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Ford Explorer Mercury Mountaineer 2005 and earlier

3348 messages,  Last post on Oct 31, 2011 at 3:14 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer, SUV

Messages Page 304 of 335

#3029 of 3348 Re: nvbanker [daryll44] Matador [nvbanker] [daryll44] [nvbanker] [daryll44] [nvbanker] by daryll44

Dec 29, 2005 (5:13 am)

Replying to: nvbanker (Dec 28, 2005 3:35 pm)
Apparently A LOT of people figured that! Although to be fair most of the Detroit iron of that era was crap. Real crap. I remember Dad had a Lincoln Continental (the big car analogous to today's Towne Car) that had big rust within 2 years. And we had a 1970 Nova that had carberator issues constantly. Then we got a 1976 Mercury Monarch (Granada) that overheated all the time. Probably GM were the best vehicles of that era. Interestingly, we also had a 1974 Chevy Malibu that I know for a fact got 9MPG around town. Our 2003 Mountaineer gets 13, which still sucks but is 40% better and much bigger, heavier, roomier. I guess the Malibu was also big and heavy but certainly not at all roomy. In those days vehicles were just bulk and not good utilization of space like today.

#3030 of 3348 Re: Crash Testing [ANT14] by pnewby

Dec 29, 2005 (1:35 pm)

Replying to: ANT14 (Dec 25, 2005 2:03 pm)
So I guess nobody cares but me. Leaving now to look at one.

#3031 of 3348 Re: Crash Testing [pnewby] by electricdesign

Dec 30, 2005 (6:40 am)

Replying to: pnewby (Dec 29, 2005 1:35 pm)
No, a lot of us do care and have seen the report, but not all of us are in the market for a new 2006 Explorer. I think that is one reason that many drivers prefer an SUV, because they feel safer and more protected than they would be in a passenger car. I've seen many crashes between SUV's and Cars, I was involved in one, my wife was involved in one, and the SUV always wins.
 
E.D. in Sunny Florida

#3032 of 3348 Re: Crash Testing [pnewby] by nvbanker

Dec 30, 2005 (6:59 pm)

Replying to: pnewby (Dec 29, 2005 1:35 pm)
Well, you're partially right with me. I never check crash ratings. I mean, it's nice the Explorer took the trophy - but I don't live my life quite that way, and unless the car was a death trap, the crash rating wouldn't factor into the equation when I'm looking for a car. The Crash is too variable, for the crash rating to guarantee me anything. At least, that's how I see it.

#3033 of 3348 '03 Burning A Quart of Oil by daryll44

Dec 31, 2005 (9:08 am)

I noticed that my '03 Mountaineer V8 is almost ready for it's 45,000 mile oil change (I change every 5000). I also noticed that it's down a quart...never did that before. No leaking either. Is this a potential problem, or just normal aging?

#3034 of 3348 Re: '03 Burning A Quart of Oil [daryll44] by nvbanker

Dec 31, 2005 (1:53 pm)

Replying to: daryll44 (Dec 31, 2005 9:08 am)
IMO, it COULD be a potential problem, but I seriously doubt it. I've had these engines use 3 quarts the first 10,000 miles, then stop completely and never use another quart. I've had them normally use about a quart per 5,000 miles, so I would think it may just be finally broken in.... Just watch it. These are extremely good motors, so I would be very surprised if it's a problem. Remember, up to 1 quart per 1,000 miles isn't considered excessive by the experts. It is by me, but I'm not an expert
 
One other thing it could be - a different brand or grade of oil put in last time it was changed? Is this possible?

#3035 of 3348 Re: '03 Burning A Quart of Oil [nvbanker] by daryll44

Dec 31, 2005 (3:04 pm)

Replying to: nvbanker (Dec 31, 2005 1:53 pm)
Yes, it's possible. I always use a Ford or LM dealer, but there are 3 I choose from depending on schedules and what coupon I have. So it's very possible. It's also possible that it was not full to begin with...although I check oil and tire pressure on the 1st and 15th of every month so at worst it was not full by half a quart. Anything more deficient than that I would have noticed. But you do make a good point. I added a quart today...it will be about 500 more miles until the next oil change so for $2 I figured better safe than sorry. After that I'll make sure it's topped off exactly at the oil change and watch it. Thanks for making me think more about this.

#3036 of 3348 Re: '03 Burning A Quart of Oil [daryll44] by nvbanker

Dec 31, 2005 (7:12 pm)

Replying to: daryll44 (Dec 31, 2005 3:04 pm)
Well, here's another thought that you brought up. More than once, my dealer has shorted my engine a quart. The 5.4L takes 7 quarts and I believe the 4.6L takes 6. My son used to work at my favorite L/M dealer, and I know the kind of kids they have changing oil, and they're on a 22 minute time limit too, so shaving or forgetting a quart is possible, and it happens all the time. Now, I check when I get it home. Often, it's not full. Here's the clincher though. One time I called my service advisor to report the quart low and inform him I was coming back. His answer? "Why don't you just put in another quart yourself"! I'm still laughing......and no I didn't, I took it back and made them do it.

#3037 of 3348 Re: Crash Testing [ANT14] by imabota

Jan 01, 2006 (11:18 am)

Replying to: ANT14 (Dec 25, 2005 2:03 pm)
'06 mountaineer looks like a rediculously great value for a lease. are there any hidden problems? what deals have people seen? thanks

#3038 of 3348 Re: Crash Testing [imabota] by steve_ HOST

Jan 01, 2006 (12:12 pm)

Replying to: imabota (Jan 01, 2006 11:18 am)
Try the Mercury Mountaineer: Lease Questions discussion too; it could use a jump start. There's a more active Ford Explorer: Lease Questions discussion but I don't know if the deals are comparable.
 
Steve, Host

Messages Page 304 of 335

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