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Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)
@jipster....when I bought the now departed Cobra, I had a Ford dealer inspection done. Almost word for word what what they wanted to do to the Cobra with 34K miles (albeit 20 years old). I asked them to show me the plugs. THey did so reluctantly. They looked nearly perfect. They also wanted to update the PCM. I asked for a listing of PCM versions and what they addressed. Dealer never did produce that for me. Again, wanted to “clean” the injectors. I asked why they wanted to do that....same response...”to make the car run better”. Same about the A/C....which there was nothing wrong with.
I paid for an oil change ($80) and declined the rest. Changed the air filter and fuel filter myself (which really wasn’t needed).
that is exactly what the business model is designed to do. Technically some marginal benefit, with a "fear of God" sales pitch and wildly inflated prices.
@jipster....when I bought the now departed Cobra, I had a Ford dealer inspection done. Almost word for word what what they wanted to do to the Cobra with 34K miles (albeit 20 years old). I asked them to show me the plugs. THey did so reluctantly. They looked nearly perfect. They also wanted to update the PCM. I asked for a listing of PCM versions and what they addressed. Dealer never did produce that for me. Again, wanted to “clean” the injectors. I asked why they wanted to do that....same response...”to make the car run better”. Same about the A/C....which there was nothing wrong with.
I paid for an oil change ($80) and declined the rest. Changed the air filter and fuel filter myself (which really wasn’t needed).
It’s like they prey on the unknowing.
Thx. I was going to pull a front plug and see what it looks like. No rush on the tune up.
It would be nice to have a consensus opinion on the pcm update and a/c service, but we know that wont happen. LOL. You want your car to run well and last, but hate spending money needlessly or without much benefit. I like that peace of mind though...thats good stuff.;-)
I texted the service advisor and asked.for more info on that PCM update and a/c service. I like to have things in writing. I've never really done independent shops, usually dealershio. So I'll ask for recommendations on my neighborhood HOA web site...for some.of those services.
If your tyranny fluid is discolored I’d have it changed. There’s some disagreement on the issue of simply changing fluid and filter vs a transmission flush. The thinking is that a flush at higher mileage may dislodge material and cause trouble. If I was doing it I’d stick with fluid/filter.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
If the AC is cold as expected, refrigerant should be fine. Can inspect condenser yourself. PCM, well, maybe if really cheap. It’s just a quick plug in software update. But if car works fine, leave well enough alone.
Me, I would worry more about changing the fluids, particularly trans and brake. Coolant could be OK if it tests as good. And carefully inspect the serpentine belt.
Modern A/C systems are designed to protect the compressor by shutting down if the refrigerant level drops too low.
Exactly. The clutch won’t even engage, that’s what the low pressure switch is for.
The car is old enough that it probably lost a 1/4 - 1/2 lb and the condenser/evaporator is dirty. Doesn’t sound like they clean either ... so I won’t tend to not do it.
Several years ago a friend took his Escape to a local Ford dealer to have a rough idle diagnosed. Right off the bat they told him it needed the injectors cleaned. I asked him if the car was running fine except for the rough idle. It was. I googled his year and model with “rough idle” and received a ton of hits concerning the idle control valve. I told him to ask his SA about the ICV and they finally conceded that it might be the cause of the problem. They replaced it-it cost less than the injector cleaning(no surprise)-and the rough idle was gone. Any wonder why I claim the Ford dealers in Louisville refuse to hire techs or SAs with opposable thumbs?
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Several years ago a friend took his Escape to a local Ford dealer to have a rough idle diagnosed. Right off the bat they told him it needed the injectors cleaned. I asked him if the car was running fine except for the rough idle. It was. I googled his year and model with “rough idle” and received a ton of hits concerning the idle control valve. I told him to ask his SA about the ICV and they finally conceded that it might be the cause of the problem. They replaced it-it cost less than the injector cleaning(no surprise)-and the rough idle was gone. Any wonder why I claim the Ford dealers in Louisville refuse to hire techs or SAs with opposable thumbs?
