258 messages,
Last post on Jun 19, 2013 at 9:01 AM
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Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego Forum.
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Ford Five Hundred, Mercury Montego, Sedan
#184 of 258 Ford Five Hundred Limited 2007 Purchase Pending
by computerguru
Jan 12, 2010 (6:34 pm)
Is this a good idea? Gosh, after having reviewed the 18 or so pages on the forum, it sounds like it may not. My dad is considering one - and will meet with the existing owner tomorrow morning, and will then proceed to his mechanic to have the vehicle inspected.
The mileage is 38,000.00 and the private owner is asking $11,000.00.
Is this a good deal?
It seemed like most of the issues were with the 2005 model, and after having reviewed Consumer Reports Buying Guide 2010 - the overall repair history is average, with the brakes being below average. Many of the discussions centered on:
1. Rear Brakes - a nuisance - but repairable.
2. Gas Cap
3. Instrument Cluster - Mercury Montego - Mainly
4. Bucking - Gosh, in some instances it was serious enough for the dealer to recommend replacing the transmission.
5. Rear trunk latch - this was repairable.
6. Heated Seats
7. Driver's window.
Any thoughts about this from existing owners of 2007 models would be much appreciated.
#185 of 258 Re: Ford Five Hundred Limited 2007 Purchase Pending [computerguru]
by abcde6
Jan 13, 2010 (3:16 pm)
I have a 2006 Montego purchased used in late 2008 with 10k miles. I purchased the vehicle instead of a Toyota Avalon, which was 25-30% more higher in cost with more miles and fewer options. I like the car a lot, even though in hindsight I overpaid for it. I have put 24k miles on it in 18 months. The standard brake pad problem was taken care of under warranty, I have some slight bubbling on the lid on the dash compartment lid (unrecognizable to everyone except me). The trunk release problem resolved itself on its own. All of these issues are referenced by other owners in other posts.
I get lots of compliments on the car, but of course no one knows what it is. The rear seating and trunk compartment are huge. The car came loaded with every available option other than a moonroof and I plan to drive it til it isn't reliable transportation - hopefully to 150k miles or more. Sounds like purchasing one of these is like getting Forest Gump's box of chocolates. But I'm happy with mine. Good luck.
#186 of 258 Re: Heated Seat not working [andreej]
by jbubbaj
Jan 23, 2010 (3:46 pm)
I also have a '06 Five Hundred with the same issue. Were you able to repair the heated seat? If so, what was involved?
#187 of 258 Re: Ford Five Hundred Limited 2007 Purchase Pending [computerguru]
by phylissp
Jan 26, 2010 (6:28 pm)
I own a 2007 Limited Ford 500. I am at 18,000 miles and my warranty expired yesterday. Just yesterday I started hearing a grinding noise from the rear when applying my brakes. I called the dealership only to be told the warranty would not cover the brakes anyway. Never in my life and I have owned lots of cars have I had to replace brakes at 18,000 miles. I will not be buying another Ford - too bad because this is my 3rd Ford from this dealership. If they have a known problem with the brakes then why the heck don't they correct it???????????????? I wouldn't buy one.
#188 of 258 Re: Ford Five Hundred Limited 2007 Purchase Pending [phylissp]
by beancounter
Jan 26, 2010 (8:42 pm)
I thought Ford extended the warranty on the rear brakes. Do a search and I think you'll find plenty of discussion on the topic. You're not the only one. The Five Hundred has a real issue with pre-mature brake wear in the rears. I had the same problem. Took it to my mechanic (it was beyond even the extended warranty) and had the problem taken care of. I think they did pads (a good set of after-market pads) and turned the rotors. That was about 25,000 miles ago. The problem with premature wear should not recur. The problem with heavy brake dust build-up on the rear wheels is also eliminated. Unless noone is taking their cars back to your Ford dealer, he should be well aware of the problem with these cars. You can also Google "Ford Five Hundred rear brakes", and probably find the Tech Service Bulletins issued by Ford about the problem. Get the brakes fixed and I think you'll fall in love with the car again. I love mine. (2007 Limited)
#189 of 258 Re: Heated Seat not working [jbubbaj]
by beancounter
Jan 26, 2010 (8:54 pm)
I had same problem with my '07 Ltd. Was lucky it happened just before warranty expired. Dealer replaced the Drivers seat bottom heater and the Heater module.
#190 of 258 Re: Ford Five Hundred Limited 2007 Purchase Pending [computerguru]
by beancounter
Jan 26, 2010 (9:09 pm)
I love my '07 Ltd despite the issue with the rear brakes and problem w/ heated seat. Both have been resolved. I have 64,000 miles on mine and hope to go to 200,000 or more. (249,000 miles on my Sable, which my daughter is now driving) I love the interior, especially the rear seat leg room. One thing I wish it had tho is better performance at highway speeds. It is underpowered and downshifts way too easily. Drove the new Taurus and loved the performance, ride, and handling. But, I would have to give up all that great back seat leg room. If you get the 500, I think you can also expect faster than average depreciation, which is why I will probably keep mine to 200,000 or so. (If I didn't need a roomy car for 4 adults, I also liked the Ford Fusion and Merc Milan with the V6)
#191 of 258 Re: Ford Five Hundred Limited 2007 Purchase Pending [computerguru]
by c2c35
Feb 06, 2010 (10:34 pm)
I just read your message and i hope yur dad bought the car. It seamed like a real fair price. I have a 2005 ltd awd and i love it! I've never heard of the car ever "bucking" I bought mine a few years ago with 31k on it and i commute and i have now 86k knock on wood the only problems i've had has been changing tires and brakes! o yeah finding a good dealership to do the cvt service. other than that it's a great buy!
#192 of 258 Changing the spark plugs
by c2c35
Feb 06, 2010 (10:36 pm)
just wondering if anyone out there has changed the plugs on their 500 yet? I was told I have to buy new replacement seals.
#193 of 258 Re: Ford Five Hundred Limited 2007 Purchase Pending [beancounter]
by c2c35
Feb 06, 2010 (10:52 pm)
You know I would love to get a little more kick out of my ltd also mine is a 05 with 86k all highway. I have just tested on 2 other cars and one of em is a ford escape is those bosh plugs with the 2 prongs. Both of the vehicles 1 is a dodge caliber and the escape both are commuters and both drivers tell me they deffinitely feel and see a big difference in power and fuel. There is another plug that bosh makes that is a 4 prong witch i was concidering but, the prices for the 2 prong bosh plus the replacement seal package costs about 77 bucks and i think for the 4 prong add about another 10 to 15 bucks (thats with the seals)! Gotta love the LTD'S! I have also installed a k&n air filter that i saw a proven difference, my friend has an 06 ltd and we went head 2 head and i was able to get em off the line easier. Plus it gives a little somethin on the highway when passing. I am like you though when it come to the depreciation i'm gonna be in it for a while but it doesn't mean we can't have some fun in comfort!