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Comments
My MPG part of the mesage center seems to have gone haywire. It's flipping all over the place: 65MPG one minute, 13 the next. Hmmmmm. Resetting seems to make no difference. Any ideas anybody? I mean, I know it's probably not that accurate at the best of times, but it's makaing me a little nuts watching those numbers flipping constantly and not being able to figure out how to make it stop.
Ok, it's your money, you can do what you want. :-)
If you really care much about the oil, you may want to get a few lab tests done on it.
Steve, Host
As long as you don't just drive short trips or really load the engine all of the time, changing the oil every 5,000 or whatever is in the manual should be fine. Our Mercedes C230K uses Mobil 1 synthetic oil, and the changes are spaced at 10,000 miles by the factory, although the car does have a larger than usual oil capacity. The only cars which really need short change intervals even with normal usage are those which are turbo charged.
Its a good way of seeing how the way you drive affects fuel economy.
Also, if I order a Freestyle now but have to wait for a month, will I still be able to get the 2.9% that they are offering now?
Finally, I am A-plan eligible - does anyone know of any rebates?
Thanks - this is a great forum!
HI - We just picked up or Grey AWD LTD last night. We went for 3.9% for 60 months.
I don't think they will honor a rate that is now if you ordered and then it came in Feb. It takes about 8-10 weeks to order. However, it is possible they would renew the rates to keep on selling cars!
We did get a $500 military rebate and a $750 Z plan incentive - which I would guess is also A. I have no idea what the expiration on them is.
One thing I did notice is that the pricing on the order was slightly different than the pricing on the actual invoice. A couple of the options went up during the waiting period.
They told us that you can't really determine the incentives until you put in the VIN on the day it is sold and all available will show up.
Oh, and ther are some SE incentives right now.
What are planning to order?
Regards,
xnappo
I would opt for more frequent oil changes (3k) and use the recommended 5W-20, which is part synthetic. Or you could still use the full synthetic if you want to. Why so frequently? It's the dust/dirt/grime that gets in the oil that will tear up your engine. Even if you use synthetic, it can't keep all that dirt/grime out. Just MHO.
"My MPG part of the mesage center seems to have gone haywire. It's flipping all over the place: 65MPG one minute, 13 the next. Hmmmmm. Resetting seems to make no difference. Any ideas anybody? I mean, I know it's probably not that accurate at the best of times, but it's makaing me a little nuts watching those numbers flipping constantly and not being able to figure out how to make it stop."
Sounds like it's broken. The MPG indicate in the Freestyle (at least mine) works only in an "average" mode. I haven't seen it ever work in an "instantaneous" mode. (Maybe I'm missing how to get it into this mode?)
The Freestyle has a scalloped "deflector" similar to what you describe on the Intrepid, too. Still, the wind noise can get fairly loud once the speed picks up to above 40 mph or so.
From the pictures I've seen of the one Ford offers, it sits permanently (semi-permanently, at least) on top of the roof in front of the moonroof.
1) A new model will tend to have its cost creep up during the course of the year.
2) Cost reduction starts in the second or third year (i.e going from nylon protected trunk latch pin to bare metal on later models, reduction in sound insulation)
So, the "don't buy a car that is brand new" gets balanced with "options will cost more in 6 months" and "the cost reduction starts in a year or so" when I make a buying decision.
That trio of truisms has led me to avoid first year cars in the first month or two, but not to wait for a year or two if I really want it. Oh, and learning from people in forums like this helps a lot...
Right now, I am planning on either a limited or SEL with leather. We are going to go check them out with the kids tonight.
I really like the looks and comfort of the leather interior. My wife is concerned about the kid's car seats on leather leaving permanent marks in the leather. I've never owned a leather interior before - should I be concerned about this?
I have 4 kids, so I was planning on getting the 7 passenger model. Do any of you with kids have the bench second row? If so, is it easy for the kids to access the third row? Is the middle seat in the second row comfortable? I keep going back and forth about whether we should just get captain chair second row with no console to allow easier access to the third row.
In order for the third row passengers to be comfortable, do you think the rear a/c is necessary?
Anyone get the DVD player? Is it good?
Does the limited not come in two-tone coloring? While I prefer the limited, I also prefer the sportier look of the two tone with the cladding being a different color than the vehicle. Also, is it true that the red fire and silver are not available on limited?