Buy FORD V-6 eco Tech F150 late models (2018 up) ?
Ouch! Gas prices are getting high again. $3.299 for regular and $3.999 for PUG around here, what about your area?
Where are you, California? In upstate NY I’m seeing $2.75 for RUG, down from $2.83 a week ago.
I'm in the peoples republic of Illinois. I am just outside Chicago in a county adjacent to Cook county, we tend to have much higher gas prices than most of the rest of the country. Getting into the city of Chicago you could see 40 cents or more a gallon. Getting out into rural areas it's around $2.80 a gallon. The new governor wants to raise the gas tax by 36 cents a gallon, I guess he doesnt want to be reelected.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Ouch! Gas prices are getting high again. $3.299 for regular and $3.999 for PUG around here, what about your area?
Where are you, California? In upstate NY I’m seeing $2.75 for RUG, down from $2.83 a week ago.
I'm in the peoples republic of Illinois. I am just outside Chicago in a county adjacent to Cook county, we tend to have much higher gas prices than most of the rest of the country. Getting into the city of Chicago you could see 40 cents or more a gallon. Getting out into rural areas it's around $2.80 a gallon. The new governor wants to raise the gas tax by 36 cents a gallon, I guess he doesnt want to be reelected.
We are truly in DANGER/OPPORTUNITY times!? Uber started trading today. So the system has minted a few billionaires & more millionaires.
The gasoline prices (RUG/PUG) are marginally profitable against the much higher profits in diesel (ULSD). EIA.gov puts yield @ (per 42 gal bbl) 10 gal diesel/20 gal gasoline. We, of course are mostly concerned about RUG (85%), PUG (10%) The added 10% ethanol increases prices & pollution while yielding less mpg.
Driving up costs and prices, some areas, like CA mandate so called area boutique blends. This means that the products from other refineries that doesn’t blend that way are NOT fungible. In addition, NON boutique blends can be subject to huge emissions fines & criminal prosecution.
You just can't win. I bicycled 10 miles this morning, then had breakfast at the local diner--that was $1.20 a mile !!
My old Dodge truck is only .26 cents a mile. Shoulda driven today.
Does it include cost of insurance, depreciation, allowance for maintenance and repairs and gas? Seems really low.
NO! It’s absolutely clear! No 🚽jokes? ) FUEL ONLY! Most following this board are loathed to talk about CPMD: TOTAL , cost per mile driven: total. I sometimes cite CPMD, cost per mile driven, depreciation or fuel and everybody’s eyes glaze over.
You just can't win. I bicycled 10 miles this morning, then had breakfast at the local diner--that was $1.20 a mile !!
My old Dodge truck is only .26 cents a mile. Shoulda driven today.
Does it include cost of insurance, depreciation, allowance for maintenance and repairs and gas? Seems really low.
Well the bike is fully depreciated by now I think, and I do all maintenance and repairs, so that leaves medical insurance for supplemental oxygen going up hills.
Several years ago a friend took his Escape to a local Ford dealer to have a rough idle diagnosed. Right off the bat they told him it needed the injectors cleaned. I asked him if the car was running fine except for the rough idle. It was. I googled his year and model with “rough idle” and received a ton of hits concerning the idle control valve. I told him to ask his SA about the ICV and they finally conceded that it might be the cause of the problem. They replaced it-it cost less than the injector cleaning(no surprise)-and the rough idle was gone. Any wonder why I claim the Ford dealers in Louisville refuse to hire techs or SAs with opposable thumbs?
I thought I noticed one.opposable thumb on my SA. Not sure. LOL. Nice guy. Seemed to know what he was doing. But, I thought his upsell was a bit aggressive and presumptuous.
I texted the service advisor and asked.for more info on that PCM update and a/c service. I like to have things in writing. I've never really done independent shops, usually dealershio. So I'll ask for recommendations on my neighborhood HOA web site...for some.of those services.
