/PWR LUMBAR, 2-POS DR SIDE MEMORY
AU0 - REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM
AU3 - POWER DOOR LOCKS
A31 - POWER WINDOWS
BVE - CHROME TUBULAR ASSIST STEPS ***DEALER INSTALLED***
B30 - FULL COLOR-KEYED CARPET W/MATS
B32 - FRONT COLOR-KEYED FLOOR MATS
B33 - REAR COLOR-KEYED FLOOR MATS
B71 - WHEEL FLARES
CF5 - POWER SUNROOF INCLUDES UNIVERSAL HOME REMOTE
CJ2 - DUAL ZONE AIR COND - AUTO
CMD - ASSEMBLY PLANT - FLINT, MI
C49 - ELECTRIC REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER
C7W - GVW RATING - 11,400 LBS
DF5 - ELECTROCHROMIC ISRV MIRROR WITH COMPASS & TEMP
DK8 - DELUXE OVERHEAD CONSOLE
DNR - DEALER INSTALLED EQUIPMENT
DPN - PWR HTD EXT CAMPER MIRRORS W/ TURN SIGNAL & LWR CONVEX GLASS
DT4 - SMOKER'S PACKAGE
D07 - FLOOR CONSOLE
E63 - WIDESIDE BOX PICKUP BED
FE9 - FEDERAL EMISSIONS
FT2 - ARM TORS BAR SPRING ADJ
FT3 - ARM TORS BAR SPRING ADJ
GT4 - REAR AXLE - 3.73 RATIO
G80 - H.D. REAR LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL
HVY - IDEN 2 INCH BODY RAISE,HD MODEL
JH7 - 4 WHL PWR DISC BRAKES,12000 LBS
KC4 - ENGINE OIL COOLING SYSTEM
KG3 - ALTERNATOR 145 AMP
KNP - H.D. TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER
KUP - THROTTLE CONTROL ELECTRONIC
K05 - ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
K34 - CRUISE CONTROL
K47 - HIGH CAPACITY AIR CLEANER
LLY - DURAMAX 6.6L TURBO DIESEL V8 ENG-310 HP, 605 LB-FT TORQUE
MW7 - ALLISON 1000 6-SPEED AUTO TRANS
NP1 - ELECTRONIC TRANSFER CASE
NP5 - LEATHER-WRAPPED STEERING WHL
NT9 - EMISSION SYSTEM FEDERAL, TIER 2 PHASE-OUT
NZZ - OFF-ROAD SKID PLATE PKG
PDB - ONSTAR PLUS PACKAGE INCL: *ONSTAR SERVICE-INCLUDES 1 YEAR 1 YEAR SAFE & SOUND PLAN *XM SATELLITE RADIO-SERVICE FEE EXTRA -1ST 3 MONTHS INCL.
PDN - HEAVY DUTY POWER PACKAGE INCL: *DURAMAX 6.6L TURBO DIESEL V8 ENG-310 HP, 605 LB-FT TORQUE *ALLISON 1000 6-SPD AUTO TRANS *H.D. REAR LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL
P06 - CHROME WHEEL CENTER CAPS
R4Y - TIRE BRAND ALL GOODYEAR
R6J - CUSTOMER DIALOGUE NETWORK
R6P - PREMIUM PAINT
R8A - LAM PROCESSING EXEMPTIONS
R9N - LEATHER SEAT TRIM
R9Z - POMS EXPEDITE-SOLD ORDERS
SAF - SPARE TIRE LOCK
SLM - STOCK ORDERS
TFE - SALES INCENTIVE-COMMITMENT PLUS
TQ3 - BATTERY 770 CCA (DUAL)
T96 - FRONT FOG LAMPS
UC6 - AM/FM STEREO W/6-DISC CD CHANGER (REPLACES STD/OPT RADIO)
UE1 - ONSTAR SERVICE: INCLUDES 1 YEAR SAFE & SOUND PLAN
UG1 - UNIVERSAL HOME REMOTE
UK3 - STEERING WHEEL RADIO CONTROLS
UK6 - REAR SEAT AUDIO CONTROLS
UQ7 - BOSE PREMIUM SPEAKER SYSTEM
U01 - ROOF MARKER LAMPS
U2K - XM SATELLITE RADIO - SERVICE FEE EXTRA. 1ST 3 MONTHS INCL.
U42 - REAR SEAT ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM
VB3 - CHROME STEP REAR BUMPER
VC0 - LABEL NOISE CONTROL INFORMATION
VFF - VIDEO FORMAT REGION 1 NTSC
VG3 - CHROME FRONT BUMPER
VK3 - FRONT LICENSE PLATE MOUNT
VR4 - WEIGHT DIST HITCH PLATFORM
VXS - COMPLETE VEHICLE LABEL
VZ3 - MERCURY DISPOSAL LABEL
V22 - CHROME GRILLE SURROUND
V73 - STATEMENT OF CERT. U.S.
XEF - LT215/85R16/E OOR BW TIRES
YD3 - BASE EQUIP FOR SCH GVW PLATE
YD5 - FRONT SPRING - BASE EQUIPMENT
YD6 - REAR SPRING - BASE EQUIPMENT
YEF - LT215/85R16E BW REAR TIRE
YE9 - SLE/SLT DECOR
ZEF - LT215/85R16/E OOR BW SPARE TIRE
ZY1 - SOLID PAINT
Z82 - H.D. TRAILERING EQUIPMENT PKG.
Z85 - HANDLING/TRAILERING SUSP PKG
Z88 - GMC TRUCK NAMEPLATE
1SZ - POWER PACK SAVINGS
4SA - SLT DECOR INCLUDES: *CRUISE CONTROL *ELECTRIC REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER *POWER LOCKS & WINDOWS *REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM *ELECTROCHROMIC ISRV MIRROR WITH COMPASS & TEMP *PWR DR/FRT PASS 10-WAY SEAT ADJUSTER *AM/FM STEREO W/6-DISC CD PLAYER *BOSE PREMIUM SPEAKER SYSTEM *STEERING WHEEL-MOUNTED RADIO CONTROLS *LEATHER-WRAPPED STEERING WHEEL *DEEP TINTED GLASS *POWER HEATED EXTERIOR BLACK MIRRORS *CHROME FRONT BUMPER *CHROME GRILLE *ELECTRONIC SHIFT TRANSFER CASE
50U - SUMMIT WHITE
52I - NEUTRAL INTERIOR TRIM
522 - NEUTRAL
6GL - SPRING COMPTR SELECT FRT LH
7GL - SPRING COMPTR SELECT FRT RH​

