Well, I probably over-analysed it, as you can tell. That's what happens when an engineer gets hold of a financial calculator. Sorry if I got carried away.

Bottom line, it all depends on the buyer's individual circumstances and how long they plan to keep the car. I guess that's why Ford offers different incentives, so we can pick what's best for us.

 

BTW, Mercury doesn't always wait until the current promotion ends, before starting a new one. When I was buying my MMH, the deal was 1.9% financing. Before that incentive expired, it was replaced by a new incentive of 0% financing.

So, if there are valid reasons to "sweeten" the incentive, like because of the new 2008 models, Ford and Mercury would have already implemented the better incentive, and not have bothered to wait until current one expires on 2/28.

 

We took delivery of our new '07 on 3/04. We opted for the 0% from FoMoCredCo in lieu of the rebate. We saved roughly $1700.00 going this route. We did get the $500 rebate though. Incentives vary by region too.