GREED!

[GSXR RACER MIKE]

     I have to blow off some steam after my trip to the Ford dealership today. For those that don't know,  I have an '02 F-250 S/D with a 7.3L Diesel (which is for sale ;)) and I recently purchased an '03 F-350 S/D with the newer 6.0L Diesel.

     I noticed that the new truck seems like the fuel filter is getting plugged (supposed to be changed every 15,000 miles) and since I don't know when or if it was ever changed I decided to do it. So figuring I would just do this myself I decide to go to the local auto parts store to buy a fuel filter, while driving there I decided I would also get an oil and air filter too. I get to the store and they don't have any of these items, not even a place for them. Looking in the book the only 1 that even listed a part number was for the oil filter. The '05 model is the 3rd model year to offer this engine, so I thought it was really strange that no aftermarket stuff was available yet?

     So since I absolutely needed to get the fuel filter I figured I would have to go to the Ford dealership and pay the higher price, while I'm there I figured I might as well get all 3 filters I need. The parts guy at Ford goes and gets everything and returns and asks me "Are you SURE you need all 3 of these filters?", I asked him why and he said that they were kind of expensive. I previously have purchased all of these items from the auto parts store for my 7.3L Diesel and it would cost about $40 out the door, so I figured they would gouge me like $50 to $60 from the dealership. Beyond that the auto manufacturers are trying to go to a 'locked hood' or 'shielded engine' policy that would prohibit owners from having access to their engine so the dealerships would have to perform ALL service to the vehicle, just another way to charge inflated prices.

     So the parts guy tells me that out the door the 3 filters I want (fuel, air, & oil) would cost me $250!  :o OMG, YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! >:( He goes on to show me that the air filter is a big molded plasic unit like some semi's have, the oil filter is no longer a quick spin on type - but instead a cartridge, and the fuel filter is no longer a quick spin on type either - it's now a 2 filter cartridge 'kit'. After seeing the fuel filter kit I notice that the instructions boldly say that those items are patented and are to be exclusively sold by Ford, no wonder they weren't available at the auto parts store.

     From what I have heard Trucks and SUV's are some of the highest profit margin vehicles sold in mass quantity today. I'm extremely disappointed in the GREED the auto manufacturers are showing in making 'wear items' such as these much more elaborate and unneccesarily expensive all in the name of screwing us, the customer! >:(

[Woofentino Pugrossi]

Mike (I assume you have a 4x4 350 superduty).

Auto zone has the Deutsch fuel filter for $69.95

STP Air filter for $74.99  :o

STP Oil filter for $17.99 or a K&N for $15.99

I'm sure theres a Autozone in Rockford.:D

Hope that helps.


BTW you didnt go to Rock River Ford did ya? I wouldnt buy a light bulb from that place.

[cornercamping]

Buy a foreign car next time, and change the oil every 30k miles  ;D :P

[GSXR RACER MIKE]

Yes Rob it was Rock River Ford, the only Ford dealer in Rockford.

The prices from Ford without tax were:

Oil Filter Kit   $41
Fuel Filter     $90
Air Filter       $ 105!

Even going with the products you found it's still going to run about $185 out the door, for FILTERS! Then I still have to buy 15 quarts of oil after that which will push it up to around $210 for me doing all the work of changing the 3 filters and doing the oil change. Outragous! Still pissed! >:(

[Woofentino Pugrossi]

Mike maybe in 2 yrs after this motor design is 5 yrs old parts will be better priced and more available.

BTW Ever try Manley Ford in Belevedere? Or head north a bit to Beloit Ford?

[cornercamping]

so you guys know, I wasn't trying to be an ass when I made my comment:

http://www.clickondetroit.com/automotive/4037126/detail.html

[Knedragon]

buy a chevy ;D

[ninelives59]

I myself have a 6.0.The filters are kind of expensive but I paid a little less for dealer cost. Check on ebay and You will find the filters cheaper there,I bought a case of oil filters for around $100 and have bought the fuel filter kits for about $50 8)

[Woofentino Pugrossi]

buy a chevy ;D

Had one. Rather have a horse and buggy since thats more reliable than a chevy. ;D ;D ;D

[251am]

  Hey Mike, go to Ebay next time and save a ton.

  Skip the foreign junk and save a job. ;D

  After $55 for a fuel filter on our '99 7.3 I started shopping around. Ford wrenches seem to have their own profit sharing plans.  

[Bernie]

buy a chevy ;D

+1  :)

[Woofentino Pugrossi]

 
 Ford wrenches seem to have their own profit sharing plans.  

Hehehe. ;D