My experience with Sun State Ford is difficult to rate - Michael.r.stafford
My experience with Sun State Ford is difficult to rate because the sales experience was excellent, but what happened afterward significantly affected my confidence in the dealership.
Ironically, I never intended to purchase a vehicle there. My daughter and I were considering a Ford Fusion Hybrid at the dealership across the street. I stopped at Sun State specifically to ask whether their service department could perform a pre-purchase inspection on that vehicle.
That's when I met Miguel.
Miguel was fantastic—personable, straightforward, efficient, and never pushy. I gave him my budget, and he showed me a 2018 Ford Edge that I fell in love with. Before purchasing, I pointed out a small dent and some rubber/felt hanging down and requested the missing owner's manual and keypad code. I was told these items would be addressed.
I appreciated Sun State's reasonable pricing and lack of excessive dealer fees. Financing went smoothly, and because I trusted the dealership, I purchased their highest-level extended warranty. Carlos in Accessories was also excellent—personable, helpful, and professional.
Unfortunately, shortly after taking the Edge home, I noticed the steering felt strange, the turn signals weren't operating correctly after turns, and the collision sensor warning would randomly activate. I returned the vehicle almost immediately.
Sun State offered a 14-day return period, yet I physically had the Edge for only about three days before it went back for service.
After nearly a week without an update, I called and spoke with Mo in Service. According to what Mo told me, he had driven the Edge BEFORE it was sold to me, was aware of the steering issue, had documented it, and believed it should have gone to service before being sold.
That completely changed my perception of the purchase.
The irony is incredible: I walked into Sun State Ford specifically because I wanted them to inspect another dealer's vehicle so I wouldn't unknowingly purchase a car with mechanical problems—only to purchase a vehicle from Sun State that I was subsequently told had an issue identified before it was sold.
To Sun State's credit, they ultimately repaired the steering problem, waived the $100 warranty deductible, and provided a 2026 Explorer loaner.
However, when I asked about the small dent discussed before purchase, I was told it would cost approximately $500 because I didn't have the promise to repair it in writing.
I also purchased an approximately $600 ceramic coating package. Unfortunately, parts of the application appeared rushed or incomplete.
Finally, I dropped my Edge off with a FULL tank of gas. It was returned with only 26 miles until empty. I understand road-testing a steering repair, but returning the vehicle nearly empty without explanation was disappointing.
Miguel was exceptional, and I would work with him again in a heartbeat. Carlos also provided excellent service, and I appreciate that the mechanical problem was ultimately repaired.
Would I purchase another Ford? Absolutely. Would I work with Miguel again? Absolutely.
Would I purchase another vehicle from Sun State Ford? I'm genuinely not sure.
My advice: Get any used vehicle inspected, and get every promise in writing.
Sun State Ford did an excellent job selling me a vehicle. I just wish the experience after the sale had inspired the same confidence.
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