I just talked to one dealer, he said to try back in August for a factory order. Not sure if this is regional or per dealership. I read a number of threads saying there was an order bank open as of a few weeks ago. The only Expedition they have is a new 2021 with 4 miles on it, not at all what Im looking for but hmm. I guess that answers the factory order questions for now.
I am going to ask about the timberlines.
The order bank is closed right now. Orders will open for the '23s sometime this summer. Some say June, others say August. But even then I would assume at least 10 months to get the car. By most accounts, the supply chain and operations issues (especially at Ford but also GM) are going to get worse over the next 12 months.
Another problem with doing a '23 order is that there are features being removed from the cars, especially on the higher trims. Rear climate controls, massage seats, park assist, rear heated seats, power folding seats, etc. Anything with a microprocessor and switch they think they can delete without impacting the viability of sales very much is being removed from the cars, as far as I can tell. There are going to be some odd cars out in the wilds on the next few years.
There aren't any good options. Paying the crazy dealer markup is just lost money - that markup won't be reflected in the resale or residual value, of course. It's just the dealer pocketing cash at the expense of customers. But the '23 special order is going to be a long frustrating wait, and the car may not have all the advertised features. Basically you have to choose your pain if you want one of these cars.
I'm told that BMW, Subaru, and Tesla are doing things well. Costs are higher than normal, but they can deliver and build cars - which Ford and GM simply cannot do right now. But if you want a large SUV or truck, you're stuck.