If your tyranny fluid is discolored I’d have it changed. There’s some disagreement on the issue of simply changing fluid and filter vs a transmission flush. The thinking is that a flush at higher mileage may dislodge material and cause trouble. If I was doing it I’d stick with fluid/filter.
It depends on whether we are talking "reverse flush" with a machine, or just running the car to pump out the old fluid while pouring in new. There is nothing wrong with that method, if done carefully so as to not let the transmission run low. The reverse flush (machine flush) should be avoided at all costs. Realistically, most cars will be fine with drop the pan, replace the filter, refill. This will not change out all of the fluid, but it is very seldom needed. Mostly you just want to replenish the additives, and replacing 6 or 7 quarts out of 10 or 12 will do that just fine.
Oh, and one other thing. The color of the transmission fluid is of no real importance. Smell it. If it smells burnt, you need to do something and fast. Otherwise, the main thing is to replenish the additives.
Gasoline here in the greater Houston area is running about $2.59 for RUG. The price spread for PUG varies widely, from a low of about 40 cents per gallon at HEB, to a high of about 90 cents at big name stations (Chevron, Mobil). Right now I don’t drive anything that requires PUG, but I have in the past. With PUG, it is much more important to price shop than for RUG. I very seldom see more than about 10 cents difference on RUG. Well, with the exception of stations right on the freeway, those are always ridiculous.
Several years ago a friend took his Escape to a local Ford dealer to have a rough idle diagnosed. Right off the bat they told him it needed the injectors cleaned. I asked him if the car was running fine except for the rough idle. It was. I googled his year and model with “rough idle” and received a ton of hits concerning the idle control valve. I told him to ask his SA about the ICV and they finally conceded that it might be the cause of the problem. They replaced it-it cost less than the injector cleaning(no surprise)-and the rough idle was gone. Any wonder why I claim the Ford dealers in Louisville refuse to hire techs or SAs with opposable thumbs?
Buy FORD V-6 eco Tech F150 late models (2018 up) ?
I have owned 4 new F150 trucks in the last 6 years. One with the V8, three with the ecoboost. For my money, ecoboost all the way.
Now I will grant you this. If you plan to keep the truck forever, or at least out to 100k miles or greater, you very will might be better of with the V8. Maybe. But in the short run, the ecoboost will outrun the V8, get better gas mileage, cost less to buy, and is more fun to drive (more responsive).
Your money, your choice. For me, I vote for the ecoboost.
Several years ago a friend took his Escape to a local Ford dealer to have a rough idle diagnosed. Right off the bat they told him it needed the injectors cleaned. I asked him if the car was running fine except for the rough idle. It was. I googled his year and model with “rough idle” and received a ton of hits concerning the idle control valve. I told him to ask his SA about the ICV and they finally conceded that it might be the cause of the problem. They replaced it-it cost less than the injector cleaning(no surprise)-and the rough idle was gone. Any wonder why I claim the Ford dealers in Louisville refuse to hire techs or SAs with opposable thumbs?
Buy FORD V-6 eco Tech F150 late models (2018 up) ?
I have owned 4 new F150 trucks in the last 6 years. One with the V8, three with the ecoboost. For my money, ecoboost all the way.
Now I will grant you this. If you plan to keep the truck forever, or at least out to 100k miles or greater, you very will might be better of with the V8. Maybe. But in the short run, the ecoboost will outrun the V8, get better gas mileage, cost less to buy, and is more fun to drive (more responsive).
Your money, your choice. For me, I vote for the ecoboost.
I’m not a buyer of P/U trucks. I did use more than a few on more than a few ranges, flight lines, emergency vehicles, other areas & when I was responsible for a 320 sq miles (204,800 acres) federal reservation. Sometimes a light plane would get us there faster. That being said, IF I were a buyer, I’d look to the gov/ins statistics of 14,000 miles part year, 11.5 years average passenger vehicle fleet age which could convert to 161,000 miles.
