Lightning Flippers Beware! Ford May Not Let You Re-Sell Your Truck!

[AbleGuy]

It looks like Ford is testing out a new technique to protect the market for and prices of its hot, new EV Lightning by now attempting (successfully in some locales so far) to restrict buyers from reselling (a.k.a., flipping) their new Lightning pickups!

This seems to be a entirely new wrinkle on a corporation controlling your rights as the owner of its product After you “own” it. Wow! This is pretty crazy. The current restriction of disallowing resales within one year of your original purchase may initially seem somewhat reasonable (as it will stymie flippers), but if a new owner has lifestyle or economic changes that make them need to resell, or if they decide they don’t like the truck, they cannot sell it? Read on below…

So, what do you guys think?

Will this strategy create a growing trend with other product producers/sellers to also completely redefine and erode the definition of your rights of personal ownership? I understand what Ford is trying to do, but still…

Ford F-150 Lightning buyers face a no-resale agreement - Autoblog

Another day, another story of dealers looking for ways to gouge as much money as possible out of Ford F-150 Lightning customers. Markups and price change sh

www.autoblog.com

 

[Markal]

I mean, you still have the right NOT to buy one in the first place. This is hardly tyranny run amok. If buyers don’t like it, they won’t buy, and Ford will back off. I can understand them trying to shut down flippers.

Seems unlikely to be enforced. I mean, if someone sells, what’s the dealer gonna do? Sue? Really?

 

[chet6.7]

Someone should be able to sell their private property. No one has to buy from a flipper, some make that choice, that is their business not Ford's.

 

[Rovertrader]

Ferrari did something similar many moons ago- but it was part of the purchase agreement. I believe it gave Ferrari first right of refusal at orig MSRP or some such structure…

 

[Rovertrader]

Cars and Bids just had one sell:

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat - Extended Range Battery, 4WD, Ford Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0

This 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat is for sale on Cars & Bids! Auction ends June 22 2022.

carsandbids.com

 

[Mickey Bitsko]

You go to the dealer, buy a an overpriced piece of plastic with an electric motor take it home and sell it for more than you paid from the dealer.
And somebody would be stupid enough to pay more for a used vehicle from a private party than they would brand from the dealer new with zero miles.
People are that ignorant today?
Ford must think so... and maybe they are.

 

[plh]

It looks like Ford is testing out a new technique to protect the market for and prices of its hot, new EV Lightning by now attempting (successfully in some locales so far) to restrict buyers from reselling (a.k.a., flipping) their new Lightning pickups!

This seems to be a entirely new wrinkle on a corporation controlling your rights as the owner of its product After you “own” it. Wow! This is pretty crazy. The current restriction of disallowing resales within one year of your original purchase may initially seem somewhat reasonable (as it will stymie flippers), but if a new owner has lifestyle or economic changes that make them need to resell, or if they decide they don’t like the truck, they cannot sell it? Read on below…

So, what do you guys think?

Will this strategy create a growing trend with other product producers/sellers to also completely redefine and erode the definition of your rights of personal ownership? I understand what Ford is trying to do, but still…

Ford F-150 Lightning buyers face a no-resale agreement - Autoblog

Another day, another story of dealers looking for ways to gouge as much money as possible out of Ford F-150 Lightning customers. Markups and price change sh

www.autoblog.com

Not surprising. I had mentioned to a few friends that had some of their features turned off after a few years of ownership (new cars) unless they ponied up monthly cash (like remote start), vehicles will become a subscription service. Pay full price for the first 5 years, then after 5 have to pay a monthly fee to drive it.

I'll guess in the purchase agreement it already says that the buyer doesn't "own" the software.

 

[plh]

You go to the dealer, buy a an overpriced piece of plastic with an electric motor take it home and sell it for more than you paid from the dealer.
And somebody would be stupid enough to pay more for a used vehicle from a private party than they would brand from the dealer new with zero miles.
People are that ignorant today?
Ford must think so... and maybe they are.

Welcome to the palm pilot generation

 

[Todd n Natalie]

Didn't Ford do that with the GT's?

 

[plh]

Didn't Ford do that with the GT's?

yes - GT https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2019-ford-gt-24

 

[AbleGuy]

The plot thickens…

Now Ford has announced that you will not be able to buy your Lightning at the end of its lease term but instead will have to sell it back to the dealer! This rule will apply to several other Ford EV’s too. Oh my!

Ford eliminates end-of-lease purchase option for EVs - Autoblog

Ford appears to have designated June as the month for realigning customer rights. A few days ago came word that dealers would be able to insert language int

www.autoblog.com

 

[FordGuy1]

Didn't Ford do that with the GT's?

Yes, and they kept there word. They sued and one a case against John Cena. He did not follow the contract.

 

[vintageracer]

Ford Dealers are the ones they need to stop FIRST from huge over sticker profits.

Ford needs to first worry about their own "Partners" BEFORE they start screwing their customers!

 

[FordGuy1]

Ford Dealers are the ones they need to stop FIRST from huge over sticker profits.

Ford needs to first worry about their own "Partners" BEFORE they start screwing their customers!

I agree, we sell all orders at sticker except Raptor. The problem is that we live in a free market where price is mostly dictated by supply and demand. What gives?

 

[plainjaneFJC]

I have no problem with Fords take on this in the current climate of limited inventory. Dealers need to follow the rules as well though. Look what Toyota dealers are doing on the new Tundra. They buy anything used and Jack the price which helps them sell the new ones for 15 over sticker