Thanks all very much for the advice. I think I'm pretty well off with the pricing as-is, but it irks me when I see stuff like that

 

Not if the law forbids that type of contract.

Bingo!

The dealer can get you to sign it in hopes that you don't realize it's not a legally binding contract, but that doesn't mean it must be honored.

 

From X-Plan FAQ:

Can I be charged a “document fee” (doc fee) by my dealer?

Yes. Dealers will be permitted to assess up to $100 in documentary fees on each delivery to an eligible purchaser under the terms of the Plan, unless otherwise provided by state or local laws or regulation. Each dealer is responsible for complying with applicable laws or regulations.

•What if I am in a state that allows the dealer to charge more than $100?

Unless otherwise provided by state or local laws or regulation: In states where dealers are not permitted to charge as much as $100 for doc fees, dealers would be capped at the lesser amount as provided by the state. In states that permitted more than $100, dealers would be permitted to charge the Plan customer $100. In states that permitted more than $100 and also required that all customers be charged the same amount, dealers may charge the Plan customer $100 and indicate any additional fees have been paid by Ford Motor Company as part of the AXZD-Plan Program dealer reimbursement on the buyer's order.

•How does this change the $275 administration fee?

There is no change. The $275 administration fee covers costs of managing the New Vehicle Purchase Program.


How do I confirm the X-Plan Price on the vehicle I want to purchase?

As an X-Plan participant, you are authorized to see the dealer invoice for the vehicle you intend to purchase. Ask the dealer to show you this invoice and point out the X-Plan price for your review. The X-Plan price is the amount shown in the box labeled "X Plan" near the bottom of the factory invoice.

 

FS, I have a similar X-Plan roll-up with my SCab Lariat, and would agree that under the X-Plan pricing, that is pretty much how it works. I was just happy to save about $1K via X-Plan, so I'm trying not to lose any sleep over the traditional add-ons (which would be there in any case). I do question the rationale behind the "advertising fee"...why break that out as a red-flag-target to just ****-off new buyers vs just spreading that cost into the base price? I suppose it allows Ford to post lower prices in their TV ads, but it does start to feel like what the airlines are doing.

 

The gas and advertising fees are not reflected in the window sticker or MSRP, only itemized on the invoice.

 

I have a 2004 F150 S-Crew with 170K on it.....I am looking at upgrading to the 2015 S-Crew Lariat. I found a dealership in the area (WA state) that offers a Heroes Discount which is $200 over invoice....is this a great deal? I am still thinking that there is negotiating room in that invoice price as well. Thoughts???

 

That's a pretty good deal on a 2015, nobody is going below invoice on them yet. Just make sure they don't try to tack on "additional fees". The only legit extra is the doc fee. If they are honest they should show you the invoice if you ask. The invoice will show destination charge, and may show fuel and advertising coop fees charged to the dealer.

For reference, X-plan is 0.4% under invoice plus $275 with a doc fee capped at $100. If the invoice is $40k, that makes it $115 over invoice plus the doc fee.