I was reading that the “new” eco boost was available for mass consumption in the 2018 time frame. So putting 161,000 miles on a population of F150’s in the real world might take a few years.
How are the 1.6 million 2015 to 2018 Ford F1 50 recalls going?
You just can't win. I bicycled 10 miles this morning, then had breakfast at the local diner--that was $1.20 a mile !!
My old Dodge truck is only .26 cents a mile. Shoulda driven today.
Does it include cost of insurance, depreciation, allowance for maintenance and repairs and gas? Seems really low.
Well the bike is fully depreciated by now I think, and I do all maintenance and repairs, so that leaves medical insurance for supplemental oxygen going up hills.
I'm just a bit puzzled what were the components of your math. So what actually cost $1.20/mile in the bike cost? Breakfast? So you're putting $12 breakfast against supposed $2.60 truck ride cost? You don't eat breakfast when taking the truck?
You just can't win. I bicycled 10 miles this morning, then had breakfast at the local diner--that was $1.20 a mile !!
My old Dodge truck is only .26 cents a mile. Shoulda driven today.
Does it include cost of insurance, depreciation, allowance for maintenance and repairs and gas? Seems really low.
Well the bike is fully depreciated by now I think, and I do all maintenance and repairs, so that leaves medical insurance for supplemental oxygen going up hills.
I'm just a bit puzzled what were the components of your math. So what actually cost $1.20/mile in the bike cost? Breakfast? So you're putting $12 breakfast against supposed $2.60 truck ride cost? You don't eat breakfast when taking the truck?
Warren Buffett is reputed to frequent Mc D’s drive-through near his house in Omaha, NB and spend $3.00 to $3.50 for breakfast. I had heard that he likes the (more expensive) sausage. 👍🍔 https://youtu.be/U46m9VmerYU
Modern A/C systems are designed to protect the compressor by shutting down if the refrigerant level drops too low.
Exactly. The clutch won’t even engage, that’s what the low pressure switch is for.
The car is old enough that it probably lost a 1/4 - 1/2 lb and the condenser/evaporator is dirty. Doesn’t sound like they clean either ... so I won’t tend to not do it.
I saw this process recommended by Pat Goss on Motorweek a while ago. If the A/C performance proves to be an issue it might be worth a shot.
A normally operating evaporator has moisture drops that are forming on its fins as the temperature of the air drops and the excess humidity it can hold is condensed on the fins. Those drops carry AWAY dirt, particles, etc., that are on the fins to leave with it. I doubt most cars would benefit from a BG FrigiClean treatment.
Same thing happens on your home AC evaporator.
I have seen a similar product used in the 90s for H-body evaporators on leSabres and Bonnevilles where a mold or mildew has formed inside the evap case and the foam contained a mildewicide to kill and retard the mold and mildew growth. The mold occurs mostly in humid areas where the evaporator is left wet when the car is turned off and the enviromental humidity is high, leaving that area moist.
Fix in most areas is run the blower on high for a minute or so at the end of a trip without the compressor running to pull off much of the moisture. GM even had an "after blow" setting that automatically ran the HVAC blower after the car was turned off for a short time to remove extra moisture from the HVAC box.
If yours needs the treatment, you get that wet socks smell from AC when first turned on and even longer.
BG seems to have lots of treatments advertised by a local garage to increase the profit margin for independent garages. A local talk radio garage guy is a BG-associated repair shop.
Several years ago a friend took his Escape to a local Ford dealer to have a rough idle diagnosed. Right off the bat they told him it needed the injectors cleaned. I asked him if the car was running fine except for the rough idle. It was. I googled his year and model with “rough idle” and received a ton of hits concerning the idle control valve. I told him to ask his SA about the ICV and they finally conceded that it might be the cause of the problem. They replaced it-it cost less than the injector cleaning(no surprise)-and the rough idle was gone. Any wonder why I claim the Ford dealers in Louisville refuse to hire techs or SAs with opposable thumbs?