Thanks to any of you who can answer some of these questions.
hi - welcome to freebie land!
We have 2 boys and opted for the 6 seat version. We mainly liked the fact that they can be separated and have a console. I can't answer your 2nd bench questions but I know lots of people opt for that instead of the captains chairs.
We did see a model w/out the console and it did make a place to crawl thru but on the LTD the 2nd row of seats moves up/back to help w/access. It also flips up easily (even for my kids) so I don't think getting back there would be much of a problem w/ either model.
I would most definitely go for the rear a/c. We have had other cars w/3rd row without it and isn't fun. Just makes life easier.
DVD - Can't see out the rearview with the screen down. We opted to not get it. Be sure and flip the screen down when you look at a model w/it in it.
Nope, LTD aren't two tone and don't come in red or silver. Also, leather is only tan or black no grey - which you can get on SEL.
Also you can't get the homelink, heated seats, memory seats and a couple of other things.
Leather - w/4 kiddos I would go w/leather. If you are worried about the seat, put a towel under it. In another car we had leater when our youngest was in a car seat and it didn't really leave a mark at all. Also, so far, the booster isn't either.
Have fun shopping and let us know how it goes.
In that case, I'd suggest not getting the console for the second row, or just taking out the console if you get one (should'nt be too difficult).
Limited isn't available in two-tone. Redfire isn't available in LTD, and I don't think silver is, either (not 100% sure on the silver).
The only reason I got the DVD was so I would have a way to get diret input (through the Aux inputs on the DVD) into the stereo system. For simple DVD use, there are some better alternatives, IMO.
plus it requires premium fuel and the 3rd row is smaller - and, from what I gathered the 2nd row seats don't move up/back but they do on the Pilot.
We also noticed the middle seat's seat belt comes from the cieling on the MDX - just a thing we thought "looked" funny.
Just a couple of things we noticed.....
You'll pay for it with with high rpm's, low gas mileage, and some extra engine noise . . . but it'll get you up and running.
If you prefer to stay down in the 3000 rpm range, it'll take you a bit longer to get off the line, that's for sure.
As to the perceived performance issue on take off, the feeling of pulling you back in the seats for the 1st sec of each gear is missing, but the 0-60 times are much better than many of the vehicles that you might think are faster. I now our V6 Explore "seems" faster, but really isn't.
No problemo getting to a speed you shouldn't be at -- just ran to lunch and was headed up the highway and noticed I was doing 80. Still not use to how it feels.....but I haven't had any power issues as of yet. Lots of local commuting and it has been great today.
Got to park next to a Pacifica at WalMart - I guess it left in shame, wasn't there when I came out. (Ha Ha)
Well, that's a great idea! The Oil Life function is set to 5,000miles/180 days, or whatever comes first. You know how it is: I hear things like: "The 3,000k frequency is rip-off perpetrated by the oil companies/service companies to get your money." Or the people that have been into cars their whole lives (and not much else, it sometimes seems) and they know better than the manual, or the ones that love their cars so much and love to be with their cars and love to spend time with their cars and want the very best so they will run great and last a long time. A lot to navigate for someone like me whose plate is very full but wants the best for my car. Sure glad this forum is here! I want the car to run great until it hits 40-50k, the good karma of trading in a good, well-cared for car and then I'm hoping the hybrids will be in my price range and good availability, etc. And I hope they put one in the Freestyle. ARE YOU LISTENING FORD???
Sometimes it works to tell your parts person that you found the accessory on-line and ask if they'll match the price.
Steve, Host
I just noticed that the final drive ratio is 5.54:1 on the AWD vehicles and 5.19 on the FWD vehicles. Since the AWD vehicles only weigh 153 pounds more than the FWD models, they should indeed accelerate a little better than the AWD versions.
http://www.fordaccessoriesstore.com/fas/Consumer/fas_ConsumerHome- - .asp
Steve, Host
I have already raised this issue, but now when I am past 3000 miles, I would like to express my opinion again. My driving patterns comprise of mostly city/town driving with occasional trips to South Lake Tahoe. Mostly I drive my kids to and from school, to tennis lesson and all that jazz. We live in hilly Bay Area near the Pacific Ocean. What can I say. This car does not like hilly terrain I guess. The best I get is 16 MPG. And of course I reset everything after each filling. Also I double check with the old-fashioned way of calculating MPG. When I go to South Lake Tahoe I get 20.5 MPG on the way there and 24-25 MPG on the way back. Why is the difference on the way back. Cause on the way back you drive downhill for 50-60 miles and any car would love it. So how does EPA measure average in cities? On flat terrains with minimum traffic lights?
