Ford Buyback program - Branded Titles

[nsitzman]

I’m driving three hours today to go check out an F150 Lightning Flash that was part of Ford’s buyback program. This particular vehicle was bought back by Ford in New Jersey under lemon law due to a faulty wiring harness that was replaced by Ford. It’s now being sold with full factory warranty and free 12 months 12,000 mile bumper-to-bumper extended service warranty from Ford. This dealership has several other Lightnings with branded titles, as well. Mostly for other lemon type defects with the suspension, etc. I may be looking at one of those if my first pic doesn’t pan out.

Any advice in assessing these trucks? Has anyone else bought a vehicle that went through Ford’s buy back program? How’d it go?Things to avoid? Thanks to look for? Asking both in the sense of the program, warranty, and any specific issues with the vehicles to consider.

I’m not so worried about the branded title in and of itself, as long as the problem that earned that title has been fully resolved.. Should I be? I’m not a high frequency buyer and seller, but resale wouldn’t be out of the question, so is the branded title that big of a deal?

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[The Weatherman]

To the best of my memory, we have not seen any reports of issues from folks that have purchased these buy back Lightnings and there have been several.

You may want to do a deep dive on the forum to verify my recollection.

Good Luck.

 

[JetMech]

I bought a 23 Lariat that is a mfg buyback and have had no issues. The dealer will have the information from Ford for why it was bought back and what they did to correct the issue any they will provide that information to you.

 

[TaxmanHog]

Welcome to the forum......................

https://www.f150lightningforum.com/forum/search/3258356/?q=Buyback&t=post&c[title_only]=1&o=date

 

[hturnerfamily]

I would, personally, have no reservations from a FACTORY buy-back and reissue of a vehicle title, since they MUST bring the vehicle to safety and factory standards, otherwise... resale later may be affected by the history, if someone is so inclined not to understand, but, otherwise, it's just a change in the title status...

also, I have bought TWO 2014 Ford Focus 'rebuilt' Title vehicle, and had great success, eventually also selling both for the same price we originally paid, and after having driven both 50-75k miles...

my two sons both have CHEVROLET buy-back Chevy BOLTS, with original battery pack issues, as recalls from the factory - both have been terrific and without any issue, even after thousands and thousands of miles on both. Both also came with brand NEW Battery/PowerTrain factory warranties.

 

[CD4TNF]

I don't recall any trends or issues with buybacks reported on the forums.

Welcome and enjoy the Lightning! Looking forward to any trip reports or fun experiences you can share with us.

 

[Dan C]

Just curious, when you buy a branded title do you retain your right to lemon laws or do you accept it as a former lemon. I just wondered how many time Ford could potentially have to buy back the same truck.

 

[Legacy23]

My buy back Platinum has been flawless. Are you going to Charlotte by chance?

 

[nsitzman]

Just curious, when you buy a branded title do you retain your right to lemon laws or do you accept it as a former lemon. I just wondered how many time Ford could potentially have to buy back the same truck.

That's a good question! Based on the paperwork I signed, it's pretty clearly that Ford makes claim as to having remedied the problem that initiated the "lemon" status, so the vehicle is no longer a "lemon." The 36 Mo/36k bumper-to-bumper warranty transfers to new owners until it expires, and it's my understanding that if you buy a vehicle from their buyback program with less than 12mo/12k left on the warranty, they will extend it out to 12mo/12k for that buyer.

That's all I *know*, though, but I hope I don't have to find out more details about it the hard way!

 

[nsitzman]

Welcome to the forum......................

https://www.f150lightningforum.com/forum/search/3258356/?q=Buyback&t=post&c[title_only]=1&o=date

Thanks. Sorry to be that guy...! (I had done a few general searches before asking for myself, but I was looking for a few fresh & up to date opinions, and I got them. My decision was clearly not based 100% on the responses posted to my thread, but they did help me make the decision to buy the Flash... I love this truck!)

 

[nsitzman]

My buy back Platinum has been flawless. Are you going to Charlotte by chance?

I drove to a little town (Pontiac) in the middle of Illinois (the dealership is literally surrounded by farm fields) They treated me well.

 

[nsitzman]

I would, personally, have no reservations from a FACTORY buy-back and reissue of a vehicle title, since they MUST bring the vehicle to safety and factory standards, otherwise... resale later may be affected by the history, if someone is so inclined not to understand, but, otherwise, it's just a change in the title status...

also, I have bought TWO 2014 Ford Focus 'rebuilt' Title vehicle, and had great success, eventually also selling both for the same price we originally paid, and after having driven both 50-75k miles...

my two sons both have CHEVROLET buy-back Chevy BOLTS, with original battery pack issues, as recalls from the factory - both have been terrific and without any issue, even after thousands and thousands of miles on both. Both also came with brand NEW Battery/PowerTrain factory warranties.

Thank you! This really helped me process the decision.

 

[Dan C]

Ford could still force you to arbitration over the lemon claim. They could argue that you got a discounted price because of the title status. If the arbiter agrees you are done. The warranty status is irrelevant as the argument is not their willingness to repair but their ability.

 

[TaxmanHog]

My decision was clearly not based 100% on the responses posted to my thread, but they did help me make the decision to buy the Flash... I love this truck!)

Congrat's on your Lightning purchase !

 

[BSEE SPARKY]

I drove to a little town (Pontiac) in the middle of Illinois (the dealership is literally surrounded by farm fields) They treated me well.

I looked at a 23 Platinum from that dealer, Heller Ford (I think), 5k miles and a lemon buyback. They wanted more than I ended up paying for a new 23 Lariat. They wanted $64k, and with rebate, I paid less for the new Lariat. The Platinum had had several HV battery repairs, and scared me too.

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