Buy FORD V-6 eco Tech F150 late models (2018 up) ?
I have owned 4 new F150 trucks in the last 6 years. One with the V8, three with the ecoboost. For my money, ecoboost all the way.
Now I will grant you this. If you plan to keep the truck forever, or at least out to 100k miles or greater, you very will might be better of with the V8. Maybe. But in the short run, the ecoboost will outrun the V8, get better gas mileage, cost less to buy, and is more fun to drive (more responsive).
Your money, your choice. For me, I vote for the ecoboost.
LOL. Man, you guys and these Scotty videos. I actually clicked that one and watched a bit. He said "fan belt" when referring to newer supercharged engines. hahahaha. Also used "direct injection" and "VVT" as reasons why the ecoboost is less reliable. Guess he doesn't know the Coyote 5.0 V8 uses those, too? good grief.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Several years ago a friend took his Escape to a local Ford dealer to have a rough idle diagnosed. Right off the bat they told him it needed the injectors cleaned. I asked him if the car was running fine except for the rough idle. It was. I googled his year and model with “rough idle” and received a ton of hits concerning the idle control valve. I told him to ask his SA about the ICV and they finally conceded that it might be the cause of the problem. They replaced it-it cost less than the injector cleaning(no surprise)-and the rough idle was gone. Any wonder why I claim the Ford dealers in Louisville refuse to hire techs or SAs with opposable thumbs?
I have owned 4 new F150 trucks in the last 6 years. One with the V8, three with the ecoboost. For my money, ecoboost all the way.
Now I will grant you this. If you plan to keep the truck forever, or at least out to 100k miles or greater, you very will might be better of with the V8. Maybe. But in the short run, the ecoboost will outrun the V8, get better gas mileage, cost less to buy, and is more fun to drive (more responsive).
Your money, your choice. For me, I vote for the ecoboost.
LOL. Man, you guys and these Scotty videos. I actually clicked that one and watched a bit. He said "fan belt" when referring to newer supercharged engines. hahahaha.
Also used "direct injection" and "VVT" as reasons why the ecoboost is less reliable. Guess he doesn't know the Coyote 5.0 V8 uses those, too? good grief.
I haven’t watched one and I am certainly not going to start now.
If Warren is getting breakfast at Mickey D’s for three bucks he must not be eating much.
A breakfast sandwich alone near me costs $4.50. Every time the min. wage goes up so does the price.
$4.50? there's a clown place by where I do taxes. Using the dollar menu I get two regular burgers a small fries and a coke for that. While not a great meal it gets you through an evening of tax work.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Well I filled up today, a bit further out from the city than where i live. RUG was 3.199, but it was only $7.50. That's a clown breakfast for old farmer.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
If Warren is getting breakfast at Mickey D’s for three bucks he must not be eating much.
A breakfast sandwich alone near me costs $4.50. Every time the min. wage goes up so does the price.
The answer is yes & no? My guess is the sausage Mc Muffin egg, posts app 500 cal. So I don’t think he is on a “gaining weight” regimen. But of course that also depends on what he eats for lunch and dinner .
Ouch! Gas prices are getting high again. $3.299 for regular and $3.999 for PUG around here, what about your area?
70 cents is a huge spread.
Here in Louisville it's typically a 60 cent spread, but Costco is normally 40-45 (so depending on where I'm hitting the Marathon gouging cycle, I'm saving 30-50 cents per gallon on the premium for my RDX... well worth the membership and a small detour).
There's a Valero near my house that seems to avoid the Marathon gouging on their regular, but their spread is often close to $1 which puts them higher than most for premium.
There is even more evidence available to me now that I do, in fact, live in God’s waiting room. I had another experience that sustains my hypothesis.
I was returning home after food shopping this morning and, to my chagrin, I found a strange car parked in my assigned parking spot. There were no guest spots available for me to park in due to all the healthcare aides who work in my building with dependent senior citizens. So I had to double park behind the car in my spot while I unloaded the groceries to take up to my apartment.
