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Comments
My suggestion is to call their hotline and inquire how can you take advantage.
Sam
Looks like you had a great deal. Congrats!
My father in-law has very bad legs, due to diabetes and more. He really liked getting in/out of Freebie over the Windstar.
Everyone gives me accolades on it. Tonight, a couple stopped and looked at our Freebie from their Acura MDX. We were ordering a milk shake close by, so I could look at their faces. It was so cool to see them bitten by curiosity. Also, the security guards where I work can't take their eyes off it as it passes.
Sam
In the 2nd row, is there a option for bench or is it only available with bucket seats?
thanks
It's going to be hard to sell Pacificas at higher prices now that these are arriving.
-juice
I am really concerned about this because I want to buy a Freestyle before 11/30 to take advantage of the extra z-plan discount, but I don't want to buy a car full of defects. Hopefully, the information I am getting is all BS.
There will be more competition to the Freestyle then but I still think it to be an interesting vehicle. I will keep lurking here so please keep posting your reviews as you all start getting your cars..
-juice
thanks
mike
http://www.blueovalnews.com/2004/cars/fivehundred.quality092804.h- tm
I'd like to see ANT13's insider take on this.
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The only problems I spotted:
* A bit of exposed metal on the back driver door. It looked like a scratch, until I looked at the inside of the door. It also has them, thus my conclusion.
* The passenger airbag off light (black "tylenol gelcap" shape below both center vents) was on the day after I bought it. It never re-appeared, so it may be some new system warm-up issue.
Overall, I'm very impressed how "on the money" it's built.
I wanted to take advantage of the 11/30 discount, yet my car was pretty much dead. Nonetheless, I'll inquire through my father in-law if we can get it.
CANADIANGAL
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The AWD system only works when there's loss of traction on either/both front wheels. I haven't had the chance to "test" it yet.
KJNORMAN
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No Problema! Make sure you get all the rebates I wished.
MKOBLER
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This is a CVT used in several vehicles from Audi, etc. Which ones, I don't know.
My Freebie works very well, with no hesitations, etc.
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Hope all this helps.
Sam
a good way to check the awd operation is to stop facing uphill on a wet road. then hit the gas, and see how long it takes for the power transfer.
i have a trafic light near me like that. my explorer(rwd bias) takes about a quarter of a turn of the rear wheels before the fronts kick in. the volvo is quoted at 1/7 of a turn. feedback please.
Sam
I also have some additional scoop. First, I give Ford a lot of credit for being smart for a change. The cars have had quality problems so they won't release them to the dealers!! Compare that to the Focus release in 2000 where there were at least 3 recalls that had to implemented after the Focus release.
OK, now for the dirt. There have been about 20,000 cars built with 15,000 being held because of various quality issues. Some of the worst things I have heard are:
1) The computer brains lose their memory out in the parking lot. I don't know how long the cars have to sit for them to lose their memory, but the batteries aren't dead.
2) The plastic wheel trim doesn't keep it's shape. For those in the Chicago area, you know we have not had a warm summer, so you can't attribute this to the heat. Who knows what may happen when the cars get shipped to Florida or Arizona. At least this should be a relatively easy fix and the problem is just with the shape and not with the color.
3) There is a problem with the rack & pinion gearbox on some. Evidentally, there may be an issue with the quality of the steel used to build the steering gearbox. With this said, this may be an issue that most people would never have a problem with. Technology allows Ford to test components, making sure they meet the stringent requirements.
We will probably wait until the Chicago Auto Show to buy a Freestyle in hopes that there will be significant rebates that will make up for the loss of the z-plan $1000 additional discount.
While being held for re-inspection, they are addressed for whatever their quality concern is. 12,000 were held to reflash their computers, to improve the programming.
All vehicles of numerous manufacturer's face these same quality concerns when first rolling off the line. I'll mention how one manufacturer of a (well regarded for reliability) sedan had over 80 "concerns", before the vehicle was released.
Some of the issues stated are probably ghost issues (like the CVT) that were resolved even before the first 500 one was even built, that keep coming up, NOT because it wasn't rectified, but it's being added to the fuel.
Much of this has to do how the news is spread. If your boss at work has heartburn, by the time the gossip reaches the building next door, the gossip is "he had a heart attack and died, burial is tomorrow, and did you also know he had an affair with the secretary (thrown in for decoration)".
As to why the 6Speed is offered in some trim levels, it's mainly because of availability. Not enough CVT's are able to be produced at this time, therefore there is a 6Speed option. That will quell concerns for those who might have CVT-negativity (whether they might be over reliability or drivability). Unfortunately it's not coupled with AWD.
I test drove a Freestyle last week and noticed that the passenger air bag off light was on. The sales man told me that it was because there is sensors in the passenger seat. I believe that the air bags use the sensor in the seat to determine if they need to go off and with how much force depending on the weight of the occupant in that seat. Maybe when you don't have anyone with you or nothing sitting on the seat the light is on.
Thanks in advance for your prompt reply!
http://community.webshots.com/user/figuesam
KCAN indicated the place I measured may not be the best one. The bottom of the muffler is more likely to be lower, for example.
That dealership's LIM Freebie currently resides in my garage.
Sam
I owe you one. I re-read the incentive, and it says Nov 20, ->2003<- to Nov 30, 2004. My heart rate dropped. I called Ford about it, and since it's my in-law's benefit, he had to yield it. He called, and I must tell the dealer about the incentive through a new PIN.
We'll get the $1,000 through the mail.
Thank you. I wouldn't had it if you hadn't talk about it.
Sam
That's what these groups are for; to help each other out. I am only glad I could help. Enjoy the found money.
Scott
Also, from what I have heard about the CVT's, it sounds like people are just nervous because it is new. I have not heard any specifics on problems with the CVT's.
Anyway, thanks for the reply.
Scott
Originally, the project started first by ZF Friedrichshafen AG and Ford Motor Company joint venture named ZF Transmission Technologies. Later Ford bought 100% stake in it, renamed Batavia Transmissions LLC. Not only will they continue with CVT development, but also in charge of 6 Speed, rear wheel drive transmissions that will debut soon in some upcoming refreshened products.
Batavia also (prior to the CVT being producted), produced/built the CD4E which is found on the Ford Escape. While the ZF designed 6 speed RWD automatic debuted in the Jag S-XJ, and now coming into the new '05 Navigator.
Currently, the Batavia transmission are currently being used (same architecture, but different application for smaller vehicles) in Europe's Focus C-Max, and so far there hasn't been any issues, and will be expanded to other european Ford models.
If your wondering over the 6Speed FWD automatic. It's sourced by Aisin AW, which is partly owned by Toyota. They will be used till the Ford's/GM units are implemented, which they are co-designing/producing together. this same Aisin unit, will also be used in this year's '05 Mazda6s.
An exploded view of a 3 speed tranny, much less a 6 speed, is pretty daunting!
Steve, Host
I really like what I see of Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego so far, but I bet within three years there will be no CVT's offered on them (or on the Freestyle, for that matter). Many reasons: Customer perceptions, cost, availability of other transmissions, larger engines, EPA testing methods. All seem to conspire to do in the CVT...and that is assuming rock solid reliability.
Don't forget that when a few of these fail, the old line dealership mechanics and owners' friends and neighbors will almost all SAY they are less reliable than the geared transmissions, even if the statistics say otherwise. Again, perception, assuming that it isn't by then reality. Either way, it doesn't help the CVT. GM's dropping them also didn't help, even if the problem was peculiar to GM.
Current CVT's can be given different driving characteristics based on the programming (or "mapping" as it's called).
I've driven both a Five Hundred and a Freestyle with the CVT and find that the mapping Ford has chosen to be about the most satisfactory of the group that I've experienced. During steady moderate acceleration revs are held to a reasonable level and thus performance is smooth and quiet. Only as additional throttle is used do the revs climb; with the sharpest increase happening near WOT. It's true that the CVT feel is entirely different from a step-gear trans and may require some getting used to. It's also true that the actual performance is much better than the senses would suggest; primarily due to the lack of a rise and fall of rpm that we all have become used to. Theoretically, the CVT is a much better approach to matching an internal combustion engine to the demands of varying load and road speed - if (a big IF) reliability is good the CVT should be around to stay.
I think some ad agency should do a comparison series using a ten speed derailleur vs a Sturmey-Archer internal three speed bicycle. (Yeah, I like showing my age by referring to 10 speeds and English Racers <g>). Although derailleurs don't too simple just to look at them, I'd much rather tear one of those down than a 3 speed hub.
Steve, Host
The Freestyle, though capable of going offroad, is primarily designed around driving on-road. Essentially it is a car that looks like an SUV.
Kerry.
PS. Can people please write in English and not some kid trendy "geek speak". I seem to spend double the amount of time translating the geek speak into English before I understand what some people are talking about. Just my two cents..
Your comment were useful for me.
That said, having chatted to a co-worker from Saskatoon (your neck of the woods I believe), his comment would be that an SUV is the way to go up there.
Still, the Freestyle jacked up could be an interesting looking vehicle, just seem a lot of work, as a jacked up Freestyle in my books is an SUV. Still sounds like you need an Expedition of similar...
BTW, no dirt roads here is SE Wisconsin.
canadiangal
You cannot necessarily have your cake and eat it too. You want serious four wheel drive off road capacity and also more car/minivan like road manners, with better mileage than a SUV. It just isn't going to happen until some of the bigger ruugged SUV's get hybrid systems, and then the price will likely shock you.
You should seriously rethink what you really need. It is unlikely there will be a lot of aftermarket brush guards, rock shields etc designed for Freestyle, as it really is not designed to be a serious off road vehicle and will never match a Rubicon edition of any Jeep product.
I know they speak it in Canada, quite well in fact, judging from the CBC, and the extensive time I've spent in Canada visiting friends and relations.
As for why the mileage figures you see in the Saskatoon dealership differ from those you have obtained from internet source the answer is quit simple; the dealer is showing the mileage figure in imperial gallons which are larger than US gallons. the former being equivalent 4.56 litres, the latter to 3.785 l.
About the Freestyle; If you do decide to jack up the Freestyle you'll lose some of that mileage advantage, because you will be adding weight, increasing the aerodynamic drag, and if you put on larger, off road type tires, increasing rolling resistance. You will also hurt the cars handling possibly making it less safe, and voiding warranties. I'd consider looking at another vehicle if I were you, as much as I hate to recommend a Honda, I'd say give the Pilot a look, it comes straight from the dealership set up pretty much the way you want your Freestyle.