Sincerely,
Larion
The four kids easily accessed the back seats and were very comfortable - they wanted to take the car home for good on the spot.
The long test drive allowed us to take the car on the highway and also test it out on some hills fully loaded with he whole family.
The car drove beautifully - power was not a problem at all. My guess is that those who are questioning the power have not actually driven a Freestyle.
The ride was smooth, quiet and refined. The seats were very comfortable, and driving was a pleasure. We bought the car back to the dealer a few hours later.
The car that we tested had the second row captains chairs with no console - we liked it very much. However, we also wanted to try out one with the second row bench before we buy one.
Unfortunately, they did not have what we are looking for, but they are going to search today for the car that we want.
I have never had such a great experience with a dealer - the saleswoman was an absolute pleasure to deal with.
Keeping my fingers crossed that they find us the Freestyle that we want! I'll keep you all posted.
We are leaning to the Freestyle, but a Magnum RT with Convenience Package II, Electronic Convenience Package, Protection Group, Sirius radio, and Bluetooth would only cost $2,250 more than a Freestyle Limited with the safety, reverse warning, adjustable pedals, and Homelink options, so one way or another I am going to drive both on a nice long loop of various freeways and roads before I place my order. The short drives have just not been enough to really get a good feel for either vehicle.
I have found two dealers in San Diego, each with 29 Freestyles on the lot, and Galpin in the San Fernando Valley has 45 on the lot, but only 1 Limited!
Last night Kansas City got a few inches of snow, so I woke up knowing that I had to try out the AWD and traction control. Luckily I live in a rural neighborhood north of town that has good roads, so traffic is not an issue. I just could not get the Freebie to even begin to lose control. I found I could even floor it around a corner, and the traction control would keep it going in the correct direction. Antilock brakes also work well. Car technology has really come a long way.
I imagine that none of this is news to any of you that have had Freebies for a while, but it is all reassuring to me, since I had some anxiety after first deciding to buy one. I am now at the point that I don't think that I have had an overall better vehicle than this one, although the Trans Am w/nitrous had its really fun moments
Anyway, to anyone who is reading this Forum in an effort to decide on whether to get their own Freebie, I would sure advise them to look critically at any of the negatives that have been stated about it, because I have seen nothing but positives, and I tend to be over-sensitive to car issues.
thanx
canadian*guy
We bought a black AWD SEL with shale leather, moon roof, safety package, front row comfort package, and auxiliary climate control. Took it for a test drive before buying and loved it. Our saleswoman was great and they were great about giving us as long of a test drive as we wanted, even offering it to us over night. We ended up last night taking it for a few hours with the kids (Sessler Ford in Libertyville, IL)
We finally got home around 8:00 tonight, and I'm just settling in to read the manual. Thanks again for all the great advice! I'll keep you posted.
Chuck
Chuck
There are a couple of members in this forum who gave their ordering times. If I remember correctly, one seemed to take from late October to early January, the other from about Thanksgiving to mid-January. I'm hoping things may be a little faster now that Ford has gotten past some of the holds that were being put on shipments last year.
Hope yours comes soon.
We did check in with the dealer about once a week just to make sure all was OK. It was worth the wait - I know 8 weeks seems long but if you can find other transportation in the meantime you won't be disappointed.
My 6 year old went out to the garage yesterday and looked at the car and said "this car is awesome" and came back in- too funny.
And, the night we got it after putting the boys to bed we went out to the garage and just looked at the thing. I said to hubby "here we are staring at *and loving our new wagon" - funny how things change.
Now, if I could just sell my Disco before that first payment is due.......
I am confident that the vehicle is worth waiting for but waiting till went I do not know.
I'm taking a solo run back to the dealer this week. Have to decide whether the rear view mirror is still filled with switches/headliner etc when only the rear a/c option is included. Last drive had a sunroof so without it headliner, switches etc will be more than an inch higher.