About 5 minutes later I heard a car horn sounding. I walked out of my condo and called down to the guy blowing his car horn that I was parked behind him. I took the elevator down as the security guard pulled up. This guy was screaming at me and cursing. I told him he was parked in my parking spot and I had nowhere else to legally park. He told the security guard that someone was parked in his mother’s spot so he decided to park in my spot.
The security guard gave me a warning not to double park and told me to park somewhere else until the gentleman was finished visiting his mother. I was furious - I demanded that this guy pull out of my assigned spot so I could go up to my condo. The security guard ticketed me for illegal parking and left - allowing this guy to park in my spot.
I called the security office and they sent two cars to my building. I showed them the community parking ticket I was given by the first security guard and they saw the guy refusing to pull his car out of my spot. This guy was in his 70’s and was as blind as a bat. How do they let these people drive down here?
They called for a tow truck and they had the car towed to the nursery area where they keep plants, flowers and trees for the community. They took my ticket and ripped it up once they confirmed I was assigned that spot. They apologized for the behavior of the first security guard and issued a $200 illegal parking ticket to this idiot who refused to pull his car out of my spot.
I am surrounded by idiots, old ladies and dangerous drivers who can’t see 10 feet in front of themselves. Good grief!
If Warren is getting breakfast at Mickey D’s for three bucks he must not be eating much.
A breakfast sandwich alone near me costs $4.50. Every time the min. wage goes up so does the price.
Well, here's the thing: two breakfast burritos used (a year or two ago) to be $2 plus tax, and that's what I ate most mornings when I was in Creston, IA, taking care of business.
As with most fast food places, if you want something healthful (or less bad), bring money. A sausage anything is much cheaper than the egg McMuffin with actual ham -- two of those will set you back $8, more or less, depending on location, but you can get the sausage whatever for a buck or 1.50.
If you want the grilled chicken burger, you might as well go to a real restaurant.
There is even more evidence available to me now that I do, in fact, live in God’s waiting room.
My retirement situation is at an elevation of 7500 feet in a development (started in 1965) of one-acre lots. There's a lot of variety of dwellings, but the majority were built in the '60s & '70s and are simple cabins or smaller houses. Over the past 10-20 years some McMansions have intruded, so it's altogether possible to have a $1.3M situation adjacent to a $200K cabin (that's us).
Anyway, compared to what you deal with, I'd prefer a cyanide pill, but that's just me.
There is even more evidence available to me now that I do, in fact, live in God’s waiting room. I had another experience that sustains my hypothesis.
I was returning home after food shopping this morning and, to my chagrin, I found a strange car parked in my assigned parking spot. There were no guest spots available for me to park in due to all the healthcare aides who work in my building with dependent senior citizens. So I had to double park behind the car in my spot while I unloaded the groceries to take up to my apartment.
About 5 minutes later I heard a car horn sounding. I walked out of my condo and called down to the guy blowing his car horn that I was parked behind him. I took the elevator down as the security guard pulled up. This guy was screaming at me and cursing. I told him he was parked in my parking spot and I had nowhere else to legally park. He told the security guard that someone was parked in his mother’s spot so he decided to park in my spot.
The security guard gave me a warning not to double park and told me to park somewhere else until the gentleman was finished visiting his mother. I was furious - I demanded that this guy pull out of my assigned spot so I could go up to my condo. The security guard ticketed me for illegal parking and left - allowing this guy to park in my spot.
I called the security office and they sent two cars to my building. I showed them the community parking ticket I was given by the first security guard and they saw the guy refusing to pull his car out of my spot. This guy was in his 70’s and was as blind as a bat. How do they let these people drive down here?
They called for a tow truck and they had the car towed to the nursery area where they keep plants, flowers and trees for the community. They took my ticket and ripped it up once they confirmed I was assigned that spot. They apologized for the behavior of the first security guard and issued a $200 illegal parking ticket to this idiot who refused to pull his car out of my spot.
