Ford: $0 for Gas Until 2007*
Are you sick of seeing Taylor Hicks singing in those Ford commercials yet? The company is using him to entice you to buy their brand by promising ”we’ll pay for your gas until 2007.” Sounds like a generous offer. Or is it?
*MOUSE PRINT: “Receive maximum $1,100 debit card for gas. Amount varies by model.” [Commercial airing June 2006]
According to their website, you only receive the maximum $1,100 if you buy an SUV or select truck. You get less (only $1000) if purchasing other vehicles.
With today’s gasoline prices at $3 or higher a gallon, many drivers say they are paying $50, $60, $70 or more weekly to tank up. At that rate, gas for half a year (from now until January) would run $1300 to $1820 — way more than Ford will pay for.
“$0 for gas” may be true for those who purchase fuel efficient vehicles, drive average or less amounts, and spend less than $39 a week for gas. For everyone else, Ford’s $0 for gas promise is running on fumes. MrConsumer says no tanks.
If Taylor had made & played the Ford commercial b/4 he entered American Idol contest, he would NOT have won. This commercial makes him look like a below average commercial singer.!
Comment by J Anstett — June 27, 2006 @ 2:56 pmFord is also ruining his career, (if he has one). Everytime we
Comment by frannie — July 24, 2006 @ 9:00 amwill see him one can’t think of that stupid commercial.
$0 for gas is not true here, but the real consumer issue is that the difference in the weekly gas price among competitive models rarely comes close to being a significant factor when compared to the affects of chargable options at sale time. If I find a new car that will increase my mileage by 50% and save me $30 per week, I’m still better off keeping my old car that is paid off instead of having a car payment that will be far more than $120/month.
The class of vehicle and the market price are the true factors that affect overall cost the most. If you buy a compact instead of an SUV, you will save money. But it’s not just the gas. It’s the overall cost that will be much lower. Unless you get an expensive hybrid, in which case the premium that you pay for the vehicle will offset the savings in gas in many cases, compared to an inexpensive compact driven moderate distances.
Comment by Hagrinas — July 24, 2006 @ 9:42 pmIt’s still a good deal but it should really say Free Gas for a year up to $1000. To me this is more sneaky than deceptive.
Comment by Tom — September 26, 2006 @ 9:08 pm