Buying Conundrum - Lariat max tow - new vs. used

[Hazmat]

Wife finally gave green light on a lighting as I turn over my ioniq 5 to my teenagers. I'd like to do Lariat to get the blue cruise, memory seat and sunroof. The engineer in me says get max tow for the cooling, even though I have a diesel super duty that I will keep to tow our 5th wheel camping trailer. Most Extended Range lariats with max tow are over the $80K mark which prevents the tax rebate - furthermore I'm in MA where I'd get another $7,500 off a new one. I'm seeing some offers of $3-4K off of MSRP for year end. I'm in a time crunch - likely to not qualify for the fed tax credit next year due to new jobs. So new one would be about $62K - I'm seeing some used for mid to high 50s but they keep getting sold as soon as I discover them and it is hit or miss on the max tow package.

Use for truck - daily commute 25 miles each way - flat. Weekends to Rangeley Maine 200 miles each way with a net elevation gain of 1,600 ft). Based on my ioniq 5 experience (which even has a heat pump), for winter I'll need extended range to make it w/o charging due to heating loads and elevation gain.

Occasional local towing up to 5 or 6K pounds (pontoon boat). Perhaps a 2x per year 700 mile each way road trip to Cleveland OH for college drop off/pick up once superchargers are available.

So - the crux of the question - will I regret not getting max tow for my uses?

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[Hazmat]

Forgot to mention - due to MA $7,500 rebate, not a huge discount to go used.

 

[The Weatherman]

Nothing I saw you outline would dictate the towing package, but it is a nice feature with some neat technology for handling a trailer.

 

[invertedspear]

Nothing I saw you outline would dictate the towing package, but it is a nice feature with some neat technology for handling a trailer.

I think you might be thinking the tow-tech package. OP is asking about max tow which AFAIK just adds some additional battery cooling.

@Hazmat I don't think you need Max-Tow, It's my understanding that without it the system will prioritize battery cooling over occupant comfort. Unless you live in a place that's super hot, or you are stressing the towing to the max, you will probably never notice the lack of it.

 

[TaxmanHog]

Welcome to the forum, glad to see you're doing your research about the Mass Mor-EV-Truck rebate

Note that available inventory of [NEW] Lariats that are under 80K, remember to exclude the delivery charge Ford lists on the window stickers

Example of a Lightning Lariat-ER coming to Rodman Fordwith out max tow qualifies at $77,295

 

[Bigisland Guy]

I think you answered your question, you have a diesel for towing, Don't get me wrong I love my Lightning but real-world towing is limited to short construction site towing and not distance recreational towing. I consider my truck to be the supervisor truck and not the grunt mobile sounds like you are in a similar vote. Yes, I purchased the tow package but I'm in the southwest where extra cooling capacity is appreciated. You're in a cool climate zone. Hope this helps.

 

[shutterbug]

I think you might be thinking the tow-tech package. OP is asking about max tow which AFAIK just adds some additional battery cooling.

@Hazmat I don't think you need Max-Tow, It's my understanding that without it the system will prioritize battery cooling over occupant comfort. Unless you live in a place that's super hot, or you are stressing the towing to the max, you will probably never notice the lack of it.

Max Tow package increases towing capacity from 7,700 lbs to 10,000 lbs.

 

[Zaptor]

Buy new, get Max Tow, keep looking until you find one that squeaks in (no destination and delivery, my truck was $81,500 but under $80 without the d&d). You'll have a longer warranty than used, won't wonder how many times someone stoplight drag raced (these are ten-year-old-supercar fast trucks) and you'll have the peace of mind of the extra cooling, thereby preserving the battery for longer. Finally, you'll also have better resale when that time comes. Good luck, you will love the truck!

 

[bmwhitetx]

Yeah, I think your including D&D in your number. It does not count for the 80K. Just looked at a loaded Lariat here (max tow, power running boards, bed liner, etc) and it was under 80K:

 

[Hazmat]

Unfortunately D&D IS included in the Massachusetts $80K rebate limit.... You'd think they'd be consistent with the Feds....

Appreciate all the inputs. I've been searching high and low and have found a couple examples that meet the criteria (the $650 for smart scale removal helps). Unfortunately not super close - will dial for dollars in the AM. The couple larger dealers by me have units with max tow "in transit" - problematic for my Dec 31 deadline...

 

[Oafy44]

Are you willing to buy out of state? My dealer in Georgia - Akins Ford has about 15 Lightning’s all about 8-10k off right now as they are about to get 20 -2024 in starting in January. I wonder if you showed the dealer up there they would price match? Maybe not but I do think you have options if your willing to travel.

 

[bmwhitetx]

Are you willing to buy out of state? My dealer in Georgia - Akins Ford has about 15 Lightning’s all about 8-10k off right now as they are about to get 20 -2024 in starting in January. I wonder if you showed the dealer up there they would price match? Maybe not but I do think you have options if your willing to travel.

For Federal credit it is MSRP less D&D, not the price you paid. Price you paid is irrelevant.

 

[Oafy44]

For Federal credit it is MSRP less D&D, not the price you paid. Price you paid is irrelevant.

Ah got it. Thanks for the info.

 

[Henry Ford]

If it comes down to $7500 or Max Tow, I'd take the cash.

 

[TaxmanHog]

Are you willing to buy out of state? My dealer in Georgia

NEW RULE

3. Rebates are available for eligible vehicles purchased or leased both in and outside of the Commonwealth. Vehicles obtained outside of the Commonwealth must be registered in Massachusetts within ninety (90) days of purchase or lease.

He must buy from a Massachusetts dealer to receive the Mass MOR-EV-TRUCK rebate.

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