I am surrounded by idiots, old ladies and dangerous drivers who can’t see 10 feet in front of themselves. Good grief!
Are the parking spots clearly marked as being reserved? It sadly amazes me that once the person who parks in a spot that is reserved for someone else and are asked to move, that they don’t simply apologize and move their car. To refuse and get ugly is beyond me.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Several years ago a friend took his Escape to a local Ford dealer to have a rough idle diagnosed. Right off the bat they told him it needed the injectors cleaned. I asked him if the car was running fine except for the rough idle. It was. I googled his year and model with “rough idle” and received a ton of hits concerning the idle control valve. I told him to ask his SA about the ICV and they finally conceded that it might be the cause of the problem. They replaced it-it cost less than the injector cleaning(no surprise)-and the rough idle was gone. Any wonder why I claim the Ford dealers in Louisville refuse to hire techs or SAs with opposable thumbs?
Buy FORD V-6 eco Tech F150 late models (2018 up) ?
I have owned 4 new F150 trucks in the last 6 years. One with the V8, three with the ecoboost. For my money, ecoboost all the way.
Now I will grant you this. If you plan to keep the truck forever, or at least out to 100k miles or greater, you very will might be better of with the V8. Maybe. But in the short run, the ecoboost will outrun the V8, get better gas mileage, cost less to buy, and is more fun to drive (more responsive).
Your money, your choice. For me, I vote for the ecoboost.
LOL. Man, you guys and these Scotty videos. I actually clicked that one and watched a bit. He said "fan belt" when referring to newer supercharged engines. hahahaha. Also used "direct injection" and "VVT" as reasons why the ecoboost is less reliable. Guess he doesn't know the Coyote 5.0 V8 uses those, too? good grief.
I haven’t watched one and I am certainly not going to start now.
And here I thought I was the only one he was trying to insult. It takes a lot more than I have to watch that guys videos all the way through to the end.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Some idiot parked in my secretary's spot back in the '90s- there was a sign that said "Reserved for Judicial Secretary" The tow truck was hooking it up when the dingbat ran out of the courthouse crying"Don't tow my car!"
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Comments
I paid for an oil change ($80) and declined the rest. Changed the air filter and fuel filter myself (which really wasn’t needed).
It’s like they prey on the unknowing.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
It would be nice to have a consensus opinion on the pcm update and a/c service, but we know that wont happen. LOL. You want your car to run well and last, but hate spending money needlessly or without much benefit. I like that peace of mind though...thats good stuff.;-)
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Me, I would worry more about changing the fluids, particularly trans and brake. Coolant could be OK if it tests as good. And carefully inspect the serpentine belt.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Where are you, California? In upstate NY I’m seeing $2.75 for RUG, down from $2.83 a week ago.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
The car is old enough that it probably lost a 1/4 - 1/2 lb and the condenser/evaporator is dirty. Doesn’t sound like they clean either ... so I won’t tend to not do it.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Any wonder why I claim the Ford dealers in Louisville refuse to hire techs or SAs with opposable thumbs?
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
PUG $ 4.33,
RUG $ 4.03,
ULSD $ 4.09
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
We are truly in DANGER/OPPORTUNITY times!? Uber started trading today. So the system has minted a few billionaires & more millionaires.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Driving up costs and prices, some areas, like CA mandate so called area boutique blends. This means that the products from other refineries that doesn’t blend that way are NOT fungible. In addition, NON boutique blends can be subject to huge emissions fines & criminal prosecution.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
My old Dodge truck is only .26 cents a mile. Shoulda driven today.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Oh, and one other thing. The color of the transmission fluid is of no real importance. Smell it. If it smells burnt, you need to do something and fast. Otherwise, the main thing is to replenish the additives.
Now I will grant you this. If you plan to keep the truck forever, or at least out to 100k miles or greater, you very will might be better of with the V8. Maybe. But in the short run, the ecoboost will outrun the V8, get better gas mileage, cost less to buy, and is more fun to drive (more responsive).
