What'd we learn from Cash for Clunkers?

The “Cash for Clunkers” program reaffirmed something for us at Ricart Automotive that we have always known… Americans really love their cars. We could tell by looking at the woman who tearfully sat in her late 80’s Buick one last minute before driving off in her new 2010 Fusion with a smile as wide as a four lane highway. We could tell when a family asked us to take pictures of their old van and email the pictures to their house, where they would keep them as a reminder of all those miles they shared before it became a clunker. They also had us take pictures of their new Escape. The really amazing thing is, these were not rare occurrences during the “Clunkers” program.

A lot of people were sad to be trading away their old, rust and primer spotted, have seen much better days (some even with duct tape repair jobs), cars and trucks. Of course, all those very same people will soon be just as madly in love with their new Escape and Focus, Fusion and Flex, Ranger and Edge as they were with their clunker… probably an even deeper love because the economy, safety features, and quality of their new Ford is far superior to what they just got rid of. Oops, better make that traded in instead of “got rid of “. It seems like a much more fitting end to a beloved family member. And that’s the point driven home to us during “Cash for Clunkers”. No matter how much we deny it, and try to research it away, buying a new car is an emotional experience. The promise of an exciting new relationship with your latest ride, and the fond memories of your former wheels racing through your mind are a lot like feelings we usually save for our family and closest friends, probably because we see our vehicles as both.

The Ricart Automotive Family thanks and congratulates all those folks who made a new Ricart vehicle part of their family, and became part of ours during the “Cash for Clunkers” program

Ford Flex a comin'!

It’s not like there is pacing up and down the polished floor of the showroom with groups of people looking a lot like expectant fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. No, there are no scenes like that, but the anticipation of the new 2009 Ford Flex arriving soon is actually growing pretty strong.

When the Flex hits the Ricart Ford showroom in a few weeks, families will see a vehicle designed with them in mind. As a matter of fact, anyone who needs to move five or six people comfortably will be finding that someone has finally designed and built a vehicle for them that isn’t a mini-van (ick) or have an armored personnel carrier as its kissing cousin!

To be sure, the new Flex is large enough to take the family to church in one trip, but you’ll be surprised that it doesn’t look, or maybe more importantly, feel like you are cruising on the Queen Mary… far from it! As a matter of fact, Edward Loh of Motor Trend said, “…the Flex manages to look long, wide, and low at the same time. It’s not fat or ungainly though.”

The 2009 Ford Flex boasts more third row seat space than the Mazda CX9, the 2008 winner for most rear seat roominess which should avoid fights over who is going to sit in the “way back”, a point which will become extremely obvious once you sit back there. Oh, and while you are there, check out the view. Yes, that is stadium seating in the Flex which allows you to see all around, including through the windshield for a great view of the road ahead. And speaking of views, you can get the Flex with moon roofs for the middle and rear seats which give it an expansive feel, open but still cozy.

Cozy is a great way to describe the way the amenities for the Ford Flex work together in a logical manner to afford comfort and convenience to all, from an available cooler chest in the combination console to the Sync navigation/audio system for hands free phone use, music, sports updates, directions and more. The Flex is cozy and cool.

If you have ever tried to describe love to somebody, then you know how hard it is to explain… and that’s a lot like trying to talk about a segment shattering vehicle like the 2009 Ford Flex before anyone has the chance to really get inside it and drive it around… but once you do get in and drive one it’s almost a certainty you’ll love it, and then it’s your turn to describe Flex to your friends.

Ford to Flex this summer!

With the unfolding of spring each year, our thoughts seem to turn to things which are new. We think of baseball, and the fact that all teams are in first place at the beginning of April. We ponder the first blooming flowers, the returning warm weather birds, and if you knew about the Ford Flex, you’d be wondering how soon you can get your family in one, and will it be in time for this year’s vacation season? “What are you talking about?” I know you’re asking…I feel your desire for knowledge, and this is the 2009 Ford Flex, the full-size crossover that will easily change the family road vacation forever, and everyday driving too!

Okay, you can pick your jaw off the floor now, because it’s obvious the 2009 Ford Flex sticks its tongue out at mini-vans instead of paying them homage! Dad, you will never be embarrassed driving the Flex thanks to its bold features and over-all design, and the fuel efficient six speed 3.5 liter V-6 engine won’t have you weeping like a baby at the gas pump! The crossover has surpassed the SUV in sales, and the Flex has what it takes to widen the gap.
Due in stores this Summer, the Flex will feature accent points like the chrome, horizontal three bar grille, a “greenhouse” window and roof design which give a unique look from the outside, and broad panoramic views of the world for passengers on the inside, along with tail lamps that borrow heavily from the Edge, and integrated rocker panels that you do not have to step over to leave or enter the vehicle.


Once you are inside the Ford Flex, you’ll experience an interior which offers up craftsmanship second to no vehicle in any class, which was inspired by furniture and fashion designs and uses materials which gives a soft yet modern feel and appearance. You’ll also see things on the inside of the 2009 Flex that’ll surprise you. How about a refrigerator between the second row captain’s chairs…and yes, it is a refrigerator with a compressor and the whole nine yards, not just a cooler, and it can keep four two liters cold!

While you’re enjoying a chilled beverage, you’ll notice the best-in-class legroom in the second row, the footrests (yes, there is actually enough room in the Flex for footrests), and the Vista Roof which gives everyone in the Flex a view of the heavens! You’ll also find the Flex has programmable ambient lighting, cap-less fuel filler system (so you’ll never drive off with your gas cap dangling in the wind again!), Ford/Microsoft’s Sync hands free System, Ford’s next gen nav system, an their industry exclusive door entry pad held within the Flex’s B pillars, ending the need for those door mounted button pads.

If Flex had a middle name, it would have to be safety, with a whole slew of advancements including use of high strength boron steel, side intrusion beams in the doors, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, Safety Canopy side curtain air bag, and rear back-up camera mounted in the lift gate Ford badge. Secure, spacious, and stylish are great ways to describe the forthcoming Ford Flex, but we are sure you’ll come up with a few more adjectives and accolades of your own when the Flex hits Ricart Ford in Columbus, Ohio and Ford stores across the country this Summer.

Spring may be the time to think of things which are new…but there’s a whole bunch of folks already looking forward to summer, and the new 2009 Ford Flex!!