[/CENTER]

 

[bcp]

the above post shows what the VIN run can give you.
It does include ALL options that are on the vehicle, its simple to pull if you either have the access to the VIN program, or if you know someone that does.
(I know someone that does)
also included but not put on the post due to lenght, is all service and warrenty work that was done since the day it was put in service, including oil and filter changes.

 

[glhs837]

Thats a GMVIS, or General Motors Vehicle Information System, report. I could be wrong, but I'm ptretty sure that system is only available to GM folks, parts techs, that sort of thing. Now, most GMs also have a complete RPO (Regular Production Option) list in the glovebox, which can be cross referenced to sources on the net, like this one.

RPO Codes.com- GM option codes,GM rpo codes,Regular Production Options,General Motors options


For someone good with the net, there are always ways to get info, but the average dealership is NEVER going to use such. Expecting anyone at a delarship to spend even five minutes looking a thing up is unrealistic. Even for one of their models.

See if your freind can do that same lookup for a Dodge, or a Ford? He cant, you have to use the specific makers system. the VIN contains none of that information, GMs database does, and if you cant access that, none of that info is available.

 

[qbee]

Had this happen to me while looking for my luxury car last year. Found a car on auto trader listed at a NJ car dealership... Had all of the bells and whistles... Put a large deposit down for them to hold it... Drove all the way up there : Got there not nearly as many amenities as described in the listing.

Its their ploy to get you to come to their dealership and wheel and deal on a car thats NOT in their possession! Glad you got your money back... Its really a waste of time to report them to the BBB. Good luck with your car search

 

[bcp]

Thats a GMVIS, or General Motors Vehicle Information System, report. I could be wrong, but I'm ptretty sure that system is only available to GM folks, parts techs, that sort of thing. Now, most GMs also have a complete RPO (Regular Production Option) list in the glovebox, which can be cross referenced to sources on the net, like this one.

RPO Codes.com- GM option codes,GM rpo codes,Regular Production Options,General Motors options


For someone good with the net, there are always ways to get info, but the average dealership is NEVER going to use such. Expecting anyone at a delarship to spend even five minutes looking a thing up is unrealistic. Even for one of their models.

Want me to post the run for my wifes Jetta?
the report shows everything that is on that vehicle, not just what could have been on that vehicle.
I cant speak for Ford or for Mercedes, but I can say that for VW and for GMC you can get someone to pull this for you if you ask real nice.
I had mine pulled on the truck because I was curious about a couple of options that I didnt know if I had or not, like the G-80 differential for example.

 

[mattvivslivesou]

It is "fully" loaded... when you comparing it to any other Ford Motor Co vehicle that is produced.

 

[bcp]

the only options that the mercedes was missing that I would be really pissed about would be the navigation, and the rain sensing windshield wipers.
other than that, the other options are nice but not something that you will really ever miss.

of course, that back up camera might be handy, I want one of those for the camper but the price is just too high to put it on.

 

[glhs837]

bcp, here's what your not getting. I'm not saying that with a VIN, you cant get that info, I"m saying a Ford dealership cannot use that VIN to get that info for another make. Unless they are willing to call a dealership for that make and ask. The VIN only allows the dealer to find that car in the system, and the manufacturers system finds that cars records and gives the info on options.

The VIN does NOT contain individual option info, the VIN contains the same info for everyone, thats federally mandated. Heres a link to a breakdown of Ford VINs

https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenance/VIN_tools/pdfs/VIN2008.pdf

Now, it identifies models, and trim levels within a model, but does NOT identify leather seats, NAV, or butt warmers.

Same for VW

http://www.it2.evaluand.com/downloads/VW1991-2006VIN.pdf

I'd love to see a list of ANY VIN that shows where the option info is.

 

[bcp]

That is the actual build sheet for my truck.
I got it from someone else that has the ability to pull the info from the dealers.
same with the VW, now, Im not sure if the VW sheet is a catch all or is specific since her jetta has every option under the sun.
The key here on this sheet that helps show its specific is if you look at the paint and trim information. It is specific to the truck, not a general code, or does it include all the possible codes to cover all possible colors and trim options.

so, yes, they can pull it if they really want to.
At least the guy that got me mine was able to, but he also subscribes to some dealers site to do it. (he is with GM at the plant) for now.

 

[Southern Belle]

Situation arose with them that we thought curious, and was wondering if anyone else had the same issue.

We bought a Mercedes ML350 from them, a year old, low miles.

The sticker on the window, the ad online, and the ad on CarFax stated the car was LOADED with options. We bought it, assuming we'd figure it out through the owners manual how to use them.. it took us 20 minutes to figure out how to open the hood (nobody at the dealer could do it) AND the car didn't have an owners manual.

Did research on the car, and found most of the upper end option were NOT on there.

No navigation.

NO HID lights.

No Power Lift Gate.

No Rain Sensing Wipers..

No Back Up Camera.

We didn't report them to the MD Consumer Affairs office, they blamed their website company, and said they did the window sticker too.. I don't REALLY believe that, but once I confronted them they agreed to take the car back.


If others have been lied to and cheated the same way I may change my mind about reporting them for misleading business practices.. deception.. etc..

I'm thinking I need to go back and see what they have on the NEW window sticker when they put it back on the lot.. because if it STILL says the same things then they are lying pricks, and need to be reported.

Should have gone "dodge", my husband is on a first name basis with the dealership.

 

[glhs837]

That is the actual build sheet for my truck.
I got it from someone else that has the ability to pull the info from the dealers.
same with the VW, now, Im not sure if the VW sheet is a catch all or is specific since her jetta has every option under the sun.
The key here on this sheet that helps show its specific is if you look at the paint and trim information. It is specific to the truck, not a general code, or does it include all the possible codes to cover all possible colors and trim options.

so, yes, they can pull it if they really want to.
At least the guy that got me mine was able to, but he also subscribes to some dealers site to do it. (he is with GM at the plant) for now.

I know thats for your truck, I had one like it for my Neon, and have one for my Charger. Hell, with the connections I have, I can get detailed info on almost any Dodge made in the last 5 years, including sales/service info, but that only because my source knows Id never misuse such info.

But, heres the key, I have never said that detailed option information cannot be gotten with a VIN, but that

A) The VIN itself does NOT contain that info.
B) No dealership has access to the databases of other makes that allows them to get such info.

Now, maybe at a Ford dealership, there might be a guy who has a buddy at a Dodge dealership, or maybe he just came from there and remembers his access code to the system. But these are not normal circumstances. What the VIN has is the specific 6 digit serial number for that vehicle, that, when looked up the makers database, is where the option info comes from.

 

[sockgirl77]

Should have gone "dodge", my husband is on a first name basis with the dealership.

Some people don't like Dodge. I'm not a huge fan of Chrysler products or their dealerships. :shrug:

 

[itsbob]

Some people don't like Dodge. I'm not a huge fan of Chrysler products or their dealerships. :shrug:

I bought my last Dodge in 1984, haven't stepped foot on a Dodge lot since.

NOW, for the rest of the story...

We dropped off the Mercedes, and they were OK with us bringing it back.. kind of surprised they didn't try to sell us something else, I mean we WERE already approved for financing and all..

SO we swap trucks and head out to get some dinner.. and I nonchalantly ask.. "Wanna go to the Toyota Dealer, see what they got?" Surprised she said yes, and we even more surprised a few hours later when we drove off with a new Highlander. Not this truck IS fully loaded. Looking at the owners manual, the only thing we are missing is a 110v outlet.

BTW.. Just got an e-mail my order has shipped.. Anyone need an Owners Manual for a 2008 ML350??

 

[glhs837]

I've heard Lexington Park Ford might need one