Your money, your choice. For me, I vote for the ecoboost.
I was reading that the “new” eco boost was available for mass consumption in the 2018 time frame. So putting 161,000 miles on a population of F150’s in the real world might take a few years.
How are the 1.6 million 2015 to 2018 Ford F1 50 recalls going?
2018 430i Gran Coupe
The car is old enough that it probably lost a 1/4 - 1/2 lb and the condenser/evaporator is dirty. Doesn’t sound like they clean either ... so I won’t tend to not do it.
I saw this process recommended by Pat Goss on Motorweek a while ago. If the A/C performance proves to be an issue it might be worth a shot.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Same thing happens on your home AC evaporator.
I have seen a similar product used in the 90s for H-body evaporators on leSabres and Bonnevilles where a mold or mildew has formed inside the evap case and the foam contained a mildewicide to kill and retard the mold and mildew growth. The mold occurs mostly in humid areas where the evaporator is left wet when the car is turned off and the enviromental humidity is high, leaving that area moist.
Fix in most areas is run the blower on high for a minute or so at the end of a trip without the compressor running to pull off much of the moisture. GM even had an "after blow" setting that automatically ran the HVAC blower after the car was turned off for a short time to remove extra moisture from the HVAC box.
If yours needs the treatment, you get that wet socks smell from AC when first turned on and even longer.
BG seems to have lots of treatments advertised by a local garage to increase the profit margin for independent garages. A local talk radio garage guy is a BG-associated repair shop.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Also used "direct injection" and "VVT" as reasons why the ecoboost is less reliable. Guess he doesn't know the Coyote 5.0 V8 uses those, too? good grief.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
A breakfast sandwich alone near me costs $4.50. Every time the min. wage goes up so does the price.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
There's a Valero near my house that seems to avoid the Marathon gouging on their regular, but their spread is often close to $1 which puts them higher than most for premium.
I was returning home after food shopping this morning and, to my chagrin, I found a strange car parked in my assigned parking spot. There were no guest spots available for me to park in due to all the healthcare aides who work in my building with dependent senior citizens. So I had to double park behind the car in my spot while I unloaded the groceries to take up to my apartment.
About 5 minutes later I heard a car horn sounding. I walked out of my condo and called down to the guy blowing his car horn that I was parked behind him. I took the elevator down as the security guard pulled up. This guy was screaming at me and cursing. I told him he was parked in my parking spot and I had nowhere else to legally park. He told the security guard that someone was parked in his mother’s spot so he decided to park in my spot.
The security guard gave me a warning not to double park and told me to park somewhere else until the gentleman was finished visiting his mother. I was furious - I demanded that this guy pull out of my assigned spot so I could go up to my condo. The security guard ticketed me for illegal parking and left - allowing this guy to park in my spot.
I called the security office and they sent two cars to my building. I showed them the community parking ticket I was given by the first security guard and they saw the guy refusing to pull his car out of my spot. This guy was in his 70’s and was as blind as a bat. How do they let these people drive down here?
They called for a tow truck and they had the car towed to the nursery area where they keep plants, flowers and trees for the community. They took my ticket and ripped it up once they confirmed I was assigned that spot. They apologized for the behavior of the first security guard and issued a $200 illegal parking ticket to this idiot who refused to pull his car out of my spot.
I am surrounded by idiots, old ladies and dangerous drivers who can’t see 10 feet in front of themselves. Good grief!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
As with most fast food places, if you want something healthful (or less bad), bring money. A sausage anything is much cheaper than the egg McMuffin with actual ham -- two of those will set you back $8, more or less, depending on location, but you can get the sausage whatever for a buck or 1.50.
If you want the grilled chicken burger, you might as well go to a real restaurant.
Anyway, compared to what you deal with, I'd prefer a cyanide pill, but that's just me.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
And here I thought I was the only one he was trying to insult. It takes a lot more than I have to watch that guys videos all the way through to the end.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive