I went to look at a 2000 Dodge Durango at Mangold Ford (as I needed a vehicle to pull trailers & a RV). After getting there, it was obvious it wasn't what I needed. Instead of leaving, I actually sat down with Donny (I was tired of trying to find a dealership with a SUV that I needed) as he seemed pleasant enough & we went over what they had in inventory (as I was looking for an inexpensive solution that didn't involve payments - not a vehicle that cost more). I also was not looking at a Ford, at first (lots of 5.43v horror stories out there).
But, I was then shown a 13 Ford Lariat (with the 3.5 Eco-boost dual turbo engine), & I was pleasantly surprised by it's power. I then looked further up in price, and for around $24,000 - I found a 2015 Ford Expedition Platinum EL with 109,000 miles. I took it for a test drive, & was astounded by how nice it was (it had the Eco-boost & could pull 9,200 lbs & was setup for towing). I had driven there in my 2019 Jeep Cherokee with 94,000 miles (which I had bought last year & was paying a monthly payment on). I needed the Ford MUCH MORE for towing my 2021 Gulfstream 4,900 lb RV, unfortunately - it was Tuesday & the dealership had already closed for the day - so I had to come back the next day. I took the time that night to research the 2015 Ford Expedition Platinum EL, & quickly learned that unlike other SUV's/Trucks (such as GM or RAM)... the 2015-2017 Expedition is the holy grail of towing SUV's/Trucks - as the drivetrain is rock solid (with no reported long term issues with either the 3.5 Eco-boost or the transmission) plus the independent rear end making it a real smooth drive. Also, the price was 1/3 of a brand new Expedition & yet, this 2015 Expedition looked almost brand new & was not rusty - anywhere (it was obviously a central IL used vehicle).
I sent my personal details/financials to them the following morning (to start the purchase process), & by the time I arrived - I had already been approved to buy the Expedition (we just needed to agree on the trade-in price for my Jeep). After about 15 minutes (after I arrived), we had agreed on the deal. The paperwork took only a little over an hour after that. No hi pressure. No 4 square tactics. When I went to talk to Steve in Finance, no weird numbers popping up (& no fees that should not be there). I actually asked regarding an extended warranty (& showed him I intended to get a 24,000 mile Ford warranty online for $2,700). I was offered a 5 year/70k premium extended warranty for $4,200. All in (including paying off my previous loan that exceeded my trade-in value), I left the dealership at around $32,000 all in. I am paying only $140 more per month now with this Expedition than I was with my Jeep. In 2015, this Expedition sold for $71,000 & had every option available (& the same configuration for a 2023 Expedition costs almost $90,000). So, this is a Dave Ramsey economics 101 success story.
I will say this, Mangold Ford is one of the last TRUE family owned straight shooting dealerships left out there. Their Christian based principles are very evident & they treated me with respect & dignity. I can't say the same about dealerships such as "Kunes Country" who claim to be Christian based - but are one of the worst dealership experiences one can have.
You can be sure, even though they are not close to me (I just moved from Huntley, IL to Streator, IL) - Mangold Ford is my dealership of choice now. They will also now have the honor of working on my 1972 Lincoln Mark IV classic car as a result. The owner personally thanked me for my business. It is my honor to be having a new business relationship with Mangold Ford.
They are trustful & are worthy of your business.
And given I am former Motor Transport (I am a Disabled USMC Veteran), this is a rare automotive business to find where Honor is still practiced & preached.
Semper Fi. read more
