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Hit 7000km today and still loving it! No issues to report, no problem with power, space, brakes, tranny, etc.
When you say 2" receiver are talking about the hitch ball or the size of the square tubing?
better yet.....here:
http://www.hitchsource.com/index.php?cPath=38_37_81&osCsid=a517a87072a0b84a6803930adef76ce- 2
Just be honest !! Peace, bro.
I've been following the board for a few weeks, and we just purchased a Freestyle last night. Actually saw our first Freebie on the road driving to the dealership last night, haven't seen ANY prior to that!
This thread on carseats has been very helpful in narrowing down what we ended up buying.
At first we had a SE picked out with most of the available options, including 7-passenger seating. Then this carseat thread came up, and got me thinking that with 2 carseats, it would be impossible to get back to the rear bench if both carseats are on the middle row latch anchors.
Started looking for a similar SE with 6-passenger seats, ended up finding an SEL in same color with same options (plus moonroof and 50/50 which I wanted but not available on SE), and we decided we liked the 6-passenger more for the 2 carseats we have.
With Latch, it's easy to move a seat from the second row to the rear to open up a middle seat for a less nimble in-law or something, but my wife and I can both climb into the rear seat easily with the two carseats on the middle row captains chairs. Definitely the right choice for us, glad to have seen this discussion before we bought!
Also loving the SEL, it's a little sharper looking than the SE, and some of the extra little features like the radio controls on the steering wheel and message center make it seem more enjoyable to us. Typically we don't go in for a lot of options, and the base models suit us just fine, but this one is nice and we don't regret spending a little more for the SEL.
/Brian
Edmunds TCO listings comparing Pilot/Freestyle/Sequoia/XC90 have been updated recently
Pilot TCO $42k
Freestyle $43k
Sequoia $48
XC90 $48
If looking at depreciation only, Pilot beats Ford by $2k, XC90 by $6k, Sequoia by $3k.
Came across some Duratec30 info below.Could Ford not have used the DAMB version (Lincoln LS) on the Freebie to up the HP to 232 and 220 ft lb Torque ? What are the limiting factors, costs too high or too much for the CVT to handle? or because the D30 is being phased out after 2006.
Duratec 30
Ford's standard DOHC V6 is known as the Duratec 30 or Mazda AJ. It has 3.0 L (2967 cc) of displacement and produces between 200 and 240 horsepower (150 and 180 kW). The same engine is used by the Jaguar S-Type, Lincoln LS, Mazda MPV, Mazda6, Mercury Mystique, and many other Ford vehicles. It is essentially a bored-out (to 88.9 mm) Duratec 25 and is built in Ford's Cleveland, OH #2 plant. A slightly modified version for the Ford Five Hundred entered production at the Cleveland, OH #1 plant in 2004.
It has an aluminum engine block and aluminum DOHC cylinder heads. The cylinders are lined with cast iron. It uses SFI fuel injection, has 4 valves per cylinder and features fracture-split forged powder metal connecting rods and an assembled cast aluminum intake manifold.
There are two key versions of the Duratec 30:
* DAMB - The Lincoln LS and Jaguar AJ30 versions have direct-acting mechanical bucket (DAMB) tappets. Output is 232 hp (173 kW) at 6750 RPM with 220 ft.lbf (298 Nm) of torque at 4500 RPM.
* RFF - The Taurus/Sable/Escape version uses roller finger followers (RFF) instead and produces 201 hp (150 kW) at 5900 RPM with 207 ft.lbf (281 Nm) of torque at 4400 RPM.
Applications:
* 208 hp RFF
o 1994-2005 Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable
o 2001-2005 Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute
o 2005 Ford Five Hundred, Mercury Montego and Ford Freestyle
* 232 hp DAMB
o 2000-2005 Lincoln LS
* Jaguar AJ30 DAMB
o Jaguar S-type
Anyway, I'm waiting to install the carseats because I'm going to have the dealership take out the second row console, and they ordered a plate to put on the floor. It should be in next week.
I haven't seen any Freestyles in the Chicago suburbs yet, either.
Rachel
The DAMB version would require premium gas, something most consumers in this price point wouldn't appreciate. Also, at lower RPM's, the DAMB isn't pumping out the down low torque, the regular Duratec30 does. Granted, it tops out with a few more lbs.of tq, but to reach them, it's around the 4K marque. Wish there was a graph that would show that.
Another possible alternative could have been the 4.0L OHC V6 found in the Explorere/Mustang V6. Although, it would require substantial investment in retrofitting it for FWD configuration, and refinement. No matter how much sound proofing you place on that engine, it wouldn't have sounded well in the 500/FS/Mont. Plus that engine is economical when working it under 2000 RPMs... anything over, and watch the fuel needle drop. So mating a CVT onto that engine wouldn't have made it very economical, plus it's too torque for the CVT to handle.
After testing a barebones SE FWD for a whole day I found it to be more than adequate for my wife's driving needs and fuel consumption was quite good.Don't think the alternative 4.0L OHC Cologne engine is well suited for the Freebie. I have that engine in my Explorer Sport Trac, good truck engine but kinda thirsty on gas as I'm getting about 21 mpg comb. city/hwy on the Imperial gallon.
Secondly, in revisiting the fordvehicles.com web site, I found somewhere on it, "Freestyle LTD, 18" wheels (FWD Only)". It does not say what sized wheels come with the AWD LTD.
We test drove a fully loaded green Limited today with black interior and it will probably be the car we end up getting. We too have been contemplating the best way to get to car seats in the car. We only have one child at present (still trying for the second) and so we would order the car with the console but would be interesting in taking it out to use as a gang-way to the third row, but we would need to cover the hole as the dealer said that there is no carpet under the console.
Incidentally, we have the Britax Roundabout and it was a piece of cake to put in and take out with the LATCH system.
(PS. love these new Emotorcons...)
Sorry to hear about your troubles with the freestyle. It did happen to us once-3 days after we got the car! (before the New Year) My husband put it in reverse and nothing happened. He turned it off and started the engine again and it engaged that time. We went on a long trip last weekend and we brought it in to get it checked before we left. All the dealer said was, yup, it shows on the machine/computer you had a problem, but that was it. Duh! Thanks, we already knew that! No explanation. We haven't had any problem with it since though. knock on wood!
On other matters: wish ford thought of putting in a gps in the car. I know they were giving it away recently but it would have been nice to have it had built in the dash. And am so envious of the built in window screens in the sienna! Ford, take notice! The little things do matter!
You asked what other engine from the Ford Famity would of been better?
Well, the Freestyle was derived from a Volvo chasis,why not the 2.5 D5 (5 cyl Di turbo) in the Volvo V70 from Europe? If people are happy getting 19-24 MPG in an AWD version of the Freebie, they should be estatic about getting 30mpg. I'm not saying this torque beast would go well with the CVT but I would pay an extra $1500 to have this engine with a 5 speed auto.
As for the extra noise, I think people would be willing to deal with it if they were saving this much money at the pump. Plus from what I hear it settles down after the first 10 minutes of driving.
Now I have more than 5000 miles and need an oil change. Ford recommends
5w 20 Synthetic Blend. In my previous Explorers I was using Mobil 1 full synthitic 5W 30. My oil change place does not have any 5W 20.
Suggestions?????
That would delute the Volvo brand since that's an engine that is specific to them. Also, american's wouldn't appreciate the unique 5 cylinder configuration. Already, the Chevy Colorado has received much negative critisizm over that. Remember, on a Volvo it's "Cute"... If Ford used it, the media would say the sky is falling and that Ford is going bankrupt.
Also, the D30 has lower long term operating costs, over the 2.5T, and doesn't require premium fuel either. Also, your able to use the 6 speed automatic which is a plus. The current automatic unit in the Volvo, I wouldn't put high in my list for reliability.
Out of the engines available throughout Ford, there really wasn't any option other than what is being used. Of course, in a feasable state of investment. Pretty much ANYTHING can happen, with the right $$$.
To try to answer a couple of questions from this carseat thread...
LATCH is VERY easy connect, and having had seatbelt connection seats and LATCH seats before, I'd go with the LATCH anytime. LATCH seats are much easier to get in and out if you move them around (2 clips, one belt), and they tighten down rock-solid with minimal effort. I feel like it's a much safer setup.
As for the "plate" for the center console, our Freebie doesn't have the console, but there is a small plate on ours, maybe 6"x4" slightly raised. It looks like we could've gotten the console if we really wanted it, even though it didn't come from the factory.
If yours is factory installed, and you have the option of removing but keeping the console and the dealer will install the plate for you, that sounds like the way to go. You have some flexibility as your needs change, and this is what the Freestyle is all about. As is, we didn't want the console, and I don't think we'll ever need it until we're ready to trade this vehicle in at the point that we shift over from hauling babies around to hauling around teenagers. :confuse:
Very happy with the Freestyle so far!
/Brian
/Brian
I think Pennzoil and/or Quaker-State also have a 5W-20 out now, too.
Yep, just checked, and Pennzoil has a 5W-20 synthetic blend.
Ditto for Quaker-State.
Both are shown as synthetic blens for SUVs, trucks, and 4x4s
Earlier, I got a quart of Pennzoil 5W-20 oil just to have in the back of the Freebie, but I learned it was not synth blend. Perhaps they have the synth blend out now. :shades:
I've looked closely at the xc90 now as well. Ford did a smart thing stretching the chassis length for the Freestyle. Legroom in the 90 with three rows of seats is minimal by my severe standards (6ft 3 sitting behind myself).
As for using the xc70/90 T5 engine, we've never seen 30mpg out of it. 22-23 tops in everyday use. xc90 users get a little less. Its had its share of Aisin Warner gearbox troubles. Funny how no journalist says the xc90 is slow with similar hp to the freestyle
Your comments would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
I have a Ford 4.6L V-8 and use Mobil1 0W 20 in it. This weight is designed for Ford's requiring 5W 20 oil.
We plan on ordering a Limited AWD.
Sally
I did the oil change last weekend and found it to be almost the easiest car that I have ever changed the oil on. The remotely located oil filter makes it very easy. The car only had 1500 miles on it but the oil was pretty dirty already. I always like to do the first oil change on my new cars earlier than recommend because of the wear during break-in.
My car calls for 5w-20 and I have just switched to 0w-20 Mobil 1 (the bottle of 0w-20 says that it is designed for cars that normally use 5w-20)
Mobil 1 sight has a nice oil determination tool for those interested.
Why are you using 0W-20. I'm pretty sure using the wrong weight oil would void the warranty if you ever had problems.
The Ford spec on the oil is the key. Some of the 5W-20 synth-blend brands I looked at (not Motorcraft) say they are good for 2001 and up Fords, but they give an older oil spec number than the Freebie calls for. I went with Motorcraft with the matching spec.
I can't comment on the full synthetics, like Mobil 1. :shades:
I'm using the recommended weight synthetic that would be equal to a 5w-20 dino oil.
Synthetic oil does not require the same weight as dino oil. It can be run at a lower weight due to it's better lubricating properties.
The new API SM rating is due anytime and I notice in some auto stores sell some with SL and GF-4 ratings and somewhere in the label it says exceed SM,SL,SJ,etc. So why not state it as SM unless this is delayed to allow some of the smaller outfits time to formulate the new additive package with lower phosphorous and sulfur content to meet the newer lower emission standard.
BTW (by the way) did you know the Frebbie takes 6 quarts? I though they made a mistake. But I did a quick check of the owners manual and sure enough it takes 6 quarts!
Now if anyone can tell me what oil filter number to buy, I would be happy. I couldn't find it in the manual, but I do now know where the engine block heater electrical plug hides (lower front grill, driver's side, under a hinged cap). :shades: