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For those interested paid $30198 (Z-plan price plus $1000 rebate, including tax) for lt ice blue FWD Limited with DVD system, auxillary heat and Triptunes(for IPOD).
Again, everybody here is used to mpg while all life I was using l/100km, so again sorry for misinformation, next time I will just post in litres per 100km and leave conversion for you guys;)
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SUVs and Smart Shopper
I've read a little about vinyl wrap. Also thought about painting, but probably would want something that I undo later if i wanted to. Or maybe there are similar replacement trim for other models that are either black or brushed metal?
The odd thing about the situation is that the CVT is one of the things I like about the FS. But I worry about maintenance long term.
For sheer design, driving comfort, versatility, and handling, this is hands down the best family car I have owned. But it is missing a couple of things. The stereo is not the best, and I really needed the power pedals (my wife is short). So I may just wait out the lease and buy a T-Rex.
Any opinions?
Having said that.. if you just have to have adjustable pedals for your wife, keep in mind that the Flex will also be available by the end of your lease.
I didn't mind the FS ride but the new engine and tranny was very smooth and quiet on the TX test drive. Stability control is a definite plus for us too given long winters with icy roads.
I would hate to lose my Freestyle's CVT by trading in. It's always been my favorite feature. But darn-it if an X in Merlot wouldn't help me forget about it soon enough.
There must be some former Freestyle owners out there who now drive a Taurus X and who also read this forum. Any of you care to share some observations about your new T-X and how it compares to the Freestyle?
So anyone out there driving an X model care to share a little?
For me, there would have to be something significant about the Taurus X (or any new vehicle) to make me buy another one as long as the current one meets all my needs in a vehicle and remains reasonably reliable.
But every situation is different.
But vastly more expensive to fix if anything goes wrong; the new 6 speed / 3.5L combination is being widely used...
there are more than a few cvt's on the road, I would assume no more than the 6spd as just because there are more doesn't equate to lower repair costs.
The residual of most vehicles is subsidized by the manufacturer to make the lease payment more attractive. (the higher the residual-amount the car is worth at lease end-the lower your monthly payment.)
This means that the residual you have to pay to buy your lease out is almost always higher than a comparable car with the same milage sells for as a used vehicle. Also your leased vehicle is out of warranty.
In addition, if you do a 3 year lease then buy the lease out for a 5 year purchase to keep the payments basically the same, you will be making payments on a 6, 7, 8 yr vehicle which is when maintenance costs are the highest. Combine the car payment with the repair bill and you could have been in a new car.
ALSO you most likely will be in a negative equity situtation. For year 1, 2, 3, of your lease buyout payments, you'll owe more on your 4, 5 and 6 year old car than its worth. If you total the vehicle not only will you be without a car, you'll own $$$ to the bank even after the insurance payout.
Mark
Although I know you mean the specific CVT found in the Freestyle, Ford is in fact very committed to the CVT in principle. CVT's are used in all hybrid vehicles, including the hybrid versions of the Escape and Mariner. The upcoming hybrid versions of the Fusion and Edge will surely have a CVT in them. Ford also makes extensive use of CVT transmissions in many of their non-hybrid vehicles that they build and sell overseas.
Not so much repair as parts. The new 6 speed combo is more likely to continue in production; the CVT is grandfathered, and the parts will be more expensive.
Yes, but to my knowledge the Freestyle CVT is not used in any other vehicle... Perhaps someone knows of other applications.
The '08 Taurus X appeals to me too. But I certainly wouldn't buy it just to trade-out transmissions.
I have a history of trading cars every few years so I probably would trade my 05 Freestyle soon no matter what kind of transmission it had, but the fact that the CVT is being abandoned is not a good sign in my opinion, especially since it such a good product. I am not worried about the mechanical components which appear to be very sound, but I am worried about the support and future knowledge of all the electronics that control and monitor the CVT.
Ford already closed the factory where the CVT is made. They also are retooling an additional factory to make the 6F trans that was co-developed with GM.
I really don't think any vehicle out there has this option, but I'd sure like it.
The Taurus X and the Freestyle are the same package. They are a step forward in the Ford technology chain. Accelerate by wire, electronic brake force distribution, Haldex electronic AWD, and leading safety ratings in front, side, and rear-end collision tests due to computer-designed crush zones and seat design, and excellent handling are just a few of these forward tech steps. Based on the CVT, I would say the Freestyle is more technologically advanced than the Taurus X, but that is just the opinion of a proud Freebie owner. And that theater seating...
Ford had to take the chance with a new technology leap on some vehicle. In the 21st century, the rose was pinned on the Freebie. For some, the grass is always greener on the other side, but not for me. I am keeping the Freestyle. I actually prefer it the way it is. This week, three different people admiringly asked, "What is it?" It is a Ford, it is a Freestyle. :shades:
Ford is going to all the trouble of bring a platform to Ontario JUST FOR THE FLEX when Chicago is barely making enough cars to stay open.
If Chicago closes, what will that mean for the Taurus/Sable and the Taurus X?
Mark.
I am just surprised that Ford is not doing anything to promote this car. In Calgary I saw only one more TX on the streets so far :confuse: , and I see at least couple Freestyles everyday.
I don't see how ANY rational person could choose the Pacifica over the Freestyle or Taurus X.
hit your head on the "a" post/top of door frame enough times getting in and out and you might find yourself dazed and confused enough to buy one.
I disagree with the person who said looks were the only thing going for it. I thought it was decent overall, and if my wife hadn't hit her head on it like that, the decision between the Pacifica and Taurus X would have been much more difficult.
Overall driving experience with our Pacifica rental was pleasant. Yes, we liked the Taurus X more, but we also paid more. Your decision should depend on how you're going to use and drive the car, and how much you're willing to pay. If the Pacifica meets your requirements and is cheaper than the Taurus X, then it's a reasonable decision not to spend the additional money if you don't want to.
And people seem to be pretty happy with their '07 Pacificas.. 9.2 average rating on Edmunds. You make it sound like the car is junk or something.
Oh, and another thing.. the '07 Pacifica with the stronger engine (i.e. not the base model) does 0-60 in 7.4 seconds. That's much quicker than the Freestyle.
I am just confused how you getting such a low mileage? I was getting about 24MPG in summer and even now when it is below O Celsius most of the time here I am still getting anywhere from 21.5 to 22.8mpg.